To be tempted is a sign…
To be tempted is a sign that the soul is very pleasing to the Lord.  – Saint “Padre” Pio of Pietrelcina
 
As we continue to be engaged in these unique and challenging days with the Lord, no doubt we will be tempted to give-up or reduce our efforts to embrace this as a time to conform our hearts to the virtues of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Know that these temptations can be moments of great advances in the Spiritual Life – they are an opportunity to return to the Lord, to be refreshed by the abundant graces of Divine Mercy.  These words from Saint “Padre” Pio of Pietrelcina can be for us an encouragement in this time of many temptations, let us embrace them as wisdom: “To be tempted is a sign that the soul is very pleasing to the Lord.”
 
As you are able, I would encourage each to engage these days as a surprising and ‘long retreat’ according to the advice of Pope Benedict XVI in his Angelus Address of February 21, 2010.  To this end, earlier this week I began to look at this as an opportunity with the start of my blog post on Sunday; on Monday we took up prayer; on Tuesday, we moved toward ‘ listening to the Word of God’; and, on Wednesday we focused on penance. 
 
 
Today, just a brief word of continued encouragement and assurance of my prayers for each of you.  The recent days of changes to Federal and State Directives have resulted in a various new instructions from the Diocese of Harrisburg.  These directives and instructions have consumed more of my day than I anticipated… so a short post for today.
 
Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayer
 
This novena prayer was composed by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque; used by Saint “Padre” Pio daily for all those asked for his prayers during this ministry – a beautiful prayer, one we could all do well to consider in these times of needing the intercession of the Lord.
 
 
 
O my Jesus, you said, “verily I say to you, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” behold I knock, I seek and I ask for the grace of: (mention your intention).
 
O my Jesus, you said, “verily I say to you, whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My Name He will give it to you,” behold in your name I ask the father for the grace of: (mention your intention).
 
 
O my Jesus, you said, verily I say to you, “heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,” behold I encouraged by your infallible words, now ask for the grace of: (mention your intention).
 
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.
 
Then, pray an Our Father…, and a Hail Mary…, and a Glory Be…
 
Followed by praying the Hail, Holy Queen…
 
Concluding with this invocation: “Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus: pray for us.”
 
 
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!