Day 10 - Mar. 1

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we draw closer to the end of this preliminary period, on our 10th day, the reading from the Imitation of Christ is an encouraging one, as is today's Gospel, focused as they are on God's Love. Concluding words from the Imitation:

…It is a great honor, a great glory, to serve Thee, and to despise all things for Thee, for they who willingly subject themselves to Thy holy service, shall have great grace. They shall experience the most sweet consolation of the Holy Spirit, Who for the love of Thee, have cast aside all carnal delight.

And from today's Mass readings, the Gospel of Matthew 7:7-12:

…If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

God is Love, and He loves us! What a joy to cling to Truth! God so loved the world He gave His only Begotten Son. How important for us to continue to keep our eyes on Jesus!

 A beautiful Letter of Bl. John Paul II in which he shares his experience of True Devotion is [HERE](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/2004/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_20040113_famiglie-monfortane_en.html). It is well worth reading. I was blessed especially by Bl. JPII's words on holiness as the perfection of charity, and his explanation of the "slavery of love".

Today's suggested reading and prayers are HERE for Day 10 on our journey.  Again, let us pray the Veni Creator Spiritus and the Ave Maris Stella for ourselves, for one another, and for all those in most need of His Mercy. Thanks for being on this journey, for your prayers, and for your love.