Dear Reader, the Truth is that contemplative prayer is the very greatest and unvarnished work anyone could do on Earth. Loving the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, for even an atomic-second, shows superabundant humbleness. This virtue of humility, for we mere human creatures, propagates our love for our neighbors superbly!

Many branches of the Orders of the Carmelites, the Franciscans, the Augustinians, and the Poor Clares etc. dedicate their lives to this holy and untiringly contemplative prayer. Many groups and individuals of the Catholic laity also participate in this most worthy vocation. The pure hearts of these contemplatives exude true love as best as that which could be done on Earth.

Anyway, Dear Reader, there exist two lives, so to speak, of the Holy Catholic Church, the Bride of Christ; they are the active life and the contemplative life. In Her active life, we pray, do works of mercy, and receive the Holy Sacraments. In Her contemplative life, we learn from Jesus, for He is Meek and Humble of Heart!

Jesus, Dear Reader, Loves Our Almighty Father with all His Sacred Heart, Divine Mind, and Eternal Soul! Our active life is accomplished on Earth. Our contemplative life begins on Earth, but it continues for all Eternity. It will never be taken away!

If like good Martha, the sister of Lazarus, we beseech Jesus, then we are active. When we speak to Jesus, vocally or meditative, then we are actively praying. In addition, practicing Catholics actively do good works of mercy in the Name of Jesus.

Nonetheless, if like good Mary, the sister of Martha, we listen to Jesus and/or actually become enjoined by Jesus, so to speak, with our pure loving hearts, then we are contemplative. “Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.” Thereafter, many of the Jews who came to Mary, and had seen the things, which Jesus did, believed in Him!

At the Holy Catholic Mass, we have good opportunities to be contemplative. First, prior to the Opening Ceremonies, we could acquire a moment of loving silence and stillness. Next, at the Liturgy or the Worship of the Word, when the Holy Gospels are echoed, we could adoringly listen to the Word of God. May our hearts lovingly burn within us!

Continuing, at the Liturgy or the Worship of the Eucharist, during the Holy Consecration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, we could reverently direct our endearing eyes towards Jesus, forgetting all else, as the Catholic priest elevates the Consecrated Host above his shoulders for all to worship. May our eyes lovingly open and recognize Him!

St. Padre Pio had a life-long love affair with Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. To Padre Pio, the Most Blessed Sacrament is the Center of the Universe! Finally, Dear Reader, we could be contemplative as we attentively and warmly consume His Sacred Body and His Sacred Blood. Jesus teaches the humble His Ways!

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in Holy Eucharist, I consecrate my body and my soul to be entirely one with Your Heart, being Sacrificed at every instant on all the Holy Altars of the world and giving Praise to the Father, pleading for the Coming of His Kingdom. Please receive this humble offering of myself. Use me as You will, Jesus, for the Glory of the Father and for the salvation of the souls of my neighbors.

O Mary, Most Holy Mother of God, never let me be separated from Your Divine Son, Jesus. Please defend and protect me as Your Special Child. O Dearest and Loving Lady, who are Full of Heavenly Grace, please continue to pray very much for our Pope, Bishops, and Priests.

O Heavenly Father, Govern by Your Holy Spirit, I pray, that those to whom You feed with The Sacred Body and Precious Blood of Your Son, Jesus, continue to profess You, not just in words and deeds, but also in works and in Truth, so we may somehow merit to enter The Kingdom of Heaven. This I implore, Father, through Jesus Christ, Your Son and Our Lord and Savior!

St. Padre Pio, help us!
Servant of God, Joseph Perez, pray for us!

Stay-tuned for, “Water” on Thursday, July 5.

Peace & JAMLY,

hobo euie