O God, I am like a catechumen who is allowed to remain at Mass during the Liturgy of the Word but is required to leave during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. You give me small foretastes of that wonderful joy, of that full joy, found in heaven — that perfect praise of you.
– Prayer Journal, July 14, 2015
In the early Church, catechumens were those who had not yet been initiated into the sacred mysteries but were preparing for full admission to the Mass of the Faithful. Likewise, at fifteen years old, Isaac saw his earthly pilgrimage as a preparation for perfect praise of heaven, with joy being the foretaste.
Read previous offerings
Recommitment in a time of stress
Drapery and contours of creation
What could approach Iconography?
Peace that is not of this world
The permanence of God’s beauty
Journal entries written on hearts
“If you give me anything, let me love Jesus.”
“I am your servant” — painting the Baptism of Christ
Help me to withhold nothing (“Teach me to be a great saint”)
Ready to receive you (an Advent prayer)
“An intense desire.” A longing to depart from this fallen world.
“Why are you afraid?” Isaac’s final journal entry
“Moved to tears: the meaning behind Isaac’s gravestone”
“The reward of distracted prayer” (November 27th)
“The end of all beauties” (November 21s
“Memento mori” (November 18th)
“Root out my sin” (November 15th)
“Let me suffer” (November 12th)
Why the title? About the Offerings of Isaac