Friday, May 25, 2012

(Another Picture of) Peter Taking Jesus's Hand

Three months ago, I posted a picture HERE of Jesus taking Peter's hand to prevent him from sinking in the water.

Today, class, I'd like to post another version of it here, with a brief prayer:


Save us, Lord, for we are sinking.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Doxology & Changing Diapers

During Mass today, I had to change my little baby's diaper.  I went to the diaper changing station at the parish restroom.  I left some time after the consecration.  There was no way to wait to change the diaper.

As I changed my baby's dirty diaper, I knew the priest was praying the doxology. 

The doxology is when the priest glorifies the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit.  He elevates the Body and Blood of Christ as he prays this.

In the English speaking world, there is a new translation for this.  Click HERE for the updated translation.

At that moment, it was when I offered in my heart, mind, soul and strength.  I also offered up the cares of my family life with an act of the will.  I offered up the mundane moment of changing smelly diapers.

I united everything ordinary that I had experienced for the glory of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of all Christian life.  All Christian activity flows from the Eucharist, and all Christian activity returns to the Eucharist.  The changing table in front of me was united to the Altar of Sacrifice in that church, and that altar in that church offered the very same sacrifice of Calvary over 2,000 years ago.

Even dirty diapers can be transformed into a salvific act.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Christ is Risen! (And So Have I)

You may have seen a notable absence these past few months.

Perhaps I'll one day explain the needed absence, but let's just say for now that the eagle has landed.

A few days ago, we celebrated the most important day in the liturgical calendar: The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

He is Risen!  Alleluia!

I have, too, in the sense that I'm back to this blog.  The last blog post being in February.  It was a spring break of sorts.

* * *

Today, class, I'd like to share with you a selection from St. Faustina's Diary.

During my Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament a few minutes ago, I randomly turned to Number 634.  Here, Jesus said the following to the Secretary of Divine Mercy:

Fear not, because the difficulties you encounter will fulfill My will.

I cite this here because for the past few weeks, I have been in the state of desolation, and this passage put me at peace once again.  Desolation in the Ignatian sense where God doesn't console the soul.  After these words from Our Lord, the Mother of Jesus spoke.  These were not the exact words, but I paraphrase them here as I remember them in my heart:

Prepare the world for the Second Coming of Christ with the Divine Mercy.  Now is the time of mercy, for when Our Lord returns it will be a terrible day.  Even angels tremble before that day.  Don't remain silent, because on Judgment Day you will have to account for many souls.  I am with you.

When Mary talked about remaining silent, it reminded me about my call to teach the faith.  I cannot remain silent.  I must be faithful.

So today after Holy Hour, my soul was put at great peace.  It is the peace of Jesus Christ.  I haven't been at this state in quite a while.

Thank you, God.  Thank you.  Forgive me.

Alleluia!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Pray for the United States

For today's post, I just want to simply ask for prayers for the United States.  Satan is a master strategist, and he knows that he must attack the decent foundations of the American people in order to infect the world with his rebellion against the Almighty King of Heaven.  Pray during the 2012 election year.  In this battle, let us turn to the Mother of Jesus, she who is revealed in Lk. 1, for protection, as we see in Rev. 12.  May the Woman crush the head of the serpent for the glory of her Son, Jesus Christ, in His Most Precious Name we pray.  Amen.

Class dismissed.