So, You Just Received Jesus…Now What?

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Gary Zimak

I’m sad to admit that, over the course of my life as a cradle Catholic, I have received Our Lord in Holy Communion many times and didn’t have too much to say to Him.? It’s understandable, isn’t it?? There are lots of important things to do after receiving Communion: we have to look around the church and see how many people we know, we have to plan what we’re going to do after Mass and let’s not forget that we have to read the parish bulletin to see if we’re having coffee and donuts after Mass.? With all of these distractions, it’s easy to forget that we received the Lord and Savior of the Universe into our very bodies in a foretaste of the Heavenly banquet!?

While I’m obviously using sarcasm?to make a point, it really can be difficult to keep our focus after receiving Holy Communion.? Since the Church teaches that there are infinite graces available after we receive Jesus, however, this isn’t the best time to become distracted.? But what can we do?? In reality, there is a simple acronym that help you to better focus on speaking to Our Lord after receiving Him in Holy Communion.? The acronym?

A.C.T.S.

Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication.? Generally accepted as the four types of prayer, this acronym?is hardly a secret.? What is not well known, however, is the effectiveness of? using this method immediately after receiving Holy Communion.? My wife, Eileen, has used it for years and finds it very helpful for collecting her thoughts after receiving the Eucharist.? After trying it myself, I can see why she likes it …it works!? Here’s an example of just how simple this method of prayer can be:

Adoration – Lord Jesus, I bow down before You and give you glory.? I adore and love You and acknowledge Your power over all areas of my life.? I ask my Blessed Mother, Mary, to supplement my feeble prayers and give You the proper adoration and praise of which You are so deserving.

Contrition – I am sorry that MY sins caused You to die a painful death on the cross.? Please forgive me, Jesus, for the times that I’ve failed to “do the right thing”.? Have mercy on me, a poor sinner.

Thanksgiving – Lord, I give You thanks for the many blessings in my life: my family, my job, my house, my friends.? I thank You for the gift of the Catholic Church and her clear and infallible teachings.? I thank You for the Sacraments which give me the grace that I need to lead a good and holy life, especially for the gift of Your Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist.

Supplication– Please help me, Lord.? I am a sinner who is struggling to be good.? I know that I can’t do it alone and I ask for your help.? Allow me to receive all of the graces possible from this reception of the Eucharist.? Help me to love You more and grant me an increase in faith, hope and charity.? I ask You to pour out Your blessing on my family and friends and those who have asked for my prayers.

Why not try it for yourself and see what happens?? The next time you receive Jesus in Holy Communion, close your eyes (the first step in avoiding distractions) and think of “A.C.T.S”.? Go through the letters, one by one, and speak from your heart.? I predict that you’ll find yourself getting closer to Jesus than you ever thought possible!

Posted in Communion, Eucharist, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer | Comments Off on So, You Just Received Jesus…Now What?

Catholic Bloggers To Reflect On New JPII DVD Release!

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Gary Zimak

To celebrate the release of a new DVD series about the life of Blessed Pope John Paul II, CCC of America has selected 10 Catholic bloggers to comment on various chapters of the series.? For the most part, the list is a “who’s who” in the Catholic blogosphere: Lisa Hendey, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Fr. John Bartunek, Matt Warner, Lisa Mladinich, Elizabeth Scalia, Leticia Velasquez, Steven McEvoy, Deacon Greg Kandra, and last and CERTAINLY least…

yours truly, Gary Zimak!

What an honor it is, not only to be in such good blogging company, but to be given the chance to write about our beloved Blessed Pope John Paul II’s life.? Many of you know that I have just completed?St. Louis de Montfort’s?Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, a devotion that was near and dear to JPII and you’re not going to believe the topic that was chosen for me!

I’ll have more info in a few days.? Stay tuned…

Posted in John Paul II, papal, Pope John Paul II | 1 Comment

Confused About The Mass? Have I Got A Book For You!

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Gary Zimak

One of the most common problems among Catholics is a lack of understanding?of the Mass.? A large number of Catholics believe that we go to Mass because “it’s what Catholics do” or for fellowship and preaching.? Without the proper background, most of the prayers heard at Mass?don’t really?help us to?understand what is taking place.? What’s with all the sitting, standing and mysterious wording?? In reality, what goes on at every Mass is an incomprehensible miracle.? We are mystically transported 2,000 years in the past to Our Lord’s crucifixion at Calvary.? Even more astonishing is the fact that we not only get to witness?Jesus’ sacrifice to the Father for our salvation, but we get to offer ourselves along with Him.? If that’s not enough, at Mass we receive the grace we need to one day get to Heaven!

Unfortunately, unless you already know what I just said, it’s hard to figure that out from the prayers of the Mass.? In reality, however, just about every prayer said at Mass has a Biblical origin.? Knowledge of this fact can go a long way in?understanding what takes place at Mass.? Still the question remains…how can we understand the wording and the Biblical references?? One positive development is that, beginning in Advent of this year, some of the prayers of the Mass will be changing to more appropriately reflect the original Latin wording.? This is a good thing because, with proper explanation, this wording will help us to see the Biblical connection and to better understand what is taking place at Mass.

Still not excited?? Fortunately, I have some even better news!? I’ve recently?run across one of the best and easiest to understand books on the Mass that I’ve ever seen.? A Biblical Walk Through The Mass by Dr. Edward Sri (2011, Ascension Press) not only explains the parts of the Mass in layman’s terms, but illustrates the Biblical origin of the prayers.? Those?of you who are familiar with Dr. Sri’s work?will find the same simple, but substantial, approach?used in his?other writings.??Divided into 24 short chapters (each corresponding to one part of the?Mass), you’ll find?this?to be a difficult book to put down.? Time?and time again, you’ll find yourself saying, “So that’s why we do that”!?

Even better is the fact that this book is?part?of a parish education series, which includes DVDs, CDs, student and leader guides.? It would be a perfect resource for?parish?study groups and will not only address the new Mass translation, but the entire liturgy.? There is a great need for a package such as this and it couldn’t be released at a better time.? With many parishes looking for resources that explain the new translation, this is the perfect answer.

I have stated?before (and?I still believe) that the only reason people leave the Catholic?Church?is due to a lack of understanding of what we believe,?especially the Mass.??I hear a lot of talk about miracles and the desire to?witness one.??Sadly, a miracle takes place?each day on the altar of every Catholic?church but is often unnoticed.??Do yourself a favor and check out this book (and all of the materials) so that you’ll have a better understanding for the greatest event?that takes place on earth – the Mass!

Posted in book reviews, books, liturgy, Mass, Mass Changes in the U.S. | Comments Off on Confused About The Mass? Have I Got A Book For You!

October 7th, 2011 – A Day I’ll Never Forget!

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Gary Zimak

As I sat down to write this post, I fully intended to comment on the Gospel from today’s Mass (Lk 11:27-28).? Sometimes mistakenly interpreted as a put-down of Mary by Jesus, in reality it?is an strong endorsement of Our Lady’s holiness.? In response to a woman praising Mary for being the earthly mother of Jesus, the Lord emphasizes what really makes the Blessed Mother special: her constant obedience to God’s will.? As I prepared to type my thoughts on this encounter, however, I felt the Holy Spirit moving me in a different direction.?

Yesterday, was one of the most important days of my life and I’d like to share some of the details.? As some of you know, for the past 33 days I’ve been preparing to?consecrate my life to Jesus through Mary (according to the method popularized by St. Louis de Montfort).? I was able to rally a group of over 100 individuals to make this Total Consecration along with me.? As a way to encourage everyone, I’ve been reading the prayers and meditations on my nightly radio show and sending email blasts.? Yesterday, on the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, we made our consecration.? Responding to Jesus’ words spoken from the Cross (“Behold your mother”) in John 19:27, I took Mary into my home yesterday.? This morning we (“Mom” and I)?went to Mass and received Our Lord together.? When my words fell short and I wasn’t able to adequately give Him the praise He deserved, I asked her to take over and love Him with her heart.? Although I was tired, groggy and still fighting the after effects of shingles, I felt peaceful.? Mom is with me now and she’s never going to leave.? She will help me to?grow closer to her Son and, believe me, I need all the help I can get!

I have to admit, I was skeptical when I heard about the Montfort Consecration.? However, when I saw endorsements from Pope Pius IX, Pope Leo XIII, Pope St. Pius X, Pope Benedict XV, Pope Pius XI, Pope Pius XII, Blessed Pope John Paul II, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Cardinal Justin Rigali, I realized that there was probably “something to this devotion”.? I decided to pursue it, figuring that these folks are a lot smarter than me, especially when it comes to the Catholic Faith.? I’m glad I did because I now see the power of Total Consecration!

So what changes for me?? On the surface, not a whole lot.? I’m still a husband, father, lay Catholic evangelist, author and radio host.? Internally, however, EVERYTHING has changed.? While I will still try to lead a good life and proclaim the “Good News” of the Catholic Faith, I’ll now do?all of my actions?by Mary, with Mary, in Mary and for Mary so that (according to St. Louis de Montfort) “we may do them all the more perfectly by Jesus, with Jesus, in Jesus and for Jesus”.

Even though my lay apostolate (Following The Truth) has existed since 2008, yesterday marked a new beginning for me and for my work.? “Mom” is now on the Board of Directors and will be helping to direct my efforts.? She will help me to move in the direction most pleasing to Our Lord.? I am excited to see where the road leads.? As long as she’s with me, I know that road will lead me straight to Jesus!

Thank you, Mom, for coming to live with me.? I love you and, borrowing the motto from Blessed Pope John Paul II’s pontificate, I am “Totus Tuus” (Totally Yours)!

“Totus tuus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt. Accipio te in mea omnia. Praebe mihi cor tuum, Maria.” (“I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all. O Mary, give me your heart”) – St. Louis de Montfort

Posted in Blessed Mother, Marian, Mary, St. Louis de Montfort Consecration, Total Consecration | Comments Off on October 7th, 2011 – A Day I’ll Never Forget!

Waiting For Mom To Arrive!

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Gary Zimak

I am very excited.? In 3 days, my Mom will be arriving and she’ll be staying with me for a LONG time.? We’re going to do lots of great things together and she will even be helping me to spread the “Good News” of the Catholic Faith through my Following The Truth apostolate.? Do you want to know the best news of all?? She?has promised to?be with me every time I speak to Jesus, especially when I receive?Him in Holy Communion.? She will even help?me when I get tongue-tied and don’t?know?what to say to the Lord.? What’s?the?big deal about that?? Did I mention that my Mom has never sinned and that her will is one with the will of?Jesus!? She has the unique ability of being able to “clean up” my prayer requests and present them to Jesus in the way that pleases Him the most.? Now do you see why I’m excited?!!!

As many of you know, I have been deeply involved (along with 100+ others individuals) in the 33 day preparation period for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary which will take place on October 7th.? Sometimes referred to as the Montfort Consecration (named for St. Louis de Montfort, who is credited with formalizing this devotion), it is considered by many to be the quickest and surest way to grow closer to the Lord.? In August of this year, I?decided ?to make the Total Consecration.? I also resolved to encourage?others to make the Consecration along with me.? In order to facilitate the process, I have?devoted ?all of my daily radio programs?for the past?month to preparing for this Consecration.? I’ve invited people to listen as I led the prayers and commented on the meditations.? Many of us have been corresponding by email and through a special Facebook group (Thanks, Katy!), as we traveled the road leading to Total Consecration.? For over a month, we’ve climbed hills and descended into valleys.??I have encountered obstacles ranging from apathy to a case of the shingles!?? But, due to God’s grace and the help of each other, we persevered.? And I’m glad we did!

I still have some last-minute “house cleaning” to do so that everything is ready when Mom arrives on Friday.? Even though I’ve spoken to her in the past and read about her life, our relationship has been lacking.? Unfortunately, the blame lies with me.? She’s always been there to help me, but I haven’t taken the time to get to know her and invite her into my life.? That changes on Friday, which just happens to be the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.? On that day, along with over 100 others, I will turn my life over to the Blessed Mother, holding nothing back!? Our Lord offered us a gift 2,000 years ago as He was dying on the Cross.? Speaking to the beloved disciple (St. John), He uttered the words “Behold your mother”?and John “took her into his home” (Jn 19:27).? On October 7th, 2011, myself and over 100 others will also accept the Lord’s offer and take Mary into our homes and our lives and we will never be the same.

I can’t wait until you get here, Mom…I love you!!!

Posted in Blessed Mother, Marian, Mary, St. Louis de Montfort Consecration, Total Consecration | 2 Comments

Let’s Take Mary Out Of Scripture!

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Many people, Catholics included, struggle with Mary’s role in the Christian faith.? “She’s not that important!”, “I have Jesus, why do I need Mary?” and “You Catholics are a bunch of Mary-worshippers!” are some of the sentiments that are expressed rather frequently.? As a Cradle Catholic, I never had a problem with the Blessed Mother and accepted her being a part of my faith.? As I started to embrace my Catholicism more deeply, however, my confusion about Mary grew.? What exactly is her role?? Am I supposed to pray to Mary, Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit, or all of the above?? I asked myself what I could do to help understand Mary’s role in my life.? Over time, I came to the conclusion that one of the best ways to understand and appreciate the role of the Blessed Mother is to take her out of the Bible and see what we have left.? What I discovered, and?I hope you?will as well,?is?that removing Mary from Scripture will leave gaping holes in our Catholic?Faith and will?help?us to better appreciate?her importance in our lives.

Let’s start by removing Mary from?the Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38), when the angel Gabriel asked?her to become the mother of the Savior.? For starters, we wouldn’t have?her great example of humility when the angel exclaimed, “Hail, full of grace”.? The fact that Mary was “greatly troubled” by this is a profound example of what it means to be humble.? My reaction would?have probably been something like, “Thanks, Gabe…?you know I try pretty?hard.? Now, what can I do?for you?”.? By looking at Mary’s reaction, we are reminded of how often we feel a little too?proud about our good works.? We forget that anything good?in us?is due to God’s grace.? Continuing?on, how about Mary’s response to the shocking and mysterious mission of becoming the mother of the Savior?? Oh, I forgot, Gabriel did provide the details…”The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Lk 1:35).? Crystal clear, right?? Mary is engaged to Joseph and has?just?been told that she will become pregnant with the Savior of the world by the power of the Holy Spirit.? Her response?? “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38)? Are you kidding me?? Who has faith like that?? Mary does, and if you take her out of that scene, you also take away the example that motivates and guides me every day of my life.? Mary had the ability to trust God even when it didn’t make sense.? That’s the kind of example that I need!? Oh, I almost forgot, if Mary isn’t there to say “yes” to God’s request (as delivered by the angel), we might still be waiting for Our Savior.? That?means, if you?or I died?today, we could have to wait thousands of years before the gates of?Heaven were?opened by Jesus.? Because Mary did?exist and did say?”yes”, however, we can die today and?potentially go directly to Heaven.? That’s a?comforting thought!

Let’s move on to the wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1-11).? In his narrative of this event, St. John highlights the fact that “the mother of Jesus was there” and then adds that “Jesus was also invited to the marriage, with His disciples”.? Why did he give Mary “top billing”?? Surely, Jesus is the star of this show, isn’t He?? In order to find out, let’s?remove Mary and see what happens.? If Mary was not in attendance, Jesus and His disciples would still be there and the wine would still run out.? Since Mary was the one that informed Jesus that “they have no wine”, we can’t assume that someone else would bring it to His attention.? More importantly, we would lose one of the most powerful and effective examples of intercessory prayer ever recorded.? Through this simple?example, we are reminded that Our Blessed Mother is watching over us and is always ready to present our?needs?directly to her Son.? As in this case, she often does this without even being asked.? Following this, in her last recorded words in Sacred Scripture,?Mary?gives us?advice that (if followed) is guaranteed to get us to?Heaven…”Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2: 5).? Finally, at the request of Mary, Jesus performs His first miracle.? The water is turned into wine (not just any wine, but even better wine!) and the day is saved.? If we take Mary out of the story we have no example of intercessory prayer, no command to follow Jesus’ teachings and quite possibly no first miracle.? That’s a big void, wouldn’t you agree?

Finally, let’s journey to that fateful day on Calvary when Our Lord gave His life for our salvation (Jn 18-19).? Sadly, just about all of Jesus’ disciples deserted Him in His hour of need.? Mary, however, was there “standing by the Cross of Jesus” (Jn 19:25).? How’s that for an example of being a follower of Christ, even when it’s difficult?? Mary’s constancy inspires us to persevere in our faith, even when we encounter suffering and difficulties.? By taking her out of this scene, there goes one of best examples of faith that you’ll ever see.? Continuing on, in one of His final acts before dying on the Cross, Jesus addressed His mother by saying, “Woman, behold your son” (Jn 19:26).? Turning to St. John, Our Lord exclaimed, “Behold your mother” (Jn 19:27).? Can you imagine the effort it must have?taken for Our Lord to say these words while nailed to a cross?? Was it just some meaningless chatter thrown in by John to pad the story a bit?? Hardly!? It has always been the teaching of the Church that John represents ALL beloved disciples, thereby allowing us to share in the gift of Mary as our mother.? No Mary, no Heavenly mother for us.? Considering all that our?Blessed Mother does to help us get closer to Christ, that would be?a BIG loss!

There are other examples in the Bible that allow us to see the importance of Mary’s role in the life of a Catholic.? Removing her from the Visitation (Lk 1:39-56), the birth of Jesus (Lk 2:1-20), the Presentation in the temple (Lk 2:22-38) or praying with the Apostles (Acts 1:14) helps to illustrate her importance.? Thankfully, we did AND DO have Mary.? She is our mother and ?mediatrix and, because of her cooperation, Our Savior came into the world.? If she doesn’t play a big part in your spiritual life, I urge to open the Bible to all of Mary’s appearances, pretend she wasn’t there, and meditate on what’s missing.? I’m sure you’ll discover that “what’s missing” is?the person that?you need to help you grow closer to Jesus…Our Blessed Mother, Mary!

Posted in Bible, Marian, Mary, Scripture | Comments Off on Let’s Take Mary Out Of Scripture!

The Total Consecration Formula

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Gary Zimak

As we prepare to make our Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary on Oct 7th, I thought it would be a good idea to publish the actual statement of Consecration.? I’m just putting it out here right now (without comments), but please send along your comments/questions/concerns so we can discuss.

Consecration of oneself to Jesus Christ, Wisdom incarnate, through the hands of Mary

Eternal and incarnate Wisdom, most lovable and adorable Jesus, true God and true man, only Son of the eternal Father and of Mary always Virgin, I adore you profoundly, dwelling in the splendor of your Father from all eternity, and in the virginal womb of Mary, your most worthy Mother, at the time of your Incarnation.

I thank you for having emptied yourself in assuming the condition of a slave to set me free from the cruel slavery of the evil one.

I praise and glorify you for having willingly chosen to obey Mary, your holy Mother, in all things, so that through her I may be your faithful slave of love.

But I must confess that I have not kept the vows and promises which I made to you so solemnly at my baptism. I have not fulfilled my obligations, and I do not deserve to be called your child or even your slave.

Since I cannot lay claim to anything except what merits your rejection and displeasure, I dare no longer approach the holiness of your majesty on my own. That is why I turn to the intercession and the mercy of your holy Mother, whom you yourself have given me to mediate with you. Through her I hope to obtain from you contrition and pardon for my sins, and that Wisdom whom I desire to dwell in me always.

I turn to you, then, Mary Immaculate, living tabernacle of God, in whom Eternal wisdom willed to receive the adoration of both men and angels.

I greet you as Queen of heaven and earth, for all that is under God has been made subject to your sovereignty.

I call upon you, the unfailing refuge of sinners, confident in your mercy that has never forsaken anyone.

Grant my desire for divine Wisdom and, in support of my petition, accept the promises and the offering of myself which I now make, conscious of my unworthiness.

I, an unfaithful sinner, renew and ratify today through you my baptismal promises. I renounce forever Satan, his empty promises, and his evil designs, and I give myself completely to Jesus Christ, the incarnate Wisdom, to carry my cross after Him for the rest of my life, and to be more faithful to Him than I have been till now.

This day, with the whole court of heaven as witness, I choose you, Mary, as my Mother and Queen. I surrender and consecrate myself to you, body and soul, as your slave, with all that I possess, both spiritual and material, even including the value of all my good actions, past, present, and to come. I give you the full right to dispose of me and all that belongs to me, without any reservations, in whatever way you please, for the greater glory of God in time and throughout eternity.

Accept, gracious Virgin, this little offering of my slavery to honor and imitate the obedience which Eternal Wisdom willingly chose to have towards you, his Mother. I wish to acknowledge the authority which both of you have over this pitiful sinner. By it, I wish also to thank God for the privileges bestowed on you by the Blessed Trinity. I declare that for the future, I will try to honor and obey you in all things, as your true slave of love.

O admirable Mother, present me to your dear Son as His slave, now and for always, so that He who redeemed me through you, will now receive me through you.

Mother of mercy, grant me the favor of obtaining the true Wisdom of God, and so make me one of those whom you love, teach and guide, whom you nourish and protect as your children and slaves.

Virgin most faithful, make me in everything so committed a disciple, imitator, and slave of Jesus, your Son, incarnate Wisdom, that I may become, through your intercession and example, fully mature with the fullness which Jesus possessed on earth, and with the fullness of His glory in heaven. Amen.

Any questions?? Post a comment or email me at gary@followingthetruth.com

Posted in Marian, Mary, St. Louis de Montfort Consecration, Total Consecration | Comments Off on The Total Consecration Formula

Mary: The Key To Unlocking The Eucharist!

Posted on September 17, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Let’s face it, what Christian doesn’t want to get closer to Jesus?? Those of us who are Catholic are especially blessed because we get to encounter the Lord in most intimate way possible – by receiving Him in Holy Communion.? Because we are human, however, we often take this miraculous encounter for granted.? How many times do we receive Our Lord into our very body, while are minds are a thousand miles away?? Oh sure, we may mutter a few quick prayers after Communion, but are we really treating Jesus with the respect He deserves?? Do we pay Him the homage and adoration fiiting for the King of King and Lord of Lords?? Do we ask to receive all of the graces possible from this powerful sacrament?? If you’re like me, you could probably do a better job?- at least some of the time.? ?

The good news is that there is an answer to this dilemma.? There is a person that can help you to get closer to Jesus at every moment, especially after receiving Him in Holy Communion.? The “even better” news is that this person is ready to help you TODAY and all you have to do is ask.? As you’ve probably determined, that person is Our Blessed Mother Mary and she is standing by, waiting to take you by the hand and lead you closer to Jesus!

Not sure what to say?? It can be as simple as, “Mary, please ?lead me closer to Jesus” or “Mother, magnify and perfect my prayers so that they are pleasing to your Son”.? If you’d prefer something more formal, you can try this prayer composed by St. Bernard of Clairvaux:

Powerful, sovereign Queen, come to our aid.? Speak for us to Our Lord Jesus Christ.? Who can do it better than you who conversed with Him so intimately here on earth, and now so fully possesses Him in heaven?? Speak to your Son for us.? He cannot refuse you anything.? Ask for us a great love of God, perseverance in His holy grace, and the happiness of dying in His friendship that we may see you and thank you with Him eternally.? Amen.

Will asking for Mary’s intercession suddenly make all of your distractions go away?? Not necessarily, but they will decrease.? And on those days when you still find yourself empty and at a loss for words, Mary can fill in the gaps and perfect your feeble prayers, making them worthy for?the Savior of the world.? Let’s look at a prayer from an old prayer book (Mary My Hope, Catholic Book Publishing Company) that can be recited before receiving Our Lord in Holy Communion.? It ackowleges the fact that we are imperfect and often don’t receive Jesus with the respect He deserves.? Instead of simply making us feel guilty, this prayer asks Mary for her assistance and acknowledge the fact that we can only get so far on our own.? We need help in?order to get as?close to Jesus as possible.?

Mary, my Mother, I am now about to become the sanctuary of Jesus.? But what a poor dwelling that I offer to the King of heaven!? Receive Him in me and be to Him a dwelling place.? He finds His pleasure and delight wherever you are; even the stable of Bethlehem was delightful to Him because of your presence.? Then He will also be pleased to take up His abode in my soul, if He finds His dear Mother there.

Come, dearest Mother, give me your pure, loving heart in place of mine, so cold and guilty.? Adorn me with your virtues and merits, and Jesus will find in my soul the perfect preparation which your soul offered Him at the moment of His incarnation, and which He found there also after His ascension, when you received Him in Holy Communion.? What happiness for me to be able to give you Jesus, the same gift the Heavenly Father gave you on the day of the incarnation.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you Jesus, your Son, the King of angels and of men.? Through Jesus and in Jesus I wish to honor, love and thank you worthily for the many graces you have shown me during life.? Mary, lend me your heart, help me to love my God.? Help me to prepare my poor heart to receive Jesus.? Amen.

Ad Jesum per Mariam! (To Jesus through Mary)

Posted in Communion, Eucharist, Eucharistic Adoration, Marian, Mary, St. Louis de Montfort Consecration, Total Consecration | 8 Comments

A Catholic Response To 9/11

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Today?we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City.? As a blogger, I felt that I should write something, but what’s left to say?? After all, this story has been reported on and written about by thousands of journalists and reporters.?? We’re going to hear a lot about the?necessity of being vigilant and?prepared so that this will never occur again, we’re going to see replays of scenes that will?bring to mind?the agony and fear we felt?during that day, we’re going to?be reminded of how many lives were lost.??However, as Catholics,?there?is an?important angle that should not get overlooked.? On this day, ten years after the attack that shocked the world, the most important thing that we can do as Catholics?is pray…

for the victims– None of these individuals expected to die that day.? There’s a good chance that some of them died in the state of mortal sin.? They went to work, expecting it to be another day at the office.? Instead of meeting with clients or coworkers, however, they met the Lord.?? We should pray for everyone who died that day, especially those who were not in good moral standing.? Why?? To put it bluntly, without any intervention, some of them could have ended up in hell on that very day.? However, with your prayers, there’s a chance that their hearts?could have softened and they may have repented while there was still time.? Like the good thief on the cross, that act of repentance may have spared them an eternity of torment.? What good does it do to pray for them 10 years later, you may ask?? God is not bound by space and time and knows every prayer that we will say, not only now, but in the future.? If you say a prayer for the victims today, the Lord knew about that prayer even before any of these people died.? It is entirely possible that he applied the fruits of your prayer to one of these victims, causing them to repent before they died.? This repentance could have saved their soul and your prayer could have made it possible.? Powerful, isn’t it?? Your prayers will also help any of the souls who have been in purgatory since that date.

for?the families of the victims-? It’s impossible to fully comprehend the extent of the suffering caused by these attacks, but millions of people have been affected in one way or another.? Obviously, the families of the victims have suffered the most and are still in great need of your prayers.? Just as none of the victims expected to die?that day, their family members didn’t expect it either.? That is a heavy cross and your prayers can make their burden lighter.

for world peace -? Unfortunately, there is much hatred in the world and this attack drove that point home.?We should never forget to pray for world peace on a daily basis.? Violence and hatred are contrary to the Good News of Jesus Christ and we must continue to pray for world peace, even if we don’t think it will ever occur.? God can do the impossible and we should leave the details up to Him.? Our job is to continue praying for an end to violence in the world.

for the terrorists– This is something you’re not going to hear on television, but as Catholics, it’s something we must do.? Jesus?commanded?us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48) and that doesn’t exclude the individuals who planned and executed these attacks.? Not only should we pray for the terrorists, but we should pray for an end to terrorism.? I understand that this is not a popular or an easy position, but that’s the nature of Christianity.? We are called to do what’s right, not what’s popular.? Appropriately enough, the readings from today’s Mass mandated the importance of forgiveness:

The vengeful will suffer the LORD’s vengeance,
for he remembers their sins in detail.
Forgive your neighbor’s injustice;
then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
Could anyone nourish anger against another
and expect healing from the LORD?
Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself,
can he seek pardon for his own sins? (Sirach 28:1-4)

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
“Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive?
As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.? (Matthew 18:21-22)

As we commemorate this sad anniversary, it is important that we don’t forget the tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001.? It is more important, however, that we never fail to live out the teachings of our Catholic Faith.? Although it’s?sometimes difficult for us to see, God can always bring good out?of evil.? Continue to pray for all those affected by the?evil actions that occurred 10 years ago today and remember?Our?Lord’s?powerful words as He was dying on the Cross:

?Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.? (Luke 23:34)

Posted in prayer | 2 Comments

How Is The Total Consecration Changing Your Life? UPDATED 9/13/11

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Over the past couple of days, I’ve received the following comments from some of you who are participating in the 33 day preparation period leading up to Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary on October 7, 2011:

“I am so glad that the Holy Spirit moved you to offer this Consecration to our Holy Mother. It is even more special doing this in a group of people seeking to love our Lord even more.? In this fourth day I find myself having a more conscious connection and awareness of the love Jesus has for us. I am saddened at the end of the day many times when I have separated myself from God.? I have noticed that theses spaces have decreased as graces have increased or at least have been noticed by me.? How wonderful it is!? May God continue to bless your and all of us as we grow closer to Him through His beautiful mother. As you said, our Lord chose Mary,? gave us to Her and it makes perfect sense that we in turn reach out for Mary’s love for us.” (Michael R.)

“Thanks so much for encouraging us to do this! I am already reaping the blessings and benefits of this devotion.” (Peggy B.)

Even though we are only 4 days into the 33 day preparation period, people are already starting to experience changes in their lives.? That doesn’s surprise me, as I’ve heard that it will happen.? I am personally becoming more aware of my earthly attachments and trying to focus more?on heavenly treasures.

I thought it would be a good idea to create a?blog post that will act as a?journal for those?of us who are making the Total Consecration.??I invite you to comment on the changes that?you are seeing in your life as the devotion progresses.??This will act as a great evangelization tool for others who may be thinking about making the Total?Consecration in the future.??Don’t ever underesimate how the Lord can work through you to touch others.? Your comments may be the cause of someone else deciding to consecrate their life to Jesus through Mary!

Please comment as many times as you’d like, throughout and even after?your consecration is made.? No matter how small the change, how is?your life being changed?by?making the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary?

If you are contemplating making this powerful devotion yourself, look at the comments from others who have already taken this bold step and see the fruit that Total Consecration can produce in your life.?

Please contact me with any questions at gary@followingthetruth.com

UPDATED 9/13/11 – Here are a few more comments that I received after Day 9:

My name is Rosario and I have been doing the Consecration to Jesus Through Mary with you. It could not have come at a better time for me, I am going through a very difficult time in my life. I love hearing the readings doing the prayers and knowing that there?are many of us out there joined in the same prayer at for the same reason through? our blessed mother it’s just so great. When I heard you in the radio that you were going to do this I just knew that I had to join in.? Thank you so much. (Rosario)

Dear Gary,? Thank you so much for offering the Consecration online.? I have made it several times, but had to discontinue because of sight loss.? I heard your invitation via radio, and was able to follow along because of special computer software.? So far, so good.? Have read The Imitation since childhood, so was unprepared to find how much I liked the new version.? Have read your articles on New Advent with much interest, so am happy to see that I can perhaps find my way around your site.? Thanks again. Forgot to say that if anyone has a visually impaired friend, they might suggest this mode of Consecration to them. (Joan)

Gary,I try not to skip ahead and preview the reading for the day. I have noticed this last week such an increase of personal temptations.? Maybe I just realized these temptations because I had been given increase graces to oppose them when before I might have given in without a thought.??It was the perfect time to read this reading and know that the Lord has me on the right path to Him through His Mother.?? Increased and more powerful temptations/roadblocks must mean I am opposing the snares of the serpent of lies and am keeping him busy.? I will keep trying to resist and will lean on our Holy Mother?s intercession.? Keep the Faith.? I sure am grateful to be a part of this group, for where two are three are gathered in my name?. (Michael)

Posted in Blessed Mother, Marian, Mary, St. Louis de Montfort Consecration, Total Consecration | 7 Comments