New Beginnings

 What is my purpose in life?  In the Baltimore Catechism, it states that "God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven." (Lesson First)  

So what are the basics of being a practicing Catholic?  There are the "usual" things we think of, such as going to Mass on Sundays, going to Confession during Advent and Lent, and being a good example to others.

But why not strive to do more, and not settle for less?  I would like to share what I have been "up to" lately, as a newlywed.

After getting married to my wonderful, loving husband, I officially moved to a different parish.  It has been like starting from scratch, but in a good way.  My focus has been on entering into this new vocation we had established together, as husband and wife.  

The past couple of weeks have been a time of renewal for me.  I'm still getting to know my parish and the people, but I returned to going to daily Mass as often as possible, and made a point of going to Confession again.  

With no ministry to be a part of yet, I reflected on how I can live out the Faith as a housewife.  I pray with my spouse (yes, my spouse!) every morning, every night, and on my own throughout the day. God willing, I will soon resume my videos on A Catholic Presence's Youtube channel.  I try to set a good example, and love my husband in countless ways.

This has also been a time of renewal in faith, reverence in church, and, as already mentioned, accustoming myself to my vocation.

We shall see where the Lord leads, and I encourage you to join me on this journey of being reignited and in love with Him.

Being Present

    It is so easy to live in the past or future, rather than in the present.  I can say this from my own experience. Without realizing it, I had been thinking, “I’ll be happy when I win that contest.”  “I will do better when I become a nun.” “I’ll be happy when I’m married.”  These are all good things to look forward to; but it is even more important to live in the Present. 

    Even in the past, I would get so caught up in a failed achievement, and dwell on the “failure.”  It has taken me a lot to Learn, Trust, and Move On. 

    I capitalize these key pointers to bring to our attention to the importance of living in the Present, even as awesome as some upcoming, beautiful life events can be.  Why wait until later to be truly happy?

    Something I have also learned is the mindset of living with Gratitude.  It has changed my self-talk to be more positive, and grounds me in the Present.  As a couple of examples, noticing the changing fall colors, or appreciate the warmth of a cup of hot tea on a chilly morning.  It’s the little things that add up to living in the Present! 

    Living in the Present is one of the many things that keep me focused and on fire for God.  Because He is not God of the past or future.   The Father is always Present. Let us be Present to Him too!

 

In the gospel two days ago, Jesus starts off by acclaiming “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”  There is this strong desire to change the world, and that is through His proclamation of the Kingdom, and in His works of redemption. 

For me lately, I have been shyer about explaining the faith to others.  But what kind of difference does that make?  While writing this, it has made me recall my early days in helping at youth group, and how much more “on fire” I was.  But now I see the great need to keep this fire going, these flames of love.  From my own spiritual reading, I see the responsibility as a Catholic to proclaim the faith both in word and deed.

I invite you to join me in this self-examination of conscience: How am I bringing the love of Christ to others?

New Beginnings

 God be Praised! At long last, I am writing another blog post.  My heart still sings praise to God as I enter into a newness of life; that of being recently wed to my husband.  It causes me to reflect on what the gentleness of God must look like, in a more tangible way- as a newlywed.

Sometimes, we need this fresh start in order to see things in a different light.  For so many years, I had been in a state of grieving when things were beyond my expectation from leaving religious life.  But now, I see how my loving God- and my husband- have been so gentle, and patiently waiting for me, to be ready for my actual vocation. 

Let us begin each day anew, with a curiosity, rather than a demand, of what God may have in store for us.

Let us find rest in our loving God.

Let us answer the call to holiness, whichever our vocation may be. God loves our little acts of love too, as St. Therese came to realize and share with us.

Let me end this post with a quote from St. Benedict: “Let us set out on our way with the gospel as our guide.”

The Power of Prayer

            Hi there!  Just checking to see how everyone is doing with their New Years resolutions?  We’re living in difficult times. I know we are all hoping 2021 will be better.  Remember to begin every day anew. Something I have been focusing on this past week, is to “pray as if everything depends on God.”  (I believe St. Ignatius said this.)  Which is so true!  Your relationship with God and the power of intercessory prayer can truly make a difference. 

            Do you trust in God’s plan?  Do you offer up the good times and the bad to Him?  Everything you do has value.  So entrust yourself to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.  Every prayer, every time you unite your heart to theirs, your confidence will be all the greater.  Because God has a plan, and He wants you to be a part of it.

Jesus, A Humble Example

 Jesus, A Humble Example

Jesus, Your ministry on earth is about to begin.

You hear the voice of Your cousin, crying out in the wilderness.

“Prepare the way of the Lord!”

You see the signs of the times.  You go to John,

And he recognizes you, not just as kin, but as Our Lord,

Our savior.

He feels unworthy to baptize You, though You insist.

You want to assure others of this Way, by Your own example.

Hence, the heavens are opened.

From above the Father proclaims:

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

 

Your cousin is soon after doubted; arrested.

You see the time has come.

The long awaited time, while in your earthly life, becomes a time to fulfill.

“This is the time of fulfillment.  The Kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

 

Now is the time. 

Since the beginning of Your calling us forth, some follow and others choose not.

What is Your calling, oh Jesus?

It is the calling, by Your very example, to be the servant rather than the preferred.

It is the call to prefer discomfort rather than comfort,

A penance from the comfortable.

Yet joy in Your healing and true meaning of Love.

For the Kingdom of God is at hand.