Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company.‍

Opposed to “earthly undertakings” in today’s prayer is the “learning of heavenly wisdom.” We can see in such a juxtaposition the fact that worldly pursuits by definition take away from heavenly goals. They can get in the way—“hinder”—a proper living of the Christian life. The trouble is that worldly pursuits and earthly undertakings are so easy and comfortable. But, as Pope Benedict reminded us, “The ways of the Lord are not easy, but we were not created for an easy life, but for great things, for goodness,” and again, “Man was created for greatness—for God himself; he was created to be filled by God. But his heart is too small for the greatness to which it is destined. It must be stretched….” This, as we saw yesterday, is one of the many reasons for Christian penance: to stretch our hearts to Godly greatness. It’s also reason to imbue ourselves with heavenly wisdom often, particularly through the reading of Scripture. The Gospels, Wisdom, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes would be great helps here.

Notice also that the collect today says “those who hasten” rather than “we who hasten.” That’s a rather blunt and sobering thought—it is very possible, and very easy, that we might not number among those running to Christ! Do I number among those “those who hasten” to Christ? We must sure strive to be, but we must never be so proud as to presume God will make everything well if I constantly run from Him. He is very patient with us, but there will come a time—at our death or at the end of time—when there will be no more chances given. It will be the end, and our thoughts, words, and deeds will stand for or against us. Therefore, we cannot presume His mercy, but must beg for it constantly and strive to conform our lives to such mercy. This will require frequent confession, taking up penances, and offering mercy and forgiveness to others as often as necessary.

Lord, have mercy on us sinners!

Reflection Questions

What are my earthly undertakings? Do they hinder me from hastening to God?

Do I sin by presuming God’s mercy?

The Cristeros Rule of Life

As Cristeros, we dedicate ourselves to a a life of true devotion to Jesus through Mary, particularly in the form of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for Us.

We begin our days with a Morning Offering dedicating our day:

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the remission of my sins, for the intentions of my family and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.

At a high or low point during the day, we pray to the Holy Spirit, handing over our accomplishments or sufferings:

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of thy love, send forth thy spirit and we shall be created, and though shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.

At some point each day, on our own or with our family or friends, we pray to our Mother Mary in the form of Guadalupe, giving all that we have and are to Jesus through Mary by reciting one of the following:

• A daily Rosary, focusing on the Fruits of the Mystery.
• The Hail Holy Queen

Every night before we go to sleep, by ourselves or with our wife, we pray a nightly examine using the ACTS formula:

• Adoration: We adore you and Christ and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.
• Contrition: Ask God for forgiveness for all the times you have sinned or fallen short that day,
• Thanksgiving: Thank God for all the gifts he has given you that day, including the grace for those moments you have acted virtuously and towards the Good.
• Supplication: We ask God for his blessings that night and the next day, either with particular requests or in general, and end with a prayer dedicating ourselves to Him through Our Lady of Guadalupe: All that we have and all that we are, we give to your hands Jesus, through the heart of Mary, your blessed mother. Amen. Our Lady of Gudalupe, Pray For us.

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