“My child, this is the right order of things–that those who wish to eat should also work. Yet in this day, there are many who eat but do not work and many who work but never have enough to eat. Child, the balance will be restored, and not without pain–especially to those who have been pampered. Pray for all, my child. There is much to come and those who do not know how to labor for food will, in their desperation, cause great sufferings. Child pray, but do not fear. I will be with you through it all.”

Jesus I trust in you! Grant that all people will be kept safe from unscrupulous scavengers and thieves. I ask these prayers through Jesus in Mary. Amen.

Psalm 128:2 “By the labor of your hands you shall eat.”

“A time will come when laboring for food, that is, growing your own, will be the only option. Pray for knowledge and good conditions and miraculous providence.”

Jesus, Lord of the harvest, I know that you would not tell me to pray for these things if it did no good. Jesus I trust in you.

“My child, whether I bless you with poverty or with riches, always remember to whom you owe your thanks. All blessings originate in me, and in me all things end in blessing. Do not scorn either poverty or riches, but use everything I give you for my purposes and to my glory. Child, return all to me and be at peace.”

Lord God, beloved Father of my heart, I give you thanks and praise for all your gifts and blessings. May your holy will be done in me and through me always for your glory. Amen.

“My child, these days are upon you. Can there be any doubt? Pray harder than ever, and fast as a prayer of solidarity with those who are lacking the means to buy enough food for their families. If you do this I will use it to help those who are suffering.”

Lord I am weak. Keep before me the thought of the suffering poor so that I may fast well for their sake. Here I am Lord. Fiat!

Psalm 10:2 Arrogant scoundrels pursue the poor; they trap them by their cunning schemes.

“My beloved, do not imagine that I am deaf to the cries of the poor in this age. Do you see how all things are culminating in a great tsunami of calamity and suffering? Do not cease your prayers, my child! The time is upon you. The fear of the Lord is your ally in these times. Throw yourself down in abject powerlessness and humility. It is the only way to save yourself, for the Lord looks on the powerless with pity, but the proud he casts down from the heights. Pray for all souls, my child. Pray!”

Lord of mercy, hear my humble prayers for all of us sinners. We are all in need of your great mercy. Lord hear us! Help us! Blessed Mother, intercede for us! Saints and angels, pray for us. Amen.

“My child, do not mistake silence for inactivity, for I have heard the cry of the poor and mean to rescue them from their oppressors. The day of justice is coming. If I seem to delay, it is because of my mercy and my great love for souls. I seek to prolong the day of mercy, even though it causes me to suffer greatly in the poor. You have seen the lengths to which I will go for souls. How far will you go, my child? Follow me.”

My Lord and my God, give me strength and sustain me so that my meager efforts in your service will bear abundant fruit in souls for your glory. Amen.

“My child, how few today understand that joy does not come with possessions, but in being possessed by God. St. Clare* understood this well and was filled to overflowing with the goods of heaven. But first she needed to cut** her attachment to the things of earth. Only then did she have room in her heart for all God wanted to give her. My children need more examples of this kind. Will you be a witness to a life lived solely for the riches of heaven?”

Here I am Lord. Be it done to me as you desire for your glory and for the salvation of souls, through Jesus in Mary.  Amen.

*Post originally recorded on August 11, 2006 – the feast of St. Clare

**One of St. Clare’s first acts as a penitent was to cut her hair.

“My child, it is the meek on earth who are trampled upon, whose few possessions are taken away. They have no one to speak for them. Who will come to their defense? I tell you, I will! Those who suffer want, who have no power on earth, those are the ones who hold great power in heaven because the heart of the compassionate God is moved to pity. The day will come, my child, when those who have now will need to beg at the gates of those who suffer now. My child, do what you can to help the powerless. Your acts will not go unnoticed.”

Lord, you have blessed me with peace and with plenty. Show me how you want me to help those in great need. Lord, make me an instrument of mercy. Amen.