Divine Appeal Reflection - 118
Today, consider in Divine Appeal 118: "Many among the consecrated souls do not understand My feelings. They treat Me as one unknown to them. I like them to know how much I desire perfection."
Priests and consecrated souls are called to reflect Christ's love and sacrifice, but many fail to understand His feelings, treating Him as a distant rather than a close friend. This disconnect arises from a lack of a deep relationship with Christ, leading to routine religious duties without a true connection to the image of Our Adorable Jesus in their daily lives. Christ's call to perfection is an invitation to fully embody His love, surrender to His will, and strive to mirror His self-giving love in every aspect of life.
Jesus calls His chosen souls to pursue perfection, not as a burden but as a joyful response to His love. The path to perfection involves three essential steps. First of all, daily conversion calls on priests and consecrated souls to reaffirm their daily dedication to Christ by making an effort to align their words, deeds, and thoughts with His will. This necessitates a real desire to increase in virtue, frequent confession, and a daily examination of conscience. Second, more than just reciting prayers, their prayer life has to reflect an intimate relationship with Christ. It is opening up a heartfelt conversation with Jesus, letting Him speak to their hearts, and expressing all of their joys, sufferings, and desires with Him. The willingness to give one's life for others, as Christ did, is the third requirement for genuine perfection. Every priest and consecrated soul should embody this selfless love, which is shown in charitable deeds, pastoral concern, and a willingness to serve wherever the Lord leads.
Our Heavenly Mother, Mary, stands as the ultimate model of perfection and obedience to God’s will. She intercedes for all priests and consecrated souls, guiding them gently but firmly toward the heart of her Son. Through her maternal care, she encourages the lay faithful to fervently pray for the sanctification of those who have dedicated their lives to Christ, offering their sacrifices for their holiness and perfection. In unity with Mary, the Church can fully respond to Jesus’ call, helping to bring about a renewal of love, holiness, and dedication within the heart of the Church.
Prayer:
Our adorable Jesus, we humbly beseech You to draw priests and consecrated souls closer to Your Sacred Heart. Grant them the grace to understand Your feelings and strive for holiness. Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, may they fulfill their vocations in perfect love and devotion.
Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.
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