Introduction
A question that is often on the minds of the faithful is why they sometimes don’t feel the blessings of Jesus and Mother Mary in their lives. While it’s crucial to understand that God’s ways are mysterious, the Catholic Church offers guidance to help us examine our lives and remove obstacles to receiving divine blessings. This article aims to discuss five areas that could potentially be preventing Jesus and Mother Mary from blessing you.
1. Lack of Faith and Trust in God
One of the primary barriers to receiving blessings from Jesus and Mother Mary is a lack of faith and trust in God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God” (CCC 1814). Similarly, the Bible makes it clear that without faith, it is impossible to please God. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
It’s important to note that faith is not merely a set of intellectual convictions but a relationship with God that should be lived out daily. Lack of faith, then, can obstruct the flow of God’s graces and blessings into our lives.
Theological Opinion: The Role of Doubt
While doubt is a universal human experience, it’s considered by some theologians as a chance for faith to mature. However, it’s important to bring your doubts to prayer and seek guidance from trusted spiritual advisors.
2. Unrepentant Sin
Sin separates us from God. The Catechism states, “Sin sets itself against God’s love for us and turns our hearts away from it” (CCC 1850). When we are in a state of mortal sin, we cut ourselves off from God’s sanctifying grace. Even venial sins, while they do not sever our relationship with God completely, weaken our ability to receive God’s blessings fully.
Jesus admonishes us in the Scriptures to repent and believe in the Gospel. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15).
Regular confession and sincere repentance are essential in breaking down this barrier. The sacrament of Reconciliation restores us to God’s grace and allows us to receive His blessings anew.
3. Neglect of Prayer and Sacraments
The Catechism calls the sacraments “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us” (CCC 1131). Similarly, prayer is the vital communication link between us and God. Neglecting these elements can keep us from receiving divine blessings.
Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). Failure to engage in regular prayer and to receive the sacraments diligently limits our ability to draw closer to God and receive His blessings.
4. Lack of Love and Charity Towards Others
“Love one another as I have loved you,” says Jesus (John 13:34). Love and charity towards others are not optional for Catholics; they are commandments from Jesus Himself. The Catechism also speaks to this: “The practice of all the virtues is animated and inspired by charity, which ‘binds everything together in perfect harmony'” (CCC 1827).
When we hold grudges, act selfishly, or fail to help those in need, we are not living out the Gospel message of love and charity. This lack of love can act as a barrier to receiving blessings from Jesus and Mother Mary.
Theological Opinion: The Economy of Grace
Some theologians suggest that there’s an ‘economy of grace,’ where the more we give, the more we receive in return. While this shouldn’t be the motive for our charitable actions, it’s a beautiful thought that aligns with Christ’s teaching: “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38).
5. Failing to Recognize and Acknowledge Blessings
Sometimes, we are receiving blessings but fail to recognize them. The Catechism speaks about the importance of gratitude, stating that “thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is” (CCC 2637).
Jesus also illustrates the importance of gratitude in the story of the ten lepers, where only one returns to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19). Failing to recognize and give thanks for God’s blessings could make us less open to receiving future graces.
Conclusion
As we strive to draw closer to Jesus and Mother Mary, understanding potential barriers can help us open our hearts more fully to the blessings God wishes to bestow upon us. Through faith, repentance, engagement with the sacraments, love for others, and gratitude, we prepare ourselves to receive divine blessings more abundantly.