5 Ways to Obtain Graces
Strength to accomplish the 7 challenges
1. Make a good confession (Mt. 16:19)
Support (Holy Spirit)—Brothers, the thing that prevents us from having true peace, joy, and happiness in our lives is guilt brought on by our sinful nature. Jesus provides us with another means to get rid of sin and guilt by instituting the Sacrament of Penance. It is simply this easy—go to the priest and spill the beans—don’t hold back—fire away. And it doesn’t matter how long it has been since your last confession. Once you receive the absolution by the priest, IT WILL BE LIKE SOMEONE TAKING A GORILLA OFF YOUR BACK.
Opposition (Devil)—Why do you need to go into a box and tell another man your sins—all you need to do is say under your breath that you’re sorry that’s good enough for the BIG GUY. Besides, that should tell you something. HOW MANY GUYS DO YOU KNOW THAT GO TO CONFESSION?
2. Pray daily (Lk. 18:1)—(15-30 minutes) including Scripture (2Tim. 3:16)
Support (Holy Spirit)—Brothers, without prayer we don’t stand a chance to survive spiritually. Daily prayer is the key to beginning and sustaining these challenges, or for that matter any other challenges that we face in this life. Start out by setting aside 15-30 minutes per day, at your most convenient time. Incorporate some reading of scripture during this time—FOCUS ON THE GOSPELS.
Opposition (Devil)—You don’t need to set aside that much time to pray—just say BIG GUY UPSTAIRS HELP ME and that’s sufficient. Besides, the only people I ever see praying are women, the sick and after a tragedy occurs. Plus, YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED BY LAW TO PRAY IN PUBLIC PLACES.
3. Attend Mass/Receive Eucharist—(2X during the week other than Sunday)
(Mt. 26:26-28, Mk. 14:22-24, Lk. 22:19-20, Jn. 6:47-58)
Support (Holy Spirit) Brothers, do you think that Jesus suffered, died, was buried, resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven just for us to attend 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays only? I don’t think so! Jesus personally instituted the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for us. WHY WOULDN’T WE WANT TO RECEIVE HIM AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE/
Opposition (Devil)—Just look around at the statistics—it proves that not many Catholics are attending Mass, especially men. So why should you go? Plus—DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT IT IS REALLY JESUS’ BODY AND BLOOD? COME ON!
4. Pray Rosary 1 or 2 times per week (Jn. 19:26-27)
Support (Holy Spirit)—Brothers, so many people have a problem with Mary, especially our Protestant brothers. Why the big problem? Everyone agrees that she is the mother of God, so let’s look at Mary from that angle. If someone asked your mother to ask a favor of you on their behalf, what would your response be? No? I don’t think so! I think, 99.9% of the time your response would be, “O.K. Mom.” MARY IS OUR INTERCESSOR TO HER SON—CASE CLOSED.
Opposition (Devil)—Can you imagine walking around with rosary beads dangling from your hands—that’s real macho! Plus, you really don’t even know how to say a rosary. WHY DO YOU NEED TO PRAY TO MARY? WHY NOT GO STRAIGHT TO THE TOP?
5. Attend Eucharistic Adoration twice during 7 week period. (CCC #1418)
Support (Holy Spirit)—Brothers, receiving the Holy Eucharist is the most powerful source of grace, but being in the presence of the Holy Eucharist also brings forth a reservoir of graces. All we really need to do is come before the Lord just as we are—full of our anxieties, trials, temptations, sufferings, etc., and present them to Him—and then remain quiet outwardly and inwardly and ALLOW HIM TO MINISTER TO OUR HEART THROUGH THE POWER OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
Opposition (Devil)—I hear that they can’t even get enough people to sign up to cover all the time slots. So it must not be that big a deal. Try to picture yourself sitting there for 1 hour—in silence without any music, TV, cell phone, etc. NO WAY!
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