Tag: Jesus

  • Jesus Christ Is My Lord and I Belong to Him

    Walking in Faith, Protection, and Victory

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/DbAIOWnp9YQBvsRQmLTBGwsX3ne22L7p1Aa44NShwutE095pdZYLmQ-fo3FvHvVI8tFIX9sZ_DmG-PX8rtvj6Cz-6qLGXspngYF0bBp0sYFv-Kp1EMWzfd7pzuzDDs0j6k6nhSNQxG54POKuxRxYvfm5ZCNuHfMCKrppaEepWl7CfdXM0rMkcmCUa3yrAnQX?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/JndLRr1yXTZQoTJhuJc45AjUNv1_1BJ69AbbMcvIXeVjNKuUzImmedFdK4-7_s0-W3ycLfaKcDko553UIBjlhdbXYtCdxNHuV349t81cOGdSz6MH20YzlkMI7pwicr6S4tZQaBMLcnJOPcXHE3KefXrqOhLkAZkPZsxox0tZO6IWGnaBVGdVaf5MFyke4qy6?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/FOqhbl7iUYEts9RdX7EyJ7WQ6yjmn0MD80G2FhYcKw-ubWpTSTzG_6iUbUVmAGNQ8Dr7HUojx7IcKmEbK_5XuWyXOyDqwT_lGWvBShV6OjBYoU6TSMcO81P8sFT9Ynb3i3ov0V4vSjqPMMEE4WLcUK4tcPtbeL24ZwJB8uwFh94xY8ZRVPuc20RYNrZG9NI3?purpose=fullsize

    In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and confusion, believers in Jesus Christ have a powerful source of peace and strength. When we declare, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and I belong to Him,” we are making more than a statement. We are proclaiming our identity, our protection, and our faith in the King of Kings.

    To belong to Jesus means we are no longer alone. We are loved, forgiven, guided, and protected by the Savior who gave His life for us. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we have been redeemed and brought into the family of God.

    The Bible reminds us in Romans 10:9 that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. Salvation is not earned by human effort. It is a gift purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

    Covered by the Blood of Jesus

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/JqIRWhdOly5sQprw7t12Bqh6lEFDTlfnY7RB-OUyta9ClmY8C5Fg76UN7vSIWxz5Ht_ZQH1fSUL7EK16xoRt7k2JYM7ot4TMe2IjWjHLoeOGXjhKZS6vR_2l3YESUNaQpxq8XLGLROewAYH9tMJ5dWbyJNEtJIt0dlSPKMSl4a9bQdXLTp2vSMI7uW2qiQUR?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/16fwn4I9FQpEreX8xV6tKDw3URJjzlirY4WF2KxQaCy-xmyOkPLyUs1R2At9L_WMmOBkHhY4jcpuybs2Nio4F0RCi-S8_sQjEbaCNAz9BKRY8wiKzNpng3doOL9vlM5VqOlCeQMrqc9S4KSKjMgFny19aQlsYn6bqDebJgxFAuEgJP90ckBGV-kSY7wKFBBY?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/M0QWq7I_JVgZswHjnWw6iWWKrLwzNicBjG9oin75Xnp_TuSzCvmARtsZZMnvohx0XQXVnp7paoNbJ-1pkFvw0GDEydd5Y0ijjVxQhN9vLQ-SNc95wfVOWehKoZwUlH_ZHbuQzerxWj3pkITJaooVy900G-6WVudBWm2xnjZfQPQl62CHJpyKS1_3hz3bwHLX?purpose=fullsize

    The blood of Jesus is powerful. It cleanses us from sin, breaks chains of bondage, and gives believers spiritual protection. When we pray and declare that “The blood of Jesus completely covers me and my family,” we are placing our trust in God’s promises.

    Throughout Scripture, the blood represented covenant, protection, and deliverance. Just as the Israelites were protected during Passover, believers today trust in the finished work of Christ for spiritual covering and peace.

    No matter what challenges arise, God remains faithful. He watches over His children and walks with them through every storm, every battle, and every difficult season.

    Fear Has No Power Over Us

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/bL96n7KhYmuh-W4wboMHDsnczBlkLi7Qxkw1AFfHIad3OqZst5CbIHJAhMv5xH0P3yyIkITxdflRA54nBYtEzB38SIgbWmx2nndurSdu2C4J7f6QvZkPYtHN7vK0ZYX_xuNhVt6Hn380cKwnKFzwFpK5qb9M3qlsf8G7WoDzVwranzxXv0hwG44LThXtxJI_?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/0VoMcHWdKIULGdwpEi8e-NIkR-MxZx_Xeh0UyYtTMJoNwA1j6QG9romqen2MRO6kymVessXGaG5KK-AULjf7bApf5f-gCulQ9qliN5yNqh3L4_pKvISYKiYVnI9wxZmwcdc9GVLQ2vbPXT9XUNpxE4sw6hgZNUQe8de4cVUiqTgqe3_MhrCUhD3XGeJpowSd?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/gB0lLvko8sUuYobXryU9MkbFpL4UTAaGz3FZCS_UGUG5DZ7bPaUGsZMjQpRK4LI4uDZJ708tvxfydy3hIa3eAjSdoj5sV_jb0II3J9G9ktgAnuPeth4H5VBOBip0NBbfVG7_yLwcE6AKv9JTSP-t75wHTlhD5nt6gL92BLcPNnHkn_tL6-JkvSN_O6pBPsy_?purpose=fullsize

    Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons, but faith in Christ destroys fear. The Word of God tells us in 1 John 4:4:

    “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

    This powerful truth reminds believers that God’s Spirit lives within them. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to strengthen, comfort, and guide us every day.

    Because of this, we do not have to live in fear. We can face life with confidence, courage, and hope. Jesus is greater than sickness, greater than anxiety, greater than darkness, and greater than every obstacle we face.

    A Daily Declaration of Faith

    Every day is an opportunity to boldly declare:

    • Jesus Christ is my Lord.
    • I belong to Him.
    • The blood of Jesus covers me and my family.
    • I will not fear.
    • Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

    When we speak God’s promises over our lives, we strengthen our faith and remind ourselves of His truth.

    Today, choose faith over fear. Choose hope over despair. Choose to walk in the confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, Protector, and King forever.

  • The Two Commandments That Change Everything

    Learning to Love God, Your Neighbor, and Yourself

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Ekf6DmRQjQEqPB-7TPFBdG2Kbzrz0O065jNQ8xPaoo_494B3AOzJ-7V7J5vIHkOhzjRFgW4qar-Yyll_y5RxHa4bx2tSm-eecGurma52DuhGSDDhN1ygy1mi9n2HgwNq3nMCBcm9tvHRpmcJCkSy5v-I1OMvNZUlsY68wiNX3YsWhiyV1SGQlo7LMj2cux2G?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/UDQLcvgC--8wg_kUaGK3Y4O_XzYOsRIcPTS2VqHxhBuLMZhGJUxTY_sQSXkwgrCd8200cZ2Noqu_TRBD6JbunUuso5jq2Hntg0t4qUzdXYkuzl4UBZfuyFpJAZsnQFb8Qus5_lNKVMqN2P1NmDRNfC4zghLAGSBdSQjkq2IRWFwSp7xIxPAqAMTuW6yYpOog?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Wi7utIoyOPjSLaWNdpe-GYxTLkJpeZxwnU0fBGW5T4EpF2uJtrIA_Y-ONQjO940HPKWJdIVN_7nji6o2taM0BrsO1-LhKtDmDZNGD9wVEmVoyyl9qYBsdfzPVWeQTSUec7IjDGAoygzMBWXcmMIvspGCuH9q8HC4Mayf5FPV4a9HOaTvf_x8K9Ma1G3XPcM7?purpose=fullsize

    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?

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/NMZe8tmkTmnf19SuR2uQOqxOgSGdndkdwiCu2MX68PfwMqsI3p-faUX2Z2ZC4fzpzQcF4a8ROTD32Gh9sMwL5oH66Gj4Y2IdselCvHBjfcjYHSFJWaqRwxF_9PBkTqz0ppcmWdUncgdVHFiuMvyPUjbQxA2nMPgFjN55OVoDsn92AvUsy12tGCvnsE0dpur1?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/cNRU8yKFm5w8GDMTT6_X_hqZFyM09YBendkFGAKSi6TAI_hPCCud7XkK7br0NAcGIuQ9hZ8kYxTPwJ1MebULQoaCvRBXVLibM4LEpRgvoB7OmURGwxmDH3xGwIEHJMLP-ZgI7fXRX1TIM3IbIboJQxTlPBZTvqLgRp53jovNfwue_yEBFpYk06wMtpYzUNwy?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/MWGfJijSv0ijM1T7i4ZlzPBPo9PPoI3CWQcKy-j-wEon4YxvLnYK76mZRP25K7Hneo1dyWntvqhbOaN36Hf_dLbKIFS4s-gIuYtvprRNPr6Eey644HPP7GnlNCTrxb0PQS9q7lVVxNHGelkjCqJ-9LiTUN3xzQeuxGRggc-_C6HNOomrAJnNu-oD__welGM7?purpose=fullsize

    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

  • Together we Grow

    To build Community we must share. We must care for those around us. To be a blessing we must truly be a blessing.

    You are my community. We truly have a community of love and sharing, joy and peace. The time has come to add a sustainable income source so we can help those that have no income. Those that are struggling. Those that need a helping hand. a hand up.

    This is the community we are building. A community where we share, care, lift up, become one with God our Father. To be fill with and guided by the Holy Spirit.

    “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” Psalm 34: 6
    Together we can build a community that has the resources to reach, while building our resources, our email list, our income.

    These are just a few of the short Bible verse videos I ha ve posted on YouTube and other social media. Many are getting over 100 views their first day.

    To be part of that community, click Here.

    Thank you for reading and watching. Please share with others.

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmail.com

  • How to Recite the Chaplet

    The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is recited using ordinary Rosary beads of five decades. The Chaplet is preceded by two opening prayers from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska and followed by a closing prayer.

    Download instructions.


    1. Make the Sign of the Cross

    In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

    2. Optional Opening Prayers

    St. Faustina’s Prayer for Sinners
    O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy, I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equalled. Therefore, let every soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God’s mercy will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 72).

    You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

    (Repeat three times)
    O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!

    3. Our Father

    Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

    4. Hail Mary

    Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

    5. The Apostles’ Creed

    I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

    6. The Eternal Father

    Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

    7. On the 10 Small Beads of Each Decade

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

    8. Repeat for the remaining decades

    Saying the “Eternal Father” (6) on the “Our Father” bead and then 10 “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion” (7) on the following “Hail Mary” beads.

    9. Conclude with Holy God (Repeat three times)

    Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

    10. Optional Closing Prayers

    Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

    O Greatly Merciful God, Infinite Goodness, today all mankind calls out from the abyss of its misery to Your mercy — to Your compassion, O God; and it is with its mighty voice of misery that it cries out. Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth’s exiles! O Lord, Goodness beyond our understanding, Who are acquainted with our misery through and through, and know that by our own power we cannot ascend to You, we implore You: anticipate us with Your grace and keep on increasing Your mercy in us, that we may faithfully do Your holy will all through our life and at death’s hour. Let the omnipotence of Your mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation’s enemies, that we may with confidence, as Your children, await Your [Son’s] final coming — that day known to You alone. And we expect to obtain everything promised us by Jesus in spite of all our wretchedness. For Jesus is our Hope: through His merciful Heart, as through an open gate, we pass through to Heaven (Diary, 1570).

  • The History of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

    “The prayer that flowed directly from the Heart of Christ”


    🌿 A Revelation in Troubled Times

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/-9JSyW2pw8Mzlt7CSp_enuryiW4aHsM5mCPD51rdAxvEz6clajYwdueXsuXGv3GUqGLg5g7tXRPVugJrNB7_4JtuJ8ud-SkBK-utWtN7KfZ9yWPO4cwy8AI9tDJnAY7ZYYezTmou5cN5KnYxN-CP85WcplNfQlKAF_D6XSIgMHZOUjexxuXn9UWIkQ0DZE_I?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/bVxELphiBptl00EauG092P9OmNOR0l9Q46DnCzKoltsrQlFXZfNtnvh49PDTTObs830cfLy1AmE7G5bmRsnC8TPnfLJfAWKJ8AoMDaGHuJBJa_I8CszFatHsRjDvdQutaK3DfewIUV8C-jCK1i_tPmkXvTMCDKm843HGAYhMnozucH3m2XXU1KxyOsqfwHf_?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/aAgWFrL33pY4RGmdBO_IbOdQWKfiPy3b5Qmv0ve2GMamagurjK4JeOf-PSLmGzAPvZunzSwdpwIiNuInRis58osAmPbX6i0T4gm7eL60_Kb985m5Gy_wTjilOD-STQdouPk-BwwO-cMh4Ei2b2zxRqiYQllJreuzCiItt4jm8tYYSyX0JA6tYJEQwW3nyks7?purpose=fullsize

    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

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/UMFf41GxJf2MvSLnPwSrlxmUTNUz94Pwa-VkVqijZ9z7lEQJFhA7uyRGVdLB3cTwSTlgqguN6oWS8iuwX4t-by1vtPiqROucJ_YZw9Q85RJ-FhIcOXnH381GzGeoNwg_XR_pAisbF39zpqDVCYcS_uM8_AJJFl_YCISYZoDZjeylWDNEV2XoHCZtP-fUvtlW?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Ub1rdpBZ79IrcHvHDQmR6H3M7wxvIGypMZr62pDdM7n2-ZyLOpWuqN1EMBFCDOtWX9cMfdI7xXtYEcbQWhV30z8Kqw7yCDI5zPh7Ex-mL9rKLQglC2jUEhF4wKtcOWwDv3nDl3h7VGnyYLfDk2j2KL1tM9JZwwh86Qhe-rT1D0KZFa3HcNGqA4FlbQag9wnw?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/hSNCszXlUCae-riUL-CZP1lrfoS5PTdUIR0P1kBEE7vdUn5cCtfrUCSY2hLBgUKAvj3XbEDFDbtatz4ameHiLqKN3LusBqe7403yrRh1revOS2zM5m0pDiKpxydG13IABqBRdJ5MCJ7PiZf2E1VcbNqHhw28GsDs0Hfa5vxT1_QZp0k9J5O6kXG5DiSq9xiI?purpose=fullsize

    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

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/QmuTij9FZ2TLKpXMiIzzMt7yygs5N_ZgCM0xf5xqof1XFJo_AD7hBPPg6F-J6LT3wSnOK1nqDhqm5k_pS-b69d5wnvxSS-zmSbvnGhVqlvG3cOC7bFm0iI2OKtq98keOm9jxOnqvrfNIt4ioxscvVMazhJeGhsJKStsBdKEZ3rl7CkT7_oA0sVSrAMx1r8dX?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/u5wSzaJLKuo3hiBy-ijIP7VI_mj_DKF4LPOlHScy9cYoBekHxc0J1Nglru6oig4JF62gomgi4KD8N8hvGADjo3BOiHVdGh3la9LWgzRB9D8V0aXfFxqcJc-XouCMdxFJaA0EfTZhB7SMg-INTjjxmY5vwUqlYJt5_IYKV1N8SrmN5k_eC5o_eic5ZOWzrecp?purpose=fullsize
    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/HQx2NxGkNJ229lTlXiJL1vPgDMK2FoqpwqJlW0EWj2zoJ_HTA_KLYp_qTcJWT6BWfElTEHxhKUSUq3etbgyx7Rl7yN5yPGRaTv19vLsokLFoqVdmdx1hS9W2RqsPhMWADFnxaoEQmIoutulaeMbc0mb0lr_P4uojhMRhIa5QDn-ReJd6do6oBTwVHqZKjinw?purpose=fullsize

    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

  • The Stations of the Cross

    Today, Holy Saturday, there is no Mass untill Sunday as Jesus’ Body is in the tomb, So at 7AM EWTM aired Pope Leo IV as he carried the cross as he visited the fourteen Stations of the Cross

    If you want to know God, look at the Crucifix.
    If you want to love God, look at the Crucifix.
    If you want to know the infinite, eternal love of God, look at the Crucifix.
    If you wish to have a part in giving that same love to others,. look at the Crucifix.
    If you want to know who you are and your worth, look at the Crucifix.
    If you want to know how you were saved from the jaws of hell, look at the Crucifix.
    Ift you want to know how much God wants to save your immortal soul, look at the Crucifix.
    If you know who will lead you into Heaven, look at the Crucifix.
    If you want to live well, look at the Crucifix.
    If you want to die well, look at the Crucifix.
    If you want to spend eternity in Heaven with your eternal Father, look at the Crucifix.

    For by the Crucifiction and Resurrection of Jesus, we have been given eternal life. Cherish it. Thank God for it. Live well so you can enjoy it.

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmail.com

  • The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion

    The Price Paid for our Redemption

    https://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ep/original/DT10248.jpg
    https://elements-resized.envatousercontent.com/elements-video-cover-images/files/222092607/primag.jpg?cf_fit=cover&format=auto&q=85&s=5a145c32a643bd292acdd6709378a94e119f8a7415d33a1c4872a2ad20d8ad35&w=500
    https://www.timkenmuseum.org/static/media/uploads/collection/Collection%20Images/murillo.png

    Introduction

    The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary—the Crucifixion—stands at the heart of Christian faith. It is the moment where suffering, sacrifice, love, and redemption converge. Meditating on this mystery invites us not only to remember Christ’s death, but to understand its profound meaning for humanity.


    The Journey to Calvary

    https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zNAAAOSwX1Za5oZD/s-l400.jpg
    https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/dw/image/v2/BDJN_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-dci_us-Library/default/dw62129d4f/images/Lent/AdobeStock_394077907.jpg
    https://www.gospelimages.com/images/content/paintings/53/image_22242_normal.jpg

    After enduring scourging and mockery, Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha—the “Place of the Skull.” Weak from suffering, He stumbled along the way, yet continued forward in obedience to the Father’s will.

    This journey reminds us that suffering is often part of life’s path. Yet, like Christ, we are called to persevere with faith, trusting that even pain can have purpose.


    The Crucifixion

    https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/media/1bupcodr/n-3067-00-000032-web-hd.jpg?height=695&rxy=0.3541284403669725%2C0.31654676258992803&v=1dbcbf93e470aa0&width=695
    https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/f1696eece1e8baeb6ff15f9f181cb378ffae2844/1504_631_2868_1721/master/2868.jpg?auto=format&fit=crop&height=1200&quality=85&s=4951595c70e428ba458e67b9160d4372&width=1200
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Cristo_crucificado.jpg

    At Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the cross—hands and feet pierced, body lifted between heaven and earth. Above Him was placed the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

    Despite unimaginable agony, His words from the cross reveal divine mercy:

    • “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
    • “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
    • “It is finished.”

    These words echo through history, offering forgiveness, hope, and fulfillment.


    The Meaning of the Cross

    https://en.pimg.jp/107/775/846/1/107775846.jpg
    https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71PLcS9UiaL.jpg
    https://ruggedrosaries.com/cdn/shop/files/20230822_154512_1200x.jpg?v=1693406759

    The Crucifixion is not merely a moment of death—it is the ultimate act of love. Christians believe that through His sacrifice, Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, opening the path to salvation.

    The cross, once a symbol of shame, becomes a sign of victory:

    • Victory over sin
    • Victory over death
    • Victory through love

    A Call to Reflection

    Meditating on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery invites us to reflect on our own lives:

    • How do we respond to suffering?
    • Can we forgive as Christ forgave?
    • Are we willing to carry our crosses with faith?

    The Crucifixion teaches that love often requires sacrifice, and that even in darkness, there is hope.


    Conclusion

    https://asset.gecdesigns.com/img/wallpapers/good-friday-images-showing-three-crosses-on-calvary-at-sunset-with-a-glowing-orange-sky-and-a-quiet-silhouette-sr02042609-cover.webp
    https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0321/7404/7368/files/A_person_carrying_a_large_wooden_cross_under_a_dramatic_sky_with_rays_of_light_breaking_through_clouds..jpg?v=1760020545
    https://png.pngtree.com/png-vector/20260326/ourlarge/pngtree-empty-tomb-resurrection-dawn-light-shroud-stone-entrance-divine-mystery-hope-png-image_19002010.webp

    The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery is both solemn and transformative. It reminds us that through Christ’s suffering came redemption, and through His death came the promise of new life.

    In contemplating the Crucifixion, we are invited not only to remember—but to be changed.

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmailo.com

  • 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

  • Holy Thursday: The Last Supper

    The First Priest are Ordained and Commissioned

    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/The_Last_Supper_-_Leonardo_Da_Vinci_-_High_Resolution_32x16.jpg
    https://altusfineart.com/cdn/shop/products/S110.jpg?v=1632866749&width=1214
    https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files.catholicworldreport.com/2018/04/3074jesuswashin_00000002304.jpg

    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

    https://greatlakesbaycatholic.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_full/public/2024-03/sagmarapril24pg31sourcesummitgettyimagesnambitomo.png?h=a955cd85&itok=2PfwKfqY
    https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617Z0cVlbzS._AC_UF894%2C1000_QL80_.jpg
    https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81UmE1oPu8L._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg

    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

    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/imgs/5dd13429814877171e73770124984c8d2b580f0b/full/1920%2C/0/default
    https://cdn.britannica.com/61/214961-050-A6B00CB6/Pope-Francis-Muslim-Christian-Hindu-refugees-Castelnuovo-di-Porto-Rome-Italy-Maudy-Thursday-2016.jpg
    https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0605/9828/8499/files/pics-of-jesus-serving8.webp

    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

    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Altar_of_Repose.jpg
    https://www.ncronline.org/files/stories/images/02122016p10ph.jpg
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Good_Friday_at_St_Andrew%27s_-_geograph.org.uk_-_151729.jpg/250px-Good_Friday_at_St_Andrew%27s_-_geograph.org.uk_-_151729.jpg

    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

  • The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

    The Fruit of the Mystery is Patience

    https://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/rl/original/DT714.jpg
    https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/pictures/stat4.jpg
    https://www.joyfulheart.com/easter/images-tissot/tissot-simon-of-cyrene-compelled-to-carry-cross.jpg

    Introduction

    The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary invites us into one of the most physically and spiritually intense moments of Christ’s Passion: Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary. This scene is not only a historical event but a deeply personal call to every believer—to walk with Christ in suffering, humility, and perseverance.


    The Biblical Scene

    After being scourged and crowned with thorns, Jesus is forced to carry the heavy wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem toward Golgotha. Weak from pain and loss of blood, He stumbles under its weight. The soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene to help Him carry the cross, while the crowd watches—some mocking, others mourning.

    https://entail-assets.com/artzabox/Walking%20Via%20Dolorosa-1646747723861.jpg
    https://www.mediastorehouse.com/p/690/simon-cyrenean-helps-jesus-carry-cross-23322038.jpg.webp
    https://trinitystores.com/cdn/shop/products/PR-MMJWJ.jpg?v=1714259780

    This journey, known as the Via Dolorosa, represents not only Christ’s physical suffering but also His unwavering obedience to the Father’s will.


    Spiritual Meaning

    The Carrying of the Cross reveals several profound truths:

    1. The Weight of Sin

    The cross symbolizes the burden of humanity’s sins—past, present, and future—that Jesus willingly carries.

    2. Human Weakness and Divine Strength

    Jesus falls multiple times, reminding us that even in weakness, grace sustains us.

    3. Shared Suffering

    Simon of Cyrene’s involvement teaches that we are called to help one another carry life’s burdens.


    A Reflection for Our Lives

    https://p2.piqsels.com/preview/554/677/78/easter-jesus-crucifixion-cross.jpg
    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Go0i218WsAAKOs2.jpg
    https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/fc4aae0f-d860-4b70-bdd2-8b7e19b15b3b/The%20Burden%20Oil%20painting%20cropped.jpg

    Each of us has a cross to carry—whether it be illness, loss, struggle, or daily hardship. This mystery challenges us to ask:

    • Do I accept my cross with faith and trust?
    • Do I help others carry their burdens?
    • Can I find meaning in suffering by uniting it with Christ?

    Jesus does not carry the cross alone—and neither should we.


    Prayer

    Lord Jesus, as You carried Your cross to Calvary, You embraced the weight of my sins and the suffering of the world. Teach me to carry my own cross with patience and love. Help me to support others in their struggles, just as Simon helped You. Grant me the strength to follow You faithfully, even when the road is difficult. Amen.


    Conclusion

    The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery is a powerful meditation on endurance, compassion, and sacrificial love. In contemplating Christ’s journey to Calvary, we are invited not only to witness His suffering but to transform our own lives through it.

    May we walk beside Him—not only in sorrow, but in hope—knowing that the cross always leads to resurrection.

    Rick Herring
    thmjmj@gmail.com