St. Joseph's Corner: sacramentals

      Often, I wonder how many people today know what Sacramentals are.  When I asked my seventh graders less than half responded with a raised hand!  Do you wear a cross, a crucifix, or a medal of a patron saint around your neck? Many of us at our First Holy Communion were enrolled in the scapular.  Do you continue to honor our Lady by wearing one? Do you have a rosary tucked away in a draw somewhere that could be used to meditate on one of the mysteries in the life of our Lord or His Holy Mother?  Do you use a holy card as a bookmark in your reading books?  Do you have Blessed Palms (even though dry) hanging behind a religious picture or crucifix in your house or room? Do you have a Bible that is frequented often?  Do you have a statue of an angel, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, or a patron saint in a prominent place on your mantle, desk, kitchen, or even on the dashboard of your car ? How many of your rooms have a crucifix?  Do you have a blessed candle that can be lit when you sit down for a meal?  Are you in a habit of saying short "ejaculations" throughout the day?
      These are some of many Sacramentals.  Sacramentals are holy things or actions that when used with the right disposition draw us closer to God.  They are not sacraments for Christ instituted the sacraments to produce grace of themselves.  Sacramentals were instituted by the Catholic Church to nourish our souls with actual graces. Sacramentals are to the supernatural level what snacking between meals is on a purely natural level.  God made us with a body and a soul and this likeness to Him is in our soul so we must strain to preserve its purity with devout use of these little "aides" that strengthen us against all sorts of temptations in today's world!
      They support our good actions and lift our thoughts to something greater than ourselves, even for a few minutes because our hearts grope for something more than this world can offer.  This groping is satisfied when we respond and develop a personal relationship with Him Who shares His Life with us.  It is nurtured through the aids of Sacramentals.
      Looking upon a crucifix say, "Thank you Jesus for Redeeming (paying the price) for my salvation."  Grasp the holy medal you wear around your neck and kiss it before sleeping, honoring the Saint you have commended to their prayers.  Daily read a passage in the Bible so your thoughts can chew on the Word of the Lord as you strive to live a Christian life throughout the day. Before starting off in the car gaze at the small statue on the dashboard and recite a prayer for safety in your travels.  How about making a conscience effect to walk the Stations of the Cross especially during Lent!  Oh, how beautiful our Catholic faith is!!

O my God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love You, 

and I beg pardon for those who do not believe, 

do not adore, do not hope, and do not love You.