Category: Ascension

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 351 – The Prayer of the Hour of Jesus

Looking at the prayer of the Hour of Jesus, we learn from the Catechism that it “embraces the whole economy of creation and salvation, as well as his death and Resurrection.” This prayer summarizes everything: “God and the world; the Word and the flesh; eternal life and time; the love that hands itself over and the sin that betrays it; the disciples present and those who will believe in him by their word; humiliation and glory. It is the prayer of unity.” Fr. Mike reiterates that this prayer from the Son to the Father allows us to pray as sons and daughters of Christ and give glory to the Father. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2746-2751.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/X21EWIhmgg8?si=HXSl44Fc8MNfH3eW

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 350 – Persevering in Prayer

The Catechism teaches about the effectiveness of prayer and how to persevere in prayer. Fr. Mike explains that although God already knows what we need before we ask, he wants us to pray, and he extends us dignity by allowing us to pray and ask for what we need. In the process of prayer, we are able to learn the heart of the Father, grow closer to him, and become more like him. The Catechism goes on to state that when it comes to prayer, it is always possible, a vital necessity, and inseparable from the Christian life. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2738-2745.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/M-55R0sOEnI?si=fGuUhp1WKcRXwLZq

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 349 – Temptation, Trust, and Prayer

What motivates our prayer? Do we see God as our “divine genie,” or do we look to him as our Father? We learn that the most common temptation in prayer is a lack of faith. Another major temptation is acedia or sloth. In the face of these temptations of presumption and discouragement, we must respond with filial trust in God our Father, the giver of all good gifts. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2732-2737.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/kX78YMw1Lpw?si=g6ydkNZ6NbRItAaj

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 348 – The Battle of Prayer

Prayer is “grace and grit,” as Fr. Mike phrases it. In this section, one of Fr. Mike’s favorites in the Catechism, we hear that “we pray as we live because we live as we pray.” This living and praying is a battle in which we must confront our failures and accept the Holy Spirit’s grace and aid. Prayer requires humility, trust, and perseverance on our part. In this struggle, we must battle against distraction, ourselves, dryness, and temptation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2725-2731.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/r2ct47YdVvU?si=b_pWBW93wkDrkWAW

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 347 – Contemplative Prayer

In contemplative prayer, we seek Jesus. As St. Teresa of Avila put it, contemplative prayer “is nothing else than a close sharing between friends.” The Catechism tells us this form of prayer is a gift, a covenant, and a communion. Further, it is a silent gaze “fixed on Jesus.” In this episode, Fr. Mike helps us better understand this intimate form of prayer. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2709-2724.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/AKLixSUvA7k?si=bkAxujUeI3NazF-4

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 346 – Meditation and Vocal Prayer

Because man is both body and spirit, our prayers can be vocal and meditative. We learn that vocal prayer expresses the movements of our hearts and minds, enabling us to pray with the fullness of our being. Another form of prayer is meditation, which the Catechism tells us is “above all a quest.” In meditation, we employ our thoughts, imagination, and emotions to deepen our union with Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2700-2708.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/UtjNh0p43sw?si=eQ6wkAL1PSYFbwrX

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 345 – Animated by Prayer

We know we can pray anywhere at any time, yet certain places are more favorable for prayer. There are also certain rhythms of prayer in the life of the Church that foster regular attention to the Lord. As Fr. Mike emphasizes with the Catechism, we can’t pray always “if we don’t pray at specific times.” Today Fr. Mike encourages us to find our place and time for prayer. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2691-2699.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/TjudU3-84vA?si=I9Pj-W9RgpaTG4UQ

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 344 – Guides for Prayer

We are lifelong learners in the school of prayer. The Church offers various guides to help us grow and cultivate our prayer lives. These include the family, the saints, priests, religious brothers and sisters, prayer groups, spiritual directors, and more. These individuals and communities teach us to pray in different ways and inspire us to persevere in prayer. Fr. Mike invites us to reflect on how God calls us to lead others in the Faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2683-2690.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/LC_EfHn25Y8?si=0qQ6-2yAbbPV5dfc

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 343 – Praying Through Mary

To love Mary doesn’t mean our hearts belong any less to Jesus. Today, the Catechism explains our Blessed Mother’s role in prayer and why the Catholic Church prays in communion with her. We also explore the origin behind the Hail Mary prayer and other prayers to Mary throughout the Church’s history. Lastly, Fr. Mike reflects on the tenderness and strength of Mary’s motherhood that carries us through the difficulties of our lives. By uniting our prayer to her prayer, we unite our trust with her perfect “Fiat.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2673-2682.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/hc8swuEn4Ag?si=zQWLCyFX9Y9i6BhI

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 342 – Trinitarian Prayer

What is the significance of praying to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? As we explore the path of prayer, the Catechism elaborates on the concept of trinitarian prayer and underscores the importance of establishing a relationship with each member of the Holy Trinity. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Christ is the focal point of Christian prayer, and he underscores the profound power of invoking the name of Jesus, as it represents his very presence. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2663-2672.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/u7HXWC2w5aM?si=FDI_YdquYXd9x5yt