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
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8 Ways To Pray During Adoration
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly 8 Ways To Pray During Adoration More Adoration Resources 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 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids (Catholic Stories for […]
Eucharistic Adoration | How To Make A Holy Hour
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Steps For Making A Holy Hour Source: www.thegregorian.org More Adoration Resources 10 Surprising Things That Happen When You Go To Adoration More Often All Your Questions About Adoration Answered…What Is It? How Do I Go? What Do I Do? And More! Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter!Our weekly email newsletter […]
Four Saints Devoted To The Eucharist
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Four Male Saints Devoted To The Eucharist Four Female Saints Devoted To The Eucharist More Resources On The Eucharist *Amazon Affiliate links help the ministry of Catholic-Link at no additional cost to you. Thank you! Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter!Our weekly email newsletter includes links to […]
What We Know When We Look At The Eucharist According To Mother Teresa
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly What We Know When We Look At The Eucharist According To Mother Teresa Our Favorite Catholic Books Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life’s Hurts Jesus and You, Woman: Ignatian Retreat for Women under the guidance of Edith Stein The Catholic Table: Finding Joy Where Food and Faith Meet The […]
Litany To Christ The King
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Litany To Christ The King The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and Divinity and wisdom and strength and honor; To Him be glory and empire forever and ever. He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. […]
