"The heart preparing for Communion should be as a crystal vial filled with clear water in which the least mote of uncleanness will be seen."
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
For Reflection:
To what extent do I actually "prepare" for Holy Communion? To what extent do I see myself clearly enough so that my sins and transgressions are plain to me? What do I think is the relationship between preparation, repentance, and a fervent reception of Holy Communion
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"You ought to make every effort to free yourselves even from venial sin, and to do what is most perfect."
St. Teresa of Avila
For Reflection:
Do I work to free myself from my personal weaknesses and sins - even the smallest? "To do what is most perfect" may mean to practice the virtue that is opposite my sin and frailty. What are these and how can I begin to make progress today?
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"If you do not receive him who repents, because you are merciless, you sin against the Lord God for you do not obey Our Lord and God in acting as He acted."
Anonymous
(Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)
For Reflection:
With regard to forgiving those who have offended me, how "God-like" am I? Today, I pray to receive the grace to forgive that one person against whom I have withheld mercy.
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"If you have anything against anyone, forgive it. You come here to receive forgiveness of sins, and you, too, must forgive him who has sinned against you."
St. Cyril of Jerusalem
For Reflection:
Who do I need to forgive today? Am I willing to begin the process and move forward in faith and confidence of God's never-failing mercy?
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"Confession periodically renewed - the Confession of 'devotion' - has always accompanied the ascent to holiness in the Church."
Pope John Paul II
For Reflection:
How frequently do I make use of the Sacrament of Penance? What does this tell me about how seriously I take my call to holiness?
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"Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin, all hope consists in confession; in confession there is a chance for mercy."
St. Isidore of Seville
For Reflection:
How have I experienced the benefit of Confession as a source of healing? Justification? Release from sin? To what extent does this encourage me to make more frequent use of this sacrament?
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"Have you sinned? Go into the church and wipe out your sin. As often as you might fall down in the marketplace, you pick yourself up again. So too, as often as you sin, repent your sin. Do not despair."
St. John Chrysostom
For Reflection:
These words remind us that growth in holiness requires perseverance and hope. How does the Sacrament of Penance offer both of these virtues?
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"You who are baptized: Conquer the darkness by the light of your candles, and the silence by your hosannas!"
St. Ephraem the Syrian
For Reflection:
This quote reminds me that my baptism is meant to be a sign to the world. In what specific way(s) can I be a light in the darkness and proclaim the glory of God in the midst of my daily duties?
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"Baptism is ransom, forgiveness of debts, death of sin, regeneration of the soul, a resplendent garment, an unbreakable seal, a chariot to heaven, a royal protector, a gift of adoption."
St. Basil the Great
For Reflection:
How blest am I to have been baptized! Which parts of St. Basil's quote speak most profoundly to my soul? For which am I most grateful?
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"Baptism initiates us into the Christian life. Often, the dignity of the baptized person is veiled by the ordinary circumstances of his life, so, like the saints, we must strive hard to live in accordance with that dignity at all costs."
Francis Fernandez
For Reflection:
To what extent does my daily life reflect the dignity of my baptism? In what specific areas must I strive to live more in union with that dignity? Am I willing to cooperate with grace for this transformation to take place?
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