*Audio and video are not available at this time, but will be available at a future date. We apologize for any inconvenience!
Family,
Peace!
In our day and age, with its challenges and demands, when we are busy with so many things—and tempted with busyness—we are called to remember that our faith and its practice is always primary.
I write today to invite all of us to renewal with the Lord—where can we can keep seeking holiness, turning from those things that hurt us? Also, where can we make greater commitments, like a consecration to Jesus through Mary, or a formal vocation? Plus, we discuss how our mercy, specifically through prayer, can help those around us, and our country and world.
The Lord Jesus tells us in John chapter 6 that the will of His Father is that none be lost; of course, this is a reference to salvation. God, out of love, wins salvation for all humanity—the Father sends and gives His only Son, and the Son lays down His life through the Paschal Mystery of His passion, death, and resurrection—and God invites all to a life with Him, that all be “baptiz[ed]” and “observe all…[He] commanded” (Matthew Chapter 28). The acceptance and following of Jesus in reality are choices; many of our families accepted Jesus for us when we were baptized as infants—but the following of Jesus, the observance of “all…[He] commanded,” now is our choice. As a prompt for all of us: where in our lives, and in what ways, if any, can we cut out mortal sin, death-causing habits? In order to turn away from our vices, these very serious habits, besides of course prayer and grace from God, drastic action is required: a proven strategy of avoiding occasions of sin—situations, places, people that cause us to fall—even if only for a short time. A priest once invited me to think of these in my sin; anyone—even a saintly person—in an occasion of sin, is at risk.
The Lord Jesus mentions that this action can be drastic and painful, likening it to losing a limb, but better to be weakened and limited than to persist in death-causing habits:
“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled…” (Matthew chapter 18)
Humility before God—doing God’s will in its many ways— for us fallen humans is the most difficult, and praise God the Church teaches us why; our fallen state because of original sin has many detrimental effects including an inclination to sin. St. Paul likens it to a rebellion of the flesh against the spirit. (Catechism #2515)
Yet, God desires a humble people:
“…a people humble and lowly, Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD….They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; Nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; They shall pasture and lie down with none to disturb them.” (Zephaniah chapter 3)
Consecration and vocation are wonderful, practical ways to deepen our faith practice through commitment as we seek renewal. The Consecration to Jesus through Mary by St. Louis de Montfort is one of the most popular—and holy—consecrations available to us. A vocation director once shared in a talk that this Consecration is basically giving your life to Mary. Through it we allow Mary to guide and shape our life, and she only takes us one place: to her Son, in this life and in the next in heaven. It reminds me of the shepherd children at Fatima, who were participants in this great event of Salvation History after they responded “yes” to Mary’s question: “Do you want to offer yourselves to God…” (de Marchi, 16)? When we consecrate ourselves, we similarly communicate to heaven that we want to deepen our faith life. When I did mine, I did a 33-day, self-paced version through a book according to St. Louis de Montfort; some organizations like the Heralds of the Gospel offer an online class. Both ways end with Mass on a Marian feast day.
Vocation, of course, is a formal place where we live our Christianity, including in the religious life and sacramental marriages. Vocation can be a challenging subject, as so many seek it, but have not been able to make the commitment they so desire. However, we are still called to continue to pursue it, and encourage those around us to seek the vocation they feel called to. Plus, those with an affinity to God and the Church and her teachings should be told they they should be ambitious, to seek “the [highest] spiritual gifts,” the highest offices and positions of our Church, including through vocations (1 Corinthians chapter 12).
Even starting in their teenage years, young people can be told that religious life out of High School is a viable option. However, in my opinion, after having walked some time in discernment of religious life, it is important for all those considering formal vocation—and especially young people—to have experience and maturity in fervent, committed devotion: at least a weekly Rosary; committed and periodic (like once a month) participation in a parish ministry, but preferably in the core ministries of the Liturgy, helping the Sick and Homebound, or Catechism, including in behind-the-scenes positions in these; and Mass during the week when available and if possible (and one day during the week in committed fashion is excellent). And any serious vocation must be underlined by faithfulness to God in following all the teachings of the Church—No hatred of God as expressed in insults against God or His Church, going to Sunday Mass, gratitude and obedience to parents, respect for others, purity, no stealing, refraining from willful gossip to the detriment of others, and a spirit that doesn’t compare one’s means and opportunities excessively with others’.
Another tool for spiritual renewal is penance, like prayer. Prayer like the Rosary is a wonderful way to show God evidence for repentance. But it’s also a great work that is within reach for most as it can also be used for intercessory prayer, praying for the needs of others as a work of mercy (like praying a few times a week for the world, country, or peace, for example)—though prayer shouldn’t replace action in situations where you can easily do something or materially help. In our chaotic and troubled world, there has never been a greater time to ask the Lord for mercy: for help, for spiritual graces, for material needs, for peace, for vocations (but of course, with a spirit of peace, not of desperation). If you are able, a weekly or twice-a-week rosary for your needs, those of your family and friends, for peace, for the US, and the rest of the world would be such a blessing, and truly makes a difference, in your sanctity, as God sees the mercy and desire for good in your heart, and the person or situation you pray for, as God is a good and merciful God.
Friends, in our world, it’s easy to get busy—and to be tempted to get busy—as we deal with the things and needs of life, but we must be reminded that our relationship with God is most important. We are called to be humble before God—doing all He commands—and prayer, grace, and avoiding situations, places, and people that cause us to fall, even if only for a time, will help us. In this invitation to spiritual renewal, we are also called to make commitments: consecration as a way of growing in God’s plan for each of us, and in vocation, though needless to say this isn’t always easy, as many desire it, but aren’t able to make this commitment. Last, if we are able, we definitely should increase our intercessory prayer, like the Rosary, for help for our family, friends, country, and world during this chaotic and violent time.
Peace be with you,
Juan B
View profile
Corrections
2026 Feb 25: In the section referencing the 10 commandments, information was added related to the 7th commandment against stealing
Citations
de Marchi, IMC, Fr. John, The True Story of Fatima: A complete account of the Fatima Apparitions, Publisher Unknown, Date Unknown, PDF, https://fatima.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/The-True-Story-of-Fatima.pdf. Accessed 14 Feb 2026
Follow us for more!