To Praise, to Bless, To Preach

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus exclaimed: 
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”

“To praise, to bless and to preach” is the phrase attached to the coat of arms of the Orders of Preachers, commonly known to us as the Dominicans because it was founded by St. Dominic. It is the charism, the gift, in which every member of this religious order - whether a priest, a friar, a sister or a cloistered nun - has to order his or her life. 

“To praise, to bless and to preach” is a phrase that every Christian and every person who desires to be a disciple of Jesus - like you and I - must live in order for us to reach the goal of Christian life: conformity to Jesus.

Jesus’ life was first and foremost a total praise to the Father: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…” His yes to be born and to be obedient to Joseph and Mary was His praise to the Father. The hidden life of Jesus studying the Scriptures and learning the carpenter’s trade was a total praise to the Father. Jesus’ ministry in the company of friends was an act of praise to the Father. His visit to the sick to heal them, his dining with sinners and tax collectors that they may know the love and mercy of God - those were acts of praise to the Father. Jesus turning water into wine is an act of worship to the Father who transforms everything into something beautiful for those who love Him and trust in Him. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross is the most acceptable sacrifice and praise of the Father.

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…” 

Let us give praise to our Father today. As you begin this day, make every intention and effort to praise, to bless and to preach. To praise Him is to thank Him for this new day. To bless Him is to lift Him up and to offer this day and every single waking day for His honor. To preach Him is to be a witness of His love with joy, yes, even when it is not easy, especially when it is not easy.

To praise, to bless and to preach is to be in love like Jesus, in love with God as to offer everything, yes, everything - including our weaknesses and our shortcomings - but always, all our thoughts, all the words that comes out of our mouth and all our actions to the Father. ​

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”

​Is my life a whole melody of praise to you?

Do I lift my life to you even when everything in life seems dark and difficult?

Do I preach your love all the time even when I don't speak...especially when I don't speak?

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.

My life is in your care, may I give everything back to you to praise you, to bless you, to preach you.

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For the Rest Of Your Day...

Make the whole day, its joys and sorrows one song of praise to God.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Fr. Ervin Pio M Caliente,
​Priest for the Diocese of Rockford at St. Mary's Parish in Huntley.