Lent 2010: Finding Everyday Masterpieces

The following is the sixth in a series of Lenten reflections, written as a dialogue between the Lord and the soul. These reflections are inspired by the Diary of St. Faustina and Scripture.

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Lord, I was thinking about how much I love You. You've given me so much, and I thank You for it.

"My child, your praise and thanks please Me and warm My Heart. Though, I see that you do not praise and thank Me in all things."

Lord, I want to praise and thank You in everything, but that's a little difficult this Lent because of the other people that You've given me: my family members, my coworkers, even my friends, sometimes. In other words Lord, when it's You and me, things are great, and it's easy to love You. But then I come face to face with the people I see every day, and it can be difficult to love them and delight in them.

"Yes, little friend, you may be acutely aware of the imperfections of others, their habits, or even their sins. These things are there. Yet, so am I."

Lord, where are You in other people? I can't see You.

"I am hidden, and I invite you to come and find Me. Pray for the grace to see Me in the person that annoys you, in the spouse that drives you crazy, in the neighbor that tries your patience. Keep praying for that grace. I will give you the grace you need to find Me and truly to delight in that discovery. For as the Great Artist, I have poured an aspect of Myself into every masterpiece I have created. And you, and all mankind, even those people that you see every day, are my masterpieces. I am there, even under a tarnish of sin and the dust of neglect. I invite you to come and find Me."

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Read part 1: The Quiet Call.
Read part 2: Trying God's Patience?
Read part 3: A Trail of Trust.
Read part 4: If You Want Peace ...
Read part 5: In Your Mercy, Preserve My Life
Read part 6: Finding Everyday Masterpieces.
Read part 7: Into Jerusalem


Sarah Chichester works for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, based in Stockbridge, Mass.
cHJ

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