how to prevent a heart attack
"May He strengthen your hearts." —1 Thessalonians 3:13
As we begin the new Church year, the Church reminds us of what precedes the beginning of eternal life in heaven. Before Christ's coming at the end of the world, "nations will be in anguish, distraught at the roaring of the sea and the waves. Men will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth" (Lk 21:25-26).
To guard against a heart attack before Christ's final Advent, "be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk 21:34). "Pray constantly for the strength to escape whatever is in prospect, and to stand secure before the Son of Man" (Lk 21:36). "Steady your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is at hand" (Jas 5:8). "May He strengthen your hearts, making them blameless and holy before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones" (1 Thes 3:13).
At the ultimate Advent, Jesus wants to be the Desire of our hearts, not a heart-breaker. Prepare your hearts.
Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, show us specific ways to strengthen our hearts in the next weeks before Your Christmas coming. As we begin this year of the Holy Spirit, may the Spirit of God pour out into our hearts the love of Christ (Rm 5:5).
Promise: "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths, guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and for You I wait all the day." —Ps 25:4-5
Praise: Maranatha! Come, Baby Jesus! Come, risen Lord! Come, King of kings!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 22, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 26, 1997