©2024 Victor R. Claveau, MJ
One of the more common questions that we hear when giving lectures on the Faith or gimmick or new idea, which will help them win souls for Christ.
The answer is fundamental. – Live the Catholic life! When you strive for holiness and spiritual perfection in your own life, it becomes apparent to others, and they will be drawn to Christ through you. True Catholic Christians radiate a sense of peace and joy, which comes from the grace received in the proper reception of the sacraments.
The grace we receive from worthy reception of the sacraments is infinite. But the operation of that grace in our lives is limited by the degree to which we are in submission to God. He wants all of us, all of the time, not just part of us, some of the time. Proper reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is the key to holiness. Before you go to confession, go before Jesus in the tabernacle and ask him to show you your soul. Then shut up and listen. If you are sincere, He will show you the darkest corners of your soul. He will reveal to you the sins that you have been afraid to admit because of fear or pride. Only then can we make a proper confession. We cannot hide from Jesus and must not try. Our self-preservation instinct can be a hindrance when we try to protect ourselves from the All-Knowing. It has been said that Padre Pio could smell the corruption in a person’s soul. Imagine how your soul must look to God who loves with an endless love. Jesus can and will heal us and take away our shame.
When we receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist we receive infinite grace. But, again, we limit the operation of this grace if we are not in submission to Him.
Using artificial birth control or living in a second marriage without reconciling the first with a Church granted annulment are mortal sins. Any mortal sins prevent the operation of grace in our lives and make mockery of the sacraments. In such a state God’s grace becomes ineffective.
When we strive to live a holy life, God will lead people to us. Then and then only will the Holy Spirit be able to evangelize through us.