February 1 Fast

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JMJ

"Whenever you give your wife advice always begin by telling her how much you love her. Nothing will persuade her so well to admit the wisdom of your words as the assurance that you are speaking with sincere affection." 

(Homily of St. John Chrysostom) 

When one enters into his vocation, he must confidently trust that God has given him the means- and spouse, as in the case of marriage- to grow in the virtues needed to achieve his purpose here on earth: sanctity. 

Why then, does one bristle when fraternal correction or advice is offered by those who only desire their eternal happiness?  Maybe it is because of the natural embarrassment that is suffered when a hidden fault is highlighted.  Still, the deeper reason is that it strikes the entrenched pride which one pretends to deny still abides in his soul.  

How quickly the fortress of defense is raised upon hearing unpleasant but truthful words! Truly, it matters not whether advice is given or correction is said with great tenderness for even the softest words are like tiny barbs to an overly sensitive soul.  Though difficult to accept these small humiliations, one must see these occasions with the eyes of faith, refusing to hold fast to his will and instead, see God's gentle admonishments and merciful will through the words of others. 

January 4th Fast

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JMJ

"How happy would we be, if we believed what these dear souls believe: that they possess God in the Sacraments, and that He remains in their churches and is carried to them when they are sick! Oh my! When they carry the Blessed Sacrament under my window, while I feel the loneliness and sadness of my case, I cannot stop the tears at the thought. My God, how happy would I be. . . if I could find you in the Church as they do. . . how many things I would say to You in the sorrows of my heart and the sins of my life!"

 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton writing a few months before her conversion

The Gift of the most Holy Eucharist is the greatest and yet most neglected treasure that Christ has given us.  As He thirsted for souls from the cross, so He hungers for us from the tabernacle.  He pities the ignorant, who know nothing of this wondrous Sacrament, but is saddened by the informed, who believe in the Real Presence yet fail to drink from the "wellspring of salvation".

The first Christians sacrificed life and limb to receive and defend their God; and now, is it so much to sacrifice sleep and convenience to receive the source of all life?  Is it a lack of faith which prevents so many from taking advantage of the daily banquet He sets before us? Or perhaps it is a deadening of desire.  Though not all can receive Him daily, due to the current circumstances of life, there are many that could and do not because the mantra of excuses drowns out the feeble voices of attempt.

But be heartened and encouraged! Christ yearns for us in this Sacrament of Love, both in the the Sacrifice of the Mass and Adoration.  He longs to shower souls with the graces necessary to live a holy life.  God will not be outdone in generosity; therefore, whatever we sacrifice in order to attend Holy Mass or keep Him company in Adoration, God will reward us many times over as pours out His abundant Life.  

"If, in the presence of this mystery, reason experiences its limits, the heart, enlightened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, clearly sees the response that is demanded, and bows low in adoration and unbounded love." (Ecclesia de Eucharistia)