The Church in this world knows all the vicissitudes of human history: successes and failure, persecution and prosperity, heroism and betrayal, glory and shame, periods of fervent growth and periods of sad decline. She experiences a great tension in being called to holiness which she must ever strive for, but which she can never perfectly attain in this world. In some of her most admired members she reveals marvelous goodness and holiness, in her more ordinary and sinful members she reveals mediocrity, sin, and even great scandal. While she is always blessed with the presence of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and always remains the visible sacrament of salvation for all mankind, as long as the Church is on pilgrimage in this world, she must groan under her own imperfections, and must struggle on, ever renewing herself, to attain the holiness and glory to which the Risen Lord calls her.
The Church is also drawn by Christ to her future existence beyond time. When Christ comes again in glory, and the last enemy, death, has been destroyed (1Cor 15.26f), when sin has been cast out and every evil overcome, and every tear has been wiped away (Rev 7.17, 21.4), the Bride of the Lamb will appear in all her radiant beauty, without stain or wrinkle, and will enter into the unimaginable glory of the Lord. The Heavenly Jerusalem will be revealed in all its splendor (Rev 21), which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor heart of man ever conceived (1Cor 2.9). The corruption of this world will pass away, and a new heaven and a new earth will appear, this present world having undergone a profound transformation that fills it with the glory of God. The risen Lord will raise up our mortal bodies, endowing them with the marvelous qualities of His own glorified body: spirituality, incorruptibility, agility, and resplendent glory (1Cor 15. 42-44).
We shall be one with God; indeed, we shall be like God, since we shall see Him as He is (1Jn 3.2). Thus we shall fully experience what it means to be sons of God. Unless we see the Church from this perspective and unless we live in this lively hope, we are missing the richest dimensions of the Church’s total existence. But we must also remember that the Church as she exists now is already participating in the eternal! Listen to the words of Lumen Gentium:
The promised and hoped for restoration has already begun in Christ. It is carried forward in the sending of the Holy Ghost and through Him continues in the Church…Already the final age of the world is with us and the renewal of the world is irrevocably under way. It is even now anticipated in a certain real way, for the Church on earth is endowed already with a sanctity that is real though imperfect…
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Prayers at the Foot of the Altar
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Faith in Christ
Christ demands faith from all of us. For example, when we meditate on the fourth luminous mystery of the Holy Rosary we focus on Christ’s transfiguration. As with any mystery in the life of Christ we must always ask for a particular grace when we focus on the mystery. With the transfiguration we must beg God for the ability to see with His transforming vision rather than our own limited human vision. This grace is attainable for a person from any state of life, but we often hear more about those who have chosen to embrace a vocation to the priesthood or religious life that have great faith or practice heroic virtue.
So how can one recognize the way of life to which he is called by God? The most important factor is to embrace a regular habit of prayer with faith that God will make His will known to those who sincerely seek it. While praying, one must try to maintain an attitude of perfect detachment. One must fight against the tendency to lean toward one alternative rather than another before God manifests His will. One must maintain a spirit of generosity and willingness to embrace whatever God reveals to be His will. If one prays and reflects God will eventually let the person know what He wills for the person. God will allow the person to experience greater light, peace and certainty with regard to the way of life God wills for the person. This is how one will grow in conviction that this is God’s will.
In discerning God’s will in the choice of a way of life, one should place before one’s mind the one end and purpose for which one has been created by God, namely, to praise, reverence and serve God, and in this way to save one’s soul. Furthermore, one must be resolved not to allow any other consideration to sway one’s choice. With that in mind, one should ask oneself what way of life seems to offer the person, with his special gifts and graces, the best means for attaining that end. Which path is the best means for promoting the greater glory of God? Which way of life provides the best means for attaining holiness? Which way of life provides the best means for contributing to the well-being of the greater number of people and of helping them attain salvation?
Clarity often comes from imagining oneself on one’s death bed and asking the question which choice I would then wish that I had made. I should now make that choice. Imagine standing before God in judgment and having to render an account of one’s life. Which choice will I then wish I had made?
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
So how can one recognize the way of life to which he is called by God? The most important factor is to embrace a regular habit of prayer with faith that God will make His will known to those who sincerely seek it. While praying, one must try to maintain an attitude of perfect detachment. One must fight against the tendency to lean toward one alternative rather than another before God manifests His will. One must maintain a spirit of generosity and willingness to embrace whatever God reveals to be His will. If one prays and reflects God will eventually let the person know what He wills for the person. God will allow the person to experience greater light, peace and certainty with regard to the way of life God wills for the person. This is how one will grow in conviction that this is God’s will.
In discerning God’s will in the choice of a way of life, one should place before one’s mind the one end and purpose for which one has been created by God, namely, to praise, reverence and serve God, and in this way to save one’s soul. Furthermore, one must be resolved not to allow any other consideration to sway one’s choice. With that in mind, one should ask oneself what way of life seems to offer the person, with his special gifts and graces, the best means for attaining that end. Which path is the best means for promoting the greater glory of God? Which way of life provides the best means for attaining holiness? Which way of life provides the best means for contributing to the well-being of the greater number of people and of helping them attain salvation?
Clarity often comes from imagining oneself on one’s death bed and asking the question which choice I would then wish that I had made. I should now make that choice. Imagine standing before God in judgment and having to render an account of one’s life. Which choice will I then wish I had made?
In Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
The Infallible Teaching Authority of the Pope
In the first three chapters of Pastor Aeternus, the Council showed that Christ conferred the primacy of jurisdiction on Peter and his successors. Infallibility, in the proper sense, is a supernatural charism which antecedently preserves one from error. This is not to be confused with divine inspiration. The gift of infallibility requires that there be a cause which is an "a priori" way unfailingly preserving the person from error. With God it is omniscience. If human beings are ever infallible, it must be because of special divine assistance. When we say that the whole body of the Church is infallible in its profession of faith, we mean that, because of the guidance of the Holy Ghost which Christ has promised the entire body of the faithful cannot err in what they, with moral unanimity, firmly profess to be the Catholic faith.
The vast majority of Christians agree that the Scriptures are infallibly true with regard to the essential religious message they proclaim. Furthermore, most Christians agree that the Church as a whole, despite mistakes, is indefectible. Although the Church may fail in many ways, nevertheless, because of Christ's promise to be with her and to send the Holy Ghost to enlighten her, the Church universal will not fall away completely and irrevocably from the truth of the gospel.
Roman Catholics believe that the pope, as head of the Church, possesses that infallibility with which God has endowed the Church. The basic reason for saying this is that if the pope could err in his solemnly defined teachings he could lead the Church into error. If that were to happen, the Church would no longer be the "pillar of truth" (1 Tim 3.15) that the Scriptures proclaim to be, and the Holy Ghost would have failed in His promised task of leading the Church into all truth (Jn 16.13).
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
The vast majority of Christians agree that the Scriptures are infallibly true with regard to the essential religious message they proclaim. Furthermore, most Christians agree that the Church as a whole, despite mistakes, is indefectible. Although the Church may fail in many ways, nevertheless, because of Christ's promise to be with her and to send the Holy Ghost to enlighten her, the Church universal will not fall away completely and irrevocably from the truth of the gospel.
Roman Catholics believe that the pope, as head of the Church, possesses that infallibility with which God has endowed the Church. The basic reason for saying this is that if the pope could err in his solemnly defined teachings he could lead the Church into error. If that were to happen, the Church would no longer be the "pillar of truth" (1 Tim 3.15) that the Scriptures proclaim to be, and the Holy Ghost would have failed in His promised task of leading the Church into all truth (Jn 16.13).
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Primacy of Peter
The dogmatic constitution Pastor Aternus shows that Christ conferred the primacy of ruling authority on Peter. Pope Benedict has succeeded Peter in this position. “Jurisdiction” is authority to govern a society. It includes the power to render decisions and to issue directives which members of the society are required to obey. “Primacy of Jurisdiction” is the highest rank of governing authority in a society. It is often contrasted with “primacy of honor,” which refers to the highest position of honor or dignity in a society. “Primacy of honor” does not necessarily include strict authority or jurisdiction over others. The king or queen of England, for example, has a primacy of honor in the British government, but not a primacy of jurisdiction because he or she has no authority to make decisions or issue directives that are juridically binding on the government. The Archbishop of Canterbury has a similar primacy of honor in the Anglican Church. He ranks first among the prelates in the Anglican Church and can lead by exhortation and teaching, but he cannot bind individuals or churches in the Anglican communion to accept his teaching or obey his directives.
Mt 16: 16-19 “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church…” When Christ proclaimed Peter the rock on which He would build His Church and promised him the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and when, after the resurrection, He gave Peter the charge to feed his lambs and tend his sheep, He thereby made Peter head of the Church and entrusted all of His sheep to Peter’s care. Peter, then, has the responsibility of caring for all of Christ’s sheep; and since Peter has been appointed their shepherd, all of Christ’s sheep have the obligation to follow Peter’s pastoral guidance.
Having affirmed that Christ bestowed primacy of jurisdiction on Peter, the Council now speaks of the continuation of that primacy in Peter’s successors. The primacy that Christ established in the person of Peter for the good of the Church will endure until the end of the world in Peter’s successors, the bishops of Rome! Many testimonies from antiquity support the claim that the primacy of Peter continues in the Roman Pontiff. Philip, legate of Pope Celestine, speaking to the Council of Ephesus in 431 stated: “No one doubts that Peter even to this day lives, governs, and exercises judgment in his successors.”
Pope Leo the Great in 461 stated: “Saint Peter still has the rock-like strength that has been given to him and has not surrendered the helm of the Church.”
Saint Irenaeus stated: “Because of the greater authority (potentior principalitas) of the Church of Rome, it is necessary for every church…to be in agreement with it.”
The point is that according to the institution of Christ our Lord Himself, that is, by divine law, Saint Peter should have perpetual successors in the primacy over the whole Church.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Mt 16: 16-19 “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church…” When Christ proclaimed Peter the rock on which He would build His Church and promised him the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and when, after the resurrection, He gave Peter the charge to feed his lambs and tend his sheep, He thereby made Peter head of the Church and entrusted all of His sheep to Peter’s care. Peter, then, has the responsibility of caring for all of Christ’s sheep; and since Peter has been appointed their shepherd, all of Christ’s sheep have the obligation to follow Peter’s pastoral guidance.
Having affirmed that Christ bestowed primacy of jurisdiction on Peter, the Council now speaks of the continuation of that primacy in Peter’s successors. The primacy that Christ established in the person of Peter for the good of the Church will endure until the end of the world in Peter’s successors, the bishops of Rome! Many testimonies from antiquity support the claim that the primacy of Peter continues in the Roman Pontiff. Philip, legate of Pope Celestine, speaking to the Council of Ephesus in 431 stated: “No one doubts that Peter even to this day lives, governs, and exercises judgment in his successors.”
Pope Leo the Great in 461 stated: “Saint Peter still has the rock-like strength that has been given to him and has not surrendered the helm of the Church.”
Saint Irenaeus stated: “Because of the greater authority (potentior principalitas) of the Church of Rome, it is necessary for every church…to be in agreement with it.”
The point is that according to the institution of Christ our Lord Himself, that is, by divine law, Saint Peter should have perpetual successors in the primacy over the whole Church.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Saint Peter's Primacy
We are now celebrating the Church Unity Octave. January 18 to 25 inclusive focuses on the intention of the unity of the entire Catholic Church. The dogmatic constitution Pastor Aeternus proposed that the Roman Pontiff, as successor of Saint Peter, has primacy of jurisdiction over the whole Church and that he is infallible when defining doctrines of faith and morals as binding in faith on the universal Church. Christ established the Church in order to continue for all time the saving work of redemption…so that in the Church…all the faithful might be united together in the bond of one faith and one love.
Furthermore, Christ made Saint Peter head of the Church in order that Peter might be “the visible foundation of a twofold unity,” namely; “that the episcopate might be one and undivided, and that the whole multitude of believers might be preserved in unity of faith and communion…”
The council explains why it is necessary to define the Church’s teaching concerning “the establishment, the perpetuity, and nature of this sacred apostolic primacy.” The reason is to promote “the protection, the safety, and the increase of the Catholic flock,” and to strengthen the Church against the attacks that at that time were being made against her by her enemies. The council believed that the Church would be strengthened against these and other ills if the authority of the Supreme Pontiff, which was strongly supported by the vast majority of Catholics, were confirmed by its solemn decrees.
The council teaches that because the Roman Pontiff is head of the whole Church by divine right, he is supreme judge of the faithful in all matters pertaining to Church life. All cases referred to him, and no case decided by him can be reviewed by any other authority. His judgment is final. Once the pope has decided an issue, it is not permitted to appeal over his head to any other tribunal, not even to a general council.
The papal office exists to preserve the purity of the faith, to serve Christian unity, and to minister to the needs of the Catholic community. Let us pray during this octave for a unity of faith which is so desperately needed in our time.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Furthermore, Christ made Saint Peter head of the Church in order that Peter might be “the visible foundation of a twofold unity,” namely; “that the episcopate might be one and undivided, and that the whole multitude of believers might be preserved in unity of faith and communion…”
The council explains why it is necessary to define the Church’s teaching concerning “the establishment, the perpetuity, and nature of this sacred apostolic primacy.” The reason is to promote “the protection, the safety, and the increase of the Catholic flock,” and to strengthen the Church against the attacks that at that time were being made against her by her enemies. The council believed that the Church would be strengthened against these and other ills if the authority of the Supreme Pontiff, which was strongly supported by the vast majority of Catholics, were confirmed by its solemn decrees.
The council teaches that because the Roman Pontiff is head of the whole Church by divine right, he is supreme judge of the faithful in all matters pertaining to Church life. All cases referred to him, and no case decided by him can be reviewed by any other authority. His judgment is final. Once the pope has decided an issue, it is not permitted to appeal over his head to any other tribunal, not even to a general council.
The papal office exists to preserve the purity of the faith, to serve Christian unity, and to minister to the needs of the Catholic community. Let us pray during this octave for a unity of faith which is so desperately needed in our time.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Friday, January 20, 2012
We Must Love God Above all Else
From the treatise On Spiritual Perfection by Diadochus of Photice, bishop:
No one who is in love with himself is capable of loving God. The man who loves God is the one who mortifies his self-love for the sake of the immeasurable blessings of divine love. Such a man never seeks his own glory but only the glory of God...
I know a man who, though lamenting his failure to love God as much as he desires, yet loves him so much that his soul burns with ceaseless longing for God to be glorified, and for his own complete effacement. This man has no feeling of self-importance even when he receives praise. So deep is his desire to humble himself that he never even thinks of his own dignity. He fulfills his priestly duty by celebrating the Liturgy, but his intense love for God is an abyss that swallows up all consciousness of his high office. His humility makes him oblivious of any honor it might bring him, so that in his own estimation he is never anything but a useless servant. Because of his desire for self-abasement, he regards himself as though degraded from his office. His example is one that we ourselves should follow by fleeing from all honor and glory for the sake of the immeasurable blessings of God's love, for He has loved us so much..!
Such a man lives in this life and at the same time does not live in it, for although he still inhabits his body, he is constantly leaving it in spirit because of the love that draws him toward God...
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching.
No one who is in love with himself is capable of loving God. The man who loves God is the one who mortifies his self-love for the sake of the immeasurable blessings of divine love. Such a man never seeks his own glory but only the glory of God...
I know a man who, though lamenting his failure to love God as much as he desires, yet loves him so much that his soul burns with ceaseless longing for God to be glorified, and for his own complete effacement. This man has no feeling of self-importance even when he receives praise. So deep is his desire to humble himself that he never even thinks of his own dignity. He fulfills his priestly duty by celebrating the Liturgy, but his intense love for God is an abyss that swallows up all consciousness of his high office. His humility makes him oblivious of any honor it might bring him, so that in his own estimation he is never anything but a useless servant. Because of his desire for self-abasement, he regards himself as though degraded from his office. His example is one that we ourselves should follow by fleeing from all honor and glory for the sake of the immeasurable blessings of God's love, for He has loved us so much..!
Such a man lives in this life and at the same time does not live in it, for although he still inhabits his body, he is constantly leaving it in spirit because of the love that draws him toward God...
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Mother of God Outshines all the Martyrs
From a homily by Basil of Seleucia, bishop:
Born of the Virgin Mother of God, the Creator and Lord of all shared our human nature, for He had a real body and soul even though He had no part in our misdeeds. He committed no sin, says Scripture, and no falsehood ever came from His mouth. O holy womb in which God was received, in which the record of our sins was effaced, in which God became man while remaining God! He was carried in the womb, condescending to be born in the same way as we are. Yet when He was received into the arms of His mother He did not leave the bosom of His Father. God is not divided as He carries out His will, but saves the world without suffering any division in Himself. When Gabriel came into the presence of the Virgin Mother of God he left heaven behind, but when the Word of God who fills all creation took flesh within her, He was not separated from the adoring hosts of heaven.
Is there any need to enumerate all the prophecies foretelling Christ's birth of the Mother of God? What tongue could worthily hymn her through whom we have received such magnificent blessings? With what flower of praise could we weave a fitting crown for her from whom sprang the flower of Jesse, who has crowned our race with glory and honor. What gifts could we bring that would be worthy of her of whom the whole world is unworthy? If Paul could say of the other saints that the world was not worthy of them, what can we say of the Mother of God, who outshines all the martyrs even as the sun outshines the stars?
O Virgin, well may the angels rejoice in you! Because of you they who long ages ago had banished our race are now sent to our service, and to his joy Gabriel is entrusted with the news of a divine child's conception. Rejoice, most favored one, let your face glow with gladness. You are to give birth to the joy of all the world, who will put an end to the age-old curse, destroying the power of death and giving to all the hope of resurrection.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Born of the Virgin Mother of God, the Creator and Lord of all shared our human nature, for He had a real body and soul even though He had no part in our misdeeds. He committed no sin, says Scripture, and no falsehood ever came from His mouth. O holy womb in which God was received, in which the record of our sins was effaced, in which God became man while remaining God! He was carried in the womb, condescending to be born in the same way as we are. Yet when He was received into the arms of His mother He did not leave the bosom of His Father. God is not divided as He carries out His will, but saves the world without suffering any division in Himself. When Gabriel came into the presence of the Virgin Mother of God he left heaven behind, but when the Word of God who fills all creation took flesh within her, He was not separated from the adoring hosts of heaven.
Is there any need to enumerate all the prophecies foretelling Christ's birth of the Mother of God? What tongue could worthily hymn her through whom we have received such magnificent blessings? With what flower of praise could we weave a fitting crown for her from whom sprang the flower of Jesse, who has crowned our race with glory and honor. What gifts could we bring that would be worthy of her of whom the whole world is unworthy? If Paul could say of the other saints that the world was not worthy of them, what can we say of the Mother of God, who outshines all the martyrs even as the sun outshines the stars?
O Virgin, well may the angels rejoice in you! Because of you they who long ages ago had banished our race are now sent to our service, and to his joy Gabriel is entrusted with the news of a divine child's conception. Rejoice, most favored one, let your face glow with gladness. You are to give birth to the joy of all the world, who will put an end to the age-old curse, destroying the power of death and giving to all the hope of resurrection.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Saturday, January 14, 2012
To God Through Mary
The self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana is the second luminous mystery in the life of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus changed the water into wine His disciples already believed that Jesus was the Messiah. However, with this first public miracle the disciples began to experience a much deeper faith. At Cana, the Blessed Virgin Mary obtained from her Son the temporal need of providing for the guests at the wedding. This mystery emphasizes the importance of relying on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s prayers for all our own needs.
Mary’s prayers are unparalleled in effectiveness with God because they are the prayers of a Mother, whereas the prayers of the saints are prayers of servants. Since Jesus Christ has an infinite love for His Mother, Mary’s prayers cannot go unanswered. We have an opportunity to grow in our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary whenever we choose. Let us beg God through her prayers to draw us closer to Christ our Savior.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Mary’s prayers are unparalleled in effectiveness with God because they are the prayers of a Mother, whereas the prayers of the saints are prayers of servants. Since Jesus Christ has an infinite love for His Mother, Mary’s prayers cannot go unanswered. We have an opportunity to grow in our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary whenever we choose. Let us beg God through her prayers to draw us closer to Christ our Savior.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Eucharist
Consider how our God chose to save us. He could have redeemed us by simply willing it, but He chose to become one of us. He chose to take upon Himself our human nature. Since God created man in His own image, He did not consider it beneath Himself to dwell in the flesh. We must therefore always remember our great dignity as Christians. We must always strive to embrace the virtue of humility because our God by His very nature is humble.
If we consider how God chose to become one of us-to live, work, sleep, eat, suffer and die as a human being, we should be filled with the deepest gratitude. But God didn't stop there. He continues to humble Himself by making Himself present in the Eucharist. Do we take advantage of this great gift? Do we receive the Eucharist frequently and with sincere devotion? Do we make Eucharistic Adoration a regular part of our lives?
God invites us. God gives us the gift of Himself. Do we make use of this incomparable gift?
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
If we consider how God chose to become one of us-to live, work, sleep, eat, suffer and die as a human being, we should be filled with the deepest gratitude. But God didn't stop there. He continues to humble Himself by making Himself present in the Eucharist. Do we take advantage of this great gift? Do we receive the Eucharist frequently and with sincere devotion? Do we make Eucharistic Adoration a regular part of our lives?
God invites us. God gives us the gift of Himself. Do we make use of this incomparable gift?
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Baptism of Jesus
The Book of Revelation tells us that Jesus Christ has won the victory over sin and satan. He is glorious in heaven as the Lamb who was slain surrounded by all His saints, martyrs and virgins who constantly give Him praise and glory.
We share in the sacrifice of Christ when we participate in Holy Communion. We must always give thanks to Christ for redeeming us by His blood and giving us Himself in Holy Communion. It is so very important that we always properly prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. We must also give a proper thanksgiving if we expect to draw fruit from receiving our Lord.
In fact, the Church teaches us that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Catholic Christians. Everything else emanates from the reception of our Redeemer in Holy Communion. Priests must therefore offer each Mass as if it were their only Mass. The lay faithful should attend every Mass as if it were their only Mass. We must guard against the danger of becoming complacent.
Tomorrow we celebrate the Commemoration of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like John the Baptist we must decrease and acknowledge our unworthiness...Domine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
We share in the sacrifice of Christ when we participate in Holy Communion. We must always give thanks to Christ for redeeming us by His blood and giving us Himself in Holy Communion. It is so very important that we always properly prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. We must also give a proper thanksgiving if we expect to draw fruit from receiving our Lord.
In fact, the Church teaches us that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Catholic Christians. Everything else emanates from the reception of our Redeemer in Holy Communion. Priests must therefore offer each Mass as if it were their only Mass. The lay faithful should attend every Mass as if it were their only Mass. We must guard against the danger of becoming complacent.
Tomorrow we celebrate the Commemoration of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like John the Baptist we must decrease and acknowledge our unworthiness...Domine, non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Worship of the Blessed Sacrament
Eucharistic Adoration is a tremendous help in fostering a closer friendship with Jesus Christ. It is an extension of our reception of Holy Communion. It also brings about a deeper longing for receiving the Sacrament again. Eucharistic Adoration is the best means to prepare for receiving Holy Communion and offering up the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Exposing oneself to the presence of Jesus Christ guarantees reception of His graces, provided one remains in the state of grace.
In order to grow in humility and holiness, we must also approach the Sacrament of Penance frequently. This is a great aid in helping one benefit from receiving the Eucharist as well. Without penance, we lose a sense of sin in our lives. If we neglect confession, we tend to overlook how sin becomes a stumbling block in our lives.
Finally, we must foster greater devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary's role in the life of the Church is such an important part of our Catholic Tradition and spirituality. Mary is Mother of the Eucharist. She gave Jesus Christ to the world. She always leads holy souls to her Son. When we grow in our devotion to Mary, especially through the recitation of the Holy Rosary and Consecration to her, she always leads us to Jesus Christ.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
In order to grow in humility and holiness, we must also approach the Sacrament of Penance frequently. This is a great aid in helping one benefit from receiving the Eucharist as well. Without penance, we lose a sense of sin in our lives. If we neglect confession, we tend to overlook how sin becomes a stumbling block in our lives.
Finally, we must foster greater devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary's role in the life of the Church is such an important part of our Catholic Tradition and spirituality. Mary is Mother of the Eucharist. She gave Jesus Christ to the world. She always leads holy souls to her Son. When we grow in our devotion to Mary, especially through the recitation of the Holy Rosary and Consecration to her, she always leads us to Jesus Christ.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Christmas Season
After all of our Advent preparations we once again find ourselves well into the Christmas season. Now is the time of year when we focus particularly on the Incarnation, the greatest event in the whole history of mankind. Our omnipotent God chose at a particular moment in time to reveal Himself in the flesh. This is how God chose from all eternity to redeem us and save us from our slavery to sin and satan.
Although God could have saved us in any way He wished, He nevertheless chose to do so by becoming a man. God did not consider it beneath His dignity to take on our human nature. What a great joy for us! What a great message of hope! What a great lesson in humility! The Christmas message should help us to realize our great dignity as Christians. God created us in His own image! When we look at Christ we acknowledge that He is the image of the invisible God, as Saint Paul says. When we see Christ we see the nature of our God.
If we are in fact made in God's image than we must strive to imitate our God. We must embrace humility in all aspects of our lives. We must strive to learn to submit to one another out of love for Christ. When we meditate upon the Incarnation we must beg God for the humility that allowed the Blessed Virgin Mary to say yes to God at this unprecedented event and every moment of her life.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Although God could have saved us in any way He wished, He nevertheless chose to do so by becoming a man. God did not consider it beneath His dignity to take on our human nature. What a great joy for us! What a great message of hope! What a great lesson in humility! The Christmas message should help us to realize our great dignity as Christians. God created us in His own image! When we look at Christ we acknowledge that He is the image of the invisible God, as Saint Paul says. When we see Christ we see the nature of our God.
If we are in fact made in God's image than we must strive to imitate our God. We must embrace humility in all aspects of our lives. We must strive to learn to submit to one another out of love for Christ. When we meditate upon the Incarnation we must beg God for the humility that allowed the Blessed Virgin Mary to say yes to God at this unprecedented event and every moment of her life.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
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