Tag: Humility

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 Thursday: The Last Supper
The First Priest are Ordained and Commissioned

Introduction

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, marks one of the most profound moments in the Christian calendar. Observed during Holy Week, it commemorates the Last Supper—Jesus Christ’s final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This sacred event is not only a historical remembrance but a living tradition that continues to shape Christian faith, worship, and understanding of love and service.

The Setting of the Last Supper

The Last Supper took place in Jerusalem on the night before Jesus was arrested. Gathered with His twelve disciples, Jesus shared a Passover meal that would take on new and eternal meaning. What seemed like a traditional observance quickly became a defining moment in Christian theology.

During this meal, Jesus spoke openly about His impending suffering and betrayal. Yet, instead of fear or despair, He demonstrated humility, compassion, and divine purpose.

The Institution of the Eucharist

One of the most significant acts of the Last Supper was the institution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body.” He then took a cup of wine and said, “This is my blood of the covenant.”

This moment established a central sacrament in Christian life. Through the Eucharist, believers remember Christ’s sacrifice and participate in a spiritual union with Him. It is a ritual of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal that continues in churches around the world.

A Lesson in Humility: Washing of the Feet

Another powerful act during the Last Supper was Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. In a culture where this task was reserved for servants, Jesus reversed expectations by serving others in the most humble way.

This act symbolized love in action—selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It also established a model for Christian living: leadership through service. Many churches reenact this ritual on Holy Thursday as a reminder of humility and compassion.

Betrayal and Love Intertwined

During the meal, Jesus revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him. Despite knowing this, He continued to share bread and fellowship with all present, including Judas. This moment reflects the depth of divine love—offered even in the face of betrayal.

The Last Supper, therefore, is not only about sacred rituals but also about forgiveness, grace, and the complexity of human relationships.

The Commandment of Love

The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” On this night, Jesus gave a new commandment:

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

This teaching lies at the heart of Holy Thursday. It calls believers to embody Christ’s love through kindness, sacrifice, and unity.

Holy Thursday Today

Today, Holy Thursday is observed with solemn church services that often include:
- The celebration of the Eucharist
- The washing of feet ceremony
- The stripping of the altar, symbolizing Jesus’ abandonment
The atmosphere is reflective and reverent, preparing believers for the sorrow of Good Friday and the hope of Easter Sunday.

Conclusion

Holy Thursday invites us into the intimate and transformative moments of the Last Supper. It is a day that speaks of love expressed through service, sacrifice shared through communion, and faith grounded in humility.

As we remember this sacred evening, we are called not only to reflect—but to live out its message: to love deeply, serve willingly, and walk faithfully in the path set by Christ.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 2, 2026
The Week That Changed the World
The Week That Changed the World: A Catholic Journey Through Holy Week

From a Catholic perspective, Holy Week is the most sacred time of the year—a profound spiritual journey that truly changed the world. It commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, revealing God’s plan of salvation and opening the path to eternal life.

This week is not merely remembered—it is lived. Through liturgy, prayer, and reflection, Catholics enter into the mystery of Christ’s love, walking step by step from triumph to sacrifice, and ultimately to victory.

The Journey Begins: From Praise to the Cross

The journey begins with Palm Sunday (of the Passion of the Lord). Jesus enters Jerusalem to cries of “Hosanna!”—welcomed as king. Yet, within the same liturgy, the Passion narrative is proclaimed, reminding us how quickly human hearts can change.

This day sets the tone for the entire week: joy intertwined with sorrow, glory shadowed by sacrifice.

Betrayal and Preparation: Spy Wednesday

Midweek, often called Spy Wednesday, focuses on the quiet but devastating betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

It reminds us that sin often works in secrecy—and invites us to examine our own hearts. Where do we turn away from Christ? Where are we called back to fidelity?

The Sacred Triduum Begins: Holy Thursday

The evening of Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum—the holiest period of the Church year.

On this night, Catholics commemorate:
- The Last Supper
- The institution of the Eucharist
- The founding of the priesthood
- Jesus washing the feet of His disciples
This act of humility reveals the heart of Christian discipleship: love expressed through service.

The Sacrifice of Love: Good Friday

Good Friday is a day of profound silence and reverence.

There is no Mass. Instead, Catholics gather to:
- Hear the Passion of Christ
- Venerate the Cross
- Pray for the world
It is the day we remember that Jesus gave His life for the salvation of humanity. The Cross, once a symbol of death, becomes the ultimate sign of sacrificial love.

The Silence of Hope: Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is a day of waiting.

Christ lies in the tomb. The Church is still. The world seems paused.

Yet beneath the silence, hope is alive.

That night, the Easter Vigil begins—the “mother of all vigils”—where darkness is pierced by candlelight, proclaiming that death will not have the final word.

The Triumph of Life: Easter

Easter is the culmination—the victory.

Christ is risen.

Sin is defeated. Death is conquered. Heaven is opened.

This is the foundation of Christian faith and the reason for hope in every age.

A Living Mystery, Not Just a Memory

For Catholics, Holy Week is not simply a historical timeline—it is a living participation in the mysteries of faith.
- It is an encounter with sacrificial love
- A call to conversion and renewal
- A journey that challenges us to choose forgiveness, humility, and grace
The Easter Triduum, from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, stands as the pinnacle of the liturgical year because it reveals the deepest truth: love is stronger than sin, and life is stronger than death.

Enter the Story

Holy Week is more than something we observe—it is something we enter.

It invites each of us to walk with Christ:
- From praise…
- Through suffering…
- Into new life
This is why it is called the week that changed the world.

And it still changes hearts today.

If you liked this article, please leave your feedback, share with others, and come back for more stories.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
March 29, 2026
🌿 Palm Sunday: Triumph, Paradox, and the Beginning of Holy Week
Palm Sunday, formally known as Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Catholic liturgical year. It is a day filled with both celebration and solemnity—a powerful contrast that captures the heart of the Christian mystery: Christ as both triumphant King and suffering Savior.

This sacred day commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed Him with palm branches and cries of “Hosanna!” Yet, within the same liturgy, the Church invites us to hear the Passion narrative, where those cries shift dramatically to “Crucify Him!” This tension invites deep reflection on faith, human weakness, and divine love.

🌿 The Symbolism of Palms

Palm branches are central to the celebration of this day. In ancient times, palms symbolized victory and triumph, and in the Church, they represent Christ’s victory over sin and death.

During Mass, palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful, who often take them home as sacramentals—visible reminders of spiritual realities. Many Catholics place them in their homes, behind crucifixes, or in prayer spaces as a sign of protection and devotion.

In a beautiful liturgical cycle, these same palms are later burned to create ashes for the following year’s Ash Wednesday, linking Christ’s triumph with our call to repentance.

✝️ The Liturgy: Joy and Sorrow Together

Palm Sunday Mass is unique because it contains two distinct and contrasting moments:

1. The Procession of Palms

The celebration often begins outside the church with a procession, recalling Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The faithful carry palm branches, singing hymns of praise just as the crowds did centuries ago.

2. The Proclamation of the Passion

Later in the Mass, the tone shifts dramatically as the Passion narrative is read—often with multiple voices representing different characters. This reading recounts the suffering and death of Christ.

The priest wears red vestments, symbolizing the blood of Christ’s sacrifice. The liturgy intentionally holds both joy and sorrow together, reminding us that glory and suffering are inseparably linked in the Christian life.

📖 A Story That Defines All Stories

Palm Sunday is not just a historical remembrance—it is an invitation.

The Church presents this day as a “defined story”—one that shapes how believers understand love, sacrifice, betrayal, and redemption. As we hear the Passion, we are not passive listeners; we are participants, called to reflect:
- Where do we stand in the crowd?
- Are we praising Christ one moment and turning away the next?
- How do we respond to suffering, both our own and others’?
This day challenges us to confront the reality of sin while embracing the hope of salvation.

🕊️ Humility and Kingship

One of the most striking elements of Palm Sunday is how Jesus enters Jerusalem—not on a war horse, but on a donkey.

This detail is deeply symbolic:
- A war horse represents power, conquest, and earthly authority.
- A donkey represents humility, peace, and service.
Christ reveals a different kind of kingship—one rooted not in domination, but in self-giving love. He is both King and Suffering Servant, a paradox that lies at the core of Christian belief.

🌿 Entering Holy Week

Palm Sunday opens the door to Holy Week, leading toward the profound events of:
- Holy Thursday – The Last Supper
- Good Friday – The Passion and Crucifixion
- Holy Saturday & Easter Vigil – The Resurrection
It is a day that asks us not just to remember, but to walk with Christ—through praise, through suffering, and ultimately, toward new life.

✨ Final Reflection

Palm Sunday is a mirror of the human heart and a revelation of divine love. It reminds us that faith is not just about moments of joy, but also about fidelity in times of trial.

As we hold our palm branches, we are invited to follow Christ—not only in celebration, but all the way to the Cross… and beyond it, to the hope of Resurrection.

“Hosanna in the highest!” — and may those words echo in our lives, not just today, but every day.

If you liked this article, pleAse share your feedback, share with others and come back for more stories.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
March 29, 2026
Humility Rains: Why the Heart Matters More Than the Label
CCC

The difference between the two places is not perfection.

The difference is humility.

Pride Closes the Heart

Pride convinces us that we are self-sufficient. It tells us we are better than others, that we deserve more, or that we have nothing to learn.

But pride has a hidden cost: it closes the heart.

A proud heart cannot receive correction.
It cannot admit weakness.
It cannot bow.

And without the ability to bow, the soul becomes rigid and isolated. Pride builds walls that even goodness cannot climb.

This is why someone can appear morally good while still lacking the one quality that truly transforms the soul—humility.

Humility Opens the Door

Humility is not weakness. It is clarity.

A humble person understands three powerful truths:
1. I am not perfect.
2. I still have much to learn.
3. I depend on grace beyond myself.
This awareness softens the heart. It allows a person to change, to grow, and to receive forgiveness.

Humility turns failure into transformation.

That is why someone who once did wrong can still find their place in Heaven—because humility reshaped their heart.

Humility Rains

Humility is like rain.

Rain falls quietly.
It nourishes the ground.
It softens what was once hard.

Without rain, the earth becomes dry and unyielding. With rain, life grows.

In the same way, humility nourishes the soul.

Where humility rains, compassion grows.
Where humility rains, forgiveness becomes possible.
Where humility rains, hearts become capable of Heaven.

The Real Measure of a Soul

In the end, the question is not simply whether a person was good or bad by human standards.

The deeper question is this:

Did humility ever rain in their heart?

Because Heaven is not filled with perfect people.

It is filled with people who learned to bow.

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March 13, 2026