We must learn to pray as Holy Mother Church prays. Make petitions in union with her solemn prayer. It is clear that many of us are failing in our fundamental duty. We are living through the consequences thereof. Discern the false shepherds by their fruits. Consider as well the wondrous fruits of the Precious Blood. His Blood is shed for us at Holy Mass. Do you really believe?
Created things are not sinful. They are good for God has made them. We are to use the created things God has given us to please Him, to merit His graces, to fulfill our duty and come to Heaven. But they become an object of sin when we misuse them. Consider our use of food, drink, cell phones, clothing, and time to excess or defect. We restore the balance with penance and fasting. Everything is good, but not everything is good for me. So, what creature has become the mammon of iniquity for me?
The Mass' Collect Prayer is a solemn petition on the part of the Universal Church. Today we ask God, "Graft in our hearts love for Thy Name and grant us an increase of religion." Religion is the highest moral virtue; by it we render to God the worship and honor due to God. This virtue necessitates being convinced of God's greatness and our own nothingness. It calls us to overcome our self-love and pride, both great obstacles which prevent us from loving God. At Mass, make a special effort to consider the Sacred Heart. "O Jesus, take my heart and change [...]
Most Catholics never learn what it truly means to participate at Mass or having a true conversion of heart. The Sacred Heart is instrumental in these matters. He manifests His love to us especially from the crib in Bethlehem, the Cross on Calvary, and the Holy Eucharist in every church. Yet this Heart which loves without limit is not loved in return. At Mass, look to share the sentiments of the Sacred Heart. Pray for the grace to change your heart!
Man's chief duty is to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. it is not enough for one to simply be present. How many times are we distracted and daydreaming? Rather we must assist with earnestness and concentration, uniting ourselves with Christ the High Priest. Note, what is most essential to our participation is not perceptible to our senses. Rather, it is of the Faith. If the majority of us don't participate well, then what will happen to our families and our Church? "Eternal Father, permit to offer Thee the Heart of my Savior Jesus Christ."
Pope Pius XII teaches that man's fundamental duty is to orient his person and life towards God. Man does this by [1] accepting all divinely revealed truths, [2] obeying the law of God and His Church, [3] rendering God right worship, [4] and centering all his acts and aspirations on God. These four are carried out perfectly by the Sacred Heart. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a compendium of our holy religion. It comprises a devotion of love, reparation and imitation. Attaining this fundamental duty is hard. Hence, we must pray to the Holy Ghost for His assistance.
From the sermon Practice True Devotion to the Holy Ghost (May 19, 2024 - Pentecost Sunday). O Holy Ghost, Who guidest and governest the Church of Christ in all truth, illuminating its Doctors, strengthening its Martyrs, and perfecting its Saints; Thou Bond of mystical union between Christ our head and us His members; between the Church above and the Church here below; have mercy on us and keep us in the unity of the Faith. Amen. O Spirit of Light, Love and Life, be with us every day and every hour of our life. Illumine, vitalize, enkindle us. Lift up our [...]
The Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Faith. The Catholic Faith exists to make this mystery known to all souls. In this sermon, Father provides a basic catechism on the Blessed Trinity and God Himself. Man is called to know, love and serve God so as to be happy with Him forever. Yet a terrible sin of omission, the one Catholics most frequently commit, must be overcome.
Our prayer is meant to express our Faith. Consider how much we learn from Holy Mother Church's prayers directed to the Holy Ghost. We are completely dependent on the Holy Ghost to do anything good. He is the giver of every good gift. He enables us to think like Christ, speak like Christ and act like Christ. Now the world and the flesh are opposed to the Holy Ghost, hence we must unceasingly fight against their influence.
Frequently pray the Church's three most important prayers to the Holy Ghost. In the time between the Ascension and Pentecost Our Lady humbly guided the Apostles. Our practice of praying novenas originates from these days. Our Lady is a most perfect Mother, and her concerns for us, her children, are centered on eternity, grace and sin. Christian Mothers, imitate HER! The Holy Ghost is particularly active in carrying out the Mission of Christ where – and in whom – He finds His Spouse, the Ever Virgin and Holy Mary.
