Letters to Heaven during Lent: Thank You, Jesus

What most attracts God’s grace is gratitude, because if we thank him for a gift, he is touched and hastens to give us ten more. And if we thank him again with the same enthusiasm, what an incalculable multiplication of graces! I have experienced this; try it yourself and you will see! My gratitude for everything he gives me is limitless, and I prove it to him in a thousand ways.
                                                                       St. Thérèse of Lisieux 

Second Week of Lent: March 10, 2009

Dear Jesus:

I have been doing this journey to Easter and I have been sharing it with my friends and sisters in Christ. Today, I was having second thoughts. Why am I doing this? Is this really helping anyone? Most women are not sharing on the website so I'm not getting feedback if they are benefiting at all from this journey. But today, when I got home, I had a "Thank You" card in the mailbox from my friend Lourdes. In the card, she wrote: "Just a small note to thank you for taking the time to do the Easter journey. Your daily words are inspirational... You are doing a great job. May God continue to bless you as you spread His word." This was a confirmation that I'm on the right path.

Personally, the journey is very rewarding. I feel that my preparation during this Lent is deeper than it has been in the past. The walks with You and my hubby in the mornings are also helping me tremendously. We talk about the daily readings and the bouncing back and forth of ideas is great. I can feel your presence with us every day. This is being reflected in our relationship.

Thank You, Jesus, for walking this journey with us.

I love You Jesus!!!

Second Week of Lent: March 10, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Those Easter journeys were truly amazing. You were really walking with me because You knew that my world was about to be turned upside down. If I had not been as close to You as I was, I would not have survived the earthquake that was about to hit our family.

Today, I can look at life from a different prism. And as I walk on a new Easter journey, I feel closer to You than I've ever been. Thank You for giving your life for us. Thank You for enduring the cross for us. Thank You for loving us so much that You carried all our sins in order to save us. Thank You for never giving up on us.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: Let's Shake Things Up

"No matter how busy your are in life, with some greater awareness and new perspectives you can consciously pray, fast, and give of yourself this Lent—and you will be ready to celebrate when a joyful dawn breaks upon you Easter morning." Loyola Press

First Week of Lent: March 15, 2011

Dear Jesus:

We are one week into Lent. What have I done to get closer to You? Well, I am reading three different books: "Five Minutes with the Word," "The Magnificat Lenten Companion," and "The Little Black Book." And yet, I feel like I'm not doing enough. 

I gave up the mini cupcakes that I like so much but I haven't even been tempted with them. We haven't been walking so my prayers have been poor and scarce. I think I need to shake things up to get into the Lenten mood. 

Please Jesus, wake me up from my slumber. Help me to get closer to You so that on Easter Sunday I can experience your Resurrection in all its majesty. 

I love You, Jesus!!!

First Week of Lent: March 8, 2017

Dear Jesus:

I always feel that during Lent I have to do huge sacrifices, pray around the clock and give away half my savings in order to get closer to You. But I get the feeling that I'm getting it all wrong. This morning, I read an article in Loyola Press titled "How to Find Time in the Day for Lent."

Basically, it talks about weaving Lenten activities as part of our busy lives rather than adding more to our already hectic schedules. This makes a lot of sense. I've always disliked Lent because it stretches my time to the point of breaking. Lent always comes around during tax season, my busiest time of the year. It's hard to find time for extra activities when I'm at the office ten hours straight. The last thing I have the energy for when I get out of work at 7 pm is to go to church for a Lenten mission. But instead, I can shake things up by weaving extra praying time into my busy day, by saying a little prayer for the client that lost a job, for the co-worker that did me a favor or for clarity of mind when the numbers refuse to balance.

I can also shake things up by giving in a different way. I can give encouragement to a client that was expecting a refund and owes money instead. I can give a smile to someone I encounter on the hallway. I can give my love to my family by showing them in specific acts of kindness how much I care for them.

And instead of giving up things or food, I can shake things up by fasting from gossiping, by releasing my worries to You and by giving up a negative attitude.

So this Lent, I'm doing things a little different than I'm used to. I'm shaking things up and I'm liking Lent a whole lot more. And I know that on Easter Sunday I will celebrate your Resurrection with a huge smile, not only because tax season will be over but because I will have gotten a lot closer to You..

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: Teach me Your Way

First Week of Lent: February 28, 2009

"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth." Psalm 86:11

Dear Jesus:

I have heard your call and I have answered You. Here I am, a sinner, and You have asked me to be an instrument to spread your message. Are You sure that You made the right choice? I feel so unworthy. And yet, You formed me and You know me. I am part of your creation so in your eyes, I am perfect in spite of my imperfections.

In today's reading, the Pharisees are questioning why would You eat and drink with sinners. I love your answer: "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners."

I now understand why You called me. I am a sinner and You want me to repent. You want to teach me your way so I can walk in the truth.

Thank You for choosing me, Lord. I will not let You down.

I love You, Jesus!!!

First Week of Lent: March 7, 2017

Dear Jesus:

You keep calling me. Thank You for not giving up on me. I am still learning but I still want to walk in Your truth. Keep on teaching me your way. And I will keep trying not to let You down.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: You Shall Not

First Week of Lent: February 11, 2008

"You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; and you shall not lie to one another. And you shall not swear falsely by my name, profaning the name of your God: I am the Lord." Lev 19:11-12

Dear Jesus:

Today's meditation from Leviticus was about the Ten Commandments. A good opportunity for a deep examination of conscience. This Lent I want to do a good confession and I don't want to wait until Good Friday.

1. You shall not steal. This covers everything from a huge bank robbery to taking paper clips from the employer. I used to think that the latter was not really a sin, until I married my very honest hubby that won't take a penny from anyone. The other day, without noticing, he left Norman Brothers without paying for the croissants. He realized it when he got home and he actually returned to apologize and pay. I probably wouldn't have returned and therefore, that would have been a sin. So what have I stolen?

2. You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another. This is a difficult one and it goes hand in hand with stealing. I'm an expert at saying "white lies" but the bottom line is that they are "lies" nonetheless. I also have a tendency to exaggerate which is also a type of lying. Therefore, with that said, what lies have I said lately?

3. You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God. This is one that I try really hard not to do because I totally dislike it when I hear someone swearing. I feel that when someone feels the need to swear is because they tend to lie, and they need to reinforce the truth by swearing. Have I let You down lately by profaning your name?

4. I am the Lord your God, you shall not have strange gods before me. I need to love You above all things. Many times I create "strange" gods: money, possessions, work, traveling, television, shopping, my family... All the things or people that I place before You can become an "strange" god. What are my "strange" gods?

5. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day. I used to think that missing mass on Sunday was not a sin. But now I know better so I try to give You that one hour every Sunday. It's the Holy Days of Obligation that get me sometimes, especially the odd ones like the feast of the Ascension in August and the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. How many times have I missed mass lately because there was something that I considered more important or simply because I was lazy?

6. Honor your father and your mother. I'm not very good with this one. I try to be a good daughter but I probably could be better. I rarely take the time to visit my parents because I have gotten used to the fact that they visit me. What can I do to make my parents' life easier?

7. You shall not kill. Well, here's one that I have never done, unless You hold against me that duck that I killed when it flew in front of my car. But there is more to this commandment. To kill means to destroy and I can destroy a person by destroying their honor, their reputation or their name. If I gossip, I am killing that person without them even knowing it. Whom have I killed lately by gossiping about them?

8. You shall not commit adultery. Even though I have always been faithful to my marriage vows, there are many ways to commit adultery: by watching or reading pornography, by contributing to pornography if I buy a book or pay for a movie that has sexual innuendos, by dressing in a way that could cause someone to commit adultery... What have I done lately that could be considered adulterous?

9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife or husband. These last two go hand in hand. As a matter of fact, I thought they were one and the same, which opened up a friendly discussion with Alex. He convinced me they were different by showing me his Theology book. Anyway, even though I don't covet anyone's husband, just like with many other commandments, there is more to this than meets the eye. Coveting someone's wife or husband means also to covet their happiness. Have I ever wished that my marriage or my family was like someone else's?

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods. Envy is a really bad sin that leaves me with a sour taste. I have felt it a few times and I totally dislike it. It's one of those things that creeps in without even noticing it. When have I felt envy recently?

Jesus, forgive me for all the times that I have failed to love You and that I have failed to keep your commandments. Now, I need to go to confession.

I love You, Jesus!!!

First Week of Lent: March 6, 2017

Dear Jesus:

Today's reading was the same Leviticus reading from nine years ago. Not surprising since the readings get repeated every three years. And once again, I find myself needing to go to confession. I must share with You, Jesus, that of all the things You left us, confession is the one I like the least. I put it off and put it off and put it off. If it was up to me, I would confess directly to You and avoid the intermediary. But it is very humbling to sit in front of a priest, which at that moment represents You, and pour out my heart to him. And as much as I dislike it, every time I go, I leave a lot lighter and a lot happier. So it's time to stop making excuses and go to confession.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: I'm not Giving Up Chocolate

First Week of Lent: February 26, 2009

"Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, buy your disciples do not fast?" Matthew 9:14

Dear Jesus:

You were never in favor of doing sacrifices on the outside, like fasting, when there was no conversion on the inside. The Pharisees were all about customs and traditions but when they saw someone in need on the Sabath, they would not help because it was the Sabath.

Today, many of us are not much different than the Pharisees. We place more emphasis on the traditions than on our conversion. What do I gain by fasting if I don't improve my life? If I continue gossiping, lying, being selfish and self-centered, then what is the benefit of fasting?

I gave up reading the Nora Roberts' novels during this Lent in order to spend more time with You. If I use the time instead to watch TV or to do other useless activities, then I might as well continue reading the romances I enjoy so much.

Help me to get closer to You this Lent, Jesus.

I love You!!!

First Week of Lent: March 5, 2017

Dear Jesus:

This Lent, I have been reading in a lot of places messages like this one: "Don't give up chocolate this Lent." It was on my church bulletin today, I've seen it on Facebook and I have received it by e-mail. I remember one Lent that I gave up ice cream and it was quite difficult because I used to eat ice cream every single day. But I understand why giving up chocolate is pointless if we don't use these forty days to transform.

This year, one of the things I'm trying to give up is worrying. Why? Well, simply because I am a worrier and I should learn to trust You more. I have handed my children to You, I know You love them more than me, and yet, I am constantly worrying about them. I mentioned to Alex that this Lent I was giving up worrying. He laughed and told me, "let's see how you do when I'm in Miami for spring break." He's right. In five days he will arrive and will be here for ten days. My biggest test will be when he's out and about at 3 o'clock in the morning and I'm wide awake trying to stay away from checking his location in "find my friends."

I should have given up chocolate. It would have been a lot easier.

Help me to get closer to You this Lent, Jesus, by truly placing my trust in You.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: Lenten Commitments

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." —Proverbs 16:9

First Week of Lent 2008: Friday, February 8th

Dear Jesus:

During this Lent, I am trying to do three things. The first one is to abstain from nagging. I have this horrible habit of nagging. Either when I want something or when I don't like something, I nag incessantly, and it's truly bothersome to my hubby and my children, the direct victims of my nagging.

The second one is to pray more. I have committed my first half hour of the day to pray. I have not succeeded every day but I am trying. Sometimes I have prayed while walking, others I have done the daily reflection while sitting in front of the computer at work, others I have gotten up very early and prayed the rosary, and other times, like today, I have read a meditation and I have written You a letter. The additional thing that I'm trying to do within "the more time for prayer" is to attend one additional mass during the week.

The third thing that I want to do for Lent is "almsgiving." I am not sure yet if it's going to be with my time or with my treasure. My time at this time of year tends to be very limited, but I would love to volunteer my time to a good cause. You have been very generous with us, and I need to be very grateful and give back some of what You have given to us.

I love You, Jesus!!!

First Week of Lent 2017: Friday, March 3rd

Dear Jesus:

Yesterday, I tried to go to mass and everything conspired to make me late. Penny took longer than usual to do her morning necessities; while I was walking her, I ran into a neighbor that was in a chatty mood; and by the time I rushed back home with barely a minute to spare, I realized that I still had to wash the breakfast dishes. And for me, to leave the house with dirty dishes on the sink is simply unacceptable. So I gave up.

Many years, I have attempted to attend at least one weekly daily mass during Lent. And every year, I fail. That is the reason why I did not make that commitment this Lent.  This year, I'm leaving it to chance. If I can make it, I'll be ecstatic, but if I can't, I won't be disappointed. Yesterday, I couldn't get to mass on time but I went instead to the Blessed Sacrament, and I got to spend 45 minutes of quiet prayer time with You. And that was good enough for both of us.

I love You, Jesus!!!

Letters to Heaven during Lent: Ash Wednesday Reflections

It seems that this day holds a prime spot on my journals, so I decided to share some of my Ash Wednesday reflections through the years.

February 25, 2009

"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." —Matthew 16:24

Dear Jesus:

Today is Ash Wednesday and it's been more than two months since I've written You a letter. The last time I wrote You I was getting ready for Christmas. Now, I'm getting ready for Lent and Easter.

I know that following You is not easy. In order to follow You, I must swim against the current. It would be so much easier just to drift through the river of life, but I chose the harder route, the one that leads to You.

"Pick up your cross." What is my cross, Jesus? I am very blessed because my cross is so light that I don't even feel it. If I had to pick a cross today, I would pick "tax season." It's the time during the year when I'm most stressed out. I miss our quiet times together, but I know that I have a responsibility, a duty to my clients and tax season will be over soon.

So this year, I'm going to offer this tax season as my penance for Lent. I will work each day with a smile on my face, a positive attitude and I will serve my clients to the best of my ability.

I love You, Jesus!!!

February 13, 2013

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” —LUKE 6:37

Dear Jesus:

I decided to give myself half a day off to attend this Ash Wednesday retreat. I have been asked to answer this question: "How merciful is my image of God?"

Since I started studying the Scriptures, I have learned how merciful and forgiving our Father is. Our patriarchs, Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc, did some awful things. And yet, God always gave them new opportunities for improvement. And He always forgave them. 

I know that God forgives me too. It doesn't matter how many times I fall. He is always there to catch me. I know that I am a sinner, but I also know that if I truly repent, He will forgive me. God knows my heart. He looks deep within and He knows what is truly hidden in my heart. He always gives me a new opportunity. I just have to repent and truly become a better person.

God, mold me and change me. Help me to become like clay in your hands. Only if I do your will, will I become the woman that You created me to be.

I love You, Jesus!!!

February 18, 2015

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." —PSALM 32:8

Dear Jesus:

Two years ago, I took the time to attend a retreat on Ash Wednesday. Today, I'm doing the same thing. I know that I have a lot on my plate, but I need to recharge my batteries. What better place to get renewed than a retreat?

I am here today for myself. I need to wash my soul, repent, renew and reform my life. I always feel that I'm swimming between two shores. On one shore is the world. On the other shore is You. It is on this shore where I can truly find solace, comfort and peace. But unfortunately, I can't remain on this shore forever because You want me to be part of the world.

I came today because I need ammunition for my journey. I need to rise from the ashes so that I can reach the resurrection. And in the process, I hope that I can be a witness to my family. Hopefully, they will be able to see You through me. I hope they realize that without You, the world is pointless and without meaning.

Give me your courage, Jesus. Alone, there is nothing I can do, but with You, I can do anything. 

Transform me, Jesus.

I love You, Jesus!!!

February 10, 2016

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." —1 PETER 5:7

Dear Jesus:

Today is the beginning of Lent and I must tell You that I'm not ready. It just crawled upon me.

I've been up since 3:30 am, awake long before that. I haven't been sleeping well lately. I'm stressed out to the point of breaking. I have so much work at the office and I committed to chair the fundraiser of the Key Clubhouse. Some days, I feel like I'm just going to drown. I'm afraid that I'm losing control of the fundraiser and I'm going to let everyone down. 300 people. How did this happen? You truly are an amazing God. But now, I need your help. I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself because as You know, I'm a perfectionist. But I need to let go, and let You handle the things that are out of my control.

Please, let me keep my sanity as I journey through this Lent.

I love You, Jesus!!!

March 1, 2017

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" —Psalm 56:3–4

Dear Jesus:

Lent this year is starting very late. I was anxiously waiting for it. I'm excited because Easter this year will mark the end of tax season. A double celebration.

I really wanted to go to the Ash Wednesday retreat that I have attended in the past, but I just couldn't fit it in. I have too much work right now and I'm already taking Thursday mornings for Bible class. Next week we are going to start a five-week study on "The Passion." I'm really looking forward to it, so I need to pace myself to make sure that I can fit it in my schedule.

This year, instead of giving up chocolate or something inconsequential, I'm planning to give up something more substantial, and also harder. This Lent, I'm giving up gossip and negativity. I will look for the best in people, and I will try very hard to praise, instead of putting anyone down. I will also keep a positive outlook on the future, and I will try to minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic.

And as a bonus, I'm going to try really hard to give up worry. You are in control and worrying will not change the outcome. I will trust You and when the "worry ants" begin to crawl upon my brain, I will attempt to block them out.

I love You, Jesus!!!