Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for the “divine character” of faith Thou hast imprinted upon my soul, a beam radiating from Thy own countenance. I desire to fulfill in myself the submission that Thy Son showed toward Thy divine lights, continuing that willing subjection that filled the human mind of Jesus. Let the light He brought from Thy heart dispel every shadow in my own interior chambers.
I petition Thee to subject my mind to Thy truths, taught through the Church, so that I may possess the science of the saints. Grant me the grace to continue in that willing subjection of the intellect, allowing Thy heavenly light to enlighten my heart for the perfect love and service of Thy Majesty.
Amen.
Matthew 5:1-12
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. 2And opening his mouth, he taught them, saying: 3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. 5Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 6Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. 7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. 10Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: 12Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
St. John Eudes
St. John Eudes connects the Virtue of Faith directly to the Incarnation. Faith is a “participation in the eternal, inaccessible light” and a projection of the knowledge infused into the soul of Jesus. This Church Father perspective reminds us that by faith, we continue the “submission and obedience” of Christ. This illumination is fueled by the Eucharist, which “nourishes and perfects” the soul. As members of the One Body, we receive this “Science of the Saints” to give us the knowledge necessary for the “perfect love and service of God,” ensuring our mind is subject to the truths of the Catholic Church.
St. John Eudes emphasizes that faith is the “cornerstone of the kingdom of Christ.” It is not a human invention but a “divine character” imprinted by the countenance of God. He describes it as the “science of salvation,” a gift drawn from the Heart of the Father to enlighten our hearts.
“Faith is the science of salvation, the science of the saints, the science of God. Jesus Christ drew it forth from the heart of his Father and brought it down to you on earth to dispel your shadows.”
— St. John Eudes
Mary and the Magisterium
Mary is the “Star of the Sea”, the bright shining star that gives light by her example in the “flood of this world.” She is the “Dispenser of all” the Holy Spirit’s gifts. The Magisterium, specifically the Office of the Priest, has the “dignity” to administer this “Light” through the Sacraments, acting as “earthly angels.” The Bishop ensures this light remains “universally and completely” taught, guiding the faithful away from the “mire of impurity” toward the “true Light” found in Christ.
- Is my faith truly the foundation of my life, or just a part of it?
- How could it change my life to submit my mind fully to God’s truth as Jesus did?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing the light of God’s own mind down into my darkness. Help me to embrace his truth as you did so that all the shadows in my thinking will be dispelled.
Amen.
