Tag: Christ

The Holy Trinity: Not a Puzzle to Solve, but Three Divine Persons to Love

The Holy Trinity: A Relationship of Love

Many people spend their lives trying to figure out the mystery of the Holy Trinity. While there is certainly much to learn about this great mystery of faith, the Holy Trinity is not primarily something to figure out. The Trinity is Someone to know, Someone to love, and Someone with whom we are called to have a personal relationship.

The mission of every Christian is to enter into an intimate relationship with each Person of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

God the Father: Our Loving Creator

The first Person of the Trinity is God the Father. He is our Creator and the source of all life. Out of infinite love, He created each one of us with a purpose.

God made us to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this world so that we may be happy with Him forever in Heaven. Every blessing we enjoy, every breath we take, and every opportunity we receive comes from His loving hand.

The Father is not distant or indifferent. He knows us personally. He knows our joys, our struggles, our hopes, and our fears. Like the loving father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, He constantly waits for us to return to Him and experience His mercy and love.

Jesus Christ: The Greatest Act of Love in History

The second Person of the Trinity is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. He is God made man, the perfect revelation of the Father’s love. Out of endless mercy and infinite grace, He chose to enter into the brokenness of our world.

He did not have to do this. Yet He willingly stepped into our suffering, our pain, and our sin. It is the most magnificent and majestic act of love in human history.

Through His death on the Cross, Jesus paid the price for our salvation. Through His Resurrection, He conquered sin and death. He opened the gates of Heaven and invited all humanity into the family of God.

Eternal life is now available to every person who chooses to accept His gift of salvation and follow Him.

When we look upon the Cross, we do not merely see suffering. We see love. We see sacrifice. We see the heart of God reaching out to humanity.

As Jesus Himself said:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

The Holy Spirit: The Spirit of Love, Wisdom, and Power

The third Person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit, often called the Paraclete, the Advocate, and the Spirit of Truth.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Love, Wisdom, Joy, and Power.

Before Pentecost, the Apostles often struggled to understand the mission Jesus had entrusted to them. They were fearful, uncertain, and confused.

Then everything changed.

When the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost, they were transformed. The timid became courageous. The confused gained wisdom. The fearful became bold witnesses for Christ.

The Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world. In many ways, Pentecost was the birth of Christianity as a worldwide mission.

The same Holy Spirit who transformed the Apostles is available to us today. He guides us, teaches us, strengthens us, comforts us, and fills us with the gifts necessary to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

When we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, He helps us grow in holiness and draws us closer to both the Father and the Son.

Living in Relationship with the Trinity

The Christian life is not merely about following rules or understanding doctrines. It is about living in a loving relationship with God.

We pray to the Father.

We follow Jesus Christ.

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Father loves us into existence.

The Son redeems us through His sacrifice.

The Holy Spirit transforms us from within.

Every Mass, every prayer, every act of love, and every moment of faith brings us deeper into the life of the Holy Trinity.

The mystery of the Trinity will always be greater than our understanding. Yet God does not ask us to fully comprehend Him. He invites us to know Him, trust Him, and love Him.

May we grow each day in our relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, until the day we see God face to face and experience the fullness of His love forever in Heaven.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Than you for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

May 31, 2026
This Sunday We Celebrate Penecost
Pentecost: The Birth of Christianity

The Day the World Changed Forever

Fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, a fearful group of believers gathered together in an Upper Room in Jerusalem. This moment, known as Pentecost, would become the birth of Christianity and the beginning of the Church that would spread throughout the entire world.

The setting was the same Upper Room where Jesus had celebrated the Last Supper with His Apostles before His crucifixion. Present were the Apostles, disciples, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The doors were locked tight because they were afraid. The Pharisees and Sadducees, who had demanded the death of Jesus, still held power and influence. The followers of Christ feared persecution, imprisonment, and even death.

Yet Jesus had promised them something extraordinary. Before ascending into Heaven, He told them to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They prayed together faithfully, waiting for the fulfillment of Christ’s promise.

Then suddenly, everything changed.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Without warning, a mighty sound like a rushing wind filled the entire house. It was loud enough to draw attention throughout the city. Then appeared what Scripture describes as tongues of fire resting upon each person gathered in the room.

The Holy Spirit descended upon them with power.

Fear disappeared instantly. The timid followers of Christ were transformed into bold witnesses of the Gospel. The Apostles began speaking in different languages they had never learned, empowered by the Holy Spirit so that people from every nation could understand the message of God.

Jerusalem was overflowing with visitors at that time. Jewish pilgrims from across the known world had gathered for the City. Many heard the sound and rushed toward the Upper Room to discover what was happening.

A great crowd gathered in amazement. They could not understand how these ordinary Galileans were suddenly speaking in the languages of many different nations. Some were astonished, while others mocked and accused them of being drunk.

But this was not confusion. This was the power of God.

Peter’s Powerful Sermon

Then Peter, once the fisherman who had denied Jesus three times, stood boldly before the crowd filled with the Holy Spirit. No longer afraid, he proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ with courage and authority.

Peter explained that Jesus was the promised Messiah foretold by the prophets. He preached about Christ’s crucifixion, Resurrection, and victory over death. He called the people to repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.

His words pierced the hearts of the listeners.

That very day, about 3,000 people were baptized and added to the community of believers. What began as a frightened group hiding behind locked doors became the living Church of Jesus Christ.

Pentecost marks the birth of Christianity because it was the moment the Gospel began spreading openly to the world. The Holy Spirit empowered ordinary men and women to accomplish extraordinary things for God.

The Meaning of Pentecost Today

Pentecost is not merely an event from ancient history. It remains a living reminder that God still fills His people with power, courage, wisdom, and love through the Holy Spirit.

The same Holy Spirit who transformed the Apostles can transform us today. Fear can become courage. Weakness can become strength. Division can become unity. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are called to carry the light of Christ into the world.

Just as the Apostles emerged from the Upper Room to proclaim the Good News, Christians today are called to step out in faith and share the love of Jesus Christ with others.

Pentecost reminds us that Christianity was never meant to remain hidden behind locked doors. It was born to change the world.

Scripture References
- Acts 2:1-41
- John 14:16-17
- Luke 24:49
Suggested Closing Prayer

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Give us courage to proclaim the Gospel and strength to live according to Your will. Amen.”

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj @thmjmj8875

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May 23, 2026
Go Make a Difference in the World
Let the Light of God Shine Through You

In a world filled with noise, confusion, and struggle, there is still one force powerful enough to change hearts, restore hope, and transform lives — the love of God working through His people.

God did not create us to simply exist. He created us to shine. Every smile, every encouraging word, every act of kindness, and every prayer can become a reflection of His presence in the world.

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we begin to see others differently. We become more patient, more compassionate, more forgiving, and more willing to serve. The Holy Spirit guides us to become light in dark places, life where there is discouragement, and love where there is pain.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14

God Dwells Within Us

One of the greatest truths in the Christian faith is that God desires to dwell within us. Through faith, prayer, and surrender, our hearts become a place where His Spirit lives and moves.

Sometimes people search everywhere for peace, purpose, and joy, not realizing that God is already calling them from within. When we open our hearts to Him, He renews our minds, strengthens our spirits, and teaches us how to love others more deeply.

Our souls become a living testimony of God’s grace.

We are not meant to walk alone. God’s Spirit gives us courage when we are afraid, wisdom when we are uncertain, and hope when life feels difficult.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

Respond to God’s Creative Work in Your Life

God is continually working within each of us. He plants dreams, purpose, creativity, and compassion into our hearts. The question is not whether God is calling us — the question is whether we are willing to respond.

You do not have to be famous to make a difference.
You do not need wealth or status to change someone’s life.

A simple act of love can become a miracle for someone else.
- Encourage someone who feels discouraged
- Pray for someone in need
- Help a neighbor
- Share God’s love with kindness and humility
- Be a voice of peace in a divided world
These small acts become seeds of hope that God can multiply beyond what we can imagine.

Be Light, Life, and Love

The world needs more than opinions and arguments. It needs people who carry the Spirit of God with gentleness, truth, and compassion.

Today is a new opportunity to make a difference.

Let your life reflect God’s glory.
Let your words bring healing.
Let your actions reveal His love.

And wherever you go, may others see the light of Christ shining through you.

Final Prayer

Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us become vessels of Your love, peace, and truth. Give us the grace and faith to believe that You truly dwell within us. May our hearts become a reflection of heaven, and may our lives inspire others to seek You. Teach us to respond to Your creative work within us and to boldly make a difference in the world through Your love. Amen.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
May 17, 2026
One Hour With Christ
One Hour That Can Change the World

A Call to Christ’s Prayer-Force for the Unevangelized

“Please… if you are honestly concerned about making Christ known to literally every creature—give God one hour every day.”

Those words are not merely a request. They are a summons.

Across mountains and deserts, hidden villages and crowded cities, billions have never heard the name of Jesus Christ proclaimed in truth. Entire peoples remain unreached. Souls are born, live, and die without ever hearing the Gospel.

And yet heaven has not left them without hope.

God has called a prayer-force.

Not everyone can cross oceans.
Not everyone can preach in hostile lands.
Not everyone can translate Scripture or plant churches.

But every believer can pray.

The Forgotten Frontline

Prayer is not preparation for the battle.

Prayer is the battle.

Before every great movement of God, there was intercession.

Before revival—prayer.
Before missions breakthroughs—prayer.
Before strongholds fell—prayer.

The unreached fields of the world are not opened first by strategy, but by spiritual warfare.

As the Lord asked His disciples in Bible:

“What, could you not watch with me one hour?”
— Matthew 26:40

That question still echoes.

Can we not give one hour?

One Hour Daily for the Nations

Imagine if believers everywhere covenanted to offer one focused hour each day for:
- The totally unevangelized peoples
- Protection and boldness for missionaries
- Bible translation among hidden language groups
- Open doors in closed nations
- Revival in resistant regions
- Laborers sent into the harvest
One hour.

Not spare time.
Not leftovers.

Consecrated time.

An offering.

A sacrifice.

A weapon.

Do You Love Them Enough to Pray?

There are mothers who have never heard of Christ.

Children growing up without the Gospel.

Villages untouched by the cross.

People for whom no one may be praying.

Unless you do.

Love is proven in sacrifice.

Do we love the unreached enough to carry them before God?

Do we “pay the price” of hidden spiritual battle?

Because prayer costs something:
- Time
- Discipline
- Perseverance
- Self-denial
But what is one hour compared to eternity?

The Hour That Moves Heaven

One praying saint can shake nations.

Prayer opens prison doors.
Prayer breaks demonic resistance.
Prayer prepares hearts before missionaries arrive.

History proves it.

The great missionary awakenings were birthed on praying knees.

And perhaps the final great harvest before Christ’s return will be also.

Could your one hour help open a tribe in the mountains of Asia?
Could your intercession protect a worker in Africa?
Could your hidden prayers help bring the Gospel where no witness yet stands?

Yes.

Because God works through praying people.

How to Give God One Hour

Bishop Fulton J Sheen

Fulton J. Sheen teaches that meditation is not mainly about asking God for things, but about surrendering ourselves to God so He can shape us.

Summary:

According to Bishop Sheen, meditation is:
- Entering God’s presence by quieting distractions and shutting out the noise of the world.
- Surrendering our will to God’s will, letting Him guide our thoughts, words, and actions.
- Seeing ourselves truthfully, allowing Divine truth to expose self-deception, pride, and selfishness.
- Silencing the ego so we can hear the desires of God’s heart rather than our own restless demands.
- Training the soul, using our mind and faculties not for idle speculation but to conform more fully to God.
- Purifying our perspective, freeing us from bias, wishful thinking, and attachments that hinder union with God.
- Remembering our dependence on God, recognizing Him as the source of our existence and salvation.
- Offering ourselves to God, not primarily petitioning Him to serve our wishes, but asking Him to use us for His glory.
Core idea:

For Sheen, meditation is a loving act of self-surrender and transformation, where we move from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. It is less “Lord, give me what I want,” and more “Lord, make me what You want.”

A beautiful line that captures his meaning might be: Meditation is not using God, but allowing God to use us.

Faithful.

Powerful.

Join God’s Prayer-Force

The world does not need more spectators.

It needs intercessors.

Hidden warriors.

Watchmen on the walls.

Those willing to answer Christ:

Yes, Lord—
I will watch with You one hour.

One hour a day.

For souls.

For nations.

For the glory of God among every people.

Will you give Him that hour?

Will you love them enough to pray?

Prayer Commitment

Lord Jesus, enlist me in Your prayer-force. Teach me to watch with You one hour each day. Burden my heart for those who have never heard. Use my prayers to prepare the nations for Your Gospel and Your glory. Amen.

“Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations…” — Psalm 2:8

Thank You for Reading this article. PLease share it with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 27, 2026
The Two Commandments That Change Everything

Learning to Love God, Your Neighbor, and Yourself

In the time of Jesus, religious life for the Jewish people was shaped not only by the Ten Commandments but by 613 laws—guidelines meant to help people avoid breaking God’s covenant. These laws were intended as protection, a hedge around holiness.

But over time, many became so focused on the rules that they lost sight of the deeper purpose behind them—the heart of the Torah, the spirit of mercy, and the living message of God.

Then came Jesus, with the genius of divine simplicity.

When asked which commandment was greatest, Jesus distilled all the law and the prophets into two breathtaking truths:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
This is the greatest and first commandment.
And a second is like it:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Gospel of Matthew

With these words, Jesus did not abolish the law—He fulfilled it.

Everything hangs on love.

The Forgotten Part of the Commandment

Many Christians emphasize loving God.

Many strive to love neighbor.

But too often we neglect the third element hidden in plain sight:

Love your neighbor as yourself.

What if one of the deepest crises in the Church today is not simply a failure to love others—but a failure to receive and live from God’s love for ourselves?

For until we learn to love ourselves as God desires, our love for others can become distorted.

It can become anxious instead of peaceful.

Performative instead of genuine.

Driven by approval instead of grace.

Holy Self-Love Is Not Selfishness

There is a difference between pride and holy self-love.

Pride says, I am the center.

Holy self-love says, I am beloved.

Pride inflates the ego.

Holy self-love receives identity from God.

To love ourselves rightly is not vanity. It is humility—the humility to agree with God about our worth.

We are created in the image of God.

Redeemed in Christ.

Indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

How can we despise what God treasures?

When We Love Ourselves in God

When we begin to love ourselves as children of God, something changes.

We become less interested in what others think about us
and more interested in what God thinks.

We stop doing good in order to be noticed.

We stop serving to be praised.

We stop performing for acceptance.

Because we know we are already accepted.

Already loved.

Already enough in Christ.

And from that freedom, love flows outward.

Freely.

Joyfully.

Without calculation.

Without fear.

Love Changes How We See Others

When we receive God’s love for ourselves, we begin seeing others differently.

Not as rivals.

Not as threats.

Not as problems to manage.

But as neighbors to cherish.

Even enemies to forgive.

Even strangers to welcome.

This is the revolution Jesus announced.

Not a religion of rule-keeping.

A kingdom of love.

The kind of love that washes feet.

Feeds crowds.

Touches lepers.

Carries crosses.

Rises from tombs.

The Measure of Spiritual Maturity

Perhaps spiritual maturity is simpler than we imagine.

It is learning, day by day:

To love God more completely.

To love ourselves more truthfully.

To love others more generously.

This is the whole Gospel in practice.

As Saint Augustine famously said:

“Love, and do what you will.”

Because where love governs the heart, the law has already been fulfilled.

A Prayer

Lord, teach us to love You
with all our heart, soul, and mind.

Teach us to receive the love
You already have for us.

Heal the places where we reject ourselves.

Free us from living for human approval.

And teach us to love our neighbor
as ourselves—

with the very love
with which You love us.

Amen.

Final Reflection

Jesus reduced 613 laws to two commandments.

Not because holiness became smaller—

but because love is greater.

And perhaps the Church today needs to recover this forgotten truth:

To love your neighbor well,

you must learn to receive God’s love for yourself.

And that may be where healing begins.

Thank you for reading this article. Please share with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 26, 2026
The History of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
“The prayer that flowed directly from the Heart of Christ”

🌿 A Revelation in Troubled Times

In the early 20th century, as the world trembled on the brink of war and moral uncertainty, a humble Polish nun named Saint Faustina Kowalska received extraordinary revelations that would echo across the globe.

Born in 1905, Faustina entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. She lived a quiet, hidden life—but her soul was chosen for a profound mission. Beginning in 1931, she began to receive visions of Jesus Christ, who appeared to her as the Divine Mercy.

In one of these visions, Jesus asked that an image be painted with the words:
“Jesus, I trust in You.”

From His heart flowed two rays—one pale, one red—symbolizing blood and water, the fountain of mercy for all humanity.

✨ The Chaplet: A Prayer Given by Jesus

On September 13, 1935, Faustina recorded in her diary a powerful new prayer—given directly by Jesus Himself. This would become known as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Unlike traditional prayers developed over centuries, this chaplet is unique. According to Faustina’s writings, the words were dictated by Christ:

“Say unceasingly the chaplet that I have taught you… Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.”

The prayer is prayed using ordinary rosary beads, but its words are striking:
- “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity…”
- “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
Many faithful believe this may be among the only prayers ever given word-for-word by Jesus for mankind to use—making it a deeply intimate connection between Heaven and Earth.

🌍 Spreading the Message to the World

Faustina’s diary, later published as “Divine Mercy in My Soul,” became the foundation of the devotion. However, the message did not spread easily at first. There were misunderstandings and even temporary restrictions placed on the devotion.

But God’s timing is perfect.

A fellow Pole, Pope John Paul II, played a crucial role in bringing the message to the world. Having lived through the horrors of World War II, he deeply understood the need for Divine Mercy.

In the year 2000, he canonized Faustina and established Divine Mercy Sunday—to be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter.

Today, the Chaplet is prayed around the world, especially at 3:00 PM—the Hour of Mercy, the time of Christ’s death on the Cross.

💖 Why the Chaplet Matters Today

In a world still marked by suffering, division, and uncertainty, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy offers something timeless:
- Hope for sinners
- Comfort for the dying
- Peace for troubled hearts
- A reminder that God’s mercy is greater than any sin
Jesus promised Faustina:

“The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy.”

This message is not one of judgment—but of invitation.

🙏 A Prayer for Our Time

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is simple. It can be prayed anywhere—alone, with family, or for the whole world.

It is a prayer of offering, of trust, and of surrender.

Perhaps that is what makes it so powerful:
not just that it was given by Christ…
but that it leads us back to His Heart.

✝️ Final Reflection

If it is true that the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is among the only prayers given directly by Jesus in such a complete form, then it is a gift beyond measure—a divine whisper to humanity:

“Trust Me. Come to Me. Receive My mercy.”

And in praying it, we do something beautiful—we echo back to God the very words He gave us.

Click Here dor the way to pray The Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 11, 2026
The More We Become Like Christ, the Happier We Are
Why Christlike Living Brings Happiness

In a world constantly chasing happiness through success, possessions, and fleeting pleasures, many find themselves still searching—still unsatisfied. Yet, the message at the heart of Christianity offers a radically different path: true and lasting joy is found in becoming more like Jesus Christ.

This idea may sound simple, even familiar. But its depth is life-changing. The more our thoughts, actions, and hearts align with Christ, the more we experience a profound, unshakable happiness that the world cannot give—or take away.

What Does It Mean to Become Like Christ?

Becoming like Christ doesn’t mean perfection—it means transformation. It is a daily process of growing in qualities that Jesus embodied:
- Love – showing genuine care for others, even when it’s difficult
- Compassion – reaching out to those in need
- Humility – putting others before ourselves
- Forgiveness – letting go of bitterness and extending grace
- Faith – trusting God even when life is uncertain
These traits are not just moral ideals; they are the building blocks of a joyful life.

Why Christlike Living Brings Happiness

1. It Aligns Us with Our True Purpose

We are created with a spiritual purpose. When we live in harmony with Christ’s teachings, we step into that purpose—and purpose brings deep satisfaction.

2. It Frees Us from Destructive Emotions

Anger, envy, pride, and resentment weigh heavily on the soul. Christlike attributes—especially forgiveness and humility—release us from these burdens, making room for peace.

3. It Strengthens Relationships

Love and compassion transform how we interact with others. As we become more Christlike, our relationships become healthier, deeper, and more meaningful.

4. It Brings Inner Peace

Even in trials, those who follow Christ often experience a quiet confidence and calm. This peace is not dependent on circumstances—it is rooted in faith.

The Journey, Not Perfection

It’s important to remember: becoming like Christ is a journey, not a destination achieved overnight. There will be setbacks, doubts, and struggles. But every small step—every act of kindness, every moment of patience—moves us closer.

God does not expect perfection; He invites progress.

How to Grow Closer to Christ Daily

Here are simple, practical ways to grow:
- Pray daily – Speak honestly with God and listen in stillness
- Study scripture – Learn from Christ’s words and example
- Serve others – Look for opportunities to help, even in small ways
- Reflect regularly – Ask yourself how you can improve and grow
- Practice gratitude – Recognize blessings and cultivate joy
These habits gradually shape the heart and bring us closer to Christ’s character.

A Joy That Lasts

Happiness that depends on circumstances is temporary. But the joy that comes from becoming more like Christ is enduring. It grows deeper over time, rooted in love, faith, and eternal perspective.

As we strive to follow His example, we don’t just become better people—we become happier people.happiness,

And in that transformation, we discover a truth both simple and profound:

The closer we come to Christ, the closer we come to true joy.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 9, 2026
Holy Saturday: The Quiet Between Death and Resurrection
Holy Saturday: The Time of Waiting on the Lord

Introduction

Holy Saturday is one of the most mysterious and often overlooked days in the Christian calendar. Falling between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, it is a day of silence, waiting, and deep reflection. While the world moves quickly toward celebration, Holy Saturday invites believers to pause in the stillness—the moment when hope seems hidden, yet is quietly unfolding.

What Is Holy Saturday?

Holy Saturday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after His crucifixion. According to Christian tradition, it is a time when the earth itself seemed to hold its breath.

Unlike the sorrow of Good Friday or the joy of Easter Sunday, Holy Saturday exists in between—a sacred pause. It reflects a powerful spiritual truth: even when nothing appears to be happening, transformation may already be underway.

The Meaning of the Silence

Holy Saturday is marked by silence. Churches are often dim, altars are bare, and there are no major daytime liturgies. This absence is intentional.

It represents:
- Grief and mourning of Jesus’ death
- Uncertainty and waiting experienced by His followers
- Trust in God’s promise, even without visible evidence
For many, this day mirrors personal seasons of waiting—times when answers are not immediate and faith must endure in the quiet.

The Easter Vigil: Light in the Darkness

After sunset, Holy Saturday transitions into one of the most beautiful traditions in Christianity: the Easter Vigil.

During this service:
- A new fire is kindled in darkness
- The Paschal candle is lit, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World
- Scripture readings recount God’s saving acts throughout history
- The celebration of resurrection begins
The vigil moves from darkness to light, capturing the journey from despair to hope—a central theme of the Christian faith.

Why Holy Saturday Still Matters Today

In a fast-paced world, Holy Saturday offers a rare and meaningful invitation: to wait.

It reminds us that:
- Not all answers come immediately
- Growth often happens unseen
- Faith is sometimes strongest in silence
Whether one observes it through prayer, reflection, or quiet time, Holy Saturday speaks to anyone who has ever felt “in between”—between loss and healing, doubt and belief, endings and new beginnings.

Conclusion

Holy Saturday may be quiet, but it is far from empty. It is a sacred space where grief meets hope, and where stillness prepares the way for joy. As the darkness gives way to the light of Easter Sunday, believers are reminded that even in the silence, God is at work.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj
April 4, 2026
We all Live in the Disgration of God

In the Discretion of God

Last night, I was speaking with my sister about a priest who had planned to retire at the age of seventy-five. He had given years of faithful service and, by all expectations, was ready to step away from ministry. Yet, because he served at the discretion of his bishop, his plans changed. Instead of retiring, he was assigned to pastor a startup church—beginning again when he thought he was finished.

That conversation stayed with me.

This morning, I woke up with a deeper realization: we all serve at the discretion of God. Not at our own timing, not according to our own carefully arranged plans, but according to His will. And if we are honest, that truth is both humbling and unsettling.

Scripture reminds us of this reality in powerful ways. When Judas left the Last Supper, it is written that the devil had already entered him as he went out to betray the Lord. Even in that moment—dark, painful, and seemingly out of control—God’s greater purpose was unfolding. Nothing was outside His authority.

This truth became even more personal this week.

My sister had planned to retire after thirty-six years of banking. It was meant to be a joyful milestone. After decades of working alongside the same people, there were surely plans for celebration, reflection, and closure. But life had other plans.

Her husband suffered a heart attack.

Instead of enjoying her final days at work, she spent her next-to-last day driving to Oklahoma City and sitting in a hospital room through the night. He received a stent, and by April 2nd, they returned home to Atoka, Oklahoma. What was supposed to be a week of celebration became a week of crisis, care, and uncertainty.

And yet, in that disruption, there was a greater truth revealed: no matter how much we plan, God is in charge.

We map out our lives with timelines and expectations. We anticipate milestones and transitions. But in a moment, everything can shift. Not because God has lost control—but because He never relinquished it in the first place.

Even Jesus Christ Himself lived in complete submission to the Father’s will. He did not act independently of God’s purpose. He walked a path that led through suffering—His Passion, His crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection. From a human perspective, it may have looked like tragedy or defeat. But in God’s plan, it was redemption.

If Jesus, the Son, lived and served according to the Father’s will, how much more must we?

We may not always understand why our plans are interrupted. We may not see the purpose behind sudden changes or painful circumstances. But we can trust that nothing is wasted in God’s hands.

The priest who thought he was retiring found himself beginning anew. My sister who expected celebration found herself in a hospital. And in both stories, there is a common thread: God’s authority overrides our expectations.

We do not serve at our own discretion.

We serve at His.

And in that truth, there is both surrender—and peace.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 3, 2026
Spy Wednesday: A Sacred Day of Reflection in the Catholic Faith
The Betrayal of Jesus

In the rhythm of the Catholic liturgical year, Wednesday of Holy Week carries a unique and somber title: Spy Wednesday. Though less widely discussed than Good Friday or Easter Sunday, this day holds deep spiritual significance rooted in betrayal, reflection, and preparation for the Paschal Mystery.

Why Is It Called “Spy Wednesday”?

The name “Spy Wednesday” comes from the Gospel accounts describing Judas Iscariot’s decision to betray Jesus. On this day, Judas secretly meets with the chief priests and agrees to hand Jesus over in exchange for thirty pieces of silver.

The term “spy” refers to Judas acting in secrecy—watching, waiting, and looking for the right moment to betray Christ.

“What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” — Matthew 26:15

This moment marks a turning point in Holy Week, setting into motion the events that lead to the Passion and Crucifixion.

Spiritual Meaning of Spy Wednesday

Spy Wednesday invites Catholics into a deeper examination of the heart. It is a day that asks difficult but necessary questions:
- Where have I been unfaithful in my relationship with God?
- Have I chosen convenience, fear, or selfishness over truth?
- How can I return to Christ with sincerity?
Rather than focusing only on Judas’ betrayal, the Church encourages believers to see themselves in the story—recognizing human weakness, but also the opportunity for repentance and grace.

Themes of the Day

1. Betrayal and Sin

Judas’ actions remind us that even those closest to Jesus can fall. Sin often begins quietly, in hidden choices that grow over time.

2. God’s Mercy

Unlike Judas, who despaired, Catholics are reminded that God’s mercy is always available. No betrayal is beyond redemption when met with true repentance.

3. Preparation for the Triduum

Spy Wednesday serves as a spiritual bridge leading into:
- Holy Thursday (The Last Supper)
- Good Friday (The Passion)
- Easter Sunday (The Resurrection)
Traditional Practices

While not a holy day of obligation, many Catholics observe Spy Wednesday in meaningful ways:
- Attending Tenebrae services (a solemn liturgy of shadows and extinguished candles)
- Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Fasting or simplifying meals
- Reading the Passion narratives from the Gospels
- Spending time in quiet prayer and reflection
A Message for Today

In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, Spy Wednesday offers a moment to pause and confront the reality of our choices. It reminds us that betrayal is not just a historical event—it is something that can happen in subtle ways in our daily lives.

But more importantly, it points us toward hope.

Even in the shadow of betrayal, God’s plan for salvation continues. Spy Wednesday prepares our hearts to enter the Sacred Triduum with humility, awareness, and renewed faith.

Conclusion

Spy Wednesday is not merely about Judas—it is about the human condition, the reality of sin, and the boundless mercy of God. As we reflect on this day, we are invited to turn back to Christ, not with fear, but with trust.

In doing so, we prepare ourselves to fully experience the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday.

May this Spy Wednesday be a time of honest reflection and a step closer to grace.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 2, 2026