“It is I who forgives, it is I who calls, it is I who perfects” (Inner Word).
On our journey of following Christ, we must never forget that it was not we who chose Him, but He who called us (cf. Jn 15:16). This applies not only to priestly and religious vocations, but to each person individually, as echoed in the Lord’s wonderful declaration through the prophet Isaiah: “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Is 43:1).
This week’s meditations lead us step by step toward the theme of contemplation.
In our Holy Church, we have a rich mystical tradition that describes the profound encounter between God and the soul and invites us to embark on such a journey. We know of religious orders that devote themselves entirely to contemplative prayer and, in this way, present to God all the concerns and intentions of the Church and the world. They withdraw completely from the world and allow the flame of divine love to burn in their hearts.
Certainly, this is a special vocation that is not meant for everyone. However, the interior journey—such as the path taken by contemplative Carmelites—contains essential aspects for all who wish to deepen their faith. Just as in the world we learn from those who are experts in a particular field, on a spiritual level we can learn from those who have intensely cultivated the interior life.
In this week’s meditations, we reflected on the internalization of the Word of God, the Holy Rosary, and prayer from the heart. We also briefly mentioned receiving Holy Communion at Holy Mass, a topic I would like to dwell on a little more in today’s meditation.
Through Holy Communion, an intimate union with the Lord takes place, and He penetrates more deeply into our soul. In God the Father’s message to Sister Eugenia Ravasio, a private revelation that I have quoted on several occasions, our Heavenly Father offers the following reflection on this subject:
“All the good that others do at our suggestion will increase the splendor of our glory in heaven.” —St. John Bosco
It is a joy for us when our good deeds, whether words or actions, encourage others to do the same. This is a joy in itself, and both the good deed and its effect on others fill our Father’s heart with joy and bear witness to His love.
“Never deny what you have recognized as truth” (Inner Word).
Today’s phrase presents quite a challenge for us Christians. In reality, we should know that we can never deny the truth, because God is truth itself, and professing it aligns with our deepest identity. However, the Holy Scriptures make it clear that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). And they did not merely fail to accept it; they try to hide it, fight it, and even ridicule it.
On several occasions, I have spoken and written in detail about the “Prayer of the Heart,” which is practiced mainly in the Eastern Church. I recommend that you reread or listen to what I have said, which you can find in the links at the bottom of the page[1]. You can also find other sources to learn more about this valuable prayer and its history[2].
Since this week we are focusing on deepening our relationship with Jesus and on his deeper indwelling in our hearts, I return once again to this prayer, which is almost indispensable for souls seeking silence and recollection. Personally, I have been practicing it for almost forty years, and now I find it impossible to imagine my life without the “Prayer of the Heart.” Anyone who has tasted the “spiritual flavor” of this prayer will agree with me and understand why I recommend the “Jesus Prayer” to all Christians. It is unsurpassed in its simplicity and can be prayed anywhere.
“The Church is losing the memory of the sacred, which it had cultivated with such care for so many centuries” (Inner Word).
One of the dangers of modernist trends and all kinds of innovations in the Holy Church is the growing loss of the sense of the sacred and the transcendent. This memory fades when proper gestures of reverence are neglected, and when it is believed that, to be considerate of Christians of other denominations, one must avoid anything that might scandalize them rather than explain it to them.
Internalizing our faith is one of the decisive elements for God’s grace to unfold abundantly in our lives.
Faith must be internalized so that it consists of more than just outward gestures and actions—not to detract from the importance and value of the latter—but is also deeply rooted in our hearts. In this way, we forge a rich interior life in union with God, an interior life that is always present and growing.
God offers us various ways of internalization.
First, we must assimilate the Word of God more deeply. Scripture says of Mary that she pondered the Word in her heart (cf. Lk 2:19). To do so, we must read the Word of God daily. It is our spiritual nourishment that enlightens our understanding and illuminates our hearts (Psalm 119:105).
“Each day has its own mission. At Compline, examine whether you have fulfilled it” (Inner Word).
Certainly, these words are addressed primarily to those who live according to the spiritual order of monasteries or religious communities. However, they are also fruitful and applicable to anyone who desires to lead a serious spiritual life and walk each day hand in hand with the Lord.
On this day, when we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, it is very appropriate to talk about the Holy Rosary, a classic Christian meditation closely associated with the Virgin Mary.
In fact, she carried the Lord in her womb and in her heart. If we want Jesus to be born more deeply in our hearts, she, being our spiritual Mother, will gladly help us. What pleases her most is that we listen to her Son and allow Him to dwell in our hearts. Her joy is to see Jesus taking shape in our lives. What mother would not want her child to receive the respect, love, and attention He deserves? How much more does this apply to the Mother of God, whose Son brings us salvation!
