By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“Only be careful for yourself and watch over your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your grandchildren” (Deuteronomy 4:9).
The Church teaches that there is no eternal life apart from grace. Throughout history, saints and Doctors of the Church have told us that the devil laughs when we make sincere resolutions but do not remove ourselves from the occasions of sin.
Everything God created was intended for good. We witness His love in the morning sunrise, which reminds us of His miraculous power. In fact, there are miracles all around us every day! The birth of a newborn baby is a miracle – life co-created with God as a gift from heaven. The miracle of eternal life is only possible because of God’s love for us, and His gift of the Eucharist provides grace beyond anything we could possibly imagine. We are children of God; and in failing to accept this offering of great love, we might stray and risk losing it.
We celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King on the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar in the Church. This year, the feast is celebrated Nov. 26. Pope Pius XI instituted this solemnity in 1925; the purpose was to acknowledge Jesus Christ as King of all Kings. Pope Pius XI was concerned about the removal of God in the secular world. During his papacy, he wrote three major encyclicals against totalitarian systems that challenged Christian principals. He reasoned that the Church could not support political systems that intruded on the principle teachings of God.
The Sunday following Christ the King we begin Advent. The weeks before Christmas are beautiful times of hope and preparation for the coming of Baby Jesus. But preparedness of our souls should be an everyday intention. The materialistic, secular world can snatch up our days with a busy calendar very quickly; this prevents us from seeking time for God in our lives.
We cannot obtain what God promises if we do not understand the value or meaning of grace. Actual Grace is freely given to us when God acts in a specific moment. It is not ongoing and does not remain with us. A good example would be enlightenment during a moment of prayer to God that encourages us to act.
Sanctifying Grace develops inside us; it is not a temporary act, but a state of being infused in our soul by the power of the Holy Spirit. This beautiful gift is made possible by Christ’s sacrifice for the remission of our sins. Our first infusion of sanctifying grace is received when we are baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as we reject the empty promises of the devil. God requires us to have faith in Him to be saved, and to live a moral life in accordance with His will. Our faith in God and the work we do is only made possible through the grace freely given to us in the first place.
Be diligent this Advent Season in seeking grace: In the Eucharist at Mass as often as possible; time spent in Eucharistic Adoration; daily rosary; reading scripture; an opportunity for Reconciliation; and, so important, time to pray together as a family. Watch over your soul, and the souls of your loved ones! Please remember to let God know how much you feel His love and value His grace in your life, as you prepare for eternal life with Him! Amen!