Mother Most Pure, keep our heart free from sin. Help us to love God with a sincere and humble heart. Guard our thoughts, our words, our actions - so that in all things, we may reflect Christ. Amen.
Today, I attended the burial Mass of a brother priest and friend - Fr. Anthony Agbessime (Biggie), OSJ.
Only 39 years old. Less than 10 years a priest.
Moments like this remind us how brief life truly is.
May the Lord grant him eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon him. 🙏🏿
Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for us when life becomes overwhelming and noisy. Help us to find interior silence even in the midst of activity. Teach us to rest in God’s presence and not lose our peace in the demands of daily living. Amen🙏🏽
Yes please, and it is the same for any other Catholic who is also fasting. The Church’s discipline of fasting does not prevent one from receiving the Eucharist at Mass within the period of fasting. The Eucharist is not “breaking” the fast - it is the very reason for it. Fasting is meant to prepare the soul and body to receive Christ more reverently, not to separate us from Him.
Visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament can completely change your life. In His presence, the soul finds rest, the heart finds comfort, and worries begin to lose their power.
FIGHTING DISTRACTIONS DURING PRAYER
Distractions and lack of concentration are common struggles that most people experience during prayer. The mind keeps wandering making it difficult for one to remain focused on God during prayer. This can be very discouraging but then, the good news is that there are strategies to cultivate deeper focus and attention during prayer.
The first thing you have to note is that you are not alone in this struggle. As such, when distractions arise during prayer, avoid feeling frustrated. Instead, gently acknowledge the wandering thought without judgment. Imagine it like a passing cloud in the sky of your mind. Gently redirect your focus back to your prayer. Here, patience is key.
Also, having a short Bible verse or a meaningful passage can act as an anchor during prayer. When your mind strays and your thoughts roam, return to this verse - it can refocus your thoughts and remind you of the purpose of your prayer. Allow Scripture to guide your contemplation.
Incorporate sensory elements into your prayer space. Light a candle, focus on its flicker, and let it symbolize the presence of Christ. Engaging your senses can ground you and create a sacred atmosphere conducive to focused and attentive prayer.
It is important to set a specific intention for your prayer before you begin your prayer. This objective can serve as a guide, helping you return to your purpose whenever distractions arise. It could be gratitude, seeking guidance, or offering intercession. Remember that consistency is key to overcoming distractions. Set aside dedicated times for prayer each day. Over time, your mind will learn to settle into the sacred rhythm, making it easier to focus amidst life's clamor.
Lastly, remember that prayer is about connecting with God and not about achieving perfection. It is natural for thoughts to wander. When they do, gently refocus and continue your conversation with the Divine. If you cannot refocus, maybe the contents of those wandering thoughts are part of the things that God wants you to pray for at that point in time. Do not feel frustrated; God meets us where we are.
Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch
This Sunday will be very Special by His grace. UPPER ROOM ABUJA! Make sure you are in the room!
My heart is indicting a good matter... my tongue is like a pen of a ready writer...
Come early. Tell everyone...
See you there friends...
Catholic Trivia!!!!
How many times do we pray the Hail Mary in a full 5 decades of the Rosary?
A. 66
B. 53
C. 70
D. 60
E. None of the above.
Ave Maria!
Mary, Gentle Mother, pray for us when our emotions are heavy and our hearts unsettled. Calm every storm within us. Help us bring our worries to Jesus and trust in His loving care. May His Resurrection peace restore balance, hope, and serenity to our souls. Amen🙏
Mary, Health of the Sick, intercede for all who suffer in body or weakness. Ask your Son to grant healing, strength, and comfort according to His holy will. Sustain those who care for the sick, and fill them with patience and compassion. Amen.
Mary, Mother of the Risen Lord, we rejoice with you in the victory of your Son over sin and death. Intercede for us, that we may truly live as people of the Resurrection. Help us to leave behind the tombs of sin, fear, and despair, and walk in the newness of life that Christ has won for us. May our lives reflect the joy and freedom of Easter. Alleluia. 🙏🏽