Category: Spiritual Blogs

A blog with a Spiritual content.

The Gettysburg Address:

A Spiritual Reflection on Freedom, Sacrifice, and Our Duty Under God

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12

As Americans, we have recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. For two and a half centuries, our Republic has remained an extraordinary experiment in self-government. Through wars, hardships, triumphs, and blessings, our nation has endured because millions of Americans have believed that liberty is a gift worth protecting.

Few documents capture that truth more beautifully than President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Delivered on November 19, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln spoke only 272 words. Yet those few words have echoed across generations because they touched something much deeper than politics—they spoke to the human soul.

Freedom Is a Gift from God

Lincoln began:

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Those words remind us of a profound truth.

Human dignity does not come from governments. It comes from God.

The Founding Fathers declared in the Declaration of Independence that our rights are endowed by our Creator. Every human life possesses immeasurable worth because every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27).

This truth lies at the very heart of Christianity.

Whether rich or poor, famous or forgotten, healthy or disabled, every human being is loved by God.

That conviction gave birth to the American experiment and continues to guide our nation today.

Sacrifice Reflects the Greatest Love

The Battle of Gettysburg became one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on American soil. Thousands of soldiers willingly gave what Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion.”

As Christians, we cannot help but hear echoes of our Lord’s own words:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Every soldier who willingly sacrifices for others reminds us—however imperfectly—of Christ’s supreme sacrifice upon the Cross.

Jesus freely laid down His life so that all humanity might live forever.

Every act of genuine self-sacrifice reflects something of God’s own love.

“We Cannot Consecrate This Ground”

Lincoln declared:

“We cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.”

The soldiers themselves had already done that through their sacrifice.

There is a deeply spiritual lesson here.

Sacrifice always sanctifies.

Parents who sacrifice for their children.

Priests who faithfully serve their people.

Missionaries who give their lives to spread the Gospel.

Doctors, nurses, first responders, caregivers, and countless ordinary people quietly giving themselves each day.

These acts of love become holy because they imitate Christ.

Holiness is rarely found in comfort.

It is found in faithful self-giving.

The Unfinished Work

Lincoln challenged the living:

“It is for us the living… to be dedicated here to the unfinished work…”

Every generation receives an unfinished task.

As Christians, our unfinished work is even greater.

We are called to spread the Gospel.

To forgive those who hurt us.

To defend the dignity of every human life.

To strengthen our families.

To care for the poor.

To love our neighbors.

To build God’s Kingdom one soul at a time.

Each generation must decide whether it will continue this sacred work or leave it unfinished.

“Under God”

Perhaps the most significant words in the Gettysburg Address are often overlooked.

Lincoln spoke of

“this nation, under God…”

Those two words remind us that no nation ultimately governs itself.

God remains Lord of history.

Nations rise.

Empires fall.

Borders change.

Cultures evolve.

But God’s Kingdom endures forever.

Our founders understood that freedom survives only when it is rooted in virtue, morality, and faith.

When people forget God, freedom eventually weakens because liberty without virtue becomes selfishness.

True freedom is not merely the ability to do whatever we wish.

True freedom is the ability to choose what is good.

A New Birth of Freedom

Lincoln prayed that America might experience “a new birth of freedom.”

Christ offers something even greater.

He offers every one of us a new birth through grace.

Jesus told Nicodemus:

“Unless one is born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

Political freedom is precious.

Spiritual freedom is eternal.

The greatest liberty is freedom from sin.

Only Christ can give that gift.

The Greatest Citizenship

As grateful as we are to live in the United States, Scripture reminds us that our highest citizenship is not earthly.

Saint Paul writes:

“Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20)

We honor our country.

We pray for our leaders.

We cherish the freedoms secured by generations of brave Americans.

But we never lose sight of our eternal homeland.

Every nation, including our own, is temporary.

The Kingdom of God alone is everlasting.

Our Resolution Today

Lincoln asked Americans to resolve that those who died would not have died in vain.

As Christians, may we make an even greater resolution.

May we resolve to live lives worthy of the blessings God has given us.

May we treasure religious liberty by using it to worship Him faithfully.

May we defend the dignity of every person.

May we become instruments of peace in a divided world.

And may we always remember that the greatest freedom is not found in politics, wealth, or power—but in belonging completely to Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate America’s 250 years, let us thank Almighty God for His countless blessings upon our nation.

Then let us pray that America will always remain “one nation under God,” seeking His wisdom, His mercy, and His truth.

For when a nation humbly walks with God, it finds not only freedom for today but hope for eternity.

“If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36

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July 6, 2026
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
A Nation Blessed with the Gift of Religious Freedom

Today, July 4, 2026, the United States of America celebrates an extraordinary milestone—250 years as a free and independent nation.

From the ringing of the Liberty Bell to the waving of countless American flags across our land, Americans pause today to remember the courage, faith, and sacrifice of those who established a nation unlike any the world had ever known.

While the Declaration of Independence announced our political freedom, it also reflected a deeper conviction shared by many of our Founding Fathers: that our rights do not come from government but from Almighty God.

The Declaration boldly proclaims:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”

Those words changed history.

Our founders understood that governments may protect rights, but they do not create them. Because our rights come from our Creator, they cannot rightly be taken away by kings, presidents, or legislatures.

This understanding became one of the cornerstones of the American experiment.

The Blessing of Religious Liberty

One of America’s greatest gifts to the world has been the protection of religious freedom.

The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees that government shall neither establish a national religion nor prohibit the free exercise of religion. This remarkable principle allows people to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience.

For millions of Americans over the past two and a half centuries, churches have stood at the heart of their communities.

They have been places where:
- Children learned about God.
- Families celebrated baptisms and weddings.
- Communities gathered during times of joy and sorrow.
- Missionaries were sent around the world.
- Countless acts of charity were inspired by faith.
Religious liberty has allowed people of many faith traditions to live together peacefully while remaining free to proclaim their beliefs.

Faith in the Words of the Founders

Many of America’s founders spoke openly about the importance of faith and virtue in sustaining a free nation.

George Washington wrote:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

John Adams observed:

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.”

These statements remind us that freedom carries responsibility. A free people must also strive to be a virtuous people.

Freedom Is Never Free

As we celebrate this historic anniversary, we also remember the generations of Americans who preserved these freedoms.

From the soldiers of the Revolutionary War to those serving today, millions have sacrificed so that future generations might continue to enjoy liberty.

Many never returned home.

Their courage reminds us that freedom is precious and must never be taken for granted.

A Time for Gratitude

The 250th birthday of the United States is more than a national celebration.

It is an opportunity to thank God for the blessings we have received:
- Freedom to worship.
- Freedom to speak.
- Freedom to assemble.
- Freedom to serve our neighbors.
- Freedom to pursue lives rooted in faith, hope, and charity.
As people of faith, we recognize that every blessing ultimately comes from God. We pray that He will continue to guide our nation with wisdom, justice, humility, and peace.

May America always remain a land where faith may be lived openly, where families may flourish, and where every generation remembers that true freedom begins with obedience to God.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

May God continue to bless these United States of America.

May He bless all who call this nation home.

And may we always remember the words engraved on our coins:

“In God We Trust.” 🇺🇸

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July 4, 2026
Living in the Light of Eternity

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33** —

Looking Beyond Today Throughout the history of the Church, the saints have shared one remarkable characteristic: they learned to see everything in the light of eternity.

Every joy, every sorrow, every success, and every trial was viewed not merely from the perspective of today, but from the perspective of Heaven.

This eternal vision did not make them indifferent to suffering. Instead, it gave them the wisdom to place every earthly event in its proper proportion.

Many of our fears, discouragements, resentments, and conflicts become overwhelming because we unconsciously magnify temporary events until they seem permanent.

A harsh word, an unexpected disappointment, financial concerns, illness, or the opinions of others can grow so large in our minds that they eclipse everything else.

Yet Scripture reminds us that these things are passing. Eternity alone lasts forever.

Seek First the Kingdom Jesus gives us the foundation for living with peace: >

**”Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”** > *(Matthew 6:33)*

Notice that Jesus does not tell us to ignore our responsibilities or pretend that difficulties do not exist. Rather, He teaches us to place first things first.

When God’s Kingdom becomes our highest priority, everything else begins to fall into its proper place. Our worries lose much of their power.

Success becomes an opportunity for gratitude rather than pride. Failure becomes an opportunity for growth rather than despair. Even suffering takes on new meaning because we know it is not the end of the story.

Present Suffering and Eternal Glory No one understood suffering better than the Apostle Paul. He endured imprisonment, persecution, beatings, shipwrecks, rejection, hunger, and constant danger. Yet in the midst of these hardships, he wrote: >

**”For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”** > *(Romans 8:18)* He also wrote: > **”For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”** > *(2 Corinthians 4:17)*

Paul was not dismissing suffering. His own life proves otherwise. Rather, he was magnifying eternity. Compared with everlasting joy in the presence of God, even life’s greatest trials become temporary.

The Wisdom of the Saints The saints became holy not because they escaped suffering, but because they learned to keep their eyes fixed on Christ. Their perspective shaped every virtue they practiced.

Humility replaced pride because they remembered that only God is great. Patience overcame frustration because they trusted God’s timing.

Charity overcame resentment because they knew mercy lasts forever. Hope conquered discouragement because Heaven was always before their eyes.

Peace grew because they knew this world is not our final home. Whenever difficulties arose, they returned their hearts to eternity.

When Small Things Become Too Big Many of life’s emotional burdens grow because we give temporary problems eternal importance.

An argument lasting only minutes can disturb us for days. One criticism can overshadow years of faithful work. A disappointment can convince us that our future is ruined. Financial setbacks can make us forget God’s faithful providence.

We begin to believe that today’s circumstances define our lives. But they do not. When we remember eternity, our perspective changes. The problem may still exist, but it no longer occupies the center of our hearts. We realize that what feels overwhelming today may one day be only a small step on our journey toward God.

An Eternal Perspective Changes Everything Living with eternity in mind does not eliminate pain. Christ Himself suffered. The apostles suffered.

The saints suffered. We will also experience sorrow, disappointment, and loss. Yet an eternal perspective transforms how we carry these burdens.

It gives us courage to persevere. It teaches us to forgive more readily. It helps us let go of unnecessary worries. It reminds us that faithfulness is more important than comfort.

Most importantly, it fills our hearts with hope because God’s promises are greater than today’s troubles. —

Conclusion

Scripture tells us that life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Eternity, however, never ends. The saints understood this truth so deeply that it shaped every decision they made.

Their eyes were fixed not merely on the circumstances around them, but on the Kingdom of God. May we learn to do the same.

When we seek first God’s Kingdom, our fears begin to shrink, our hope begins to grow, and our hearts discover the peace that comes from knowing that every act of faith, every sacrifice, every prayer, and every moment of perseverance echoes into eternity.

For in the end, it is not today’s troubles that define our lives—it is the everlasting glory that God has promised to those who love Him.

Focusing on Eternity With God In Heaven as what I want more than anything has greatly enhanced my peace, love, and joy. I hope and pray it does the same for you.

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July 1, 2026
“Do Whatever He Tells You” — Mary”s Eternal Message to the World
The Last Recorded Words of Mary in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, many great men and women speak words that have echoed through history. Yet it is remarkable that the Blessed Virgin Mary’s final recorded words in Sacred Scripture are not about herself. They are not a request for honor or recognition. Instead, they point every soul directly to Jesus Christ.

At the wedding feast in Cana, the wine had run out. Mary, always attentive to the needs of others, quietly brought the problem before her Son.

“They have no wine.”

Jesus replied,

“Woman, what is that to me? My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:4)

Mary did not argue. She did not question Him. She simply turned to the servants and spoke words that have become her timeless message to every generation:

“Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)

Those five simple words summarize Mary’s entire mission.

She never points to herself.

She always points to Jesus.

Mary’s Mission Has Never Changed

From the moment she said “Yes” to God’s plan at the Annunciation until she stood faithfully beneath the Cross, Mary’s life was one continuous act of leading people to her Son.

Throughout Christian history, millions have testified that Mary’s intercession has strengthened their faith and brought them closer to Christ.

Whether through her appearances at:
- Lourdes
- Fatima
- Guadalupe
- and many other places recognized by the Church,
her message has remained remarkably consistent.

She calls people to:
- Prayer
- Repentance
- Trust in God
- Conversion of heart
- Love for Jesus Christ
Her purpose has never been to replace Jesus, but to lead us more deeply into a relationship with Him.

The Gift of the Rosary

According to long-standing Catholic tradition, Mary gave the Rosary to Saint Dominic as a powerful spiritual weapon during a difficult time in the Church.

The Rosary is far more than the repetition of prayers.

It is a meditation on the life of Christ.

As we pray the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries, we walk with Jesus from His birth to His Resurrection and His glory in Heaven.

Mary accompanies us, gently helping us keep our eyes fixed on her Son.

Every Hail Mary leads us closer to Jesus.

Every mystery teaches us something about His love.

Every decade invites us to become more like Him.

Cana Is Our Story

The miracle at Cana is not simply an event that happened two thousand years ago.

It is our story.

Like the wedding guests, we often discover that our own “wine” has run out.

We run out of hope.

We run out of strength.

We run out of peace.

We run out of patience.

Mary still notices.

She still brings our needs before Jesus.

And she still whispers the same instruction she gave the servants:

“Do whatever He tells you.”

When the servants obeyed Christ’s command to fill the jars with water, they could not have imagined what would happen next.

Their simple act of obedience became the setting for Jesus’ first public miracle.

Likewise, our own acts of obedience often become the beginning of miracles God desires to work in our lives.

The Surest Path to Jesus

Some people mistakenly believe that devotion to Mary distracts from Jesus.

The opposite is true.

Authentic Marian devotion always leads directly to Christ.

Mary never asks us to stop with her.

She asks us to walk with her—to Jesus.

She teaches us to trust Him.

To love Him.

To obey Him.

To follow Him.

Her life is a living arrow pointing toward her Son.

Mary’s Message for Today

In a world filled with confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty, Mary’s words are as relevant today as they were at Cana.

They offer a simple roadmap for every Christian:

Listen to Jesus.

Trust Jesus.

Follow Jesus.

Do whatever He tells you.

If we embrace that message, we will discover what countless saints have experienced throughout history—that the closer we draw to Mary, the closer she leads us to her Son.

And that has always been her greatest joy.

“Do whatever He tells you.”

May those words echo in our hearts every day of our lives.

Prayer

Blessed Mother, thank you for always leading us to your Son. Help us to listen to His voice with open hearts and willing spirits. Teach us to trust Him more each day and to live by your eternal counsel: “Do whatever He tells you.” Through your loving intercession, may we grow ever closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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June 28, 2026
The Universal Call to Sainthood

Learning from Saint Josemaría Escrivá and the Saints

Many Christians frequently ask one another, “Please pray for me.” We understand the power of prayer and the importance of bringing our needs before God. In the same spirit, Catholics often ask the saints in Heaven to pray for them as well.

This practice is rooted in the belief that those who have faithfully followed Christ and now dwell in Heaven remain part of the Body of Christ. Just as we ask friends and family on earth to pray for us, we ask the saints to intercede for us before God.

Before someone is officially declared a saint by the Catholic Church, their life is carefully examined. Their virtues, writings, actions, and devotion to God are scrutinized. In most cases, miracles attributed to their intercession are also investigated. This thorough process gives Catholics confidence that these holy men and women are indeed with God in Heaven and can present our petitions before Him.

Yet the saints are much more than heavenly intercessors.

They are role models.

They show us what a life fully devoted to God looks like. Their lives provide a blueprint for holiness that we can follow in our own circumstances.

One saint who strongly emphasized this truth was Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei.

Saint Josemaría taught a revolutionary yet deeply biblical message: every person is called to be a saint.

Not just priests.

Not just religious sisters and brothers.

Not just missionaries.

Every Christian.

Whether we are parents, teachers, business owners, students, retirees, or laborers, God calls each of us to holiness through our ordinary daily lives.

Saint Josemaría often spoke about finding God in everyday work and ordinary duties. He believed that our daily tasks, when offered to God with love, become opportunities for sanctification.

Changing a diaper.

Preparing a meal.

Working in an office.

Driving a truck.

Teaching a classroom.

Caring for an aging parent.

All of these can become pathways to holiness when done with love for God and neighbor.

This message is especially encouraging because it reminds us that sainthood is not reserved for a select few extraordinary individuals. Rather, holiness is available to every person who seeks to follow Christ faithfully in the circumstances of their own life.

I once heard a priest say, “Only saints get to Heaven.”

At first, that statement may sound surprising. Yet it contains a profound truth.

Heaven is the home of the saints.

Some saints have been formally canonized and recognized by the Church. Their names are known throughout the world.

Others lived quiet lives of faith that may never be recognized publicly. They may have been loving parents, faithful spouses, devoted workers, or humble servants whose names never appeared in history books.

These are the uncanonized saints.

Their holiness may have been known only to God and those closest to them.

Yet they, too, share in the glory of Heaven.

This should encourage all of us.

God is not asking us to become famous.

He is asking us to become faithful.

The lives of the saints remind us that holiness is possible. Saint Josemaría Escrivá reminds us that holiness is practical. It can be lived out in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities every day.

As we ask the saints for their prayers, let us also imitate their virtues.

May their example inspire us to pursue holiness with renewed determination.

And may we never forget the beautiful truth that God calls every one of us to become saints.

For that is ultimately our destination: to know God, love God, serve God in this life, and be with Him forever in Heaven.

Suggested Closing Prayer

“Saint Josemaría Escrivá, pray for us. Help us discover God in our daily work and ordinary duties. Inspire us to seek holiness in all things and to follow Christ faithfully each day. Ame

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June 25, 2026
Come As You Are

A Father’s Day Invitation from Your Heavenly Father

Come As You Are

On this Father’s Day in the United States, there is a Father who longs to see you just as you are.

Not the polished version.

Not the version that tries to impress others.

Not the version hidden behind titles, accomplishments, or appearances.

Just you.

The real you.

Your Heavenly Father is not asking for perfection. He is asking for your presence.

Like the prodigal son in the Gospel, many of us have wandered. Some have wandered far from God. Others sit faithfully in church each week while carrying wounds, fears, regrets, and disappointments deep within their hearts.

Yet the Father’s invitation remains the same:

“Come home.”

The Father Who Waits

In the parable of the prodigal son, the father never stopped loving his child.

He watched.

He waited.

He hoped.

And when he saw his son returning from a distance, he did not condemn him. He did not lecture him. He did not shame him.

Instead, he ran to him.

He embraced him.

He welcomed him home.

That is how God feels about each one of us.

Many people spend their lives searching for love, acceptance, and belonging. Yet our Heavenly Father has already prepared all of these things for us. His heart longs for us to receive the love He freely offers.

Let God Love You

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is simply accept that we are loved.

We know our mistakes.

We remember our failures.

We see our weaknesses.

But God sees something more.

He sees the son He created.

He sees the daughter He formed.

He sees a beloved child made in His image.

When we come before Him in humility, He lifts us up. When we surrender our burdens, He carries them. When we acknowledge our need for Him, He fills us with His grace.

The Father does not merely tolerate you.

He delights in you.

The Feast Is Waiting

The father in the Gospel did not merely welcome his son home.

He prepared a feast.

That feast symbolizes the joy of life with God and the fellowship of His family.

At God’s table there is room for everyone.

There is peace for the troubled.

There is hope for the discouraged.

There is healing for the wounded.

There is joy for the weary.

There is love beyond anything this world can offer.

God desires that we share this feast with our brothers and sisters, encouraging one another and growing together in faith.

Love Poured Out on the Cross

The greatest proof of the Father’s love was revealed on Calvary.

Jesus Christ stretched out His arms upon the Cross and poured out His life for us.

Every drop of His Precious Blood proclaimed the same message:

“You are loved.”

The Cross is not a symbol of defeat.

It is the greatest victory of love the world has ever known.

God did not wait for us to become perfect before loving us.

He loved us first.

He loves us now.

And He will love us forever.

A Peace Beyond Understanding

Today, your Heavenly Father invites you to stop running.

Stop hiding.

Stop pretending.

Come as you are.

Bring your hopes.

Bring your fears.

Bring your sins.

Bring your wounds.

Bring your entire heart.

Allow Him to embrace you with His mercy and fill you with a peace beyond understanding.

Surrender yourself to His loving care.

Become the child of God He created you to be.

For you were made for more than this world can offer.

You were created for eternal life, eternal joy, and eternal communion with the Father who loves you beyond measure.

And His invitation remains open today:

Come home. Come as you are.

“See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.” — 1 John 3:1

Happy Father’s Day, and may God the Father bless you abundantly with His love, peace, and joy. 🙏

and may you accept it and embrace it. Make Your Father in Heaven very happy as you come to and truly accept His Eternal, Pease, and Joy. Live with Passion. Live for God today. He is truly living for you.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share it with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

June 22, 2026
Saint Faustina and the Three Souls in Purgatory

A Powerful Reminder to Pray for the Holy Souls

One of the most moving accounts in the life of Saint Faustina Kowalska concerns a vision she received of souls suffering in Purgatory. This experience serves as a powerful reminder that our prayers, sacrifices, and acts of charity can help those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.

Saint Faustina is best known as the Apostle of Divine Mercy. Through her diary, she recorded many revelations from Jesus concerning God’s infinite mercy and His desire that all souls be saved. Among these revelations was a profound encounter with souls undergoing purification after death.

The Vision of Three Souls

Saint Faustina wrote that she was once permitted by God to visit a place of purification. There she encountered three souls who were suffering the pains of Purgatory.

Although these souls had died in God’s friendship and were destined for Heaven, they still required purification before entering into the full presence of God. Their suffering was not one of despair but of longing—a deep desire to be united completely with the Lord.

The saint observed that these souls could no longer merit for themselves. They depended entirely on the prayers, sacrifices, and Masses offered by the faithful on earth.

A Fire Unlike Earthly Fire

Saint Faustina described the suffering of the souls as being caused by an intense longing for God. She noted that the fire of Purgatory was unlike earthly fire. It was a spiritual purification that prepared souls for the perfect holiness required to enter Heaven.

What struck her most was that the souls eagerly desired this purification because they understood it was leading them toward eternal union with God.

Their suffering was temporary, but their destination was eternal joy.

The Communion of Saints

The Church teaches that there is a spiritual bond between the faithful on earth, the souls in Purgatory, and the saints in Heaven. This bond is known as the Communion of Saints.

Because of this spiritual connection, our prayers truly help the Holy Souls.

Every Rosary prayed for them, every sacrifice offered on their behalf, every Divine Mercy Chaplet, and especially every Holy Mass can assist them in their purification.

Saint Faustina learned that many souls receive great relief through the prayers of the faithful.

Why We Should Pray for the Holy Souls

Many Catholics today have forgotten the ancient practice of praying for the dead. Yet throughout Christian history, believers have offered prayers and Mass intentions for departed loved ones.

The Holy Souls cannot pray for themselves, but they can pray for us. Many saints have taught that souls released from Purgatory become powerful intercessors before the throne of God.

When we help them, they do not forget us.

This beautiful exchange of charity continues until we are all united in Heaven.

Divine Mercy and Purgatory

The message of Divine Mercy offers tremendous hope for both the living and the dead. Jesus revealed to Saint Faustina that His mercy is greater than any sin and that He desires all souls to trust in Him.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet has become one of the Church’s most beloved prayers for the dying and for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Whenever we pray:

“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world,”

we are participating in Christ’s mission of mercy.

What Can We Do Today?

We can help the Holy Souls by:

• Attending Mass and offering it for the dead.

• Praying the Rosary for departed loved ones.

• Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

• Offering sacrifices and sufferings for the Holy Souls.

• Visiting cemeteries and praying for those who have died.

• Remembering forgotten souls who may have no one praying for them.

Final Thoughts

Saint Faustina’s vision of the three souls in Purgatory reminds us that death is not the end of our relationship with one another. Through the Communion of Saints, we remain connected in Christ.

The Holy Souls need our prayers. One day, we may need theirs.

Let us never miss an opportunity to pray:

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”

By showing mercy to the Holy Souls, we participate in the very mission that Jesus entrusted to Saint Faustina—the mission of bringing God’s mercy to every soul.

June 21, 2026
The Solution to the Catholic Crisis May Be Simpler Than We Think

Across the Catholic world, we hear constant discussion about declining Mass attendance, fewer priestly vocations, empty seminaries, and young people leaving the Church. Many wonder what program, strategy, or initiative might reverse these troubling trends.

What if the answer is much simpler than we imagine?

What if the solution begins with faithfully passing on the Catholic faith itself?

The Crisis Behind the Crisis

The shortage of priests is often presented as the primary problem facing the Church. Yet priestly vocations do not arise in a vacuum. Priests come from Catholic families. They come from parishes where the faith is believed, practiced, and loved.

If fewer young men are hearing God’s call, perhaps we must first ask why fewer young people are receiving a strong Catholic formation.

When the faith is not clearly taught, not regularly practiced, and not joyfully lived, it becomes difficult for future generations to embrace it fully. The vocation crisis is often a symptom of a deeper crisis of faith.

Catholic Education Matters

Throughout history, Catholic schools, religious education programs, and faithful families produced generations of committed Catholics. Children learned not only the teachings of the Church but also how to pray, worship, and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Catholic education truly forms disciples, remarkable things happen:

• More young people remain active in the faith.

• More Catholic marriages are formed.

• More families raise children in the Church.

• More vocations to the priesthood and religious life emerge.

Faithful formation produces faithful Catholics.

The Family: The First School of Faith

The most important Catholic classroom is not a school building. It is the home.

Parents are the first teachers of the faith. Children learn by watching how their parents pray, attend Mass, receive the sacraments, and live Christian charity.

A child who sees parents praying together learns that God is real.

A child who sees parents prioritize Sunday Mass learns that worship matters.

A child who sees parents trust God during difficult times learns what authentic faith looks like.

The future of the Church is built around family dinner tables, family rosaries, and parents who take their role as spiritual leaders seriously.

We Cannot Give What We Do Not Possess

One challenge facing Catholics today is that many adults were never fully formed in the faith themselves.

Some know the prayers but not the reasons behind them.

Some attend Mass but struggle to explain basic Catholic teachings.

Others have received little catechesis since childhood.

For this reason, ongoing adult faith formation is essential. The Church needs lifelong learners who continually deepen their understanding of Scripture, Church teaching, and prayer.

The more we know Christ, the more naturally we share Him with others.

Holiness Is Contagious

Throughout Church history, renewal has rarely begun with large institutions. It usually begins with faithful individuals.

One saint inspires a family.

One faithful family inspires a parish.

One vibrant parish inspires a community.

One generation of committed Catholics changes the future.

The Church does not need more marketing. It needs more saints.

It needs Catholics who know their faith, love their faith, and live their faith with conviction.

The Real Solution

The answer to many of the Church’s struggles may not be complicated.

Teach the faith.

Live the faith.

Pray the faith.

Pass the faith on to the next generation.

When Catholic families embrace their mission and when Catholic education faithfully forms disciples, vocations follow naturally. Strong parishes emerge. Communities are renewed.

The future of the Church will not be secured primarily by programs or policies. It will be secured by Catholics who fall deeply in love with Jesus Christ and help others do the same.

The Catholic crisis will not be solved merely by finding more priests.

It will be solved by forming more faithful Catholics.

And that work can begin today—in our homes, our parishes, and our hearts.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” — Matthew 28:19

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Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail,com

June 15, 2026
God is the Potter. We are the Clay

Living with Passion Through God’s Transforming Love

Throughout Sacred Scripture, God often compares Himself to a potter and His people to clay. The image is both beautiful and humbling. A lump of clay cannot shape itself. It cannot determine its final form. It must place itself completely in the hands of the potter.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us:

“Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.”

God is continually shaping each one of us into the person He created us to be. Every joy, every challenge, every success, every disappointment, and every trial has a purpose in His loving plan.

The Blessing Hidden in Suffering

The world teaches us to avoid suffering at all costs. Yet Christianity reveals a deeper truth.

Suffering, when united with Jesus Christ, becomes a blessing.

This does not mean we should seek pain or enjoy hardship. Rather, it means that God can use every difficulty to strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, build our character, and draw us closer to Him.

Just as a potter presses, molds, and reshapes clay, God sometimes allows difficulties to form virtues within us that could not be developed any other way.

Patience is formed through waiting.

Courage is formed through fear.

Compassion is formed through suffering.

Faith is strengthened through trials.

What appears to be a burden today may become the very means by which God prepares us for His greater purpose tomorrow.

Participating in the Passion of Christ

One of the greatest mysteries of our faith is that Jesus allows us to participate in His Passion.

Our Lord suffered for the salvation of the world. Through His Cross, He redeemed humanity and opened the gates of Heaven.

When we unite our suffering to His, our pain is no longer wasted. It becomes prayer.

A lonely day can become a prayer.

An illness can become a prayer.

Financial struggles can become a prayer.

The loss of a loved one can become a prayer.

Every cross we carry can be joined to the Cross of Christ for the salvation of souls.

What a remarkable gift! God allows us to cooperate in His work of redemption.

Offer It Up

Many Catholics were taught a simple but powerful spiritual practice:

Offer it up.

When suffering comes, instead of asking only, “Why is this happening?” we can ask, “Lord, for whom shall I offer this?”

Offer your suffering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Offer it for those who are struggling.

Offer it for family members who have drifted from God.

Offer it for the Church.

Offer it for the conversion of sinners.

Offer it for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

No suffering united to Christ is ever wasted.

Every sacrifice offered in love becomes part of God’s work in the world.

Don’t Just Live — Live with Passion

Too many people merely exist.

They wake up, go through the motions, and wait for tomorrow.

God calls us to something far greater.

He calls us to live with passion.

To love deeply.

To serve generously.

To forgive completely.

To trust courageously.

To allow His grace to flow through us into the lives of others.

Every person was created for a unique purpose. God did not create anyone by accident. He has given each of us gifts, talents, opportunities, and even crosses that can be transformed into blessings.

When we surrender ourselves to the Divine Potter, we become vessels of His love, mercy, and grace.

A Prayer

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I place my life in Your hands.

Shape me as the potter shapes the clay.

Help me accept both joys and sufferings as gifts that draw me closer to You.

Teach me to offer my struggles for Your Sacred Heart and for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Let Your love live within me and work through me.

May I become the person You created me to be.

Amen.

Final Thought

God is still working on each of us.

The wheel is still turning.

The Potter’s hands are still shaping the clay.

Trust Him.

Offer your sufferings to Him.

Live with passion.

Allow God to work through you so that your life becomes a masterpiece of His grace.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

If this reflection touched your heart, please share it with someone who may be carrying a heavy cross today. Together, let us trust the Divine Potter and allow Him to shape us into saints.

Rick Herring
“Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I belong to Him.”

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June 14, 2026
America Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A Historic Moment of Faith, Hope, and Unity

On June 11, 2026, a remarkable event took place in the life of the Catholic Church in the United States. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops officially consecrated and dedicated our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This historic act occurred during the bishops’ Spring Assembly in Orlando, Florida, as our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. While many events marking the Semiquincentennial focus on the history and achievements of America, this consecration pointed to something even more important: our need for God’s grace, mercy, and guidance.

The consecration was not a political statement. Rather, it was a profound spiritual act of trust. The bishops entrusted the United States to the loving Heart of Jesus, acknowledging that true healing, unity, and peace come from God.

Why the Sacred Heart?

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has deep roots in Catholic tradition. The Sacred Heart symbolizes the infinite love that Christ has for humanity. It reminds us that God does not love us from a distance. He enters into our struggles, our suffering, and our daily lives.

Throughout history, countless Catholics have turned to the Sacred Heart during times of uncertainty, war, division, and hardship. They found comfort in knowing that Christ’s Heart remains open to all people.

Today, America faces many challenges. Political disagreements, cultural divisions, economic concerns, family struggles, and spiritual confusion often dominate the headlines. In the midst of these difficulties, the bishops have invited the nation to look toward the Heart of Jesus as the source of healing and reconciliation.

A Call to Unity

One of the most beautiful aspects of this consecration is its focus on unity.

Our nation is composed of people from many backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Yet every person is created in the image and likeness of God and is deeply loved by Him.

The Sacred Heart reminds us that Christ came for everyone. His love crosses political parties, social classes, ethnic backgrounds, and national boundaries.

By consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart, the bishops are inviting all Americans to rediscover the values of compassion, forgiveness, service, and love of neighbor.

A Time for Personal Consecration

While the bishops made this dedication on behalf of the nation, every Catholic can participate personally.

We can consecrate our own hearts, our families, our homes, and our communities to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We can spend time in prayer, attend Mass faithfully, receive the Sacraments, and seek to love others as Christ loves us.

The renewal of a nation begins with the renewal of individual hearts.

When hearts change, families change.

When families change, communities change.

When communities change, nations change.

Looking Forward

As America approaches its 250th birthday, this consecration offers a powerful reminder that our greatest strength has never been found solely in political institutions, military power, or economic success.

Our greatest hope is found in God.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus stands as a symbol of mercy, compassion, sacrifice, and unconditional love. In dedicating our nation to that Heart, the bishops have invited all Americans to seek a future rooted not in fear or division, but in faith and charity.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus watch over our nation, guide our leaders, strengthen our families, protect the vulnerable, and lead all people closer to His eternal love.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, guide our nation.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, reign in our hearts forever.

What are your thoughts on this historic consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?

Share your reflections in the comments below. Let us pray together for our nation, our families, and our communities as we seek God’s mercy, healing, and peace.

Thank You for reading this blog. Please like, subscribe, and share with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail

June 14, 2026