ELISHEBA BLOGLaura, Ivonne, and Rick
write about their lives in the Eucharist. |
ELISHEBA BLOGLaura, Ivonne, and Rick
write about their lives in the Eucharist. |
By: Laura Worhacz Week 2 theme: "MOTHER OF GOD"
READING -Ninth Day- Consecration to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament St. Peter Julian Eymard, Library Vol. 7 Pages 54-58 (Or pages 67-71 on the online book. You can find the link here:) http://archive.org/stream/monthofourladyof00eymauoft#page/67/mode/1up St Peter Julian Eymard's words: Chapter title: The Interior Life of Mary Mary adorned with all gifts, enriched with all virtues, incomparable in merit, appeared to the world under a most ordinary exterior. Her life was passed in silence and obscurity, and the Gospel narrative says nothing about it. This was because Mary was supposed to be an illustrious model of the hidden life--a life hidden in God with Jesus Christ-a life which we should strive to honor and faithful copy in our conduct. I wish to show that the law of holiness which God follows in our souls, is the very same that He followed in Mary. The Eternal Father gave her all her virtues as Mother; the Son, all graces of Redemption; the Holy Ghost, the grace of love. Must we not, therefore, conclude that the retired, interior life is the most perfect? The exterior life, even when dedicated to God is less perfect. The Saints were formed on His Model. To be a friend of God, one must be ground to powder, reduced to nothing, annihilated as Jesus and Mary were. Hence I say, if we wish to become saints, we must become interior souls. Without this interior spirit, how can we pray? If in the presence of our Lord we cannot spend a single instant without a book, if we have nothing to say to Him from our own heart, what are we going to do at Adoration? Let us strive to become recollected, interior souls. Without the interior life, we shall never receive any consolation, encouragement in prayer; we shall only be unhappy at the feet of our Lord. If we wish to become true adorers, we must have this interior spirit. But to discover the Heart of Jesus, we must be interior. He speaks to the recollected soul. He is wholly interior in the Blessed Sacrament. When the soul does not expand in His presence it is because He does not act upon it- there is some obstacle in His path. Oh, how I should wish to see accomplished in us what was so fully realized in the Blessed Virgin: "The kingdom of God is within you"-the kingdom of love, of virtue, and of all interior graces! In order to grow strong, to endure, we must descend to the very depths, even to self-annihilation. There we shall find Jesus. He is there annihilated. Oh, may that the Blessed Mother, our perfect exemplar of the interior life, make us live, as she did, in Jesus! May, we like her, remain always in him and never leave Him! (Abbreviated text) MEDITATION The chapter readings are so rich. One could get lost in all that is before us not knowing what to absorb in the multitude of so much wisdom. Let us begin with a question if someone asked you, "What is this consecration to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament?" Or better yet, if God asked you, "What is this consecration to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament?" Would the answer be, "Well, I have to accomplish the daily tasks of readings, the daily blog, my daily Marian prayers, litanies, and of course the Holy Rosary”? Although these are all hoped to be achieved to prepare for this consecration promise they would not hold any merit to God without the gift of ourselves. The purity of our intentions offered in return for God's great love is an entrance into the answer. The interior life we are called to, going back to the hidden light given in humility, this humble service, would be the right direction to the correct response to God's question: "What does this consecration to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament mean to you?" St. Peter Julian shares his very heart with us in the conclusion of chapter nine with the grace Mary led him to which he expresses in these words, "But it was through Mary that God made His will known to His servant." St. Peter Julian continues, "humbly submitting to the will of God." The handing over of our will to the Divine Will, so God's life may live through us, is our consecration promise to Jesus through Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. The answer is in the will, the continued fiat, the continued yes, the continued good that will be accomplished through us. Do not let anything stop you if you have chosen this devotion. Falling behind on the readings is of no importance if you have the intention to read when you can. This is a time to be with our Mother. She will always take us to the Mercy of Jesus, lead us to the will of God, and direct us to the guide of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we strive to embrace all the devotions that raise our hearts and our minds to God. The greatest thereof is to try to find time to adore before the Eucharistic Lord, along with the practice of receiving Holy Communion daily or making a fervent spiritual Communion. Yet, the handing over of our will in humble submission allowing God to live His life through us, is the continued conquering of original sin. We will always have in our human nature inclination to sin. Pride is hard to kill. Humility can begin with a simple choice. We can make a practice to turn all things to God, His goodness, and His life in us. With every simple choice placed before us we can try to choose through prayer what would be pleasing to Our Father. This is what Our Lady did. She immersed herself in the life of the Trinity. The life that was prepared for Her was no battle. Mary rather entered the battle that would be won. Our Blessed Mother lived in the grace of God, in His peace, in His love, even amid the crosses, toils, and disappointments of the sins of the world. Even standing at the foot of the Cross Her will was handed over to God. St. Peter Julian tells us one has said everything when one calls Mary the Mother of God. She looks for nothing, yet we can in loving return say, “Yes Mary, you are deserving of this title. We have recourse to thee. We love thee. Guide us to the will of the Father.” SEND Make a perpetual promise to recite a spiritual communion prayer if you cannot get to daily Mass. The faith you place in the prayer is the grace you will receive from it. Continue to journal and prepare for a good and humble confession. Think of ways you can become more attentive to your relationship with the Mother of God. PRAYER For Week II, to accompany the daily readings, please recite the Litany of the Holy Spirit. You may choose to continue the Ave Maris Stella and Veni Creator throughout the preparation weeks. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Litany of the Holy Spirit Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, have mercy on us. Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us. Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, hear us. Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Response: Have mercy on us. Promise of God the Father, Ray of heavenly light, Author of all good, Source of heavenly water, Consuming fire, Ardent charity, Spiritual unction, Spirit of love and truth, Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Spirit of counsel and fortitude, Spirit of knowledge and piety, Spirit of the fear of the Lord, Spirit of grace and prayer, Spirit of peace and meekness, Spirit of modesty and innocence, Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Holy Spirit, Who governest the Church, Gift of God, the Most High, Spirit Who fillest the universe, Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, Holy Spirit, inspire us with the horror of sin. Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Spirit, engrave Thy law in our hearts. Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Thy graces. Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well. Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation. Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice. Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, send us Thy Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let us Pray Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen.
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By: Laura Worhacz Week 2 theme: "MOTHER OF GOD" READING -EIGHTH DAY- Consecration to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament St. Peter Julian Eymard, Library Vol. 7 Pages 49-53 Or pages 63-66 on the online book. You can find the link here: http://archive.org/stream/monthofourladyof00eymauoft#page/63/mode/1up St Peter Julian Eymard's words: Chapter title: The Dignity of the Divine Maternity "Mary, Mother of Jesus the Son of God." Behold the sublime praise that the Gospel bestows on Mary! Because she was to be the mother of God she was given all sanctifying grace, all honor. When one calls her "Mother of God," one has said everything. Mary came to restore the human race, to restore to motherhood that crown of honor and nobility which Eve lost by her sin. Satan uncrowned our first mother: Mary reinstates her. Mary conceived God; she bore in her virginal womb, the Savior of the world, the source of love. Behold the strong woman, "the Mother" par excellence. Crown of authority--this, then, is the second privilege of her Divine Maternity! There was also given to Mary a crown of glory. Mary gave birth to the Savior in joy. She knew not the pain of maternity. The Savior in passing through her womb bequeathed his glory, and Mary will be Queen because she has given to the world Jesus Christ, King. She is Queen of the angels, Queen of the Church. This is the honor, the dignity, and the glory of the Divine Maternity: Mary is honored, powerful and glorious in Jesus and by Jesus. She is His Divine Mother!" Abbreviated text MEDITATION St. Peter Julian Eymard states that one has said everything when one calls Mary, "Mother of God." Mary is Mother of the Church, Mother of the Divine Maternity, Mother of the living Word of God, and Mother of Love. It may seem like a typical title for Week II, Mother of God. However, if we take the words of St. Peter Julian and proclaim them in awe, they will become what he said, everything. Mary is the Mother of God and our Mother. This is personal. This is our life in the Catholic Church. We are blessed to have a Mother. We are called within this upcoming week, week II of this consecration preparation promise, to find ways to stay close to our Mother. This relationship must be nourished by our love as her children. We have the gifts, and we are called to use them. Otherwise, they will be passed on to others. St Peter Julian Eymard pleads with us to find the Eucharistic Jesus to conquer the concupiscence of sin. Jesus is our only hope. The Mother of God helps us find the Eucharistic Jesus. All devotions should be helping us to find Divine charity. This is the end all that will be before us when we see the face of Jesus. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament will help us find the grace and wisdom of her Son. We pray to Jesus through Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament's intercession. We immerse ourselves in the Holy Rosary as her children. We pray the life of Jesus Christ on these beads and then apply the virtues connected to all of the Sacred Mysteries to our own lives. We pray the scriptures when we pray the Most Holy Rosary. Our consecration will move our hearts to make our Blessed Mother greater known and loved. This love for Mary can only point to the ultimate love, that of her Divine Son in the Blessed Sacrament. We are called to adorn her altars, to make special the great solemnities and feast days devoted to her. We are to unite in a unique fidelity as her consecrated children. We who are called to take a vow, this consecration vow, are called to love more in her name for the glory of the one whom we worship, Jesus Christ. Proclaim the name, Mother of God. We offer these words in each Hail Mary, "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners." Every time we recite the Hail Holy Queen we say, "Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promise of Christ, amen." The Promise of the Father has given us a great gift. We thank God by loving Mary and asking her how to love the Son of the Father. This is a small return for a priceless gift. This week we keep the reflections alive in our heart by way of prayer. We honor this Mother of God as St. Peter Julian Eymard invites us to in the Chapter as a commandment; "Honor thy Father and thy Mother." We honor Jesus by praying to our Mother so that she may intercede for us! These words are worth repeating from St. Peter Julian: "Mary gave birth to the Savior in joy. She knew not the pain of maternity. The Savior in passing through her womb bequeathed his glory, and Mary will be Queen because she has given to the world Jesus Christ, King. She is Queen of the angels, Queen of the Church". Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us. -Laura SEND Make a perpetual promise to recite a spiritual communion prayer if you cannot get to daily Mass. The faith you place in the prayer is the grace you will receive from it. Continue to journal and prepare for a good and humble confession. Think of ways you can become more attentive to your relationship with the Mother of God. PRAYER For Week II, to accompany the daily readings, please recite the Litany of the Holy Spirit. You may choose to continue the Ave Maris Stella and Veni Creator throughout the preparation weeks. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Litany of the Holy Spirit Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, have mercy on us. Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us. Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, hear us. Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Response: Have mercy on us. Promise of God the Father, Ray of heavenly light, Author of all good, Source of heavenly water, Consuming fire, Ardent charity, Spiritual unction, Spirit of love and truth, Spirit of wisdom and understanding, Spirit of counsel and fortitude, Spirit of knowledge and piety, Spirit of the fear of the Lord, Spirit of grace and prayer, Spirit of peace and meekness, Spirit of modesty and innocence, Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Holy Spirit, Who governest the Church, Gift of God, the Most High, Spirit Who fillest the universe, Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, Holy Spirit, inspire us with the horror of sin. Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Spirit, engrave Thy law in our hearts. Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Thy graces. Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well. Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation. Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice. Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, send us Thy Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let us Pray Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen. By: Laura Worhacz Week I theme: "MARY! TEACH US THE LIFE OF ADORATION!".
READING Consecration to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament St. Peter Julian Eymard, Library Vol. 7 Pages 45-48 Or pages 60-63 on the online book. You can find the link here: http://archive.org/stream/monthofourladyof00eymauoft#page/60/mode/1up St Peter Julian Eymard's words: (Chapter title: The First Adorer of the Incarnate Word) "Behold my model, my mother, Mary, the first adorer of the Incarnate Word in her womb. In what did the perfection of Mary's adoration consist, at the first moment of the Incarnation? It was an adoration of humility, of self annihilation before the sovereign majesty of God because, impelled by so much benevolence and love for her and all mankind, He had made choice of her, His humble handmaid, to be the mother of the Messiah. The second of Mary's acts of adoration would naturally be one of Joyous gratitude for God's ineffable and infinite goodness to man. Gratitude is an outpouring of the soul. The third act of the Blessed Virgin's adoration would have been an act of oblation, of self-sacrifice: the entire gift of herself, of her life, to the service of God. The last act of Mary's adoration was, doubtless, an act of tender compassion for poor sinners, for whose salvation the Word became Incarnate. She offered herself to do penance for them, in order to obtain their pardon and their return to God. She begged for them the happiness of knowing their Creator and their Redeemer; the grace of loving and serving Him, and thus rendering to the Most Holy Trinity the honor and glory which is Their due. O that I could adore our Lord as Mary did, for I possess Him, as she did, in Holy Communion. I desire henceforth to adore Thee in union with the Mother of adorers, the Queen of the Cenacle." abbrev.text MEDITATION It is amazing that this chapter is day seven; it simultaneously echoes Sunday! "And God had finished on the seventh day his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made" (Gen 2:2). God can rest in us as we transform into His love. Transformation is the gift of formation. The Incarnation that continues through us promises infinite goodness to man. We are grateful to receive Jesus in holy Communion. This is the greatest formation, a personal relationship with God who becomes Incarnate in us. Transformation can only happen when we try to remain in God's Grace. Love is the real transformation. Like Mary, we will become joyous in our gratitude of God's life in us. St. Peter Julian Eymard tells us, "Gratitude is an outpouring of the soul." The cenacle of our hearts becomes united to the cenacle of the upper room, where the Promise of the Father is fulfilled. God the Father is with us, and the Promise remains with us on the Altar of the Lord. Jesus directs and guides us in our union with Him. We need to remain connected to this promise: "I am the vine; you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Like Mary, oblation and compassion will be the fruit of Jesus forming His life in our souls upon the reception of Holy Communion. The heart of God offers us reciprocity in our love for Him. Mary teaches us her way of returning love by praying for those who are so lost and hurt that they cannot even pray themselves. We lift up our hearts with her for them. This act makes us children of Mary, who keeps us in the mantel of her maternal love. Mary, teach us the life of Adoration. Laura SEND We pray through Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. Continue to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit when you journal. Keep your examination of conscience in the evening. Offer a spiritual Communion prayer if you cannot get to daily Mass. The faith you place in the prayer is the grace you will receive from it. Think of ways to keep Sunday more Holy. PRAYER Please pray the Ave Maris Stella to accompany the daily readings for Week I. You may choose to continue the recitation of the Veni Creator. Ave Maris Stella Hail bright star of ocean, God's own Mother blest, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of heavenly rest. Taking that sweet Ave, Which from Gabriel came, Peace confirm within us, Changing Eva's name. Break the captives' fetters, Light on blindness pour, All our ills expelling, Every bliss implore. Show thyself a Mother; May the Word Divine, Born for us thy Infant, Hear our prayers through thine. Virgin all excelling, Mildest of the mild, Freed from guilt, preserve us, Pure and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless, Make our way secure, Till we find in Jesus, Joy forevermore. Through the highest heaven To the Almighty Three, Father, Son and Spirit, One same glory be. Amen. |
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AuthorsWe are Ivonne J. Hernandez, Rick Hernandez and Laura Worhacz, Lay Associates of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, and brothers and sisters in Christ. |