“So take Communion with a straight spine. Do not receive as a consumer of religious goods. Receive as a man living through a civil war who knows the King still reigns.
Marvel at the words from the mouth of God.
Then live accordingly.”
Amen.
We come to do God’s will. The Church cannot be defeated by man, for it is not man-made. The Church is Christ. I keep my eyes on Christ, He will not abandon me.
WOW! Stunning! Needed. We are all so very grateful. Heartfelt thanks.
And that Roman warrior, now turned solid Christian, Cornelius the Centurion, who has seen and fought terrible battles, exhausting marches, sieges, and the worst form of human conflict: hand to hand fighting--now sees the captured structure more clearly. What to do?
The Centurion now submits to the highest authority--the Prince of Peace. He puts down his lance.
We are, like the Centurion, to live our faith 24/7. We take our orders from God. This will replace, evict, and hollow-out those 'pretenders' in the structure. A Christian 'house-cleaning.'
Old, traditional brooms sweep clean! That red, horse-hair helmet plume of the Centurion speaks of that--red--it's in our blood, and that of Christ's. Sacrifice.
It is our job--our duty--to closely follow the teachings and orders of our true "Commander-in-Chief." All else is dross and of little Consequence. Keep your eyes on the prize!
This is the battle we will fight--the hill we die on--our own personal Cavalry. Our first order from the Commander: "Pick up your cross--and follow me!" Lead us, Blessed Lord--we follow!
Present and accounted for. Slightly wounded by worldly affairs but of no consequence. Reporting for duty, Holy Sir!
Thanks so once again for this spiritual shot in the arm. I love your Sunday writing sets the tone for all beleaguered Catholics, no matter what our stripe. Your writing is starting to compare with Dom Gueranger. Pax Tecum!!!
Brother, Matt--here in the Cleveland OH Diocese--we got a warning yesterday, SAT, from our Bishop via email that the impending 2,000-mile nasty Winter storm to be upon us on SUN may make for dangerous conditions. Bishop's words: "Let me remind you that no one is obligated to attend Mass when it is too dangerous to do so. In such cases the Sunday Mass obligation is lifted automatically." (no issue for we 4-wheel drive trucks!)
So, we safely attended the 4:00 p.m. SAT Vigil Mass--it was packed! SRO--Father's first words from the ambo at his Homily: "WHOA! Are they giving something away free here today? Don't forget y'all--the Lord is here 24/7 and all other Masses as well!" We all laughed and had a great Mass!
What a beautiful summation of faith and love in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Chris! I like to remember that the Catholic faith survived in Japan after the emperor tried to kill and extinguish the faith, but the martyrs witness..the seed of the church, kept it alive! Ultimately, each Christian soldier keeps Christ alive in their souls and remembers all our loving Lord has done for them. Many of us have little communities of prayer and sharing. We know the dark times yet extol our Lord and His greatness through prayer, community, standing against immorality when necessary in the public square and mass if possible..as today we have below 0 temps and at least 7" of snow..with more coming! God bless you and your witness to the one True faith in reality...Jesus Christ!
Jesus Christ is The Word! Viva Cristo Rey! I thank you, Mr. Jackson, for this beautiful reflection that gives us hope and reminds us of our purpose to stand firm in our precious gift of faith. Our Lord said that there would be persecution and when it comes from within, it is especially painful. Yet we remember that Jesus’ touch is mercy and His glance is love. We do not wish to turn away from that. Through the priest Jesus cleanses us as nothing impure can enter Heaven and this great gift of confession has been denigrated and sin downplayed or “accompanied”. When sin is ignored or misbranded, then there is no asking for cleansing. Such a disservice to the faithful when the truth about sin is hidden!
Our beautiful Traditional Latin Mass reminds us of the truths of our holy faith and teaches them.
“So take Communion with a straight spine. Do not receive as a consumer of religious goods. Receive as a man living through a civil war who knows the King still reigns.
Marvel at the words from the mouth of God.
Then live accordingly.”
Amen.
We come to do God’s will. The Church cannot be defeated by man, for it is not man-made. The Church is Christ. I keep my eyes on Christ, He will not abandon me.
Amen .
Truly beautiful prayer. Thank you for your work. You and yours are in my prayers.
Adore God, all you good angels. The devils are angels who will not adore.
And….beware the devils in disguise.
Blessings to you Bush Hermit.
Thank you. I need all the blessings I can get.
Prayers for you tonight Bush Hermit . Look up as I’m sure you do.
Nothing quite like the stares at night in the bush…for we Aussies - and woods or country for others.
You are here in these days for a reason.
🙏
WOW! Stunning! Needed. We are all so very grateful. Heartfelt thanks.
And that Roman warrior, now turned solid Christian, Cornelius the Centurion, who has seen and fought terrible battles, exhausting marches, sieges, and the worst form of human conflict: hand to hand fighting--now sees the captured structure more clearly. What to do?
The Centurion now submits to the highest authority--the Prince of Peace. He puts down his lance.
We are, like the Centurion, to live our faith 24/7. We take our orders from God. This will replace, evict, and hollow-out those 'pretenders' in the structure. A Christian 'house-cleaning.'
Old, traditional brooms sweep clean! That red, horse-hair helmet plume of the Centurion speaks of that--red--it's in our blood, and that of Christ's. Sacrifice.
It is our job--our duty--to closely follow the teachings and orders of our true "Commander-in-Chief." All else is dross and of little Consequence. Keep your eyes on the prize!
This is the battle we will fight--the hill we die on--our own personal Cavalry. Our first order from the Commander: "Pick up your cross--and follow me!" Lead us, Blessed Lord--we follow!
Present and accounted for. Slightly wounded by worldly affairs but of no consequence. Reporting for duty, Holy Sir!
Well said!
Chris:
Thanks so once again for this spiritual shot in the arm. I love your Sunday writing sets the tone for all beleaguered Catholics, no matter what our stripe. Your writing is starting to compare with Dom Gueranger. Pax Tecum!!!
Thank you. Your Sunday reflections are such a gift!
Our Mass is closed due to weather.
We'll be reading the Mass here at home, like we did during the Covid closures.
Thanks for the contextualizing head start.
Brother, Matt--here in the Cleveland OH Diocese--we got a warning yesterday, SAT, from our Bishop via email that the impending 2,000-mile nasty Winter storm to be upon us on SUN may make for dangerous conditions. Bishop's words: "Let me remind you that no one is obligated to attend Mass when it is too dangerous to do so. In such cases the Sunday Mass obligation is lifted automatically." (no issue for we 4-wheel drive trucks!)
So, we safely attended the 4:00 p.m. SAT Vigil Mass--it was packed! SRO--Father's first words from the ambo at his Homily: "WHOA! Are they giving something away free here today? Don't forget y'all--the Lord is here 24/7 and all other Masses as well!" We all laughed and had a great Mass!
Blessings and appreciation from Sydney Australia.
Now that's clarity and true charity no bishop can match, Chris.
Nice clear article…. The usual standard!
What a beautiful summation of faith and love in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Chris! I like to remember that the Catholic faith survived in Japan after the emperor tried to kill and extinguish the faith, but the martyrs witness..the seed of the church, kept it alive! Ultimately, each Christian soldier keeps Christ alive in their souls and remembers all our loving Lord has done for them. Many of us have little communities of prayer and sharing. We know the dark times yet extol our Lord and His greatness through prayer, community, standing against immorality when necessary in the public square and mass if possible..as today we have below 0 temps and at least 7" of snow..with more coming! God bless you and your witness to the one True faith in reality...Jesus Christ!
Jesus Christ is The Word! Viva Cristo Rey! I thank you, Mr. Jackson, for this beautiful reflection that gives us hope and reminds us of our purpose to stand firm in our precious gift of faith. Our Lord said that there would be persecution and when it comes from within, it is especially painful. Yet we remember that Jesus’ touch is mercy and His glance is love. We do not wish to turn away from that. Through the priest Jesus cleanses us as nothing impure can enter Heaven and this great gift of confession has been denigrated and sin downplayed or “accompanied”. When sin is ignored or misbranded, then there is no asking for cleansing. Such a disservice to the faithful when the truth about sin is hidden!
Our beautiful Traditional Latin Mass reminds us of the truths of our holy faith and teaches them.
https://www.aldomariavalli.it/2026/01/24/la-chiesa-sinodale-e-il-silenzio-sulle-cose-ultime-per-svuotare-la-fede-dallinterno/
Thank you for your clarity and eloquence. I struggle to remain hopeful in these times.
Jennifer, hold fast to the Faith, for Jesus and His words are true and certain. No matter what the external conditions appear to be.
In Hoc Signo Vinces. That Sign is the Cross.
My smile seems involuntary it just arrives .
Lovely post Chris.
Thank you Chris!
We were made to know, love and serve God. This is what you are explaining to us. It’s so simple. And beautiful!
Blessed be Jesus Whose mother is Mary, CoRedemptrix, Mediatrix of All Graces and Queen of all creatures!!!