PRAISE BE TO OUR KING - 11/15/22 (Memorial of Saint Gertrude)

Luke 19:26-27

“I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111622.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Gertrude! Our God is truly worthy of all praise, honor and glory. At the same time, it is due to God's infinite goodness and love that He creates us with the purpose of glorifying Him. As we read in the gospel reading for today, more will be given to everyone who has. Jesus Christ does not refer to worldly resources or money. Rather, our Lord is reminding us that those who accepted God's graces will have more of them. God tells us to praise Him, not because God is in need of our prayers, but because we are in need of prayers for us to grow closer to Him. St. Gertrude had always been a faithful nun. But, she was attached to seeking more knowledge for the sake of knowledge. When Jesus Christ appeared to her, her life was changed. She became detached from her vain curiosity, and she prioritized her prayers and contemplation as the means to be more united to God. May we choose to praise Jesus Christ, our King, always. When we go to the Church, let's speak to Jesus in front of the Holy Tabernacle before and after the Mass. When we are in our homes, may we find time to continue praising God, especially in the Online Adoration through YouTube. 

At the same time, Jesus Christ gives us some warnings. To those who have not, even what they have will be taken away. If we seek to praise God always, we will receive more graces from God because we deepen our relationship with Him. On the contrary, if we stay away farther from Him and neglect Him, our hearts become more attached to our sins and endanger our souls even more. Jesus Christ is our King. In fact, another reason why we should always give praise to Jesus in this earthly life is because this is a preparation for us to heaven where eternal happiness is found in loving God and praising Him for eternity. When a person commits grave sins, it's as if he is telling our Lord that he doesn't want Him to be his King.  We should also be reminded that the natural consequence of the free action of rejecting heaven, which is our eternal happiness, is eternal misery. Praising God and doing His will are necessary for our salvation. When the parents of St. Gertrude died when she was still young, the nuns took care of her. This religious environment was helpful for St. Gertrude to be more united to God. May the parents recognize their important role of teaching faith to their children. Below this reflection, there is a YouTube link that provides a guide for Catholic parents. May we praise God, our King, who fills our hearts with His love. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Gertrude:

https://sanctoral.com/en/saints/saint_gertrude.html

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/