Tag: holiness

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
You Are Redeemed — But Salvation Requires Faithful Perseverance
Introduction

Many people today believe that salvation is automatic. They say, “Jesus died for my sins, so I am

You Are Redeemed — But Salvation Requires Faithful Perseveranc

Introduction

Many people today believe that salvation is automatic. They say, “Jesus died for my sins, so I am saved no matter how I live.” Yet Sacred Scripture teaches something deeper and more demanding.

Yes, by the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, humanity has been redeemed. The price has been paid. The door to eternal life has been opened. But salvation is not a one-time declaration spoken with the lips while the heart remains unchanged.

Saint Paul writes:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12

These words remind us that salvation is not something to take lightly. Redemption was purchased by Christ, but salvation requires cooperation with God’s grace.

The Difference Between Redemption and Salvation

Redemption Is the Gift

When Jesus suffered during His Passion and died upon the Cross, He redeemed mankind. He paid the debt of sin that humanity could never repay.

Scripture says:

“You were bought with a price.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20

That price was the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Through redemption:
- Sin no longer has absolute power over humanity.
- The gates of Heaven were opened.
- Grace became available to all.
- Forgiveness became possible.
Redemption is God’s great gift to the world.

Salvation Is the Response

Salvation, however, is our response to that gift.

God does not force anyone into Heaven. He calls us into a living relationship with Him. We must walk with Christ daily, repent of sin, seek holiness, and persevere faithfully until the end.

Jesus Himself said:

“He who endures to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13

Notice the words “will be saved.” Salvation involves endurance, faithfulness, and perseverance.

Faith Must Become Action

Christianity Is Not Passive

Many people want the comfort of faith without the sacrifice of discipleship. Yet Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23

The Christian life is active.

It means:
- Loving difficult people.
- Forgiving those who hurt us.
- Resisting temptation.
- Feeding the hungry.
- Helping the poor.
- Remaining faithful in suffering.
- Living in prayer.
Faith that never changes our life is not living faith.

Saint James teaches:

“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:26

Works do not earn salvation apart from God’s grace, but authentic faith produces obedience, love, and transformation.

Fear and Trembling Before God

Holy Reverence

When Saint Paul says to work out salvation with “fear and trembling,” he does not mean terror without hope. He means holy reverence before Almighty God.

Modern society often treats God casually. Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches reverence.

The fear of the Lord means:
- Respect for God’s holiness.
- Awareness of our weakness.
- Humility before divine judgment.
- Gratitude for mercy.
- A sincere desire not to offend God.
This holy fear protects us from pride and spiritual laziness.

The Danger of Spiritual Complacency

Do Not Drift Away

One of the greatest spiritual dangers is complacency.

A person may say:
- “I was baptized, so I’m fine.”
- “I believe in Jesus, so nothing else matters.”
- “God understands, so sin is no big deal.”
But Scripture warns believers repeatedly not to fall away.

Saint Paul wrote:

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” — 1 Corinthians 10:12

Even after redemption, we must continue to seek God daily.

Prayer, repentance, worship, charity, and obedience are not optional parts of Christianity. They are the fruit of a living relationship with Christ.

The Cross Changes Everything

Jesus Calls Us Into Transformation

The Passion of Jesus was not merely an emotional event. It was the greatest act of sacrificial love in human history.

When we truly meditate upon the suffering of Christ:
- Pride begins to die.
- Selfishness is exposed.
- Gratitude grows.
- Mercy becomes possible.
- Love deepens.
The Cross is not simply something we admire. It is something we enter.

Jesus invites every believer to unite their suffering, struggles, and sacrifices with Him.

Living Redemption Daily

How We Cooperate With Grace

We live out redemption through daily faithfulness.

Some practical ways include:
1. Daily prayer.
2. Reading Scripture.
3. Frequent repentance.
4. Worship and participation in church.
5. Serving the poor and forgotten.
6. Forgiving others.
7. Rejecting habitual sin.
8. Seeking peace and holiness.
Every day becomes an opportunity to draw closer to Christ.

Conclusion

Yes, you are redeemed.

Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again for you. His mercy is beyond human understanding. His love opened the way to eternal life.

But salvation is not something to treat casually.

We are called to walk faithfully with Christ every day of our lives.

As Saint Paul reminds us:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12

May we never waste the grace purchased by the Blood of Christ.

May we live with humility, repentance, perseverance, and love.

And may we one day hear the words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

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

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

P.S. Click Here to check out the Kind Virus.
May 10, 2026
Lead Me in the Way You Desire
Trusting God When We Do Not Understand

There is a prayer so simple, so humble, and so powerful that it can change a life:

“Lord, if this is not Your will, take it from me. Lead me in the way You desire.”

Those words are not words of defeat. They are words of surrender. They are words of trust.

In a world that teaches us to cling, control, and chase our own plans, this prayer invites us to open our hands and let God lead.

When Our Plans Are Not God’s Plans

We often pray for what we want:
- A door to open
- A relationship to work
- A dream to come true
- A burden to be lifted
Yet sometimes God whispers, “I have something better.”

Scripture reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord…
— Book of Jeremiah 29:11

And in Book of Proverbs we are told:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Faith is not always knowing where the road leads.

Faith is trusting the One who leads.

The Courage of “Take It From Me”

Sometimes we hold onto things God wants us to release:
- Worry
- Pride
- Old wounds
- Fear
- Even dreams that are not His will
To pray “take it from me” is brave.

It echoes the prayer of Jesus of Nazareth in Gethsemane:

“Not my will, but Yours be done.”

That is not weakness.

That is holiness.

God Leads Through Closed Doors Too

Some of God’s greatest mercies come disguised as unanswered prayers.

A closed door may be protection.

A delay may be preparation.

A “no” may be guidance.

Many times we understand only later that what we asked God to remove… He removed out of love.

And what He asked us to surrender… He replaced with grace.

Following the Way He Desires

When we ask God to lead us, He often guides in gentle ways:
- Through prayer
- Through Scripture
- Through silence
- Through wise friends
- Through unexpected opportunities
- Through peace in the heart
Often His leading is not dramatic.

It is daily.

One faithful step at a time.

As Book of Psalms says:

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet…”

Notice—a lamp, not a floodlight.

Enough light for the next step.

That is usually how God leads.

A Prayer for Today

You may want to pray this slowly:

Lord,
If this is not Your will, take it from me.
Remove what keeps me from You.
Close doors I should not walk through.
Open the ones You desire.
Lead me in Your way,
Shape me by Your wisdom,
And help me trust even when I do not understand.
Not my will, Lord—
Yours be done.
Amen.

Final Thought

Surrender is not losing your way.

It is finding God’s way.

And there is no safer place than being led by Him.

When life feels uncertain, pray simply:

“Lord, if this is not Your will, take it from me. Lead me in the way You desire.”

That prayer can change everything.

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

Rick Herring
April 27, 2026
1. Miracles and Testimonies of Divine Mercy
Real Stories of Grace, Conversion, and Hope

🌿 Mercy in Action

Since the revelations to Saint Faustina Kowalska, countless souls have experienced powerful graces through the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

These are not always dramatic miracles—but often quiet transformations of the heart.

💖 Conversions of the Heart

Many who felt far from Jesus Christ have returned through this prayer.
- A man away from the Church for 40 years begins praying the chaplet—and returns to confession
- A woman burdened by guilt finds peace after praying daily
- A family reconciles after years of division
These are miracles of the soul—often the greatest kind.

✨ Healing and Peace

Some testimonies include physical and emotional healing:
- Recovery after serious illness following persistent prayer
- Relief from anxiety and depression
- Strength to endure suffering with peace
While not every prayer results in physical healing, many report a deep interior peace beyond understanding.

🕊️ The Hour of Death

Perhaps the most powerful testimonies come from those who prayed the chaplet for the dying.

Priests and families have shared stories of:
- Peaceful deaths after a lifetime away from faith
- Sudden repentance in final moments
- A visible calm entering the room during prayer
Jesus promised mercy at that hour—and many believe they have witnessed it.

✝️ Reflection

Miracles of Divine Mercy are not always loud.
They are often quiet, hidden, and deeply personal.

But each one whispers the same truth:

God never stops reaching for us.

📖 2. The Meaning Behind Each Line of the Chaplet

Understanding the Depth of the Prayer

🌿 “Eternal Father, I offer You…”

This line is an offering.

We present to God the Father the sacrifice of His Son—
the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.

It unites our prayer with the Cross.

✨ “In atonement for our sins…”

We acknowledge:
- Our need for mercy
- The reality of sin
- The gift of redemption
This is not a prayer of fear—but of trust in forgiveness.

💖 “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion…”

We appeal not to our own goodness—but to Christ’s suffering.

His Passion becomes our hope.

We are saying:

“Because of what You endured, have mercy.”

🌍 “Have mercy on us and on the whole world”

This is where the chaplet becomes universal.

We pray for:
- Ourselves
- Our loved ones
- Strangers
- Even those who oppose us
It is a prayer that expands the heart.

🕊️ “Holy God, Holy Mighty One…”

This ancient prayer reminds us of God’s:
- Holiness
- Power
- Eternal nature
And yet—we ask Him for mercy.

✝️ Reflection

Every line of the chaplet is a movement:
- From sin → to mercy
- From fear → to trust
- From self → to the whole world
”Click Here to view the Promises attached to The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Rick Herring
thmjmjQ@gmail.com
April 11, 2026
Saint of the Day
Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary
- March 19
- Franciscan Media
- Saint of the Day
Saint of the Day for March 19

(? – ?)

Saint Joseph’s Story

The Bible pays Saint Joseph the highest compliment: he was a “just” man. The quality meant a lot more than faithfulness in paying debts.

When the Bible speaks of God “justifying” someone, it means that God, the all-holy or “righteous” one, so transforms a person that the individual shares somehow in God’s own holiness, and hence it is really “right” for God to love him or her. In other words, God is not playing games, acting as if we were lovable when we are not.

By saying Joseph was “just,” the Bible means that he was one who was completely open to all that God wanted to do for him. He became holy by opening himself totally to God.

The rest we can easily surmise. Think of the kind of love with which he wooed and won Mary, and the depth of the love they shared during their marriage.

It is no contradiction of Joseph’s manly holiness that he decided to divorce Mary when she was found to be with child. The important words of the Bible are that he planned to do this “quietly” because he was “a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame” (Matthew 1:19).

The just man was simply, joyfully, wholeheartedly obedient to God—in marrying Mary, in naming Jesus, in shepherding the precious pair to Egypt, in bringing them to Nazareth, in the undetermined number of years of quiet faith and courage.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FSLZaZcsrHs%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Reflection

The Bible tells us nothing of Joseph in the years after the return to Nazareth except the incident of finding Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–51). Perhaps this can be taken to mean that God wants us to realize that the holiest family was like every other family, that the circumstances of life for the holiest family were like those of every family, so that when Jesus’ mysterious nature began to appear, people couldn’t believe that he came from such humble beginnings: “Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary…?” (Matthew 13:55a). It was almost as indignant as “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46b).

Saint Joseph is the Patron Saint of:

Belgium
Canada
Carpenters
China
Families
Fathers

Learn more about Saint Joseph!

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
March 20, 2026