The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

06-11-2023Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

Jesus wants to help you in every aspect of your life. In order to allow Him to be a powerful influence in your life, you and I must listen for His inspiration or His prompting in SILENCE. I know it’s hard in our culture, but silence is the gateway to the soul. Commit to this discipline and once you reap the blessings, you’ll never want to let it go. As you make yourself available to Jesus in this way, invite Him to speak, incline and reveal Himself to you. Maybe what comes to you in your silent prayer is a word or name; perhaps it’s an insight or an overwhelming feeling of peace, or a reminder of unfinished business that you need to take care of with His grace to assist you. It might lead to a comforting reflection on the truth that you are never alone with Him at your side, or an insight about how blessed you really are, that in turn may influence how you go about your day or how you deal with others in your family or workplace.

Start with just 10 minutes a day in mental/silent prayer. I’d recommend beginning by taking a couple of minutes to SPEAK to Jesus about what’s on your mind and in your heart – whatever it is. Secondly, spend about 5 minutes being silent to LISTEN to Jesus, without having anything to say in your head; you might begin this part by saying, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel: 10) Lastly, take time to RESPOND to Jesus. It might be a prayer of gratitude, or an intention to act on whatever Jesus has inspired or inclined you to do. Read below about what these saints have gained by spending time in silent prayer. Beginning each day with this kind of prayer has the potential to change your outlook and attitude… and, in fact, your whole life!

In order to succeed in prayer, it should be done when we first awaken, when our whole being is calm and recollected. We need to make our meditation before anything else. As far as possible, you should pray in quiet silent devotion. Try to have a favorite topic of prayer, such as a devotion to the passion of Jesus, the Blessed Sacrament, awareness of the Divine Presence: go directly to Jesus without too much fuss. Have confidence in prayer. It is the unfailing power which God has given us. By means of it you will obtain the salvation of the dear souls whom God has given you and all your loved ones. “Ask and you shall receive,” Our Lord said. Be yourself good with the Lord. - St Peter Julian Eymard

Be faithful to the time spent in prayer and make sure that at least half of your prayer is spent in silence. This will bring you closer to Jesus. If you deepen your prayer life, you will grow in holiness and obtain many graces for the souls entrusted to your care. Deepen your love for the souls entrusted to your care. Deepen your love for one another by praying for each other and by sharing thoughts and graces you have received in prayer and reading. - St. Mother Teresa

God bless you!

Fr. Bob