Divine Appeal Reflection - 222
Today, consider in Divine Appeal 222: "Follow Me to the point of your complete immolation. I call you to be a fervent soul, light and salt of the Earth by means of your life. You may be able to make fervent souls flourish. Pray and atone, do not be afraid even if you receive insults."
In the Blessed Sacrament, our Adorable Jesus is ever present and enkindles the burning fire of divine love, which does not come from within us. Our hearts' coldness melts in His Eucharistic presence, and His ferocious yearning for souls consumes our tepidity. The soul is purified there, in front of Him, its frailties become strong, and its love is honed into an unquenchable flame. As it draws us farther into the mystery of His love, this heavenly fire is constantly fed by grace and is not self-sustaining. In a world that has grown dreary with apathy, a truly passionate soul permits His love to shape thoughts, words, and deeds, illuminating His glory. As we draw upon His grace through the Blessed Sacrament, we further shine with the light of His truth and mercy everywhere, becoming instruments of His divine love and light.To live with such fervor is to let His divine love permeate every thought, word, and action, becoming the very essence of our being (cf. Rom 12:11).
To be the salt of the earth is to preserve the goodness of God’s creation through humility and hidden sacrifice (cf. Mt 5:13). Just as salt works unseen to purify and sustain, so too does the soul that labors in silence for the love of Christ. True holiness is determined by faithfulness to even the smallest tasks, not by recognition. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when offered with love, as seen by saints like Saint Zita, who sanctified her work through obedience and charity, and Benedict Joseph Labre, who lived a life of poverty and devotion. While the world may reject lowliness, our Adorable Jesus sees great worth in every act of self-denial and every time spent in atonement. When we labor unseen for souls, we are the salt that keeps faith alive in the world (cf. Col 3:23).
In order for humanity to see the path through the gloom of sin and despair, may Christ shine through us. Light lights the path to truth rather than drawing attention to itself. A single candle, for example, can shine a light through the darkness and lead others to the soothing warmth of Christ's love and the clarity of His unfailing truth.In a similar vein, we are invited to be silent witnesses who make our Adorable Jesus' glory visible through the simplicity of a holy life..Whether through a word of encouragement, a hidden sacrifice, or an act of mercy, His light spreads through us. Those who remain in the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament absorb His light and carry it into the world, drawing souls away from the abyss and back to the embrace of divine love (cf. 2 Cor 4:6).
To be fervent: to be salt; to be light-these are our terms as disciples of Jesus Christ. The world lures one into complacency, tempting focused attention , but our Adorable Jesus desires undivided hearts. He strengthens those who seek Him and multiplies even the smallest gifts given in love. The real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is our refuge, strength , and constant reminder never to be alone in this cosmic battle for souls. May we respond to this call with strength, for every hidden sacrifice, every silent prayer, and every moment of fidelity is one stride closer to Him. Along with all the saints who have walked this path before us, let us surrender ourselves to His divine appeal for the glory of His Name and the salvation of souls (cf. Mt 28:20).
Prayer:
Oh Our Adorable Jesus, fill our hearts with the fire of Your love, so we may live as fervent souls—salt to preserve goodness and light to guide others toward You. Help us to see every moment as an opportunity to reflect Your love, and grant us the strength to serve with humility, love, and grace.
Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.
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