Tag: Heaven

Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Heaven

“Keep your eyes fixed on Heaven, and earth will be thrown in. Keep your eyes fixed on earth and you will get nothing.”
— C. S. Lewis

There is a profound truth in these words attributed to C. S. Lewis. They remind us that where we focus our eyes, our hearts tend to follow.

We live in a world filled with distractions. We worry about money, politics, health, possessions, relationships, the news, and what tomorrow may bring. None of these things are necessarily bad. But when they become the center of our lives, they can cause us to forget what matters most.

This world is temporary. Heaven is eternal.

What Are Your Eyes Fixed On?

Imagine walking down a path while constantly looking behind you. You would stumble over things you could easily have avoided.

Life can be like that.

If we spend all our time looking at the problems of this world, our problems can become larger than they really are. Fear can replace faith. Anxiety can replace peace. Discouragement can replace hope.

But when we lift our eyes toward God, something changes.

We begin to see our problems from an eternal perspective.

The bills may still be there. The difficult person may still be difficult. The news may still be troubling. Our circumstances may not immediately change.

But we change.

We remember that God is bigger than our problems.

“Set Your Mind on Things Above”

St. Paul gives us a similar message:

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
— Colossians 3:2

This doesn’t mean that Christians should ignore earthly responsibilities.

Quite the opposite.

We have families to love, bills to pay, work to accomplish, neighbors to help, communities to serve, and people who need our kindness.

But we should do these things with Heaven in our hearts.

When Heaven becomes our destination, earth becomes our assignment—not our final home.

Earth Is a Gift, Not the Destination

God has given us this life as a tremendous gift.

We should enjoy the beauty around us. We should appreciate family and friends. We should laugh, work, serve, celebrate and give thanks.

But we should never confuse the gift with the Giver.

Everything we have ultimately comes from God.

Our homes, possessions, talents, opportunities, relationships and even our next breath are gifts.

And one day, we will leave all of those earthly things behind.

We cannot take our bank accounts with us.

We cannot take our houses.

We cannot take our cars.

We cannot take our accomplishments.

But we can take love.

We can take the good we have done for others in God’s name.

We can take the faith we have cultivated.

And, by God’s grace, we can take our souls home to Him.

When Heaven Is Our Focus, Earth Falls Into Perspective

Think about how different life looks when we remember that it is temporary.

Someone insults us.

Is it worth carrying resentment for years?

Someone hurts us.

Can we forgive them and place the matter in God’s hands?

We lose something we treasured.

Can we say, “Lord, thank You for the time I had it”?

We face an uncertain future.

Can we say, “God, I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know You hold tomorrow”?

That is the freedom that comes from keeping our eyes fixed on Heaven.

Don’t Let the World Steal Your Peace

The world constantly tells us:

“You need more.”

God tells us:

“Trust Me.”

The world says:

“Be afraid.”

God says:

“Do not be afraid.”

The world says:

“Look at what you don’t have.”

God says:

“Look at what I have already given you.”

The world says:

“Protect yourself at all costs.”

Christ teaches us to love, forgive, serve, and give.

The difference is enormous.

Heaven Changes How We Live Today

Keeping our eyes on Heaven doesn’t make us less useful on earth.

It makes us more useful.

If I know this life is temporary, I have a greater reason to make every day count.

I can encourage someone who is lonely.

I can forgive someone who has hurt me.

I can pray for someone who has wronged me.

I can feed someone who is hungry.

I can listen to someone who needs to talk.

I can share my faith.

I can thank God for another day.

I can use whatever blessings God has placed in my hands for His glory and for the good of others.

That is what living with our eyes on Heaven looks like.

A Simple Daily Practice

Perhaps we can begin each morning with a simple prayer:

“Lord, help me keep my eyes on You today.

Help me remember that this world is temporary and Heaven is eternal.

Help me use everything. You have given me for Your glory.

Help me forgive those who have hurt me.

Help me love those who are difficult to love.

Help me not become consumed by the problems of this world.

And when I become worried, remind me to look up.

My hope is not in this world. My hope is in You. Amen.”

Look Up

We don’t know how many days God has given us.

That is why today matters.

Don’t waste today worrying about yesterday.

Don’t spend today being consumed by tomorrow.

And don’t allow the temporary things of earth to make you forget the eternal things of Heaven.

Look up.

Fix your eyes on Christ.

Trust God with the things you cannot control.

Use today to love, forgive, serve, and give thanks.

Because when our eyes are fixed on Heaven, we can live on earth with greater peace, greater purpose, and greater hope.

Heaven is real. Eternity is coming.

So let us keep our eyes fixed on Heaven—and trust God to take care of the rest.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

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August 15, 2026
God Owns Everything—We Are Stewarts
God’s Gifts Are Meant for Eternity

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:19–20

Every good thing we possess is a gift from God.

Our health, our strength, our talents, our homes, our families, our friendships, and even the opportunities placed before us each day come from His loving hand. We often speak about what we have “earned,” but behind every accomplishment stands the God who gave us life, the ability to work, and the blessings that made success possible.

The Book of James reminds us:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
— James 1:17

Because everything belongs to God, we are not owners—we are stewards.

God entrusts us with His gifts for a time. He asks us to use them wisely, to care for our families, to strengthen our communities, to help those in need, and above all, to glorify Him.

When success comes, thank Him.

When prosperity comes, thank Him.

When health is strong, thank Him.

And if one day He chooses to take those blessings back, thank Him again for allowing you to enjoy them for however long He saw fit.

Job understood this profound truth after losing nearly everything he possessed:

“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
— Job 1:21

Those words are not easy to live, but they reveal a heart that trusted God more than possessions.

Keep Your Eyes on Eternity

Life moves quickly.

The house we build will someday belong to someone else.

The car we proudly drive will eventually wear out.

Money comes and goes.

Even our earthly bodies grow older.

Everything around us is temporary.

Only one thing lasts forever—our eternal soul.

That is why Jesus continually reminded His followers to keep their hearts fixed on Heaven.

Every decision we make should be measured against one simple question:

Will this help bring me closer to God and prepare me for eternity?

When we keep our eyes on Heaven, disappointments lose much of their sting, and successes become opportunities to praise God rather than ourselves.

Living for the Eternal Reward

It is interesting how faithfully we obey the rules of our employer.

We arrive at work on time.

We follow company policies.

We complete assignments.

We strive to do our best because, at the end of the week, we expect a paycheck.

Yet that paycheck may be spent before the day is over. Bills are paid, groceries are bought, expenses arise, and the money is gone.

How strange it is that many people work so diligently for rewards that disappear, while giving so little attention to the reward that never fades.

God has already shown us the path to eternal life.

He calls us to:
- Keep His Commandments.
- Love God with all our heart.
- Love our neighbor as ourselves.
- Practice humility, charity, patience, honesty, forgiveness, and purity.
- Receive His grace through prayer and the sacraments.
- Live lives that reflect Christ.
Unlike an earthly employer, God does not ask us to earn His love. He freely offers it. But He does ask us to respond with faithful, obedient hearts.

The Virtues Build the Road to Heaven

The saints remind us that holiness is not usually found in dramatic moments but in ordinary faithfulness.

Each act of kindness…

Each quiet prayer…

Each sacrifice made for another…

Each temptation resisted…

Each word of forgiveness…

These become stepping stones leading toward Heaven.

Virtue shapes our character until we begin to resemble Christ Himself.

The more we practice love, humility, generosity, courage, patience, and faith, the more prepared our souls become for eternal life.

Our Greatest Investment

Wise investors look for what will produce lasting returns.

Jesus tells us that the greatest investment we can ever make is not in the stock market, real estate, or a retirement account.

Our greatest investment is in eternity.

Every prayer offered with love…

Every act of mercy…

Every soul encouraged…

Every sacrifice made for God…

These are treasures that can never be lost.

They accompany us beyond the grave.

A Final Thought

God has blessed each of us in different ways.

Cherish those blessings.

Use them for His glory.

Love your family.

Serve your community.

Help those who cannot repay you.

And if life changes tomorrow, remember to thank God for every blessing He allowed you to enjoy.

Above all, keep your eyes, your mind, and your soul fixed on Heaven.

Everything else will one day pass away.

But eternal life with God will never end.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
— Mark 8:36

May we spend our lives not merely earning a paycheck that lasts a day, but pursuing the Kingdom that lasts forever.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

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July 26, 2026
Ten Holly Places in the USA

The 10 Most Sacred Sites in America

The video tells about ten and the article tell about some of those and still some others, for America is Bless by God with Holly People striving to serve God to the very end,

Places Where Heaven Seems a Little Closer *

“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!”* **— Psalm 84:1**

America is often known for its towering cities, breathtaking national parks, and historic landmarks. Yet scattered across our nation are places that remind us of something even greater—the presence of God. These sacred places are more than beautiful buildings or historical monuments.

They are places where countless people have prayed, sought forgiveness, found hope, and experienced God’s peace. Millions of pilgrims have walked through their doors carrying heavy burdens and have left strengthened in faith.

Whether you have visited many of these holy places or simply dream of doing so one day, they remind us that our journey on earth is ultimately a pilgrimage toward Heaven

1. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C.

The largest Catholic church in North America stands as a magnificent tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its breathtaking mosaics, soaring domes, and chapels representing cultures from around the world make it a place of prayer unlike any other in the United States. Every year, pilgrims gather here to celebrate Mass, seek Mary’s intercession, and renew their commitment to Christ.

2. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion Champion, Wisconsin This peaceful shrine holds a unique place in American Catholic history.

It is recognized as the site of the only approved Marian apparition in the United States. Visitors come seeking healing, comfort, and a deeper relationship with Jesus through His Blessed Mother.

3. The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Hanceville, Alabama

Founded through the remarkable faith of Mother Angelica, this beautiful shrine has become a destination for Eucharistic devotion and silent prayer. Many pilgrims speak of experiencing a profound sense of God’s presence while praying before the Blessed Sacrament.

4. The National Shrine of Divine Mercy Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Inspired by the revelations received by Saint Faustina, this peaceful sanctuary reminds visitors that no sin is greater than God’s mercy. Thousands gather here each Divine Mercy Sunday to celebrate the endless love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

5. The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Emmitsburg, Maryland.

America’s first native-born saint dedicated her life to education, charity, and service to God. Walking through the grounds where Mother Seton lived helps visitors appreciate the quiet holiness that transformed countless lives.

6. Mission San Xavier del Bac Arizona Often called the “White Dove of the Desert,

” This Spanish mission has served Native American communities for centuries. Its stunning architecture and rich spiritual heritage continue to inspire visitors from around the world.

7. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes Notre Dame, Indiana.

Modeled after the famous grotto in Lourdes, France, this peaceful sanctuary invites visitors to light candles, pray the Rosary, and place their intentions before Our Blessed Mother. Many students, alumni, and pilgrims have found comfort here during life’s greatest challenges.

8. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral New York City Standing amid the busy streets of Manhattan.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral serves as a reminder that God’s presence can be found even in the middle of life’s busiest moments. Millions pause inside its doors each year to find silence, beauty, and prayer.

9. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis Missouri.

Known for possessing one of the largest collections of mosaics in the world, this cathedral reflects the beauty of God’s creation through sacred art. Every detail points the visitor toward worship and reverence.

10. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Royal Oak, Michigan.

Dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, this beautiful church reminds us that holiness is found in ordinary acts of love faithfully offered to God. Her “Little Way” continues to inspire Christians throughout America.

Sacred Places Point Us Toward a Sacred Life As inspiring as these holy places are, Scripture reminds us that God desires to dwell not only in magnificent churches but also within our hearts.

Every church can become holy because Christ is present. Every home can become holy when families pray together.

Every workplace can become holy when our labor is offered to God. Saint Benedict encouraged his monks to make their work a prayer. Saint Mother Teresa often described herself as “a little pencil in God’s hand.” Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for famous shrines—it is available wherever we allow God to work through us.

The Greatest Pilgrimage Visiting sacred sites can strengthen our faith, but they are not the final destination. Our true pilgrimage is leading us toward Heaven.

Jesus said: > “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places… I go to prepare a place for you.”* > **— John 14:2

Every Mass we attend, every Rosary we pray, every act of kindness we perform, and every sacrifice we lovingly offer brings us one step closer to our eternal home. May these sacred places inspire us to seek not only beautiful churches but beautiful hearts—hearts filled with faith, hope, charity, and love for God. For in the end, the holiest place we can ever hope to reach is not found on a map. It is Heaven itself.

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

July 24, 2026
Reflection:
Life Is Short… But Eternity Never Ends

“Life is short and death is sure,
The hour of death remains obscure.
A soul you have, and only one,
If that be lost, all hope is gone.

Waste not time while time shall last,
For after death ’tis ever past.

All-seeing God, your Judge will be,
And Heaven or Hell your destiny.

All earthly things will speed away,
Eternity alone will stay.”

These simple verses have echoed through Christian history because they speak a truth that every generation needs to hear. They are not meant to frighten us but to awaken us. They remind us that life is a precious gift from God, one that should never be taken for granted.

Every morning we wake is another opportunity to love God, serve others, forgive, pray, and grow in holiness. Yet how often do we become consumed with the temporary things of this world? We spend countless hours pursuing wealth, entertainment, possessions, and recognition, while giving little thought to the one journey every one of us must make—the journey into eternity.

Jesus Himself repeatedly told His followers to be ready.

“Be watchful! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”
— Matthew 24:42

The hour of our death truly remains unknown. No amount of wealth, influence, or technology can postpone it forever. Kings, presidents, billionaires, and the poorest among us all stand equal before God.

The One Possession That Lasts Forever

The poem says:

“A soul you have, and only one.”

Nothing we own will accompany us beyond the grave. Not our home. Not our bank account. Not our achievements.

Only our soul will stand before the Lord.

That is why Jesus urged us:

“Store up treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys.”

Every act of kindness, every sincere prayer, every sacrifice offered out of love, every confession made with a repentant heart, every Holy Communion received worthily, every act of forgiveness—these become treasures that can never be taken away.

Time Is God’s Gift

The older we become, the more quickly the years seem to pass.

Yesterday we were children.

Today we may be grandparents.

Tomorrow we will stand before Christ.

How wise it is, then, to use each day well.
- Pray every day.
- Read God’s Word.
- Attend Mass faithfully.
- Receive the Sacraments.
- Love your family.
- Help those in need.
- Forgive quickly.
- Trust completely in God’s mercy.
None of us knows how many tomorrows remain.

Heaven Is Worth Everything

The world offers many promises but cannot satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart.

Only God can.

Imagine the joy of Heaven—seeing God face to face, reunited with loved ones who died in Christ, joining the saints and angels in endless praise, where there is no sickness, no pain, no tears, and no death.

Compared to eternity, even the longest earthly life is but a brief moment.

As Saint Paul reminds us:

“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

A Final Thought

One day our work will be finished.

One day our calendar will close.

One day our earthly journey will end.

When that day comes, may we hear the words every Christian longs to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.”

Let us live today with eternity in mind.

For while all earthly things will speed away, eternity alone will stay.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me never to lose sight of eternity. Teach me to use each day wisely, to love You with all my heart, to serve others with joy, and to remain faithful until the end. May my life bring You glory, and when You call me home, may I rejoice forever in Your heavenly kingdom. Amen.all seeing God, your Judge will be, And Heaven or Hell your destiny. All earthly things will speed away, Etdernity, alone will stay

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July 19, 2026
Is Heaven on Your Trip Agendia
Planning the Most Important Journey of Your Life

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:20-21

Most of us spend considerable time planning ordinary events.

Before going to Walmart, we make a shopping list. We compare prices. We decide the quickest route. We plan what we need and when we will go.

Before taking a vacation, we spend weeks or even months preparing. We reserve hotels, buy tickets, pack our luggage, and study maps so we will arrive safely at our destination.

Yet I am convinced that many people spend more time planning a trip to Walmart than they do planning the most important journey they will ever make—the journey into eternity.

That thought should give every one of us pause.

Everything Here Will Pass Away

Jesus continually reminded us not to become attached to the temporary things of this world.

He told us:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven.”

Every possession we own will someday belong to someone else.

Every house will eventually belong to another family.

Every automobile will wear out.

Even our own bodies will return to dust.

Everything on earth is temporary.

Only eternity lasts forever.

That realization has brought tremendous peace into my own life.

When disappointments come, I remind myself that they are temporary.

When suffering comes, it too is temporary.

When the evening news fills our hearts with violence, hatred, wars, and confusion, I remember that none of these things will last forever.

Even if we were to live one hundred years on this earth, it would still be only a tiny flicker when compared with eternity.

Are We Preparing for Heaven?

It is difficult to arrive at a destination we never intended to reach.

If someone asked you today where you planned to spend your next vacation, you could probably answer immediately.

But how many people regularly ask themselves:

“Am I preparing for Heaven?”

The devil surely delights whenever people become so busy with earthly concerns that they never seriously prepare for eternal life.

He doesn’t have to convince people that God doesn’t exist.

Often, he merely distracts them long enough that they never make God the center of their lives.

Days become weeks.

Weeks become years.

Years become a lifetime.

Then eternity arrives.

Two Very Different Destinations

Scripture speaks clearly about two eternal destinations.

Heaven

Imagine a place filled with perfect peace.

No sickness.

No tears.

No loneliness.

No fear.

No hatred.

No jealousy.

No anxiety.

There we will finally see God face to face.

We will be with our Eternal Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints who have gone before us.

Every longing of the human heart will finally be fulfilled.

Perfect love.

Perfect joy.

Perfect peace.

Forever.

Hell

In complete contrast stands the tragedy of eternal separation from God.

Scripture describes it as a place without peace.

A place of darkness.

A place of regret.

A place where pride, hatred, selfishness, rebellion, and despair never end.

Everything that separates us from God reaches its terrible conclusion there.

God desires that no one should choose that path, but He also respects the freedom He has given each of us.

The choice is ours.

Building Treasures That Last Forever

How do we prepare for Heaven?

Not by earning God’s love, because His grace is always His gift.

But we respond to that grace by living faithfully each day.

We prepare through:
- Daily prayer that keeps our hearts close to God.
- Receiving the sacraments faithfully.
- Reading Sacred Scripture.
- Loving our neighbor.
- Forgiving those who hurt us.
- Caring for the poor and those in need.
- Offering our sufferings to Christ.
- Living lives of humility, gratitude, and charity.
- Seeking God’s mercy whenever we fall through sincere repentance.
Every act of love becomes an eternal investment.

Every sacrifice offered to God has lasting value.

Every soul we help draw closer to Christ becomes a treasure that will never disappear.

Where Do You Want to Spend Eternity?

Someday every one of us will take the journey from this life into eternity.

The question is not if we will make that journey.

The question is where we will arrive.

If we devote hours planning vacations, careers, retirement, and even shopping trips, shouldn’t we spend even more time preparing for the one destination that lasts forever?

Heaven is worth every prayer.

Every sacrifice.

Every act of love.

Every effort to follow Christ.

For compared with eternity, this life is only the briefest moment.

So let us begin today.

Let us pray more faithfully.

Love more generously.

Forgive more quickly.

Serve more joyfully.

And each day, let us continue storing up treasures where they will never fade away.

Because when our earthly journey is finished, nothing will matter more than hearing those beautiful words spoken by our Savior:

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” — Matthew 25:23

Reflection:
Today, ask yourself one simple question: “If I were planning my journey to Heaven with the same care I plan my everyday activities, what would I do differently?” Then begin taking those steps today, trusting in God’s grace to lead you home.

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July 12, 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
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
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 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