My Lord & My God
The month of April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist.
Go into this month, knowing there is no denying Christ is present in the Holy Eucharist. Although appearing as bread and wine, once consecrated these gifts are truly, “My Lord, and my God.”
He’s been dubbed doubting Thomas for a reason. The Apostle Thomas denied Christ three times and then doubted the Resurrection even when the other Apostles repeatedly appealed to him. He failed to believe until he saw Jesus for himself, then saying as John recorded (John 20:28), “My Lord and My God.”
Many Catholics often say silently or softly, “My Lord, and My God,” during the Eucharistic prayers and the transubstantiation, when the Body and Blood are elevated by the priest. This holy habit is a great way to mindfully be reverent and alert to the miracle before us.
As we walk past the halfway point of Lent take time this week to recommit to devotions to bring us closer to Christ – devotions that strengthen our relationship with Jesus.
Like St. Ignatius of Loyola said, “Jesus in the Tabernacle protects me against all my enemies, evil spirits, the world, my own wicked passions and evil inclinations. He is my support in weakness, my comfort in suffering, my weapon in combat, my refreshment in heat, food for
my hungry soul, my stimulus when I am exhausted. He is my Heaven on earth.”The Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) Prayer was a favorite of St. Ignatius of Loyola if not written by him.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee.
That with Thy saints I may praise Thee. Forever and ever. Amen.
