Jesus to me: You are distracted!
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A month ago, my wife and I were helping with a youth retreat. For one of the segments, we all went to a chapel and had a beautiful hour of Eucharistic Adoration. The prayers and singing were beautiful and moving. Before moving to quiet reflection and adoration the priest said to ask Jesus for healing. So I did, not really knowing what healing I needed. I just asked Jesus to heal me of anything I needed physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Then in my mind’s eye I saw in big red letters “You are distracted.” Then I saw images of me during the day:
Prayer in the morning before getting out of bed
Praying the Rosary before work
Some prayers while I do my noon 15 minute walk
Prayer in the evening and Bible reading
Some spontaneous praise during the day
However, for many hours during the day 100% of my mind is absorbed with work. I have an intense job and I may have 10-12 meetings of different topics each day. I’m ether quickly prepping for a call, having a meeting, or reviewing and analyzing materials. I work 10-11 hours a day. While I’m normally super focused about work, the message from Jesus is that i’m distracted from him for many hours a day. That’s the unexpected healing I needed. I walked into the chapel not conscious of this at all. The answer? I also got it during the mediation. Get an app to remind me to bring Jesus into my presence throughout the day.
Before I left the retreat to go home I installed an app in my phone that does nothing but play a subtle single bell sound once an hour at the top of the hour, exactly when I’m switching meetings or topics. I simply pause, close my eyes, do the sign of the cross and pray “Jesus I love you. I consecrate the next hour to you. Show me what your will is for me and give me the graces I need to do your will. Help me shine your divine light on others. Amen.”
This practice has helped me so much. I don’t need to discern Jesus’ will for me for that whole day, just for he next hour. It has helped me keep his love in my heart throughout the day.
May God bless you and your family.
