Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

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

FRIDAY, June 24th   Lk: 15: 3-7   SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS   Alleluia Verse: “I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.”

Part I: Commentary on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Part II: Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

SACRED HEART OF JESUS, BURNING FURNACE OF CHARITY by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Mt 26:26-38)

May is the month of Mary; July is the month of the Precious Blood of Jesus; October is the month of the Most Holy Rosary; November, traditionally, we pray for the dead. Finally, our focal point of this essay, is who we honor in the most special way in the month of June, and that is The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We will encourage our readers to cultivate a deeper devotion to the most Sacred of Jesus by offering ten concrete suggestions. The clearest and most tangible symbol of God’s love for us is the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Burning Furnace of Charity. Draw close with great confidence and allow His Sacred Heart burning with love for you to set your heart on fire with love for Him and for the salvation of the whole world!

1. BIBLE RESOURCES.  First and foremost, we should be keenly aware of the many passages where we can encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Bible, the Word of God. A few passages that can encourage your meditation:

a) Lk 1: 26-38. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus was being formed in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the course of her pregnancy, which lasted about nine months. By honoring the most pure womb of Mary we are indirectly honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus and promoting respect for human life from conception until natural death.

b) Mt 11: 28-30. Jesus Himself describes His own Heart with two words: meek and humble. Let us often pray this short prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: “Jesus meek and humble of Heart make my heart like unto thine.”

c) Mt 26: 26-28. THE LAST SUPPER. It was at the Last Supper that Jesus instituted the most Holy Eucharist which is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Of course, the noblest organ in the human person is the heart. Therefore, when we receive Holy Communion, we also receive the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In a real sense, we can assert that every time we receive Holy Communion we receive a HEART TRANSPLANT!!!

d) Jn 19: 34. THE PIERCING OF THE SACRED HEART. After Jesus died, breathing forth His spirit into the hands of the eternal Father, the soldier with the lance, thrust the sword which pierced the side and Heart of Jesus, the Savior. From His open side and open Heart came gushing forth both blood and water. The waters of Baptism and Confession—forgiveness for our sins. The blood of the Most Holy Eucharist!

Utilize the above four Gospel passages pointing to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus for your meditation and contemplation. Dig deep into the treasures of Sacred Scripture in which we can encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Read each passage, savor each passage, how does each passage speak to you?

2. IMAGE AND ENTHRONEMENT. A practice most pleasing to God is purchasing an attractive image of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus and enthroning this image in a prominent place in your home. By doing this you are stating publicly that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Lord Jesus is the Heart and center of your home and family.

3. FORMAL ENTHRONEMENT. Invite a priest into your home with the Book of Blessings in which he can formally bless your home by enthroning the image of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The ritual consists of a Biblical passage, prayers, the use of holy water and the formal enthronement prayer. Enormous blessings flow from honoring the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially by means of a formal enthronement.

4. THE LITANY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Get in the habit of praying the Litany of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The mystical, Biblical, and poetic beauty of this Litany indeed is most inspiring and uplifting to our spiritual life. Perhaps pray it every Friday, the day we honor the Passion and Death of Our Lord and Savior.

5. VISIT THE BLESSED SACRAMENT AND ADORE. When you go to visit the Blessed Sacrament in the Church—exposed or in the Tabernacle—then you are truly visiting the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint Pope John Paul II asserted that the Tabernacle is indeed the living Heartbeat of the Catholic Church. The more people visiting the Blessed Sacrament—the most Sacred Heart of Jesus—the healthier that Parish is!

6. HOLY COMMUNION: THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. As mentioned earlier, Holy Communion is the total Christ. Therefore, we receive in Holy Communion the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Receive Jesus often, but never in a routine or mechanical fashion, rather with burning love and devotion!

7. JUNE: THE MONTH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. We should honor, praise, and worship the most Sacred Heart of Jesus always. However, the month of June is the month most specifically dedicated to honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you!

8. SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Within the context of the month of June the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This sublime and glorious Solemnity is celebrated on the Friday after the Sunday in which Corpus Christi is celebrated. On this day, in Holy Mass, we thank God for His infinite love that He has given to us in the Person of Jesus, but most especially in His Most Sacred Heart. As we contemplate the open Sacred Heart of Jesus pierced with the lance on Good Friday, we come to a keen awareness of how much Jesus really loves each and every one of us, having died for us and allowing His Sacred Heart to be pierced for us.

9. IMITATE THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Knowledge generates love, love generates imitation, and imitation eventually generates transformation. Saint Paul could assert with utmost sincerity: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20) The virtues manifested in the Sacred Heart of Jesus are many: humility, compassion, patience, courage, purity, obedience, penance, meekness, and most especially that of charity—supernatural love. By striving to imitate these virtues, you will most surely be on the highway to holiness and the highway to heaven.

10. SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY.  It would be incomplete if we did not encourage all of those growing in love for the most Sacred Heart of Jesus to cultivate devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. As stated at the start of this essay, the most Sacred Heart of Jesus was formed in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary for nine months. For this reason, why not enthrone the most Sacred Heart of Jesus in union with enthronement of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; they are indeed inseparable!

In conclusion, as we struggle in our daily pilgrimage towards heaven in this valley of tears, in this spiritual war-zone, striving to carry our cross and burdens patiently, let us seek refuge frequently in the Immaculate Heart of Mary and in the Sacred Heart of Jesus—the two most safe refuges! Trustfully heed the words that issued from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Mt 26: 26-38) If we seek refuge in His Sacred Heart in life, then we will be able to rest on His Sacred Heart in heaven for all eternity!

LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

In 1899 Pope Leo XIII approved this Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for public use. A total of 33 invocations, one for each year of life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us. Christ graciously hear us.

R. Have mercy on us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the Virgin Mother by the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.                                                                                       

Heart of Jesus, united substantially with the word of God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Divinity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, whom we have all received, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, rich to all who invoke Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, saturated with revilings, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, crushed for our iniquities, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, made obedient unto death, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Christ graciously spare us.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart. R. Make our hearts like unto Thine.

Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son and upon the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders unto Thee in the name of sinners; and do Thou, in Thy great goodness, grant pardon to them who seek Thy mercy, in the name of the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You, world without end. Amen.

Vigil Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 

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

THURSDAY, June 23rd  Lk: 1: 57-66, 80  Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist 

“They were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, ‘No. He will be called John.’ So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, ‘John is his name,’ and all were amazed.”

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST POINTS THE WAY TO CHRIST! A GLORIOUS EXAMPLE WORTHY OF IMITATION!!! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

“I am the voice crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.’” Again: “I am not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Great Prophet.” Then, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” And, “I am not even worthy to unfasten his sandal-straps.” All of these expressions resound from the voice and heart of the same person: SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST! Speaking of this person, Jesus exalts him to a sublime degree: “Of all men born of women, none is greater than John the Baptist.”

The lessons that the great Saint John the Baptist can teach us are many. These lessons in virtue can easily motivate all of us, in this precise moment, to abandon a life of sin or mediocrity and pursue a life of heroic virtue, to pursue a life of great holiness. Chapter V of the Dogmatic Constitution of Vatican II Lumen Gentium commands us to holiness of life. This chapter is the Universal Call to Holiness. Jesus stated it succinctly and unequivocally: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt 5:48)

Therefore, let us learn from the person of the great Saint John the Baptist to abandon a life of tepidity, lukewarmness and apathy and allow the fire of the Holy Spirit, and the example and prayers of Saint John the Baptist, to ignite an ardent flame within us.

1. MARY AND SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST.

There is an intimate connection and bond of holiness between Mary and Saint John the Baptist. Mary visited John when he was still in the womb of his mother, Saint Elizabeth. Mary’s word, and the silent presence of Jesus in her womb, caused John the Baptist to leap for joy in the womb of his mother and be filled with the Holy Spirit, resulting in his sanctification. Our Lady’s presence and word can also sanctify each and every one of us. Stay close to Mary!

2. THE PRO-LIFE SAINT.

In a world characterized by loss of respect for life from the moment of conception until natural death, it is worthy of note that the parents of John welcomed him in their old age. Beyond the normal age of child-bearing, Elizabeth said YES to life and brought forth Saint John the Baptist. Every child in the womb is precious and a true gift from God, endowed with a special mission.

3. DESERT-EXPERIENCE.

Saint John the Baptist did not launch himself into a flurry of activity right away, nor did Jesus! Jesus spent His formative years in the family of Nazareth. According to tradition, Saint John the Baptist spent long years in the desert preparing himself for his great mission. He was called to prepare the way of the Lord, but he first had to prepare himself. How important the lesson of the Baptist for us! To be successful Apostles we must prepare ourselves by means of prayer, penance, and self-discipline. The more exact and demanding the preparation, the more abundant the apostolic fruits!

4. SILENCE. 

In the desert, far distant from noise and clatter, and the cacophony of strident protests, the Baptist settled in silence, propitious for listening attentively to the Word of God. What a powerful lesson. Pope Benedict XVI, speaking to seminarians in New York, commented on how difficult it is today to hear the voice of the Lord because of the reality of being bombarded by so many alien noises. May Saint John the Baptist help us to cherish silence! “Speak, O Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Sam 3:10)

5. PENANCE. 

To soar to the heights in the spiritual life like an eagle, we need two wings: the wings of prayer and penance. In a world imbued with hedonism, sensuality, gluttony, drinking bouts, and the philosophy of pleasure, the lifestyle of the Baptist is a countersign and very counter-cultural! No elegant, gourmet dining for the Baptist! Quite the contrary, his nourishment was locusts and wild honey, being fed from God’s gratuitous gifts of nature.

6. A SIMPLE, FRUGAL LIFE-STYLE. 

How much time, energy, and money are wasted on luxurious buying and having related to wardrobe. Saint John the Baptist challenges us to look deeply into our own buying and having with respect to our wardrobe and dress! How did the Baptist dress? Quite simply: he donned a camel’s fur garment and wore a leather belt around his waist. He had no need for a closet to store extra clothing! Let’s examine our wardrobe and buying sprees from the perspective of the Baptist.

7. HIS PREACHING STYLE AND METHOD. 

The preaching style of the Baptist and his message were simple, direct, and to the point. He did not mince nor waste words. The very essence of his preaching could be summarized in one simple word: CONVERSION!!! Very similar to the first preaching of Jesus: “Be converted; the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mk 1:15)

8. HIS DISCIPLES.

A very interesting note is that of John’s close disciples; who were they? Actually, some of the Apostles that Jesus chose were already being formed and taught by Saint John the Baptist. Among these were Saint John the Evangelist, as well as Saint Andrew. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus saying, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (Jn 1:35) Hearing this, John and Andrew left the Baptist to follow Jesus. (Jn 1:36-38) What profound humility in the Baptist, allowing his disciples and friends to leave him so that they could follow in the company of Jesus! The Baptist considered himself a mere sign—paving the way and pointing to Jesus! What an example for us!

9. HIS MISSION. 

Saint John the Baptist had no identity-crisis. He knew with utmost clarity who he was, where he was called to be, and exactly what his mission entailed. Baptisms! The latter part of his life, he was called to the Jordan River where he would first summon the people to a life of conversion and then he would baptize them. A culminating moment in John’s life is when Jesus enters the scene at the Jordan River and asks to be baptized by John the Baptist. Despite his feelings of unworthiness, the Baptist humbly submits to the request of Jesus and he baptizes the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. In this moment the profound mystery of the Blessed Trinity becomes manifest. The voice of God the Father is heard, Jesus enters into the waters thereby sanctifying all future waters used to baptize, and the Holy Spirit becomes manifest in the presence of the Dove.

10. HIS GLORIOUS GRAND FINALE! 

The Grand Finale of the life of SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST was his glorious death. He was martyred. The primary reason for the glorious death of Saint John the Baptist was his courage in denouncing publicly the adulterous, incestuous and scandalous actions of King Herod. The cowardly and wicked king had actually taken the wife of his brother, Philip, and made her his own. The Kingdom was muted, but not John the Baptist. He raised a clarion voice of denunciation: “It is not right for you to live with her!” (Mt 14:4) For this, John was incarcerated. On the occasion of the birthday of the wicked King and a lascivious dance by his step-daughter, Herod made a rash promise to give the girl whatever she asked for. Her mother, filled with hatred for John, promptly told her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. King Herod sent executioners to the prison and John was decapitated. This great saint died to defend the indissoluble character of Holy Matrimony and the evil of divorce and adultery. He lost his physical life but gained Heaven for all eternity!

His miraculous conception—his mother being beyond childbearing age, his prayerful and penitential preparation in the desert, and a life spent calling for repentance and conversion of life, ultimately leading to the glorious death of Saint John the Baptist, can most splendidly serve as a model for all of us who yearn for a life of authentic holiness. May we ardently desire to live out his virtues: prayer, penance, silence, humility, detachment, mission, love for Jesus, love for the truth, and undaunted courage to face evil and deceit with a willingness to die for the truth, should the Lord give us the grace! Great and Glorious Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

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

WEDNESDAY, June 22nd   Mt 7: 15-20   Jesus said: “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”

What about us? What is our good fruit? Fr. Ed presents a meditation on the Beatitudes as the good fruit we are to embrace and live out, quoting Saint John Paul II: “The Beatitudes are a mirror into the Heart of Jesus.”  

THE BEATITUDES: ATTITUDES OF THE HEART OF JESUS by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

THE PREACHING OF JESUS AT HIS BEST.  Our meditation/contemplation will be on the preaching of Jesus. In fact we might even present as the heart of His preaching, the Sermon on the Mount, which can be found in the Gospel of Saint Matthew, Chapters 5, 6, and 7. However, the focus of this meditation is Jesus’ preaching of the EIGHT BEATITUDES and their promises. (Mt 5:1-12) Pope Saint John Paul II stated: “The Beatitudes are a mirror into the Heart of Jesus.” If we sincerely want to have a glimpse into the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His most sublime virtues, then enter into the Beatitudes. That will be our meditation, our contemplation, and our challenge—to really get to know Jesus more intimately, love Him more ardently, be motivated to follow Him more closely, and bring others to Him. And last, but by no means least, to become like Him. Until in the words of Saint Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20)

FIRST BEATITUDE: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus lived what He preached starting out with this first Beatitude. Jesus was rejected before He was born – “there was no room for them at the inn”. (Lk 2:7) He was born in a poor stable in Bethlehem. He worked a hard and demanding job as a Carpenter. Once He left home, He had no fixed abode as He Himself said: “The foxes have their holes and the birds of the air have their nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Lk 9:58) For three years Jesus lived relying and depending totally on the Father’s Divine and Providential care. He died rejected on the cross, stripped of His garments and of His dignity. Finally, He was buried in a borrowed tomb. Jesus truly lived poverty, detachment, and total trust in God.

What about us? Are we attached to persons, places, things, opinions, circumstances, even our own way of thinking and mode of living? Have we become a slave of things? Have we allowed our possessions to possess us? Let us examine our life and pray over this Beatitude!  May this become our prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me the grace to cling only to you!”  

SECOND BEATITUDE: “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Three times we see Jesus weeping in His Public life. First, over the city of Jerusalem: “How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing.” (Mt 23:37) Second, at the death of His friend Lazarus with Mary and Martha present: “Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’” (Jn 11:35-36) Third, in the Garden of Gethsemane, entering into His Passion. This is recounted in the Letter to the Hebrews: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death.” (Heb 5:7)

What profit can be derived from weeping? In our case we should weep for our many sins, the sins of our children and family, as well as for the sins of the world at large. Our Lady of La Salette (France) wept for the sins of the people. Our Lady of Syracuse (Sicily) and Our Lady of Akita (Japan) wept tears of blood for the sins of the people. Saint Monica wept profuse tears for the conversion of her wayward son, Augustine, who became the great Saint and Doctor of the Church—Saint Augustine.

Therefore, pray over this Beatitude and weep, most especially for our own personal sins and those of our family, but also for the sins of the world. “Be converted, because the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mk 1:15)

THIRD BEATITUDE: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the land.” 

Meekness is not weakness, but rather powerful emotion under control. Often meekness is translated or understood as the virtue, so necessary, of PATIENCE!!! Once again we contemplate the infinite patience of Jesus at all times and places. His patience with His faulty and flawed Apostles. His patience with the Pharisees constantly attacking Him. His patience with the many sinners who came to Him. Most especially, His patience in His Passion. His patience carrying the cross—now stumbling and falling, now getting up again. His patience and mercy toward His enemies: “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34) 

Let us contemplate Jesus and beg for true meekness of heart with this prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.” Let us pray for patience with God and His dealings with us; patience with others, especially our family members; and patience with ourselves. Most important, let us never give into discouragement. When we fall, get up! Nunc Coepi—Now I begin. “Even if I should fall a thousand times a day, a thousand times I will get up again and say Nunc Cœpi–Now I begin.” (Ven. Bruno Lanteri, Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary)

FOURTH BEATITUDE:  “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness or holiness, for they will be satisfied.”

Jesus is the model of holiness—meaning, the whole life of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was resplendent and perfect in holiness—a model for us to follow, to imitate. Jesus wants us to be holy, to become a great saint! Later, Jesus issues an imperative command: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt 5:48) What Jesus commands us to do, He will give the grace and power to carry out.

But first we must beg fervently, frequently, and full of faith for the grace to be holy. Then in all of our words, actions, and intentions may we have Jesus always before our eyes. One of the most famous books ever written is precisely that: The Imitation of Christ!!! Beg for the grace to live out this wonderful but challenging Beatitude. May the prayer of the Psalmist be yours and mine: “As the deer yearns for running streams, so my soul longs for you, O Lord my God.” (Ps 42:1) May we hunger and thirst for God and for holiness above any other person, place or thing in our lives!!!

FIFTH BEATITUDE:  “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Once again, Jesus is our sublime and supreme model in His preaching and life-style.

A few of Jesus’ teachings on the importance of mercy:

+ “Be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful.” (Lk 6:36)

+ “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (The Our Father)

+ “I tell you, anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Leave your gift at the altar and be reconciled with your brother, then offer your gift.” (Mt 5:22-23)

+ “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34 – from the cross)

Of course the most sublime example of mercy shown by Jesus, as mentioned above, was when He hung from the cross, basically an open, gaping wound: “Father forgive, them for they know not what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34) Scourged, crowned with thorns, spat upon, insulted, abandoned by His friends, and seemingly by His Heavenly Father, what does Jesus do? He forgives them from the depths of His Pierced Heart! What a sublime example of love, compassion, forgiveness, and especially the BEATITUDE of MERCY!!!

Our life and Mercy. Let each one of us dig into the depths of our heart and be sincere, honest and transparent. How many times in our life have we been willing to forgive??? Let us beg now for the grace to forgive all those who have hurt us, and especially beg for the grace to reject resentment and hard feelings that militate against living out this Beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” Saint Ignatius gives us the secret to achieve this: Agere Contra, meaning act against. Act against our resentment and hard feelings by praying daily for the persons who have hurt us in our life, even when we don’t feel like it! This is not hypocrisy, this is heroic virtue. God’s grace will do the rest! And the person God sets free, will be each one of us!

SIXTH BEATITUDE: “Blessed are the clean of heart (pure of heart) for they will see God.”

A most challenging virtue and disposition of heart and soul to live. Jesus is our model always and at all times! Jesus’ eyes, mind, heart, soul, body, and even His intentions were always most pure, and focused on the Face of the Eternal Father. The will of Jesus was to carry out the will of His Heavenly Father. Our Lady of Fatima said with sadness that most souls are lost as a result of impurity—breaking the 6th and 9th Commandments. Let us look into our inner being, our life past and present, and humbly beg for purity. Beg for purity of eyes, ears, body, mind, heart, soul, and even purity of intention. In the words of Saint Paul: “Whether you eat or drink do all for the honor and glory of God.” (1Cor 10:31) Call to mind the motto of Saint Ignatius in the Spiritual Exercises: A.M.D.G.—All for the honor and glory of God. Finally, in the words of Saint Paul again: “You have been redeemed by the Blood of Jesus; therefore, glorify God in your bodies!” (1 Cor 6:20)

Our bodies are Temples of the living God! May we use them in all times and places to glorify God. In closing, let us turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary and consecrate ourselves to her most pure and Immaculate Heart: “Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation!” Take the thorns from her Heart and instead crown her Heart with beautiful roses—the rose petals of our purity of heart, mind, body, and soul!!!

SEVENTH BEATITUDE: “Blessed are the peace-makers for they will be called the children of God.”

Lift your eyes to Jesus and beg for the grace to live out this Beatitude that refers to peace! The Prophet Isaiah called Jesus the Prince of Peace. Jesus would greet the Apostles with the word: SHALOM meaning—PEACE BE WITH YOU! Upon the birth of Jesus, the angelic choir sang: “Glory to God in the highest and peace to people of good will.” (Lk 2:13-14) Upon appearing to the Apostles in the Upper Room that first Easter Sunday night, Jesus addressed the Apostles in these words: “‘Shalom! As the Father sends me so I send you.’ And He breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you forgive, they will be forgiven, and whose sins you hold bound, they will be held bound.’” (Jn 20:21-23)

A key Sacramental interpretation of this beatitude is the following: to be a true peace-maker, we must first be at peace with God by renouncing sin and our sinful patterns. For we will never be at peace with others while we are at war with God and within ourselves! How can this be done? Most clearly by forming the habit of frequent, well-prepared, and well-made Sacramental Confessions. What beautiful and consoling words from the priest: “I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Your sins are forgiven, go in PEACE!” Let us meditate upon this Beatitude and examine our habit of Confession and the quality of our confessions. Likely there is room for improvement! May Our Lady, Queen of Peace, come to our aid!

EIGHTH BEATITUDE: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”

Once again, not only did Jesus teach this Beatitude but He lived it to the highest degree of perfection. After being persecuted in His public life, Jesus endured His most bitter Passion, suffering, and death on the cross. This is a most sublime teaching on the Beatitude on Persecution. As the Acts of the Apostles states: “Jesus went about doing good.” (Acts 10:38) Despite His kindness and all the good He did—His love for the poor, the sick, the suffering, the marginalized, those forgotten and neglected, even the little children, the orphans and widows, and forgiving penitents—Jesus was nailed to the cross.

Therefore, if we really live out the first Seven Beatitudes, our reward is the Eighth: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” Indeed, if we are really and truly living out the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then we will experience some form of persecution. It might be at work, or in our extended family, or even in our immediate family, maybe even from our spouse and children. Jesus said that He did not come to bring peace but war, especially in the family. Family members will be divided because of their allegiance and love for Jesus the Lord. We cannot serve money and God, nor the world and God. They are diametrically opposed. Jesus must be our alpha and omega, our beginning and end, our principle and foundation, our purpose and meaning in life. Jesus has to be the ardent and constant desire of our heart. Who were those who really lived out this last Beatitude to the highest degree? Obviously this would be the class that we call the MARTYRS—a word meaning witness. They gave the most eloquent witness to their love for the Lord Jesus by imitating Jesus in shedding their blood for Him! “No greater love exists than to give one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15:30)

CONCLUSION

May this serious and deep meditation on the Beatitudes spur you on with every fiber of your being to get to know Jesus more fully, love Him more ardently, and follow Him more closely, so as to bring others to Him more frequently, and live out the words of Saint Paul related to our transformation in Christ: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20)

Biographical notes: Pope Francis in Gaudete et Exultate has left an excellent commentary on the Beatitudes, Chapter Three, Numbers 63-109. Also, the modern author, preacher and Retreat Director, Jacques Phillipe, has written a book on the Beatitudes. Great resources for our spiritual life and growth!

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious

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

TUESDAY, June 21st   Mt 7: 6, 12-14   Jesus said: “Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

BECOME A SOLID BRIDGE TO HEAVEN: HELP SOULS TO ATTAIN A HOLY AND HAPPY DEATH! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Saint Thomas Aquinas offers us this succinct definition for charity (which by the way means supernatural love); charity is to will the good of the other. What then would be the absolute greatest good for the other?

In the eyes of God, with regard to the human person, the greatest good that a human person can attain is the salvation of their immortal soul. Jesus expressed this truth with brilliant clarity in these unequivocal words: “What would it profit a man if he were to gain the whole world and at the same time lose his soul. What can a man give in exchange for his immortal soul?” (Mt: 16:26)

There are only two ways, two paths, two eternal destinies, and no more! Jesus says that the way that leads to destruction is wide and there are many who choose it. Jesus continues saying that the road that leads to eternal life is narrow and few that choose such a path—for this is the Way of the cross. It is the Good Friday that leads to the glory of the Resurrection. In a word, either we choose the narrow way of the cross and follow Jesus unreservedly and so attain heaven; or we choose the broad path of ease, comfort, luxury, pleasure and sin, and we lose our soul in the eternal flames, and this is forever.

The huge mass of humanity lives for the world, for its glamour, pleasure, power and fame. Their eyes are fixed only on what this world has to offer. Very few indeed have their eyes lifted on high to the reality of Heaven. All too few give much care or concern for their eternal destiny. The biggest tragedy in the world is to throw away one’s eternal salvation. But how true the words of Jesus: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” (Mk 8:36)

This being the present state of affairs, let us prayerfully meditate upon the eternal Truths, of the reality of death, judgment, heaven, hell and also of capital importance, eternity—meaning forever and ever and ever. But let us strive to do all we possibly can to become a solid bridge by which many can cross from this life to Heaven to be with the Lord Jesus, His Mother, the angels and the saints for all eternity. Indeed, what are practical steps we can take to help those who are on the highway to hell, to reach heaven?

1. PRAYER. Saint Alphonsus Maria Liguori stated point blank the indispensable necessity of prayer for our eternal salvation in these words that are cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “He who prays much will be saved; he who does not pray will be damned.” A powerful Biblical example that illustrates this truth are the two men who were hanging on crosses between Jesus on the cross at Calvary that First Good Friday—the two thieves. One was lost; the other saved. The Good thief was saved precisely because he prayed at the end of his life. Prayer is talking to Jesus. The Good thief talked to Jesus and begged for mercy. Jesus responded immediately with these consoling and comforting words: “Amen, amen, I say to you: today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk 23:43) A few but fervent prayers saved a thief on the cross, and Archbishop Fulton Sheen quipped: “And he died a thief because he stole heaven.”

2. MEDITATE ON THE SHORTNESS OF LIFE. To the many who have drifted into no man’s land—The Waste Land of T.S. Eliot, that is to say into disbelief, doubt and skepticism, remind them of how short and uncertain life really is. The Psalmist reminds us of this truth: “Our life is like the flower of the field that raises its head in the morning but withers and dies as the sun goes down.” (Ps 103:15-16) Saint Augustine comments on the ephemeral and transitory character of human life with these penetrating words: “Our life in comparison with eternity is a mere blink of the eye.” Saint James adds: “Our life is like a puff of smoke that appears and then is gone.” (Jas 4:14)

3. UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE. Not only is human life a blink of the eye, a puff of smoke in comparison to eternity, but also, all human life is precarious, uncertain, and subject to change, and that means death. On almost a daily basis we are exposed to untimely deaths: internationally, nationally, locally, and even on a personal or family basis. Not one of us can deny being taken aback or even shocked by some person who was taken in the prime of their life. Not to be apocalyptic, but that could be you or me in any week, day, hour, or minute. Jesus warns us of the uncertain and precarious nature of the human life in the cogent, concise, and catastrophic Parable of the Rich fool. This man thought he had it made in the shade for a long life of ease, comfort and pleasure. Jesus brought his utopian dreams to a screeching halt by telling him that he would die that very night. Then where will his possessions go?

4. BRING THE WANDERING SHEEP, THE PRODIGAL SONS TO CONFESSION.  Beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest acts of charity that you can accomplish is to convince a wandering sheep, a Prodigal Son or Daughter (Lk 15:11-32) to come back to God by means of a good Sacramental Confession. Give this wayward person, whose soul has infinite value, an examination of conscience pamphlet. Tell them where and when the confessions are. Accompany them to the Church and the Confessional. Tell them what to do when they confess. Then you go to confession first and come out with a radiant smile to encourage them. Saint James promises that if we bring back a wandering soul, we save our soul and expiate a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)

5. RECEPTION OF THE LAST SACRAMENTS BEFORE THE LORD CALLS US. One of the greatest graces that we can receive and we can help others to receive is the Last Sacraments, before passing from this life to the next. There is a continuous Rite that a priest administers to the dying. The proper order is the following: Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, then the Eucharist, and if it were to be their last Communion, it is called Viaticum— meaning food for the Wayfarers on their way to the Lord. This is the ideal order if the sick person has the physical strength, as well as the mental lucidity. Confession forgives sins; the Anointing of the Sick unites the suffering person to the Lord’s Passion on the cross and gives hope; the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, nourishes and gives strength for the last battle against the enemies of the soul. Wait, there is more!

6. APOSTOLIC PARDON. Very few are aware of the many treasures the Church offers to those who are willing to receive them. We can share the good news! The Apostolic Pardon, taken from the treasuries of the Church which spring forth from the Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus (The Paschal Mystery), is administered by the priest, usually after the Last Sacraments described above. The words said by the priest are the following:

“Through the holy mysteries of our redemption, may almighty God release you from all punishments in this life and in the life to come. May He open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy.” OR “By the authority which the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a full pardon and remission of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

With these words, said by the priest over the dying person, the dying person is granted full pardon of their sins and full remission of the punishment due for their sins, in other words a Plenary Indulgence. In concrete terms, upon receiving the Apostolic Pardon, the dying person can have full and total access to Heaven upon their death. What an incredible gift and how few Catholics are aware of this gift!

7. PLENARY INDULGENCES. Related to the Apostolic Pardon is that of the reception of what is called the Plenary Indulgence. If the conditions are met, the person that receives the Plenary Indulgence has all of their sins forgiven, as well as all the temporal punishment due for those sins. If they were to die after properly receiving the Plenary Indulgence, they too could go to heaven immediately. This being said the following are the conditions required to receive a Plenary Indulgence:

1) SACRAMENTAL CONFESSION. First, a Sacramental Confession with a priest must be accomplished. Well prepared and expressed, and with a true and firm purpose of Amendment, within two weeks before or after the day of the indulgence.

2) SACRAMENTAL COMMUNION. Participation in Holy Mass with fervent reception of Holy Communion —Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

3) ACTION REQUIRED FOR THE PLENARY INDULGENCE. There are several possible actions, but we will offer three to choose from: 1) The Family Rosary or praying the Rosary alone in front of the Blessed Sacrament; 2) Making the Way of the Cross; 3) Meditate upon the Bible, the Word of God, for at least 30 minutes.

4) PRAY FOR THE INTENTIONS OF THE PONTIFF. Next, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, the Pope: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

5) FIRM PURPOSE TO GIVE UP SIN. Last but not least, to receive the Plenary Indulgence, the person must make a firm purpose to give up all sin—both mortal and venial—as well as the near occasion of sin. If we have a firm purpose of amendment in our mind and heart, even if we fall, we can still earn the Indulgence.

If these five conditions are carried out, then the individual can obtain a Plenary Indulgence, meaning their soul becomes innocent of all sins, as well as punishment for those sins. If the Lord were to call them from this life to the next at this very moment, they could have immediate access to Heaven! How many free gifts Jesus offers through His Holy Church, and how few people take advantage of them!!!

Special Note: We can obtain a Plenary Indulgence for ourselves every day if we complete the requirements. Or we can choose to free a soul from Purgatory six days a week by meeting these conditions, and then fulfill these requirements for ourselves in good faith one day a week!

8. PERFECT ACT OF CONTRITION.  Another very important practice that must be preached and taught far and wide is the practice of striving to make a Perfect Act of Contrition as soon as one is aware of having fallen into mortal sin. This practice most especially should be practiced before retiring every night. Sacramental Confession is not always possible due to the shortage and lack of priests. However, one can make a Perfect Act of Contrition at any time and any place, if moved by the grace of God. A Perfect Act of Contrition is not sorrow for mortal sins because of Fear of the Lord and fear of eternal punishment—this is Attrition or Imperfect Contrition. Perfect Contrition is sorrow from the depths of our heart, with a firm purpose to avoid any person, place, thing, event or situation that might lead us into mortal sin, because God loves us so much and we want to return His love with all the love in our heart. When a person makes a Perfect Act of Contrition, they are restored to the state of grace even before Sacramental Confession. However, at the earliest opportunity they must have recourse to a Sacramental Confession to receive absolution from the priest. Finally, we can also choose to meet the requirements of a Perfect Act of Contrition, saying it out loud with the priest who is on the altar.

9. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY FOR THE DYING. When a person is dying, temptations, especially to give in to despair, can be very intense. A most powerful and efficacious means to save such a soul is to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy that Jesus taught to Saint Faustina. This is strongly recommended! Jesus said these words to Saint Faustina: “My daughter, encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given to you. It pleases me to grant everything they ask of me by saying the chaplet. Write that when they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand before My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge, but as the merciful Savior. (Diary # 1541) Earlier our Lord said to Saint Faustina, as recorded in the Diary: “At the hour of their death, I defend as my own glory every soul that will say it for a dying person, the indulgence is the same.” (Diary # 811). Even if we were not physically present to the dying, as long as we pray the Chaplet, the dying person will still receive the extraordinary grace of salvation through the Wounds of Our Merciful Savior! Therefore, let us do all we can to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the dying and to promote this little-known message and wonderful Promise.

10. OUR LADY: THE ROSARY AND ETERNAL SALVATION. Another powerful weapon that we have at our disposition to help us attain the grace of all graces, and that is to die in the state of grace, is to pray the most Holy Rosary on a daily basis. Saint Padre Pio spoke of the Rosary thus—“Give me my Weapon!” Indeed, if you and your family have formed the habit of praying the most Holy Rosary on a daily basis, then you are preparing yourself for death at least fifty times every day. How? Every time you say the words at the end of the Hail Mary, you say: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” By these words we are inviting Mary to be with us at the very moment we die, helping us to beg for forgiveness and for God’s Infinite Mercy through her most powerful intercession.

In conclusion, Saint Alphonsus Liguori teaches us “the grace of all graces is to die in the state of grace.” If done, our soul is saved for all eternity. Therefore, we warmly encourage you to try to understand and even memorize the content of this article. Then share this with your loved ones, as well as many others who have wandered away from the faith. But most important: strive to live out this message. Pray for death bed sinners and encourage others to do so! If done, heaven will be yours for all eternity. May Our Lady pray for us now and at the hour of our death!

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

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

MONDAY, June 20th   Mt 7: 1-5   “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Stop judging, that you may not be judged.’”

Who among us has not been guilty of judging others? Perhaps even talked about them to friends? St. James has much to say in his letters about taming the tongue. Here are a few.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)

“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3:5)

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:9-10)

TAMING THE TONGUE: 10 FATAL ABUSES OF SPEECH by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Saint James warns us that we should be “quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry”. (Jas 1:19) Thomas a Kempis in his classic The Imitation of Christ asserts that few ever regretted having refrained from speaking. On the other hand, many have regretted opening their mouths when they should have kept them shut! Still more, Jesus warns us that every word that comes forth from our mouth will be judged for “From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Lk 6:45)

Finally, Saint Bonaventure asserts that we should open our mouths on three occasions: to praise God, to accuse ourselves, and to edify others. Hopefully this will be our criteria for speaking! The primary purpose for this gift of speech that God has given to the human person is to communicate the truth with love.

We would then like to briefly go over the ten fatal flaws that result from improper speech. In each instance, our goal is to find preventive medicine rather than curative. The reason being that once a word has been issued forth from the mouth it cannot be retrieved. Much like when a rock is launched in the direction of a window pane it cannot be returned to the hand but instead goes out and shatters the glass in nearly an instant. So when it comes to taming the tongue, it is far better to prevent the stones of our words flying out of our mouth then trying to repair the damage.

1. Lies

Lies should be avoided at all costs. A lie perverts the proper end and purpose of human speech by falsifying the truth that ought to be spoken. If all were to lie, human solidarity and unity would be impossible because nobody could trust anybody else’s word, and we would always be living with the suspicion that the other who speaks is deceiving us. Jesus said that the devil is the father of lies. Therefore, in a very real sense liars are sons and daughters of the devil! A strong statement, but true.

2. Telling White Lies 

Many will justify the lie by saying that it is only a white lie, an inoffensive lie, that nobody will be hurt, or even that the white lie was said to avoid hurting the other person. There was a moment when Charlie Brown told Lucy that what he told was only a white lie. Lucy responded: “Charlie, I didn’t that lies come in colors.” In sum, your speech should always communicate the truth, in the big as well as in the small things. Jesus reminds us that those who are faithful in the small will be faithful in the large.

3. Shouting and Yelling

Frustrated people who have little self-control often have recourse to yelling or shouting with the hope of moving their listeners to action. This might also be the case of parents with their children. The end is to get those subject to the shouting to submit in obedience, which rarely results as planned. On the contrary, people will pay even less attention to overly-emotional and uncontrolled shouting. Rather than losing control of our emotions, it is far better to give fraternal correction with calmness and peace. In this way you show love, even while giving parental or fraternal correction, while also maintaining control over your tongue.

4. Slander or Calumny

At all costs, we should strive to maintain and defend not only our own good reputation but also the reputation of others. All have a right to the defense of their good name. But how quickly somebody’s good name can be undone by the slander of another! Therefore, slander or calumny can be defined as “character assassination”—that is to say, killing the good name of another.

Actually, in this light, slander not only violates the Eighth Commandment: “Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor”, but it can also be seen as a violation of the Fifth Commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.” Even the Book of Proverbs tells us the harm that is done by slander or calumny: “A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.” (Prov 25:18)

5. Speaking Gossip

All too prevalent in our modern society are those who have become gossipers. Such a person finds a negative action and motivation in another person, then talks about that person behind their back.

Gossipers cause damage in many ways:

1) They hurt God, the source of truth, who hears all things. Sharing a piece of gossip that is false harms the person spoken of—that is the sin of slander or calumny. The fact that a piece of gossip is true still does not give us license to share it—that also harms the person spoken of and that is the sin of detraction.

2) They hurt themselves by sinning with their speech.

3) They hurt the persons listening to the gossip, who injure charity by listening to it.

4) Finally, and most obviously, they hurt the reputation of the person against whom they are gossiping. Words once spoken cannot be taken back.

If you are a gossiper, or you listen to gossip, stop right now! The Holy Bible is clear about avoiding this: “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people”. (Leviticus 19:16) Also, as mentioned above, avoid sharing even truthful gossip per the Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 2477). In either case, true or untrue, we have no right to harm a person’s reputation! Remember, Jesus says that every careless word that comes from your mouth will be judged. Be prepared for Judgment Day!

6. Sarcasm in Speech

Sarcasm is using irony and mockery to show contempt. Utilizing sarcasm wounds charity; it is like adding salt to an open wound. It smarts, hurts, and burns! The sarcastic person belittles, disparages and pokes fun at others, getting listeners to laugh by degrading others and their innate dignity. This is particularly ugly.

Before giving into sarcasm, apply the Golden Rule. How would you like it if you were the butt of a sarcastic joke? Do to others what you want them to do to you. Speak about others the way you want others to speak about you. As one saint said: “We should only open our mouth to excuse others and accuse ourselves.”

7. Breaking Confidence

When you are told something that is meant to be kept in confidence, kept secret, not to be revealed to anyone, then keep your mouth shut and sealed.

Priests must maintain the seal of the confessional. Professionals are obliged to maintain confidences in many cases. The common proverb, silence is golden, is true and operative here. Stay awake! Be alert! In taming the tongue to prevent a fatal flaw, sometimes our only recourse is to remain silent. If we can succeed in this, ours is a most eloquent silence!

8. Blasphemy

The utmost serious flaw of the tongue is that of blasphemy. What then is blasphemy? In Father John Hardon’s Pocket Catholic Dictionary we read:

“BLASPHEMY: Speaking against God in a contemptuous, scornful, or abusive manner. Included under blasphemy are offenses committed by thought, word or action. Serious contemptuous ridicule of the saints, sacred objects, or of persons consecrated to God is also blasphemous because God is indirectly attacked. Blasphemy is a grave violation of charity against God. Its gravity may be judged by capital punishment in the Old Testament, severe penalties in the Church, and in many cases also of the State.”

A concrete example of this was the abuse and desecration in Oklahoma of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary by pouring fake blood over the statue on Christmas Eve. Through this act, the Church was mocked and Our Lord’s Mother was attacked. May God have mercy on us!

9. Abusive and Vulgar Language

While not as serious as blasphemy, a great abuse of the tongue is the all-too prevalent proliferation of vulgar language. Often words are used to degrade the human person, as well as the intimate act that God has designed for the procreation of new human beings. This is wrong and should be brought to a screeching halt for those who are in the habit of using such ugly and indecent language.

We should never forget that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. As Catholics, our tongues partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus whenever we receive Holy Communion. As part of our preparation for Holy Communion, we should reign in and tame our tongue to be ready to receive such a great gift.

Finally, we should act according to our dignity as living Temples of the Living God. We also ought to act according to our dignity as future citizens of Heaven, our eternal home with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Our Blessed Mother, and the angels and Saints!

10. Bragging and Boasting

Another form of speech that we should eschew is that of bragging or boasting. What is this form of speech? It is when we praise ourselves, congratulate ourselves that we are not like “those others”, lauding and adulating our great qualities and abilities. In this we attribute all our successes, merits, and rewards to our own greatness, instead of giving God—the giver of all gifts—the credit. This is very displeasing to God and the epitome of pride! Beware, pride doth come before a fall!

God lifts up the lowly, but despises the proud of heart. Our Lady in her Magnificat expresses this truth with true eloquence: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor upon His lowly handmaid, and henceforth all generations will call me blessed, for He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is His name.” (Lk 1:46-49)

So too our attitude of heart should be that of the Psalmist: Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory because of your steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Ps 115:1)