THURSDAY, A DAY OF SPECIAL GRACES

 Divine Appeal Reflection - 227

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 227: "I implore you always to respect Thursdays as days of My special graces."

Thursdays are days of great grace because our Lord established the Sacrament of His enduring love, the Holy Eucharist, on this holy day. That evening, He established an everlasting covenant with humanity by offering Himself as the Bread of Life (cf. CCC 1366). However, He went through His anguish in Gethsemane, suffering by Himself and being deserted by those He loved, even as He gave this divine gift. His heart was aching for the disregard, sacrilege, and apathy that would cause His True Presence in the Blessed Sacrament to be wounded. Keeping Thursdays holy means responding to His request, sharing His grief, and performing deeds of kindness and forgiveness.

For Thursdays: we learn that true devotion means drawing close to Jesus in prayer, fasting, and the sacraments—all as a response to His love, with hearts entirely His. We should sustain his presence through frequent confession and holy communion, which always bring his healing grace into our souls. Besides these, when reflecting on the institution of the holy Eucharist, we can pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, where we also reach the depth of his expressions of love, where he wants us to dwell. Fasting could also help improve one's relationship with God and strengthen reliance on Him by abstaining from certain foods or making little concessions for comfort or distraction (cf. Mk 9:29). Every tiny sacrifice, every loving prayer, and every moment spent with Him turns into a comforting offering for His Eucharistic Heart, letting Him know that He is never forgotten.

Our Adorable Jesus asks not for great sacrifices but for faithful, loving hearts that remain close to Him. The Church teaches that every act of love and reparation unites us more deeply to His redeeming work (cf. CCC 2011). Thursdays are an opportunity for a renewed commitment to Him—by detaching ourselves from distractions, dedicating more time to prayer, and serving in our parishes with joy. Whether by assisting at Mass, tending to the Church, or performing acts of charity, we extend His love to others. Even setting aside a few hours for a personal retreat, in silence and reflection, allows His grace to transform our hearts. In embracing these practices, we become true adorers of His Real Presence, responding to His call with love and devotion.

Honoring Thursdays is a path to deeper holiness and union with our Adorable Jesus. When we make this day one of prayer, fasting, service, and reflection, we draw nearer to the mystery of His love poured out in the Blessed Sacrament. Through our small sacrifices, we console His Heart and bring light to a world that so often forgets Him. If we remain faithful to this devotion, our souls will be flooded with His grace, and we will become true witnesses of His Eucharistic love.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, we desire to sanctify Thursdays in honor of Your boundless love. May we keep watch with You in the Blessed Sacrament, offer our sacrifices in reparation, and immerse ourselves in the grace of Your sacraments. Strengthen us in fasting, prayer, and service, that we may surrender our hearts completely to Your divine will.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.