I'm a cradle catholic, fell away in my teenage years. Later, in my early twenties, had a minor trial and began a dialogue with God. I spoke to him as if he were standing at the foot of my bed, thats when it started. Very shortly thereafter, I went to confession and oh it felt so good to wipe the slate clean. There something to confessing your sins out loud to someone and HEARING them say to you that you are absolved in Jesus' name. Then, my father told me about Medjugorie and that sealed it for me and have been going strong since. I experience dry spells, the last one was a couple years, that was difficult. Its hard to pray when you don't have the desire to do so, but I managed by the grace of God.
Everytime I receive the Eucharist, I imagine Jesus hugging me. Its wonderful. I love and treasure my catholic faith.
Mel
How absolutely beautiful! This prompts me to pass along one of many wonderful things God has done for me.
I am quite a social person and love to give everyone a big hug. A couple of years ago when our church was being renovated, the Tabernacle was put into a small room off the school auditorium where Mass was celebrated. I had asked a friend about heaven and if we made it would it be OK to give Jesus a big hug. She said you would know what is appropriate when and if you get there.
The very next day I was alone in the little room with the Tabernacle and started to say my rosary. All of a sudden my thoughts turned to the conversation of the day before. And then the following words formed in my brain, "You don't have to wait to get to heaven to hug me, come hug me now"! In tears I went up and hugged the Tabernacle - it was a most wonderful experience. Since the church has been completed and the Tabernacle resides in a Chapel off the main church, every opportunity I get I make it a point to give Jesus a great, big hug.
Anyone else who has the opportunity to do the same, I guarantee you will never forget it!