The Essence of Religion

By Father Jaime

The true essence of the Christian religion is not in beating our chests (although chest beating is also necessary; through it, we recognize that we are miserable sinners in need of divine mercy). However, to embrace and be embraced by divine mercy, we must and need to let go of what we have to give it to those who need it more — and these goods can include material things like financial aid, food, water, clothes, furniture, dishes, etc. But also time, experience, knowledge, and talents. To have a more profound and solid understanding of what I am saying, one must read this passage slowly and carefully: (Leviticus 19, 1–18. 31–37).

It will be necessary to pause to let these words permeate the soul with their content. You will notice that the Lord Jesus Christ himself taught and acted out these teachings given to God’s people through Moses.

Open your Bible now. If you understand this and practice it, your feet will be directing you to heaven.

However, what we must not do is stop attending Holy Mass! It is there where our Lord and Savior feeds us with the Bread of Life, so we have the strength to work in His Vineyard. (Be careful of those who say that it is not necessary to go to Holy Mass) That is a lie from the evil one. The Lord Jesus Himself said: Do this in memory of me. Therefore, we, that is, all baptized and confirmed, must participate in the Holy Mass diligently and never fail to attend it.