Ever since getting back home more or less I have been struggling. I could not even find peace with my fasting–my heart was cold and I was weak in temptation. Today finally–and last night–I felt the provision of grace. It was a very productive day and I found greater trust in the Holy Spirit with my fast–enabling me to do more with greater ease. I feel very strongly Holy Mary’s promise to give me grace. This evening was the first time I have attended mass actually in person (there are live-streams because of the coronavirus). The priest spoke in the homily that the prophecy of Isaiah, that every tear will be wiped away, is a glimpse of what is eternal. Likewise, what is without time, what is eternal, ‘ο ‘ών, He Who Is, comes into time through the incarnation and the Eucharist. In spite of these gifts of grace, I felt in danger of delusion. I cried to Jesus that He would be my shepherd. When finally I received the Eucharist, tears flowed inexplicably, and almost do now again as I write. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, for so great is your mercy.
Prayer Journal, 2020
Isaac writes here of his experience after Mass at home, when his college semester was moved remote (due to the coronavirus). I had no idea that the Mass affected him that way.
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