This past year, since receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, has been a year filled with suffering. Praise be to God! God has put me through the fire and I have failed miserably. Thank you Lord Jesus. My heart is joyful in knowing that you are a God of mercy. I accept your forgiveness Lord Jesus and I also forgive myself. Thank you Lord because you died on the cross in atonement for my sins and those of the whole world. Eternal Father, I offer you the body and blood, soul and divinity of your beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ. For the sake of his sorrowful passion have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Today you spoke to me dear Lord. I heard your voice for the first time in Sacred Scripture. You spoke directly to my heart and you helped me through my darkest hour. I thought you had abandoned me Lord but your were always there, it was I who had abandoned you Lord. I could not see because my pride blinded me and kept me from the Truth. But you Lord, you never forsake me and in my darkest hour you lifted me up once again. Thank you Lord Jesus.
“The Lord is my Shepard; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green water. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me.” Psalm 23:1-4
I have walked in darkness believing that I was being led by the light but in reality it was you my formidable foe, the prince of darkness, who like a thief in the night, invaded my weakened flesh and my flesh became my master, ever so obedient and truly believing it was you my Lord! I am honored Lord that you would find me worthy of such a test my Lord. I failed you miserably my Lord and in desperation I cried out to you Lord and you answered my prayers for help. You guided me to Sacred Scripture and you spoke to me. Like a loving father, you held me in your arms and you comforted me. Once again you forgave me and you had mercy on me. I am not worthy Lord but I thank you for loving me. I promise you Lord that from this day forth, I will feed of your word, for it is true food and it fills me to the brim. I now know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life. I will hold dear to my heart that on this Holy Day you spoke to me loud and clear with the following words.
“My child if you are going to serve the Lord, be prepared for times when you will be put to the test. Be sincere and determined. Keep calm when trouble comes. Stay with the Lord; never abandon him, and you will be prosperous at the end of your days. Accept whatever happens to you. Even if you suffer humiliation, be patient. Gold is tested by fire, and human character is tested in the furnace of humiliation. Trust the Lord, and he will help you. Walk straight in his ways, and put your hope in him.” Sirach 2
Once again Lord, I give my Life To You and I declare to the world that I am a child of God. I accept the new covenant you have made through our Lord Jesus Christ and I accept the sacrament of marriage and most of all I accept the call to be a true man of God. I trust in you my Lord and I offer up to you all my hopes and fears. I pray my Lord Jesus that you will give me the strength to always do what you will. I ask you Lord to strengthen my faith and to give me the patience I need. I pray that your will be done on earths it is in heaven. You know my heart Lord and I offer to you all that my heart desires. I trust in you Lord. In Jesus name I pray. AMEN. Glory be to God.
Marco (Warrior) Benavides