Situation: Sometimes when I come to Jesus in prayer, I feel this deep love and connection to him. I want to give him my all, yet I’m not sure how to do that.

Jesus says: I see your love for me. It fills me with joy. Love is not a feeling but a commitment. Yes, it can feel very warm and wonderful, but it comes with a cost. You see, my child, to have deep love and true love means looking at yourself honestly. Not just the positive parts but all of you, even your weaknesses. Oh, don’t be afraid. I know them already and my love for you is so powerful and complete there are no words in this world to describe it. So let’s look at your challenges with love. When we understand the challenges both we and others face, it is easier to love. Love sometimes means going against the status quo and standing up for people who don’t have a voice, or better yet, helping them have a voice. It means continuing to love when hard times enter in your life. Love does not take holidays! But please, my child, love yourself in a healthy way. Only then can give you give my love to others. Otherwise you will continually look for love in other people. Yes, love is an easy word to say, but much harder to live. Take heart; it is well worth the challenges!

Activity: Reflect on the challenges that keep you from loving yourself, God, and others. When you do, remember it is essential that you do this with compassion and understanding, and realize Jesus is with you and smiling. Be honest. Don’t let your ego get in the way. It will want to. Just laugh it off and say to yourself, “There I go again; there is my ego.” We all have it.

Closing Prayer:

Longing for my beloved

Longing to love her

Longing to show her the beauty inside

Let us embrace!

Let us live a life that is joyful!

Where your heart will soar

To the heavens

She hears me!

She hears me!

My beloved has returned!

Alleluia!