Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29th    Mk 4: 35-41   Jesus said: “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

Mary was the first to have Faith!  “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38) Surely Our Blessed Mother will help us grow in faith as we pray with the following reflection by Fr. Ed.

GROWING IN FAITH THROUGH THE HOLY ROSARY by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Jesus sent His Loving Mother, Mary most holy, from heaven to the small town of Fatima, in Portugal in the year 1917. The Queen of heaven and earth appeared to three little shepherd children, Lucia de los Santos and Francisco and Jacinta Marto—brother and sister.

Our Lady appeared six times and every time that she appeared she repeated the message: PRAY THE ROSARY! She revealed her name and identity as OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. In Lourdes, Our Lady appeared 18 times to Saint Bernadette, and revealed her name and identity as THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.

Therefore, we would like to present ten reasons why we should form the most important habit of praying the Rosary, not sporadically or sometimes or simply upon an impulse. Rather, we should form the habit of praying the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day; if possible, we could even pray the Rosary more than once a day, as was often the habit in the lives of many of the saints! Therefore, let us launch into reasons to convince us of the dire importance of loving Our Lady, by loving what she loves, and obeying her command—pray the holy Rosary!

1. OUR LADY TOLD US TO!  If a mother repeats an order to her child many times, it is because the mother believes in the depths of her heart that the order she is commanding is of great importance. Likewise, Mary most Holy, the Mother of God and our Mother too, at Fatima commanded the children, as well as the world at large, six times to pray the Rosary! If it is a command to obey our earthly mothers (the 4th Commandment), how much more should we obey our Heavenly Mother, Mary most Holy!

2. THE ROSARY IS A BIBLICAL PRAYER.  Many non-Catholics condemn the recitation of the Holy Rosary. However, very few of those who condemn this most beautiful prayer realize or recognize the fact that the Rosary is a prayer that almost totally has its origins in the Word of God itself! For example, the first series of Mysteries that we call the Joyful Mysteries are all of them found in the Gospel of Saint Luke, Chapters One and Two! This being said, we can get to know and love the Word of God by meditating upon the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary!

3. GETTING TO KNOW, LOVE AND IMITATE JESUS BETTER.  Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, and the instrument God used to give us the Spiritual Exercises, offers us a fruit that we should beg for when we meditate on or contemplate the life of Jesus; that fruit, or we might call it virtue, is to arrive at intimate knowledge of Jesus, so that we love Him more ardently and follow Him more closely. In a parallel sense, when we form the habit of praying the Rosary well, giving our whole self to entering into the scenes or mysteries of the Rosary, one of the most sublime fruits is the same that Ignatius presents. In praying the Rosary, we get to know Jesus, love Jesus, and desire to follow Jesus through the prayers and intercession of the first disciple of Jesus, His Mother Mary!

4. SUMMARY OF THE GOSPEL.  Recent Popes, Blessed Paul VI and Saint John XXIII called the Rosary a summary of the Gospel. This was said even before the insertion of the relatively new mysteries of the Rosary, The Luminous Mysteries. In a short, clear, methodical and systematic form we have the Infancy of Jesus in the Joyful Mysteries; followed by the Luminous Mysteries, which are a good summary of the Public Life of Jesus (30-33 years of age). Then we have the Passion, suffering and death of Jesus in the Sorrowful Mysteries. Finally, as the summit of the whole prayer, we have the Glorious Mysteries, which of course present Our Lord’s Resurrection and Ascension into heaven, the Coming of the Holy Spirit, and Our Lady’s Assumption into heaven and Coronation as Queen of heaven and earth. As the Popes have alluded to, contemplation of the mysteries of the most Holy Rosary presents a clear and concise summary of the Gospels—the conception, life, death and Resurrection of Jesus seen through the eyes and heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

5. MARVELOUS PRAYER THAT CAN LIFT US TO THE HEIGHTS.  The Rosary is indeed a marvelous prayer that can lift us to the heights of holiness if prayed well and with perseverance. This prayer is vocal in that we vocalize the beautiful prayers, the Our Father and Hail Mary. Then it is a meditative prayer in that we reflect upon the meaning of the mysteries and how they can be applied to our own lives right now. Furthermore, it is a contemplative prayer, meaning that we are summoned to enter into the scenes or mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary. We are not called to be passive spectators, like going to a movie; rather we are called to enter into these contemplative scenes and become part of the lives of Jesus and Mary! If this is done, we become transformed. The saying is true: tell me with whom you associate and I will tell you who you are. How true if we apply this to our frequent association, contact and conversation with Jesus and Mary and Saint Joseph! We will be transformed, becoming more like them. Our desire and goal are the words of the great Apostle Saint Paul: “It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me.”

6. PRAYER OF PEACE OF MIND, HEART AND SOUL, AND WORLD PEACE.  In a world in which there is so much tension, fighting, selfishness, and egotism, we need a peace-program. Of course the key element is to expel the negative with the most positive, and that is to place Jesus and Mary as King and Queen of our world, country, state, city, home, family, and even our individual lives and hearts! At Fatima Our Lady insisted that the Rosary be prayed to end World War I and also to prevent another war. Our Lady made the warning that if the world did not pray enough, another and worse world war would erupt. And so it happened! Sad to say, not many years after the cessation of World War I, the more bloody and gruesome World War II broke out. Sin is due to a lack of the presence of God. The recitation of the most Holy Rosary is the opposite. We invite Jesus into our hearts, families and society through the prayerful, peaceful, but powerful presence of Our Lady, Queen of Peace!

7. CONQUERING VICES.  Sin can get a hold of us, and we become slaves to sin. Jesus Himself says that sin is slavery. A well-known convert once said that before becoming Catholic, he liked going to book stores to look over the books and buy some of them. However, while there, no matter how hard he tried, he could not resist, almost as if he were drawn by a magnet, checking out and browsing through the bad magazines. Though he was still a Protestant, he started to pray the most Holy Rosary, and immediately, his desire to look at the indecent magazines left him totally. He attributed this miracle to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary. Among the many virtues that Our Lady desires to attain for us is the virtue of purity. One of Our Lady’s messages in Fatima was that most souls are lost for all eternity due to the sins of the flesh, that is to say, sins against the virtue of purity. Jesus expressed this most clearly in one of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure of heart; they will see God.” (Mt 5:8)

8. FAMILY UNITY.  One of the most sorrowful realities in the modern world is the breakup of the family unit. Vatican II calls the family the domestic church. Pope Saint John Paul II says “the family is the basic cell of society, and as the family goes, so goes the rest of society.” After the attack on the World Trade Center, Sept. 11^th 2001, Pope Saint John Paul II published a spiritual masterpiece with the title Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary. We encourage all of our readers to read and meditate upon this spiritual masterpiece so as to get to know and love the most Holy Rosary more and more. In this papal document the saintly pontiff encouraged the world at large to pray the Rosary, but especially for two intentions. First, he exhorted us to pray the Rosary for world peace. Second, he warmly encouraged us to pray the Rosary for the sake and salvation of the family. The Rosary priest, Father Patrick Peyton, expresses this truth in these timely maxims: “The family that prays together stays together” and, “A world at prayer is a world at peace!” This being said, every family should make a concerted effort to pray the Rosary together for the sake of their own family, as well as for all the families of the world, and that peace would reign in the world starting first and foremost within our own individual hearts!

9. THE ROSARY AS SPIRITUAL SLINGSHOT TO CONQUER THE DEVIL.  In one of the most important meditations in the Spiritual Exercises, with the title The Two Standards, Saint Ignatius presents our spiritual life in the light of a fierce combat between Satan and his disciples fighting against Jesus and His disciples for dominion in our souls! Given today’s materialism, consumerism, hedonism, agnosticism, moral relativism, and militant atheism, the devil can hide behind each of these erroneous philosophical systems to trap us and finally enslave us! It almost appears as if we are David against Goliath (I Samuel 17)!

David was much younger and smaller, with no military preparation, no sword, no shield, nor even any armor. On the other hand, Goliath was a giant, with much experience in battle, wearing armor and wielding a huge crescent sword that he had used to kill many, with a shield bearer preceding him. Goliath curses little David, but David proceeds with confidence in the name of Yahweh, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The little shepherd boy approaches the line of battle quickly and resolutely, reaches for a stone, places it in his slingshot and launches it at Goliath. The stone takes off like a rocket and rivets itself in the forehead of Goliath, who quickly cascades to the ground. As the giant lays unconscious on the ground, David wields the sword of Goliath and cuts off his head! Victory!!!

Today we are surrounded by many Modern Goliaths, as mentioned and named above. Therefore, for us to win the fierce battle, we must place ourselves under the military leadership of the Blessed Virgin Mary, carry proudly our spiritual weapon— the most Holy Rosary, and use it frequently and confidently. We have sure hope with such a weapon and so great a leader that the battle will be won and the victory will be ours!

10. SPIRITUAL TREASURES STORED UP IN HEAVEN. One of the greatest saint-mystics in the Catholic Church is Saint Gertrude, the Great. Not only is she the author of the classic Herald of Divine Love (read it!!!), but also she was a great mystic and visionary. Jesus often would appear to her and talk to her with great familiarity and love, as He desires to do with us. On one occasion, the saint saw Jesus in heaven. The scene was beautiful! Bathed in light and beauty, Jesus had a huge pile of coins, shiny and glimmering golden coins. As Saint Gertrude contemplated this scene, Jesus placed another golden coin on the top of the huge pile. Curious as to the meaning of the scene, this great lover of Jesus and Mary, Saint Gertrude, begged the Lord to explain its meaning. Without any hesitation Jesus said that those golden coins were the many fervent Hail Marys that Gertrude had prayed, and that she had just finished another, upon which Jesus was depositing another golden coin for all eternity. Therefore, if you want to be a multi-billionaire in heaven, start right now and pray the Rosary, pray the Hail Marys that compose the Rosary. Indeed, Jesus through the intercession Mary, His Mother, the Mother of the Church, and your loving Mother, will store up for you abundant treasures in heaven.

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28th    Mk 4: 26-34   Alleluia Verse: “Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.”

Our Blessed Mother revealed the Spiritual Exercises, including the Discernment of Spirits, to Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Over 600 years later these same Spiritual Exercises are changing lives. They have changed my life and yours, or you would not be reading and meditating upon these Points! Yesterday we covered six of the Fourteen Rules of Discernment. Let us continue with the last eight Rules of Discernment.

Represented in this picture is Ven. Bruno Lanteri, Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, pointing to Our Blessed Mother giving the Spiritual Exercises to Saint Ignatius who is writing them down.

RULES TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT & WIN THE BATTLE (Continued) by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

REVIEW:  Taken from his own experience, after the life-changing battle of Pamplona, Saint Ignatius of Loyola offers us two series of Rules to help us in our battle for the salvation of our immortal souls. The first series is composed of 14 Rules; the second, of 8 Rules! We will discuss the first 14 Rules.

ORIGIN? After serious wounds in both of his legs in the Battle of Pamplona, Ignatius had plenty of time for recovery. In this period of convalescence, his mind and affections gyrated back and forth between two contrary objects: one was the worldly, the sensual, the vain, the material life he had lived; the other consisted of reading and reflecting on the lives of the saints, as well as the life of Christ. The worldly thoughts and reveries brought him some immediate pleasure on the surface of his emotions, but then he sank into a state of desolation and sadness. The joie de vivre (joy of life) dissipated and went up in smoke. But when he lifted his mind and heart to the spiritual realm of Jesus and the saints, his heart was set on fire and he had the fervent desire and longing to imitate the saints. Ignatius said: “If Francis could do it, so can I; if Dominic could do it, then so can I.”  

Then, as recorded in his Autobiography, “his eyes were opened a little and he noticed that some thoughts brought him desolation and sadness, whereas the others, consolation and joy.” This experience of Saint Ignatius establishes the background and foundation for his renowned Rules for Discernment of Spirits. Ignatius insists on awareness of these various interior movements. We must reject the bad that lead to desolation; we must recognize, accept, and follow the good that lead to consolation. Knowing these various interior motions and applying these Rules is indispensable for living out Ignatian Spirituality, and consequently pursuing an openness to the good spirit, and a ready willingness to reject the bad spirit! In this short essay we would like to give a brief summary of the first series of 14 Rules and some concrete means to apply them to our lives.

YESTERDAY, we covered Discernment Rules 1 thru 6. Today we finish with Rules 7 thru 14.

RULE SEVEN: THE LAW OF SUFFICIENT GRACE.

When you are submerged in the dark night of desolation, it might appear as if you are in a dark tunnel from which there is no exit; this thought is provoked by the devil. There is always hope! Possibly one of the best Biblical passages is that of Saint Paul who says he was tormented by a thorn in the flesh which he begged the Lord three times to be freed of. The response of the Lord was clear: “My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness!” (2 Cor. 12:9) We can overcome the state of desolation if we rely on the grace of God and not on our mere human efforts. In other words, it must be God-reliance and not self-reliance! The fundamental reason for failure and falling into sin is lack of relying upon God and His super-abundant graces. Call upon Mary who is known as “The full of grace!”

RULE EIGHT: BY YOUR PATIENCE YOU WILL SAVE YOUR SOUL.

Rule Eight can be succinctly summarized by just one key word: PATIENCE!!! In this Rule, Ignatius offers three powerful tools!

1. Persevere in patience. It can be extremely helpful to meditate upon Jesus carrying His cross and His infinite patience.

2. Next, Ignatius reminds us to utilize the practices of Rule Six which are: prayer, meditation, Daily Examen, and some suitable penance.

3. Finally, as a psychological boost, Ignatius encourages us to think about the consolation that will soon arrive. If you like, after the storm, the sun breaks through the clouds. After sickness, health will be enjoyed. The barren winter gives way to spring flowers.

Being an excellent spiritual psychologist, Ignatius knows how direly we all need to grow in the virtue of patience with God, with ourselves, and with others.

RULE NINE: WHY DO WE HAVE DESOLATION? WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

In this Ninth Rule, Ignatius teaches us the three basic reasons why our soul goes through this state of desolation. The first is due to our own fault; the second and third, God actually allows desolation so as to bring out of the desolation a greater good. Let us analyze them.

1. LAZINESS, TEPIDITY, SLOTH.  The first reason for descending into a state of DESOLATION is simply because we have fallen into a state of laziness or tepidity. Examples? Skipping your morning and night prayers, not doing your meditation or Holy Hour, or doing it less, or praying it poorly. Or it might be that you were in the habit of frequent Mass and Holy Communion, and due to indolence, you have given up the practice. Therefore, good Teacher that He is, God allows the Desolation to visit us in order to pull us out of this despicable state of mediocrity and tepidity. How good God is to intervene, to yank us out of the quagmire of lukewarmness!!!

2. A TRIAL FROM GOD.  So that we do not fall into what Saint John of the Cross terms Spiritual Gluttony. We must seek the God of consolations and not the consolations of God! Or if you like, Seek the Face of God, more than the Hand of God!

3. HUMILITY AND RELIANCE ON GOD.  The last reason Ignatius gives is so we will have a keen awareness that of ourselves we cannot bring consolation to our soul. On the contrary, only God can give us consolation. Also, God gives us consolation when He wants, how He wants, for as long as He wants, and with the intensity He wants. Related to this, Ignatius warns us against pride and vanity. How easy it is to attribute to ourselves holiness, fervor, consolation, and spiritual graces; when in reality all good gifts comes from the Giver of all good gifts, God Himself!

RULE TEN: WHAT TO DO IN CONSOLATION???

Up to this point Ignatius has been instructing us on what our spiritual strategy is, what we are to do in the state of desolation. Now he turns to the tactic or strategy of what we are to do when we find ourselves in the state of CONSOLATION! This may come to us as a real shock! Ignatius basically warns us that when we find ourselves in joy, peace, happiness, and over-flowing consolation, we should get ready for desolation! In other words, in times of peace, we must prepare for war. The devil never goes on vacation and can easily slip in when we are in consolation, simply because this is when we might begin to think less about God, and begin to attribute our state of Consolation to our own ingenuity and sanctity. Careful!!! Good athletes when they are ahead in the game, try to advance even further, so as to make their victory absolute!!!

RULE ELEVEN: WHAT ELSE TO DO IN THE STATE OF CONSOLATION.

The key word in Rule Eleven is HUMILITY.  When we are in consolation we should not give in to pride, but humble ourselves. Ignatius actually suggests that we rewind the film of our lives and recall how we were when we found ourselves in desolation: the trial, the darkness, the lack of peace, the over-riding sadness, the great turmoil. Reflecting upon that difficult state of desolation, possibly we felt buried in a dark pit, or lost in an endless tunnel, and only God could pull us through. In other words, God loves those who are humble of heart, like the Blessed Virgin Mary. Moreover, God rejects the proud and self-sufficient! As Mary said: “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and He has lifted up the lowly.” (Mary’s Magnificat Lk 1:52)

The last three Rules of Saint Ignatius on Spiritual Discernment treat explicitly of the devil and the various ways that he works on the soul. These indeed are spiritual masterpieces that we all should get to know well and live out frequently in our daily combat!

RULE TWELVE:  COURAGE IN CONFRONTING THE ENEMY

In this Rule, Ignatius exhorts us to be courageous and not cowardly. In the case of a street-woman striving to seduce a man, if she tries to tempt or seduce him and he resists manfully from the outset and resists the temptation, she backs off, recoils, and disappears. However, if she notes when tempting him, that he is weak, faltering, floundering, and vacillating like a leaf blown in the wind, then she comes on stronger to overpower him and win him over. If you like, the following is a short summary: “The devil is weak with the strong, but strong with the weak.” Therefore, the tactic that we must use with the devil, applied to this Rule, is the following. As soon as we are aware of the devil tempting us to go against God and to sin, then we must strive with all the energy in our will to reject the temptation immediately and forcefully! This, in most cases, will result in victory! The devil is a coward when we are strong, but if we are cowards then he becomes strong and goes for the kill.

RULE THIRTEEN. AVOID SECRECY, OPEN UP IN TIMES OF DESOLATION!

Ignatius says that the devil is like a vain lover trying to seduce a noble woman behind the back of a noble man. The key word in this rule is that of SECRECY—KEEP IT SECRET!

A SUMMARY OF THE RULE.  When we find ourselves in a state of desolation and sadness, assaulted by many temptations, the work of the devil is to get us to keep our desolation a secret, under lock and key! Tell nobody!

RESULT OF SECRECY!  If the devil wins by convincing us to keep our desolation a secret so that we do not open up to anyone, then what happens is the following, by way of analogy. The devil turns a mole-hill into a mountain. Or if you like, a cut that is not treated gets infected with pus, the infection spreads, until finally gangrene sets in, ending with amputation. So it is with the work of the devil. If we do not have the courage and the means by which we can open up to a Spiritual Director or Confessor, or a person in whom we can trust and confide, then the temptation is exacerbated, grows bigger and stronger, until we finally capitulate and give in to the temptation. In the Diary of Saint Faustina, Jesus told the saint that revealing a temptation of the devil to her Confessor, weakens the stronghold of the devil, and will eventually conquer him. To open up and reveal our desolation is an act of humility, and the devil hates any shape, size, or form of humility.

IN CONCRETE.  In concrete, all of us must be equipped with a Confessor or Spiritual Director, or both. In times of desolation we must have the humility and the courage to open up and articulate clearly the thoughts and temptations we are experiencing. If we learn and practice this lesson, we have a powerful tool in our spiritual combat.

RULE FOURTEEN.  THE KRYPTONITE RULE: THE DEVIL KNOWS OUR WEAK POINT!

In this last Rule, which indeed is a literary masterpiece, Ignatius compares the human soul to a feudal fortress or castle. So as not to be plundered and sacked, the owner of the castle must have barricades, as well as walls of protection, maybe even a moat surrounding the castle. The enemy, of course, circles the castle and studies to see where there might be some opening. Maybe a crevice, a crack, a loose board, an opening in the roof, or possibly an unlocked window or door. Once the enemy becomes aware of an opening, then quickly and energetically he goes for the kill. Entering unaware, he sacks and plunders the castle, taking all that is in his power to steal.

This Middle Age image of the fortress or castle is an image of our immortal soul. Our enemy is not any mere military captain. Much more dangerous and insidious: it is the devil. The devil has many Biblical names: Lucifer, Satan, the devil, demon, Prince of this world, the serpent, the ancient serpent, the seducer, a liar and a murderer from the beginning, Beelzebub (the Lord of the Flies). Saint Peter goes so far as to call the devil a roaring lion who goes in search of whom he can devour.

MODERN IMAGE OF THE ATHLETE.  A modern image easy to understand is that of an athlete competing in the sports arena or stadium. To be concrete, the example of a Professional Baseball Pitcher. It is incumbent upon the Professional Pitcher to get to know his opponents—namely the Batters. The Pitcher will study past videos, analytics, and statistics to see where the batter is strong and where he is weak. Then, with this knowledge, he will strive to pitch to the weakness of the batter, hoping for a strike-out. The same can be applied to a Professional Boxer or Wrestler. Find the weak-point of the opponent, then punch and attack for the kill!

KRYPTONITE ANALOGY.  Most of us know of SUPERMAN. Clark Kent as Superman, was indomitable, powerful, strong, fast, able to fly over huge buildings. However, despite his prowess, he had one weak-point and that was the famous alien mineral KRYPTONITE. Once exposed to this mineral element, Superman was as weak and vulnerable as any other man. In a word, he had to avoid Kryptonite. So it is with us and Rule Fourteen. We all have our own Kryptonite which we have to detect and avoid at all costs, lest we fall and be overcome. One of the best ways to detect your Kryptonite is once again to have a good Spiritual Director, and to talk out your strengths and weaknesses. However, it is also of paramount importance to study and get to know the seven Capital Sins, to detect and determine which one is your basic Capital Sin, your primary weakness, in a word, your KRYPTONITE! Then try to practice the opposite virtue. The seven Capital Sins are the following:

1. Gluttony – opposing virtue Temperance;
2. Lust – opposing virtue Purity;
3. Greed or Avarice – opposing virtue Charity;
4. Sloth or Laziness –opposing virtue Diligence;
5. Envy – opposing virtue Charity or Brotherly Love;
6. Anger – opposing virtue Meekness (Meekness is not weakness, but powerful emotion under control.);
7. Pride – opposing virtue Humility.

In conclusion, we have come to the end of our short study of the 14 Rules for Discernment of Spirits from the great Saint Ignatius of Loyola. We hope that you will become a student of these 14 Rules, not simply to have a head knowledge of these Rules, but most especially to implement them, put them into practice, so as to fight the good fight, run the good race, and win the merited crown of glory that awaits the faithful soldiers of Jesus and Mary in the Kingdom of Heaven!

Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27th    Mk 4: 21-25   “To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

What does that mean to us? Let us interpret this through Ignatian Rules for Discernment.

For those who persevere in prayer, penance, and almsgiving or good works, the graces they receive will be multiplied. They will continue growing in love of God and neighbor, and at the same time, continue moving away from sin, mortal and venial.

To those who neglect these essential spiritual practices, the graces they have received will diminish, and they will be given over to the ways of the world, thereby falling into more sins, mortal and venial.

Given this marked contrast, Fr. Ed will help us delve deeper into the first Six of the Ignatian Rules for Discernment of Spirits. Let these words sink in—apply them to your life, to your own experiences! Let this be a litmus test as to how you are progressing spiritually.

RULES TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT & WIN THE BATTLE by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Taken from his own experience, after the life-changing battle of Pamplona, Saint Ignatius of Loyola offers us two series of Rules to help us in our battle for the salvation of our immortal souls. The first series is composed of 14 Rules; the second, of 8 Rules! We will discuss the first 14 Rules.

ORIGIN? After the serious wound in both of his legs in the Battle of Pamplona, Ignatius had plenty of time for recovery. In this period of convalescence, his mind and affections gyrated back and forth between two contrary objects: one was the worldly, the sensual, the vain, the material life he had lived; the other consisted of reading and reflecting on the lives of the saints, as well as the life of Christ. The worldly thoughts and reveries brought him some immediate pleasure on the surface of his emotions, but then he sank into a state of desolation and sadness. The joie de vivre (joy of life) dissipated and went up in smoke. But when he lifted his mind and heart to the spiritual realm of Jesus and the saints, his heart was set on fire and he had the most fervent desire and longing to imitate the saints. Ignatius said: “If Francis could do it, so can I; if Dominic could do it, then so can I.”   

Then, as recorded in his Autobiography, “his eyes were opened a little and he noticed that some thoughts brought him desolation and sadness, whereas, the others, consolation and joy.” This experience of Saint Ignatius establishes the background and foundation for his renowned Rules for Discernment of Spirits. Ignatius insists on awareness of these various interior movements. We must reject the bad that lead to desolation; we must recognize, accept, and follow the good that lead to consolation. Knowing these various interior motions and applying these Rules is indispensable for living out Ignatian Spirituality, and consequently pursuing an openness to the good spirit, and a ready willingness to reject the bad spirit! In this short essay we would like to give a brief summary of the first series of 14 Rules and some concrete means to apply them to our lives.

RULE ONE: TACTIC OF THE GOOD SPIRIT VS. THE BAD SPIRIT: THE SOUL IN MORTAL SIN. 

THE BAD SPIRIT.  For the individual who has chosen to live a life of sin, and serious or grave sin, the devil has a specific tactic. The enemy proposes apparent pleasures, sensual delights, and gratifications by means of filling the imagination with these sensual delights. The tactic of the devil? To increase the vices, to augment the sins, to tempt such a person to commit as many and as grave sins as possible. The net result will be total SLAVERY. Actually, Jesus affirms the fact that sin is true slavery. Moreover, the slavery and the chains become more powerful. In modern language, the person becomes an ADDICT. The final step of the devil is to dull and erode the conscience so much that such the addict no longer has any remorse of conscience. Pope Pius XII stated on this matter: “The sin of the century is the loss of the sense of sin.” Finally, if such an individual dies in the state of mortal sin without repentance, they lose their soul for all eternity. Sad to say, in our modern age, there are many addicts, but the worst part is that they do not admit their addiction. Indeed, a Doctor can only heal a person who admits they are sick.

THE GOOD SPIRIT.  Now the good spirit, in dealing with the soul of an individual living in a state of serious sin, uses a totally different approach. In silent reflection and by the use of reason, the good spirit will sting their conscience and fill them with remorse. The road to conversion is now underway! It might be compared to having a thorn in your side, or small stone in your sandal, or some dust in your eye. You just have to remove it. So it is with the Holy Spirit. He makes you feel uncomfortable with your conscience, where you are at morally, so that you feel the real need to change. Saint Augustine mentions this in his classic Confessions before his conversion. Associating with a recently converted man to Christianity who was radiating joy, Augustine felt sad because he did not experience that joy. He was on the path to conversion.

RULE TWO: TACTIC OF THE GOOD SPIRIT VS. THE BAD SPIRIT: THE SOUL IN GRACE AND STRIVING FOR HOLINESS.

THE BAD SPIRIT.  In this state of soul, the bad spirit and the good spirit dramatically change tactics. Now the bad spirit strives to harass this soul who is striving for perfection with negative thoughts, often scrupulosity, with the intention of taking away their peace. Saint Ignatius experienced this in Manresa. After he makes a general confession that takes close to four days, and is engaged daily in praying, doing penance, and acts of charity, in sum, striving to really follow the Lord in holiness of life, the devil assaults him with negative thoughts trying to rob him of his peace. Such thoughts as the following. Maybe he did not make a good confession after all? Also, he is praying long hours and practicing extreme penances now, but there is no way that he will be able to persevere in this way of life for years to come. The devil even tempts Ignatius with thoughts against his own life, thoughts of suicide. These are the astute tricks of the devil in this state. The devil tries to fill the road to holiness with pot-holes, ditches, blocks, obstacles, detours, and even flat-tires. He will do all he can to discourage you, so that you give up pursuing holiness of life and return to a sinful life or at least a life of mediocrity. 

THE GOOD SPIRIT.  Quite the contrary is the work and action of the good spirit on the soul who in all sincerity is striving to purge themself of sin and live a life of true holiness. The Holy Spirit, in a certain sense, becomes a cheer-leader—encouraging the soul, sending thoughts and desires of peace, joy, and happiness. The soul experiences the spiritual life with the Lord as marvelous—nothing could be better. The good spirit gives courage and strength, consolation and peace, tears of joy, heavenly inspirations, and removes all obstacles.

What is most obvious is that the spiritual life is a constant battle between the good spirit and the bad spirit; this battle is ongoing and ends only at the moment of death.

RULE THREE: A DESCRIPTIVE RULE OF WHAT SPIRITUAL CONSOLATION IS!

In this Rule Saint Ignatius simply describes in many ways what CONSOLATION consists of. The best way to understand this is to provide an Ignatian list of signs of consolation:

SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL CONSOLATION IN YOUR LIFE:

1.  Your soul is inflamed with love for your Creator.

2.  You love creatures of God only related to the Creator.

3.  Tears moved by the love of God. Why tears?

4.  Tears of sorrow for your sins—true sign of repentance.

5.  Tears being shed when meditating on the Passion and suffering of Jesus.

6.  Tears shed in the praise and service of God.

7.  Increase in the theological virtue of Faith in God.

8.  Increase in the theological virtue of Hope—trust in God.

9.  Growth in the greatest of all the virtues: Charity, supernatural love.

10. JOY in being attracted to what is heavenly.

11. JOY related to the salvation of your soul.

12. PEACE AND QUIET. Furthermore, your soul experiences great peace and quiet in the Lord. Saint Paul says: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7)

All of the above are clears signs of experiencing CONSOLATION. We can pray to the Holy Spirit that we will experience consolation constantly. Even in suffering, it is possible to experience consolation if we are united with Christ. It must be noted that our consolation is in the God of all creation, and not simply in creation separated from God.

RULE FOUR: A DESCRIPTIVE RULE OF WHAT SPIRITUAL DESOLATION IS.

As might be expected, noticing the fact that Ignatius plays on literary contrasts, DESOLATION will be the polar opposite of CONSOLATION. Indeed, this is the case! To make this easy for us, like in the last explanation of the rule, we will simply compose a list of signs of DESOLATION. However, it is very important for us to be able to detect in our souls, and in our lives, whether we are in a state of consolation or desolation. The rules following the signs of desolation, give us concrete practices to undertake so as to claim victory over desolation with the help of God’s grace! 

SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL DESOLATION IN YOUR LIFE:

1. Darkness of soul—imagine being spiritually in a dark tunnel, or dungeon, or cave. There you have it, but within your soul!

2. Turmoil of spirit. This is diametrically opposed to inner peace. To the contrary, all peace is gone.

3. Inclination to what is low and earthly. In other words, drawn to flesh/carnality—the capital sins. As examples, this might be gluttony, lust, laziness—being pulled toward earthly things and base desires.

4. Restlessness. Think of Cain after he killed Abel. He was not at peace in the least. Rather he was a restless, wandering, and forlorn soul.

5. Disturbances. Being pulled in many directions without any goal or purpose in life.

6. Temptations—this is the role of the devil himself! Saint Thomas Aquinas calls the devil exactly that: THE TEMPTER.

7. The three Theological Virtues under attack. In consolation, the theological virtues flourish and grow; not so in desolation: they are under attack and weakened.

8. Lack of FAITH… Faith seems to wane and decline. “What is the purpose of a God-centered life anyway?”

9. Lack of HOPE… A tendency and temptation to simply throw in the towel, to give up. “What’s the use???”

10. Lack of CHARITY… Instead of love for God and neighbor, absorbed in love of self. Instead of Theology, it is Meology!

11. Slothful. The soul is lazy, anemic, lacking in energy to do any kind of good.

12. Tepid. Another word for tepid is LUKEWARM. The Book of Revelation condemns this: “You are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm; I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:16)

13. SAD. No joy whatsoever, lost in the valley of sadness and darkness, gloom and  doom dominate the soul.

14. SEPARATION FROM THE CREATOR. Still more, the soul that is in the state of  desolation seems to be separated from God the Creator. “God, where are you???”

Even though painful to read and study the reality of the state of DESOLATION, it is indispensable in the spiritual life to name it, claim it, and tame it through the grace of God and by following the next rules that Ignatius so wisely lays out for us!

RULE FIVE: IN DESOLATION, NEVER MAKE CHANGES IN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.

Saint Ignatius is very firm and clear in this rule. When you find yourself in the state of DESOLATION, never make any changes in your spiritual life and proposals. Rather, you must remain firm and rock-solid. Why? The reason is very simple: the reality of the DEVIL. When you find yourself immersed in that state of darkness, sadness, and so to speak hopelessness, it is exactly in this state that the devil launches his most powerful weapons. If you give up prayer and your devotional practices, your meditation and examination of conscience, then you are a sitting-duck for the devil’s attacks. Continue praying even when you don’t feel like it; especially when you don’t feel like it! Like good soldiers under attack, you must be firm in not abandoning the fight! Saint Paul invites us to fight the good fight until the end.

RULE SIX. THE RULE OF AGERE CONTRA.

The words in Latin AGERE CONTRA are pure Ignatius! What the words mean are simply this: Do the exact opposite of what the devil is tempting you to do! In other words, you cannot give in to laziness in any size, shape, or form. In this rule Ignatius offers fours specific practices, which we will list:

1. PRAYER.  Do not neglect prayer under any circumstances, but especially when in the state of DESOLATION! Dedicate some time to vocal prayers prayed fervently: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Angel of God, Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love, the Hail Holy Queen… All of these are shields against the enemy.

2. MEDITATION. Also, under no circumstance should your daily meditation be neglected. This could be fatal. If you have the habit of making your daily Holy Hour, as Ven. Fulton Sheen calls it, THE HOUR OF POWER, be diligent and faithful, even add a minute or two, rather than whittle it down by praying less.

3. DAILY EXAMEN. Ignatius insists on the DAILY EXAMEN. However, this is most important in desolation so as to detect the why or the reason for the desolation! By going through your day and actions you might be able to detect some unfaithfulness to the Lord that is bringing on the desolation.

4. SOME SUITABLE PENANCE. Finally, Ignatius recommends some suitable form of penance. Jesus said clearly: “Some devils can be expelled only by prayer and penance.” (Mt 17:21) Giving up a cookie or soda, saying a few extra prayers, praying on your knees, denying a program you like—any of these can serve to help untie the knot of desolation.

Finding yourself in this state of desolation, it is of supreme importance to remember these four practices and the practice of Agree Contra—Act Against, meaning not to follow the devil of laziness and neglect, but be a faithful soldier—vigilant, working, and obedient!  

Tomorrow, we will continue with the Ignatian Rules for Discernment of Spirits!

Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26th  Lk 10: 1-9 GOSPEL FOR SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS  “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

This day honoring Saints Timothy and Titus, traveling companions of St. Paul and early bishops of the Church, brings to mind Jesus’s words: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” Let us appreciate priests and pray for more priests! Today, Fr. Ed opens our minds and our hearts to contemplate the richness of the call of the priest!

SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST & THE PRIESTHOOD by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

On the front cover of the book In Sinu Jesu, Our Lord and Savior Jesus is depicted at the Last Supper. With bread in one hand and the sign of blessing in the other can also be seen an Apostle resting on His shoulder: the person of Saint John the Evangelist. On the table in front of both Jesus and Saint John is a chalice.

This Biblical artistic scene portrays in a graphic version two Sacraments that were instituted in the context of the Last Supper: the Sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist, as well as the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Both are intimately interconnected. Without the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the Holy Eucharist cannot exist. The Cure of Ars expressed this truth more or less in these words: “No priest, no Mass; no Mass, no Consecration; no Consecration, no Real Presence of Jesus; no Real Presence of Jesus, no Holy Communion, and we become spiritual orphans.”

In order for the Church to exist and function fully, the Priesthood is not secondary or an accessory or ornamental, rather, the Priesthood is essential. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all, both laity as well as those endowed with Holy Orders, to pray for more priests, but not simply quantity, rather to pray for holy priests, those endowed with the Sacrament of Holy Orders who are sincerely striving to attain holiness of life.

People depend directly on the grace of God, but the grace of God emanates and pours forth through the vessel of the Priesthood. God can work even through a poor or mediocre priest. However, usually God’s grace manifests its strength and force more abundantly through the priest who is honestly striving on a daily basis for authentic holiness of life.

How could a dump of a place, ransacked and devastated by the French Revolution, be transformed into a community of fervent and saintly people—this place being the little town of Ars? The response is simple and to the point: the holiness of that one priest who begged the Lord to send him any suffering so as the save his Parish and parishioners. That priest was Saint John Marie Vianney—commonly known as the Cure of Ars.

Returning to Saint John the Evangelist, why is it that this saint whose image is depicted on the front cover of the book In Sinu Jesu becomes the entrance gate to what is becoming a modern spiritual classic?

In this book that was written by an Irish Benedictine monk, the person of Saint John the Evangelist returns time and time again. The fundamental reason for the frequent presence of Saint John the Evangelist is this simple reason: Saint John, also nicknamed by Jesus with his brother James as Boanerges—meaning “sons of thunder”, is a model for all priests, as well as Bishops.

Therefore, let us pray fervently for all priests to Jesus the High-priest, to Mary the Mother of priests, but also to Saint John the Evangelist that priests will contemplate and pray to this saint to help them grow in holiness in their vocation and state—that of the holy priesthood.

The following points accentuate and highlight the characteristics of Saint John the Evangelist as model, friend, pattern and intercessor of priests. Even the worst of priests, living in whatever country, situation or social milieu in the world, can still become a super-star priest. This depends on one primary condition: to trust infinitely in the mercy of God and beg the Lord Jesus, Mary and Saint John for a new heart. It is never too late! Saint Paul reminds us: “Where sin abounds, the mercy of God abounds all the more.” (Romans 5:20) Jesus said to Saint Faustina that the worst sinner can become the greatest saint under one condition: INFINITE TRUST IN THE INFINITE MERCY OF GOD!

What then are the characteristics of Saint John the Evangelist as model and pattern for priests? There are many! May priests utilize this for meditation; may lay people use this in their fervent prayers for priests and future priests.

1. CHOSEN.  Saint John the Evangelist was chosen by Jesus Christ to be His follower as a priest—the choice of Jesus Christ, the Model of all priests and the High-priest Himself, who chooses some individuals to follow Him in the priestly vocation. This choice came simply from a pure and gratuitous love that Jesus had for Saint John, as well as for all priests. Of course those who are chosen must say YES to the call. God’s love must be accepted freely and without coercion.

2. JOHN SPENT THE WHOLE AFTERNOON WITH JESUS. (Jn 1:38-39)  In the Gospel of Saint John, the very first chapter after the beautiful Prologue, John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God to two of his disciples—John and Andrew. They follow Jesus and He turns around asking what they are searching for? Then Jesus invites them to spend the afternoon with Him. It all started that day about 4:00 p.m.—as Saint John takes care to point out—a critical hour that radically changed their lives. Like John, the priest must have experienced that special day, that hour, that precise moment when Jesus became real to him. That precise moment was that moment of grace when, like John the Evangelist, the priest became convinced of the personal love that Jesus has for him.

3. FROM FISHERS IN LAKE GALILEE TO FISHERS OF MEN.  Jesus was preaching on the shore of Lake Galilee, then in the boat of Peter to the multitude that stood on the shore. The preaching finished, Jesus told Peter to go out into the deep and drop the nets. Obedient to the command of the Master, Peter dropped the nets and caught so many fish that he had to summon James and John to help haul the fish to the shore. Then Jesus gave the definite call: “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be fishers of men.” At that moment, Peter, James and John left all to follow Jesus. Like Saint John, in this also critical moment the priest must learn the true freedom that comes from leaving all to follow Christ. Money, possessions, power, fame, material goods—all are freely surrendered for something much greater: a dynamic and deep Friendship with Jesus. Indeed, in having Jesus as the center of their lives, they have all. The priest who focuses upon Christ as the center of his whole existence will experience a perpetual state of joy in the depths of his soul.

4. THE TRANSFIGURATION EXPERIENCE.  Peter, James and John were privileged in experiencing a foretaste of Heaven. On the top of Mount Tabor, bathed and transfigured in light, Jesus spoke freely with Moses and Elijah. Then the voice of God the Father could be clearly heard: “This is my Beloved Son—listen to Him.” (Mt 17:5) Jesus was encouraging His three best friends with a foretaste of Heavenly glory. The priest lives on earth, but with his mind and heart directed to the glory of Heaven. The virtue of hope will buoy the priest above and beyond the daily trials and crosses that are part and parcel of following Christ.

5. BOANERGES—SONS OF THUNDER.  In a very loving, kind and charming manner, Jesus gave two of His best friends, James and John, a nickname—Boanerges, meaning Sons of thunder!!! The priest should be a son of thunder in that he should thunder against sin, and have a roaring thunder and fire in his heart for love of Jesus! The Lord Jesus Himself declared: “I have come to cast fire on the earth and I am not at peace until that fire be enkindled.” (Lk 12:49)

6. THE LAST SUPPER: JOHN RESTS ON THE HEART OF JESUS.  One of the patron saints for the Sacred Heart of Jesus is none other than Saint John the Evangelist. Why? One of the primary reasons is that there at the Last Supper, Saint John leaned over to rest his head on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. John listened to Jesus’ heartbeats of love. Every priest is summoned to draw close to Christ and to rest on His Sacred Heart. Jesus invites: “Come to me all of you and I will give you rest; for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30) Like John, may the priest find rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus—his true refuge and haven against the storms of life.

7. AT PRAYER, JOHN FALLS ASLEEP.  It is a Biblical-Gospel truth: John fell asleep when Jesus really needed his prayer and friendship. John was not perfect! There is the perennial danger for all Catholics—and this does include the priest—of falling asleep in prayer when we should be wide awake and vigilant. The primary reason for the fall of a priest is precisely this: lack of prayer and lack of fervent prayer. Indeed, prayer is truly Friendship with Jesus. May priests learn the art of praying even in the difficult moments of desolation. Indeed the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

8. AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS.  There at the foot of the cross on Calvary that first Good Friday were present three of Jesus’ best of friends: The Magdalene, John the Evangelist, and Jesus’ Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows. Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen depicts the three as representing three different styles of life: Mary Magdalene represents the true Penitent—the sinner repentant and sorrowful for the sins of their past. Our Lady represents total Innocence—the Immaculate one. Saint John, according to Sheen, represents the Priesthood. Quite understandable given that John stands under the cross, as it were offering Jesus, the Innocent Victim, to God the Father for the salvation of the world. Every Mass that is offered, in any time or place, the priest transports back to Calvary with Jesus hanging on the cross. The fruits of Calvary and the Mass are timeless and infinite!

9. JESUS: MARY AND SAINT JOHN.  From the pulpit of the cross, Jesus delivers His last and greatest sermon. These would be His famous “Seven Last Words…”. One of these words or short phrases was directed at His Mother Mary and His Beloved Disciple, Saint John.  Jesus said: “Woman behold thy son; son behold thy Mother; then the beloved disciple took Mary into his home.” (Jn 19:26-27) Like Saint John, the Beloved disciple and Apostle, every priest must invite Mary into his home. By home, in a spiritual but a very profound sense, is meant their very heart. John invited Mary into his heart to be his loving Mother forever. Every successful man must have a woman behind him. In the case of the priest that woman is the Blessed Virgin Mary—his loving and tender Heavenly Mother.

10. HIS HEART WAS PIERCED WITH THE LANCE: BLOOD AND WATER CAME GUSHING FORTH.  After Jesus breathed forth his last, the soldier came and pierced His side with the lance; then Blood and water came gushing forth. Saint John was an eye-witness of this heart-rending event. The Church teaches that the Blood and water symbolize the Church and its Sacramental life. Most specifically, the Blood and water symbolize Baptism and Confession (the water), and the most Holy Eucharist (the Blood). The priest must be motivated with great love to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Also, the priest should have a great desire to bring back wandering souls to Jesus the Good Shepherd by means of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Our prayer, desire and hope is that Saint John the Evangelist, presented as a model for priests in In Sinu Jesus, will serve as a model and pattern for every priest to meditate upon, pray over and imitate. More than anything else, Saint John allowed the love of Jesus to penetrate his whole being, to the very fiber of his being. For Saint John, and hopefully for every priest, Jesus is the end all, the alpha and omega, the Principle and Foundation of his existence. For Saint John, Jesus was His Lord and God, His Master and Teacher, His Redeemer and Savior, and most especially, His Best Friend. May all priests take Saint John as a model priest on which to pattern the essence of their priestly life. Indeed, Jesus is and always will be the BEST OF FRIENDS WHO WILL NEVER FAIL US!!!

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25th    Mk 16:15-18   CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE   Alleluia Verse: “I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.”

Today we honor the conversion of the great Saint Paul, formerly Saul. Perhaps we were formerly someone else, too, before we belonged to Christ. Today, Fr. Ed helps us honor our brother in Christ, Saint Paul, by exhorting us to persevere!

HAVE PERSEVERANCE IN YOUR RACE TO HEAVEN by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

There is a fabulous scene in the movie-classic Chariots of Fire, where the hero of the film, Eric Liddell, is running the 400 against another three sprinters. Almost at the start of the race, the runner next to Liddell elbows him. Cascading to the ground, Liddle raises his gaze contemplating the runner’s kick up dust.

There are two options: either throw in the towel and call it quits, or spring to his feet, gun it, and go for the victory. Liddell chose the latter. With all the energy in every fiber of his strong athletic body, Liddell pours it on. Passing one, he then passes another, but the runner that knocked him to the ground stills has the lead. Not for long!

Eric Liddell gives it one last burst of tremendous effort and he breaks through the finish line, winning by a split-second, before collapsing and plunging to the ground. Panting and panting like a fish out of water, his opponent vanquished, the victory is won by Eric Liddell.

One trainer commented: “It was not the prettiest victory, but it was certainly the most valiant, the most courageous.” Against all odds, through sheer determination, willpower, and guts, Eric Liddell won the 400 and eventually would win the Gold Medal for the 400 in the Olympic Games in France at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Our Race for Salvation

Brought up and raised in the social milieu and cultural context of the Greek Olympic Games, Saint Paul with a certain frequency alludes to athletic feats or events related to sports competition. The two most common sports competitions mentioned by the Apostle to the Gentiles would first be that of boxing—we are called to fight the good fight; and then the race and marathon.

Saint Paul challenges us to run the good race and receive the merited crown awaiting the victor.

In another passage Paul encourages the followers of Christ to strive not for a crown that perishes, but the crown that will last for eternal life. Earthly victory and gain is like a laurel wreath placed on our head; it will soon dry up, wither and perish. Our eternal crown in heaven will never perish but will shine forever!

Theologian and Doctor of the Church, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, asserts: “The grace of all graces is to die in the state of grace.” If we can appreciate grace, live in the state of grace, grow in grace, and end our race on earth in the state of grace, then we shall be gifted with our eternal salvation.

Indeed, on a daily basis we should implore, beg, supplicate the Lord Jesus, His Heavenly Mother Mary, the angels and saints for the grace of all graces—to die in the state of grace. No greater grace exists in the world! We must beg this for ourselves, our family, our loved ones and for the whole world.

Lord, grant us this grace of all graces!

Therefore, we would like to warmly exhort each of you to undertake these five specific practices so that all can attain the grace of all graces—to die in the state of grace and attain eternal salvation!

1. Live Each Day As if It Were Your Last

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ never promised us another year, another month, another week, another day, another hour, nor even another second. The life we live and the moment we die is uncertain. We might live another 25 years, but we might live another 25 seconds. This depends on the mysterious designs of God.

2. Immediately Exit From Mortal Sin

If your house were on fire at night, obviously you would not wait until dawn to call the firefighters! In mortal sin, our spiritual house is on fire and we should extinguish the flames first by making a Perfect Act of Contrition immediately, and then by having recourse to Sacramental Confession as soon as possible. Do not play Russian-Roulette with your eternal salvation!

3. Fervent, Frequent and Fiery Communions

As often as possible attend Holy Mass. In the state of grace, receive Jesus in Holy Communion with great fervor. Receive the Eucharistic Lord Jesus as if it were your First Holy Communion, your Last Holy Communion, and your Only Holy Communion. The Lord wants fervor and love in your receptions!

4. Do What You Are Doing for God Alone

The secret of the saints is living out what we sometimes call The Sacrament of the Present Moment. Meaning this: live each day, hour and minute of your day intending to please God and praise God while you save and sanctify souls, your own and others. Purity of intention in all that we say and do is very important for God and for growing in holiness of life. Saint Paul asserts: “Whether you eat or drink, do all for the honor and glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31) Saint Ignatius’ theme is the four letters: A.M.D.G.—All for the greatest glory of God! St. Therese expresses this well: “Holiness does not depend on doing big things but on doing the ordinary things of daily life with extraordinary love.”

5. The Hail Mary and the Holy Rosary

Finally, as a sure anchor for our eternal salvation, we turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As we pray in the Memorare: “Never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection was left unaided.” The Hail Mary can be a prayer of untold value to attain the grace to die in the state of grace and attain our eternal salvation. Better yet, pray the Hail Mary fifty or more times; we call it the most Holy Rosary.

If we can pray this powerful weapon daily, praying fervently: “pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death”, no doubt the Blessed Virgin Mary will be present in our last and dying moments praying fervently for our soul and help us to repent of our sins, trust in God’s mercy, and end by loving God. Then Heaven will be ours—the grace of all graces will be ours!