Developing a Relationship with Jesus Christ

Developing a Relationship with Jesus Christ

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         Last month I published an article entitled, “The Eucharist, God’s True Presence”.  In this article I would like to stress how to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.

         Jesus wishes that all people would come to Him.  When we receive Him in the Eucharist, He becomes a part of us and we become more united to Him.  We actually become more and more like Him every time we receive Him.  We also receive God the Father and the Holy Spirit with the reception of the Eucharist, but that is another story for a different article.

         On the miracle that I related in The Eucharist – God’s True Presence, the Consecrated Host was transfigured into the flesh of the Holy Heart of Jesus.  What a magnificent miracle that had to be!!  Is Jesus trying to tell us something?  Maybe it is time we examined the benefits of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as promulgated by Saint Margaret Mary.

         This devotion has both physical and spiritual blessings.  According to Saint Margaret, Jesus will bestow on people the graces necessary in their state of life.  He will give them peace in their homes and comfort in their time of need.  He will be our refuge in both our lives and our death.  He will bestow great blessings on all their undertakings.  Sinners will find an infinite ocean of mercy in his heart.  Tepid souls will grow fervent and fervent souls will be perfected.  When you adore his heart in a picture at home, in the office, or anywhere, that place will be blessed.  If you have received the Eucharist on nine consecutive First Fridays, you will not die without the last sacraments.  His Divine Heart will be your refuge in those last moments.

         I hope by this time that you are ready to learn a prayer that I learned in my 20’s.  It is something that can be said every day.  The prayer is as follows:  O most holy Heart of Jesus, I adore you; I love you and with a lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine.  Make me humble, patient, pure and obedient to your will.  Jesus, I wish to live in you, for you, and with you.  Always protect me in dangerous situations and comfort me especially when I am ill.  Please give me health of mind, body, spirit, and soul.  Assist and bless me in all my earthly undertakings if they are according to your will.  Please grant me the grace of a very holy death and the grace of the beatific vision at my death.  Amen.

         Pray this prayer and walk with Jesus always.  Talk with Jesus while you are working.  You will find great inspiration while working and you will be an inspiration to all who surround you.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise.