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If you want your dream to be, build it slow and surely. Small beginning, greater and heartfelt work grows purely.

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Welcome. This is David Russell and your faith anew, daily reflections guiding you to live in the divine will. Today's reflection is from the Book of Heaven by the servant of God Louisa Picaretta, july twenty sixth, nineteen oh eight, volume eight. Let us begin in the will and name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Heavenly Father, in your divine will form within us hearts that are humble, attentive, and ready to follow wherever you lead. Remove every attachment that keeps us from responding generously to your grace. Teach us to welcome your inspirations with confidence, trusting that your commands are always expressions of your love. May every choice we make today become an opportunity to glorify you, to grow in holiness, and to allow Jesus to live his own life within us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. A reading from the gospel according to John chapter fourteen, verse twenty three. Jesus answered and said to him, Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches in Paragraph twenty seven sixteen. Contemplative prayer is hearing the word of God. Far from being passive, such attentiveness is the obedience of faith, the unconditional acceptance of a servant, and the loving commitment of a child. It participates in the yes of the Son becomes servant, and the fiat of God's lowly handmaid. Today, we're invited to consider how a willing heart becomes a place where God delights to accomplish his work. Louisa writes Continuing in my usual state, blessed Jesus came for just a little and told me My daughter, Obedience is the ark of my dwelling in the soul. Where this arc of obedience is not present, I can say that there is no place for me in that soul, and I'm forced to remain outside. Obedience is often misunderstood. The world hears the word and thinks of restriction, loss of freedom, or blind submission. But in the spiritual life, obedience is something entirely different. It's the loving response of a child who trusts the wisdom and goodness of the Father. From the beginning of salvation history, God's greatest works have unfolded through willing hearts. Abraham obeyed without knowing the destination. Mary answered the angel with her fiat. Saint Joseph quietly followed the Lord's direction without demanding explanations. Above all, Jesus himself revealed that love reaches its perfection through complete obedience to the Father. Living in the divine will begins with that same spirit. We cannot sincerely pray your will be done while clinging to our own plans whenever they conflict with God's. Every act of obedience, whether to God's commandments, the teachings of the church, our legitimate duties, or the quiet inspirations of grace, is another way of saying, Lord, I trust you more than I trust myself. Obedience is not primarily about external actions. It begins in the heart. It's choosing humility over pride, receptivity over self will, and trust over control. It's the willingness to let God lead, even when his path is different from the one we would have chosen. When we resist obedience, we often do so because we fear losing something. Yet every act of faithful obedience actually makes room for something greater. The life of Christ within us. God never asks for our surrender to diminish us. He asks for it so he can transform us. This is why let Jesus do becomes a daily way of living. Before reacting, we pause. Before insisting on our own way, we ask, Jesus, what do you desire? Before making an important decision, we seek His wisdom rather than relying solely on our own understanding. Little by little, our own will gives way to His divine will. The beautiful paradox of the Christian life is this the more obedient we become to God, the freer we become. His will never enslaves, it liberates, it heals our disordered desires, strengthens our love, and fills us with a peace that cannot be found by following our own preferences. Today, ask yourself a simple question. Where is Jesus inviting me to obey him more completely? Perhaps it's through forgiveness, perseverance in prayer, faithfulness to a daily duty, or greater attentiveness to the teachings of his church. Whatever that invitation may be, answer it with confidence. Every loving act of obedience is another step toward allowing Christ to reign completely within your soul. Let Jesus do. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, I enter into your divine will and place this entire day into your loving hands. Purify my intentions, strengthen my resolve, and help me welcome every grace you desire to give. May I never resist your gentle invitations, but respond with trust, humility, and love. Teach me to surrender every plan, every fear, every success, and every disappointment to you. Let my life become a dwelling place for your presence, so that others may encounter your peace through me. May every heart be proclaimed, Jesus, live your divine life in me. I choose today to let Jesus do. Amen. Thank you for joining your faith anew today. Until tomorrow, stay in his will, and your faith will be made anew.