Morning Offering
First of all let us get in the practice, each day if at all possible, of reading a little bit from the Gospels or other spiritual or Franciscan works. We can’t emphasize too much that the Franciscan way is the Gospel way. Unless we believe this and act on it we will never really be Franciscans.
But, aside from that, let us try to cultivate a good habit — the habit of giving our pains, our heartaches, our annoyances, our rebuffs, etc., etc., etc., to Jesus, all day long.
I am writing here the Morning Offering — if any of you do not know it already:
Oh Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day, in union with the sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins and the sins of all mankind, for the intentions of all our associates, and in particular for the general intention of the Holy Father for this month.
Now, every morning, as soon as you get out of bed, focus your mind on Jesus and say this little offering. There are other versions of this prayer that you can use.
Then, throughout the day, every single time something pops up to annoy you, or hurt you in any way, give it to Jesus. You could say, “Jesus, I offer this to you,” or you could use your own words, but try to picture, or better still, sense the presence of Jesus in the room.
I am sure that at first you will forget it right and left; so, if you need a reminder, write it down on a piece of paper and put a copy somewhere where you will practically fall over it and when you do see it, say it then and there. You could say, “Jesus, I’m sorry I forgot awhile ago, but now I remember.” If you didn’t think of it until ten minutes ago or a half a day after you had blown your top over some annoyance; don’t think, it’s no use to say it now or it won’t be any good to say it now. It will be good — good to help you form the good habit. So, say it right then.
Try to focus your mind on Jesus as you say it. He is in the room with you! Try to get that feeling. Again, if for some reason you forget the Morning Offering and think of it at three in the afternoon or nine-o-clock in the evening, say it then. The idea is to form the habit.
Don’t despair and don’t give up. It will grow on you more and more and it’s a beautiful habit to have in your life. You are bringing Jesus right into your daily living. This is what we are striving for as Franciscans.