the desires of the heart
“I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!” —Luke 12:49
Jesus wants to light a fire on the earth. He wants to save and purify us by giving us a new nature (see Eph 4:24). He wants to be Lord of our lives, baptize us in the Spirit, and lead us to the Father. These are the desires of Jesus’ heart.
What are the desires of your heart? Do you want what Jesus wants? Even if you have Jesus’ desires and priorities, how much do you want His will to be done and His kingdom to come? Do you feel anguish until all are saved? (Lk 12:50) Is your heart moved with pity at the sight of humanity? (Mt 9:36) Will you do anything to win to Jesus as many as possible? (1 Cor 9:19) Do you have a daily tension, an anxiety for all the churches? (2 Cor 11:28) Is your heart broken for the same reason as was Jesus’ heart? Is your prayer the same as His? Do you want what He wants as much as He wants it?
If you receive the desires of your heart, this will be a curse rather than a blessing unless the desires of your heart are the desires of Jesus’ heart.
Prayer: Jesus, may I love You so much that my desires become like Yours.
Promise: “To Him Whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine — to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus.” —Eph 3:20-21
Praise: St. Paul of the Cross founded the “Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ.” They are commonly known as the Passionists.
Reference: (We offer a Married Couples Retreat, Nov. 11-12. Sharing your faith with your spouse is a great blessing to your family. Come away for a while and nourish your faith with other believers. Call 513-373-2397 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2022, through November 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 3, 2022
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.