A Rule of Life

09-20-2020Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Fr. Zachary of the Mother of God, SOLT offers a beautiful reflection on the five important “rules” that can be a part of our lives every day of our life. I think they are solid rules that can help us all to become better disciples of Our Lord Jesus.

#1 The first rule begins when we rise from bed. First thing in the morning say: "This is the first and greatest of all the commandments, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul, and with your whole mind, and with all your strength’ and the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Next, say the Morning Offering: "O Jesus, in union with your Most Precious Blood poured out on the cross and offered in every Mass, I offer you today my prayers, works, joys, sorrows and sufferings for the praise of Your Holy Name and all the desires of Your Sacred Heart; in reparation for sin, for the conversion of sinners, the union of all Christians and our final union with You in heaven."

#2 Pray unceasingly. Throughout the day practice the constant quiet repetition of a Jesus prayer or prayers. They are like arrows aimed at the heart of Jesus. "Jesus, I love you, possess me." "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner." "Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust In Thee." "Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine." "Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I love you. Save Souls." "Heart of Jesus burning with love for me, inflame my heart with love for Thee." "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in need of Thy mercy." "Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world." "For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

The Act of Contrition: "O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins, because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin."

The Hail Holy Queen: "Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary!

#3 Every Wednesday, fast completely from watching television; read one chapter of either Matthew, Mark, Luke or John on that Fast Wednesday and preferably every day.

#4 Almsgiving: Give directly to a charity or give through the Church. Check that the organization you donate to, truly upholds respect for human life - from conception to natural death.

#5 Once a week, besides Holy Mass, go on a pilgrimage. Visit the adoration chapel, reminding yourself that you are on pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Heaven.

May our Patroness, most powerful St. Bernadette obtain for each of us the grace to one day meet God face to face and may Our Lady be our solace and guide in every endeavor, joy, and trial! And may the Holy Eucharist be our wisdom and strength!

God Bless,
Fr. Don Kline, V.F.