In the Beatitudes, Jesus reveals that those who are clean of heart will be able to see God.Purity is a requirement to behold God both in Heaven and on Earth. Yet what does it meanto be clean of heart? It means to strive more and more to see others as they truly are:beloved children of God who are made in His image and likeness. It means seeking tofind Jesus hidden in our neighbor. Purity and faith go handin hand. The pure recognize Jesus hidden in humanity. The faithful recognizeJesus hidden in the Eucharist.May we be granted the grace to recognize Jesus always and in everyone.f

The Eucharist is described in the Catechism as the ‘source and summit’ of our faith. Finding the time to go to Adoration can be difficult. But if you can make it happen, committing to regular Adoration with an open heart can have some surprising results. While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. (Mark 14:22-24)

For me, there is something about the smell of freshly burned incense filling the church that is spiritually uplifting. But where did it come from and why do we use it?

The use of incense in religious worship started more than 2,000 years before Christianity even began. The use of incense in China is documented before 2000 BC. Trade in incense and spices was a major economic factor between east and west when caravans traveled the Middle Eastern Incense Route from Yemen through Saudi Arabia. The route ended in Israel and it was here that it was introduced to the Roman Empire.

When you come for a visit with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament you could use the following two prayers at the beginning of your visit. The third prayer could be prayed before you leave.

Prayer of Adoration

I adore you Jesus, true God, and true man, present in the holy Eucharist, kneeling before you and united in spirit with all the faithful on earth and all the saints in heaven. In gratitude for so great a blessing, I love you with all my heart, for you are worthy of all praise and adoration. Lord Jesus Christ, may I never offend you with my lack of love. May your Eucharistic presence refresh me in body and soul. Mary, Mother of the Eucharistic Lord, pray for me and obtain for me a greater love for Jesus. Amen.

Each year the feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28 reminds us of the fragility of life and the need to protect it at every stage. Besides treating everyone with dignity and fighting for legislation that reflects that fundamental truth, another powerful way to protect life is by invoking the intercession of the saints.

In particular, there are many saints who fought for the most vulnerable in society during their lifetime and retain that special love in heaven.

The USCCB highlights three such saints from the United States and addresses them in a nine-day novena that can be prayed at any time.

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany - the manifestation of Jesus as the Christ or ‘Anointed one of God’ to all the world. The Magi teach us a great deal about how we ought to approach Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. First they approached with faith, recognizing that this was no ordinary child but rather the Son of God. We too must look upon the consecrated host, not as ordinary bread but as the hidden God. Secondly they presented the Lord with gifts, the best of what they had to offer. When we approach the Lord Jesus we must present Him with all that we are and all that we have our minds, and our hearts. In this way our Lord will continue to manifest His presence to us and through us to all the world.