Progressing, getting ahead, moving forward, making strides, taking the lead… We live in a society that is absolutely fascinated by forward motion. It’s a compliment: “He or she is a forward-thinker.” It’s a dream: “To discover the next great leap forward.” It’s a political campaign. It’s a moral condition: to move backward is basically considered sinful or just plain idiotic.
The question arises? What do we mean when we say forward? What’s the starting point? What’s the final goal? A bigger bank account, bigger car, faster computer, more “friends” on Facebook, louder applause, one more trophy? What type of progress are we willing to work for?
In today’s culture, the idea of personal growth is drastically undervalued; often, it’s seen as a waste of time or something from our naive ancestors. Usually, only exterior and more palpable progress is worth anything. The main difference between the two (material and spiritual) is that material progress remains outside of you. It will offer you certain positive sensations, yet it is always colored with a fleeting and inconsistent kind of occurrence. An interior progress, on the other hand, means that you are the one who is changed. Some inner gear within your heart has been serviced; some knot untied, some spot of weakness strengthened, some talent or gift lived out with greater fullness. While less palpable from the outside, this kind of growth is infinitely more satisfying and valuable.
Eucharistic Adoration – Reverse Momentum
In our spiritual life, we are incapable of making progress on our own. The necessity of Christ’s grace is experienced at its utmost intensity. In order to enter into his love, we must receive that very same love as a gift from his most generous Heart. This, then, is why any Catholic who has developed a basic level of spiritual sensibility is aware of his or her need for the Eucharistic Sacrament. The encounter there is one that brings about a real change in us. There, the direction “forward” finds its ultimate and most authentic meaning: to become like Christ.
“Material food first changes into the one who eats it, and then, as a consequence, restores to him lost strength and increases his vitality. Spiritual food, on the other hand, changes the person who eats it into itself. Thus the effect proper to this Sacrament is the conversion of a man into Christ, so that he may no longer live, but Christ lives in him; consequently, it has the double effect of restoring the spiritual strength he had lost by his sins and defects, and of increasing the strength of his virtues.” – St. Thomas, Commentary on Book IV of the Sentences, d.12, q.2, a.11
Catholic Books On Adoration
Christ, Science, and Reason: What We Can Know about Jesus, Mary, and Miracles by Fr. Spitzer
Cardiologist Examines Jesus: The Stunning Science Behind Eucharistic Miracles
Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids (Catholic Stories for Kids)
The 7 Secrets of the Eucharist
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper
The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth
The Divine Encounter: Meeting Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration
When We Receive The Eucharist, We Become Tabernacles
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly When We Receive The Eucharist, We Become Tabernacles More Catholic Resources On The Eucharist Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter!Our weekly email newsletter includes links to our seasonal content so you can stay connected to the Church’s liturgical seasons and find simple ways to celebrate them and […]
How To Help Children See Jesus At Mass In The Eucharist
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Their sounds, their wiggles, and their questions are signs of life in every parish family.Do not worry if they get fussy or distracted. You are doing holy work by bringing them close to Jesus. During the “Ecce Agnus Dei,” the priest lifts the Host and says, “Behold the Lamb […]
The Purpose Of Every Consecrated Host
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Every Consecrated Host is made to burn Itself up with love in a human heart. – St. John Vianney Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter!Our weekly email newsletter includes links to our seasonal content so you can stay connected to the Church’s liturgical seasons and find simple ways to celebrate […]
Why Make A Holy Hour? | St. Paul VI
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly “A Holy Hour brings Heaven’s choicest blessings on those who are faithful to their Hour.” Pope Saint Paul VI How To Make A Holy Hour Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter!Our weekly email newsletter includes links to our seasonal content so you can stay connected to the Church’s liturgical seasons […]
A True Sign Of Unity And A Bond Of Charity
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Distracted? Receive Communion
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The Eucharist Gives Us The Spiritual Energy We Need
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly The Eucharist Gives Us The Spiritual Energy We Need More Resources On The Eucharist Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter!Our weekly email newsletter includes links to our seasonal content so you can stay connected to the Church’s liturgical seasons and find simple ways to celebrate them and […]
What Does Christ Give Us In The Eucharist?
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, he is to be honored with the worship of adoration. “To visit the Blessed Sacrament is . . . a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord” (Paul VI, […]
How To Be An Image Of God | St. Edith Stein
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly In order to be an image of God, the spirit must turn to what is eternal, hold it in spirit, keep it in memory, and by loving it, embrace it in the will. – St. Edith Stein *Amazon Affiliate links help the ministry of Catholic-Link at no additional cost […]
Do You Not Love Me In The Blessed Sacrament?
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly But our Lord could say to us: “You have loved Me on Calvary because there I washed away your sins. You have loved Me in the Crib because there I was meek and lovable. Why then do you not love Me in the Blessed Sacrament where I am always […]
