Greetings in Christ!
Once again this week, the Lord warns us while giving His teaching on the Kingdom of Heaven that, “Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
I do not like to focus on the reality of hell. Most of the time, I find it more helpful to focus on heaven and seeking to achieve that goal with the help of God’s grace. However, I never want to shy away from the reality that the Lord warns us about. Hell is a real danger that we ought to be aware of, so that we can avoid it at all costs. Last week, I mentioned the Scapular which has many promises associated with it, not least of which, is the promise of eternal salvation. Please see the flyer in the bulletin for more information on how to enroll in, and take advantage of this useful sacramental.
This week, I encourage our community to deepen our spiritual life, and pursue the life of heaven, by embracing the Holy Rosary. According to tradition, Our Lady entrusted fifteen specific promises to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche to encourage Christians in prayer. These promises include: Special Protection: The Rosary serves as a powerful armor against spiritual trials, helping to destroy vice and decrease sin. Grace and Light: Those who faithfully recite it will receive the light of God, the fullness of His graces, and the sacraments of the Church at the hour of their death. Deliverance: Mary promised to promptly deliver from purgatory those devoted to the Rosary, and that true children of the Rosary will enjoy great glory in Heaven. Aid in Necessities: Our Lady assured that those who trust in her through this prayer shall not perish and will never be overwhelmed by misfortune.
To maximize these spiritual benefits, I highly encourage you to consider enrollment in the Rosary Confraternity. (rosaryconfraternity.org) This is a worldwide association of Catholics who, under the spiritual guidance of the Dominican Order, unite for mutual support in prayer. The obligations and benefits of the Confraternity include: Members promise to pray the 15 decades of the Rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries) over the course of each week. There is no binding pain of sin if a week is missed. Global Intercession: You gain the entire celestial court as intercessors in life and death. Shared Merits: You are included in the prayers and good works of countless other members globally, as well as the friars, nuns, and sisters of the Dominican Order.
As each one of us seeks to grow closer to the life of heaven, make use of the powerful prayer of the Rosary, to help get you there.
In Christ,
Fr. Carlson
