When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. // Matthew 28:17
After a long day at a retreat center with deacon candidates and wives, we gather for Eucharistic Adoration, and I’m painfully aware of my own doubts and discomfort. We sing a traditional hymn the Church provides for a Holy Hour. The lyrics were penned by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the thirteenth century. We sing in Latin, which I don’t fully understand—making it difficult to grasp the meaning.
A few more prayers, then all is silent until an annoying fly buzzes around my head. I choose to turn my thoughts back to Jesus. Does it matter to You that I’m hot and irritable and unable to focus? Why don’t I sense Your presence? I squirm in the uncomfortable chair.
Silence . . . Nothing . . . The fly returns. Ugh!!!
Just as Jesus was fully aware of the disciples’ doubts when He sent them to preach the Gospel before His Ascension, He knows my doubts when He sends my husband and me to lead a marriage retreat.
After almost an hour, it’s time for Benediction and the Divine Praises. It seems almost miraculous that reciting the words of this ancient prayer renews my love and fills me with the peace and joy I was sent to share.
God has a work for you to do today, dear sister. I hope you will pray with me the Divine Praises and allow the Holy Trinity—on this Solemnity celebrating our one God as three Persons—to dispel any lingering doubts:
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints. Amen.
Lani Bogart was born in Hawaii and grew up in Ohio and Michigan. She was a small child when she began to love Jesus. She’s at home in Texas with her woodworker Deacon husband near their children and grandchildren, Lani is also an active spiritual director and trauma healing volunteer. You can read more at Lanibogart.blog
Lani Bogart nació en Hawaii y creció en Ohio y Michigan. Era una niña pequeña cuando empezó a amar a Jesús. Está en su casa en Texas con su esposo, un carpintero diácono, cerca de sus hijos y nietos. Lani también es una directora espiritual activa y voluntaria de curación de traumas. Puedes leer más en Lanibogart.blog
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