January 13
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit…and the door that gives access to the other sacraments.”
-Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
Today’s Reflection:
In what specific ways can you live the grace of your Baptism?
January 12
“We need heralds of the Gospel who are experts in humanity, who know the depths of the heart of many today, who share in his hopes and joys, his worries and his sadness, and at the same time are contemplatives, in love with God. For this, new saints are needed.”
-St. John Paul II
Today’s Reflection:
God has given us life at this time to be the “new saints” and the “new evangelizers” who will proclaim His love to the world.
How is God calling you to fulfill this very mission in your own life?
January 11
“In the long run, is there any other way of handing on the Gospel than by transmitting to another person one’s personal experience of faith?”
-Evangelii Nuntiandi 46
Today’s Reflection:
Personal testimony remains the most effective means of evangelization. Through it we inform, instruct, and insure others with the truths of Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
What does your personal testimony say? Are you ready to share it this week?
January 2
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Today’s Reflection:
Why would God do such a thing even as man often stubbornly opposes His divine will? As we enter this New Year, how can you more freely accept God’s amazing gift to us, Jesus Christ?
This article was originally published at Grace Filled Mind. It is reprinted below in its original format.
“The future is in your hearts and in your hands. God is entrusting to you the task, at once difficult and uplifting, of working with Him in the building of the civilization of love.”
-Saint John Paul II
“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
-St. John Vianney
August 9
“Create a clean heart in me, O God.”
Imagine for a moment that your heart is like a chalkboard filled with writing. It’s covered in words and smudges. What do the words say? Now, erase those words; spray a cleaner on it and wipe away the smudge. And all of a sudden, it’s spotless. Oh, how I wish I could purify my heart that easily! But, I can’t. I cannot erase painful memories and the fears of letting others see the real me; I can’t wipe clean the scars that have toughened over the years; and I can’t break the chains that sometimes suffocate the life out of me.
But, God can. He can renew my heart in an instant (although we don’t normally see purification happen that fast in our human idea of time.). God has to work on us— He strips away layers like an onion, and every layer beneath has its own work to be done.
I remember recently when my spiritual director told me that God had to do some work on me, and that it’s going to hurt. But He always uses the most gentle means possible. And it’s true. The last few months are a testament to His gentleness and charity. He has really purified my heart in ways I couldn’t imagine, although He has asked some things of me that really hurt. Surrendering can be really painful. But, I know it’s necessary. I know that heart He holds so dearly in His hands has needed some work; and I know when He’s done with this big phase of operation, it’ll be ready to experience all life and love have to offer it. And I can’t wait for that day.
Is it time for you to let God do some pruning? Tell Him you’re scared, but know that He won’t do anything unnecessary, and He will give you what you need to endure it.
