Tag Archives: catholic

How Catholic Devotion to Mary Leads Us Closer Christ

In Luke’s Gospel, Mary says “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior” (Luke 1:46-47 RSVCE). Mary does not take away from Christ. Coming to know Mary magnifies our love for Christ. As Dr. Taylor Marshall, a former Protestant, says, “the more things that are involved in participating in Christ, the more the love, mercy, and grace of Christ is magnified” (Dr. Marshall, source linked below).

Catholic Mindfulness

What is one thing we can do right now to put mindfulness into practice?

For a Catholic who is trying to figure out what this has to do with their interior life, I usually tell people – when you go to Mass or you go to Adoration, before praying, start off spending five minutes just being present in your body, and just feel with your senses your own breath. Pay attention to what’s actually happening right now in this moment. That will prepare you to be present with God’s Body – the Eucharist – or whatever is specifically happening in the prayer.

We often just try to go right into our prayers, as life goes on in the background of our mind. But we can stop that process by refocusing on the senses in the present moment.

My Testimony – God Is With You Always

My point is this: God meets us at our lowest points. He does not abandon us. He is not with us just in the good moments. He is with us when we feel broken. He is with us when we feel hopeless. Sometimes our “worst” moments are the best times to encounter God in our lives. The important thing is to be aware. You must be aware and constantly looking for how God is working in your life. He is not just in the miracles. He is not just in the grand moments of life. He is with you always.

Liturgy of the Hours

Liturgy of the Hours, or the Divine Office, is the “daily prayer of the Church marking the hours of each day and sanctifying the day with prayer” (USCCB). The Hours are a contemplative dialogue on the “mystery of Christ, using scripture and prayer” (USCCB). The two most important Hours are Morning and Evening Prayer because they include a Gospel canticle: Morning Prayer (Benedictus) and Evening Prayer (Magnificat).