(Revelation to Sr Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist)
VOLUME 1
Divine Appeal Reflection - 140
Today, consider in Divine Appeal 140: "Do not fear to put yourself in the high spirit of contemplation."
The high spirit of contemplation is a heavenly nudge inviting us to transcend our everyday distractions and concerns, and to enter into a more profound, intimate union with God. In Catholic tradition, contemplation means silent or loving attention to God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) describes it as a "gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus" and a "gift of prayer" (CCC 2715). This form of worship is beyond words and thought, it dips the soul into the wonders of God’s never-ending love. Saint Teresa of Avila, the revered Doctor of the Church and teacher on contemplative prayer, described contemplation as an act of love that is very simple but has a significant depth within it — the highest degree of union between God and the soul. In the midst of this, our spirit enter into communion with our Adorable Jesus, ours becomes a taste of Heaven as we surrender everything to His will.
Jesus' words, "Do not fear," address the natural hesitations we experience. We may think of contemplation as something reserved for mystics or saints, feeling unworthy or incapable of such a deep spiritual encounter. Yet, Christ calls every soul to this intimate union. Our Adorable Jesus thirsts for our love and desires to speak to our hearts in the silence, where distractions disappear, and only His presence remains. Contemplation is not something we attain through human effort alone; it is a grace given by God. We must open our hearts and trust that our Adorable Jesus will gently lead us into this profound embrace of divine love, reminding us not to fear but to trust Him.
To embrace contemplation, we can take practical steps to prepare our hearts. Creating a sacred space in our homes dedicated to prayer, perhaps with a crucifix, an image of our Adorable Jesus, and a Bible, provides a sanctuary for stillness. Sacred Scripture is a potent starting point for reflection as well. Reading a few verses slowly and letting them stay in our hearts can help us become more open to hearing from God. We are invited to let our eyes behold our Adorable Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament in faith and with devout affection, as our souls find solace and peace in the protection and warmth of His tender love. The rhythm of the Prayer—“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”—becomes a sacred heartbeat that calms our spirits, deepens our meditation, and unites our souls with our Adorable Jesus.
It is also vital to trust in God’s perfect timing. His grace works in ways often hidden from our understanding, transforming us according to His will. Let us remain patient and surrender to His divine plan, confident that He is molding us into the image of His love.
The fruits of contemplation are numerous. As we develop this type of prayer, our souls become more sensitive to what God wants. Our lives become more vividly filled with His presence, and we grow in our love for Him, which permeates our interactions with other people. Contemplation nourishes our faith, fortifies our hope, and inflames our charity. Saint John of the Cross eloquently described the effect of contemplative prayer: “The Father spoke one Word, which was His Son, and this Word He speaks always in eternal silence, and in silence, it must be heard by the soul.” Through contemplation, we encounter our Adorable Jesus, the Eternal Word, and our hearts learn to listen to the silent language of God’s love.
Jesus’ invitation to contemplation is a call to abandon fear and embrace His immense love. It is a journey of trust, humility, and surrender, allowing our souls to be transformed by His grace. Let us respond with hearts full of faith, yearning to dwell in the presence of our Adorable Jesus. May we not be afraid but be eager to enter into the sacred silence, where His love surrounds us and draws us ever closer to the heart of God.
Prayer
Our Adorable Jesus, with deep reverence and humble devotion, draw us into the silence of contemplation, where Your divine presence fills our souls. Grant us the grace to rest in Your embrace, trust in Your mercy, and live always united with You. Amen.
Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.
Divine Appeal Reflection - 139
Today, consider in Divine Appeal 139: "My Heart is broken in pain because I am so much abused in the Sacrament of My Love."
It should be evident that the sanctity of Christ's Eucharistic presence is revered in our churches. Outward manifestations of our recognition that we are in the presence of the King of Kings include little but meaningful gestures like genuflecting before the tabernacle. This gesture of respect serves as a reminder that our beloved Jesus is not just a figure but is actually here and waiting for our loyalty and affection. Dressing modestly for Mass is another way we can express our respect for the holy ground we tread upon. Just as we would prepare ourselves to meet someone of great importance, our attire for Holy Mass should reflect the dignity of the occasion. It is not about imposing rules but about showing love and honor for our Adorable Jesus, who humbled Himself to be present in the Eucharist.
A spirit of recollection should permeate our behavior inside the church. Silence in the sanctuary allows us to open our hearts to God, preparing our souls to receive His grace. Every whisper and distraction detracts from the sacred encounter that Jesus longs to have with us. Reverence is not confined to a few; it is a collective response to the divine mystery unfolding before our eyes at each Mass. Instilling in our children a deep sense of Eucharistic reverence stands among our most sacred duties. They learn by observing us. When they see us genuflect with sincerity, dress respectfully, and participate prayerfully, they absorb these actions as expressions of love for our Adorable Jesus. Passing on this treasure of faith is a legacy that will shape their relationship with Christ forever.
In a world that often forgets the sacred, we are gently urged to remember that Jesus, in His Sacrament of Love, patiently waits for our adoration and faith-filled contemplation. Taking time to encounter Him in this way is not a burden but a transformative act that nourishes both the Church and the world. The call to Eucharistic worship is an invitation to draw near to Christ, who longs for our hearts to meet His in love and reverence. We are called to make our churches places of deep encounter with the living God, not just spaces for community gathering.
Reverence begins in the heart but manifests in our actions. It deepens our personal relationship with our Adorable Jesus, nurtured through silent adoration, and is expressed through heartfelt participation in the Holy Mass. May our churches reflect this sacred reverence, and may our love for our Adorable Jesus in the Eucharist transform our hearts and inspire others to draw closer to His loving presence.
Prayer
O Adorable Jesus, present in the Most Holy Eucharist, grant us hearts filled with reverence, so we may worthily receive You and adore Your divine presence. Strengthen our faith and transform our churches into sanctuaries of true devotion, bringing souls closer to Your infinite love.
Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.
Divine Appeal Reflection - 172 Today, consider in Divine Appeal 172: "My Church will be obfuscated. The souls consecrated to Me hurl to...