Every person is created to profess true Faith in Jesus Christ and to truly love Him. This is precisely what we do when receive Holy Communion worthily. This is the path to Heaven. It applies to us all. And Mary is an integral part. She suffers so much because she loves so much. On the occasion of his nephew's First Holy Communion, Fr. Rodríguez considers Our Lady of Sorrows role in the Sacrifice of her Son and Its fruits.
Read the resurrection accounts with faith for a deeper understanding. Far too many people invent their own way of believing in Jesus. Instead, note how Christ establishes His Church and chooses to remain with us (Teaching, Apostles, Mass, Eucharist). These are patterns He continues to this day. Follow the examples of St. Mary Magdalene, the Emmaus disciples, and St. Thomas. With great desire remain with Christ!
The greatest fruits of the Precious Blood are the saints and martyrs. Consider, for example the life of St. Christina of Bolsena. Many don't realize her connection to the great Eucharistic Miracle which took place over her relics one thousand years after her martyrdom. The link to the Precious Blood is seen in other great saints we venerate in July, such as St. James the Greater, St. Ann, and St. Mary Magdalene. Pray for the specific graces exemplified by these saints and specifically associated with the infinite power of the Precious Blood.
How often do you think about the Precious Blood, the price Our Lord paid for your redemption? In order to be cleansed of sin, we need the application to our souls of this Precious Blood. Adore and invoke the Precious Blood. Even little children can offer this prayer: 'Blood of Jesus, help me!' Recall one of His seven sheddings each day of the week and beg for the specific graces associated with it. Reparation is also essential St. Veronica, pray for us.
The Catholic Faith exists to make the truth of the Blessed Trinity known to all men and thereby give God glory. Yet man can't come to know the truth about God on his own. The great liturgical feasts from Pentecost through November are especially dedicated to pray for the help of the Holy Ghost. It is He who reveals the truth about God and conforms men to Christ. Consider, for example, why the pope instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi. If we truly believed in Jesus' Real Presence, how would our life be different?
The Holy Name of Jesus literally means "God saves." As you pray the Holy Name, think of Bethlehem and Calvary. Consider that God makes man and God saves man for He loves man. The Holy Name brings to our lives the Person of Jesus. It expresses His infinite love and His infinite power. Bow your head as you pray His Name. Pray the Litany of the Holy Name, especially this month. Whether you are tempted by devils or attacked by men, invoke the Name of Jesus. And if temptations do not cease to persecute you, continue to invoke Jesus – and [...]
There is much confusion over what it means to love Jesus. It is not primarily about feelings, thoughts, or scriptural interpretation. The Apostle of Love teaches us the essentials. To love Jesus we must keep His commandments and we must love our neighbor (emphasis on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy). Ask Baby Jesus for the grace to love Him above everything. Far too many Catholics are willing to sacrifice Christ to maintain friendships and family ties. Even our Shepherds - those who should love Jesus most - are betraying Him. Given that belief in Christ means belief in the [...]
One Holy Communion worthily received suffices to detach the soul from this earth and inflame it with the love of God. So strive to receive Our Lord worthily. Have a pure heart. Your life will change for the better the more you believe in Our Lord - Truly Present in the Holy Eucharist - and the greater your desire to receive Him with increased love, devotion, faith and a willingness to follow Him whatever the cost.
Our Lady of Guadalupe's most precious words (1531) are remarkably similar to the words Pius IX employed for the ending of his infallible definition of the Immaculate Conception (1854). Her apparition and the dogma serve the same purpose. It's not coincidental that these two feasts closely follow one upon the other (Dec 8, Dec 12) - or that they celebrated during Advent. 2000 years ago Jesus came to Bethlehem, and then 500 years ago He came to the Americas: to bring light and salvation. Yet He does so through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He has established His [...]
The same Jesus born in Bethlehem comes to us in Holy Communion. He is mystically born anew in every Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. And if He comes, it is for a purpose. He wants us to be prepared to welcome Him. Through Holy Communion, Jesus is born, develops and perfects Himself within us. Believing this - and acting in accordance with this belief - is central to our belief in Jesus Christ. If we love God and have faith in the Eucharist, then we must live so as to as to receive Him worthily and in a spirit of reparation [...]
