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.

Grateful For Jesus

 Merry Christmas to All!

    It is my hope that all of you were able to attend Mass (whether in person or virtually) for this celebratory solemnity!  I also hope that this completed Advent Season has prepared your hearts for Love Incarnate!  You are all in my thoughts and prayers, as always.

    I'm not big on presents, but I thought I might share with you one, that I received.  It is a formatted, gratitude journal!  In spite of the restrictions and lockdowns because of Covid, etc. there is so much to be grateful for.  I'm sure you can name people and things that help keep you going.  But, more importantly, I invite you to reflect on your level of gratitude for Christ's birth.  It happened so many years ago, and yet it is still worth praising God for!  

    This Christmas Season, I invite you to look past the holiday food and presents, and visit Jesus in your nativity scene.  He has neither of these things (well, until the Wise Men came on Epiphany).  Look past the holiday decorations, and see Jesus for Jesus.  

    The Son of God, our Redeemer, comes into the world, to be a tangible Truth, because of His great love for us.  Merry Christmas!

Fourth Week of Advent

 

                Happy Fourth Week of Advent!  I decided to post via letter, to make sure I also reach out to those who are following the blog. 

                As we make the final preparations for Christmas, I would like to reflect on Sunday’s gospel, written by St. Matthew.  Though it had taken place nine months earlier, it brings us back to the Mystery of the Annunciation.  I see this scene as something the Blessed Mother looks back on, just before the day she gives birth to Jesus, our Savior, in Bethlehem.  Then I hear in my head different songs artists have written, like “Mary Did You Know?” and “Breath of Heaven.”  It brings me to this interior conversation with her, and asking “What was going through your mind?”  I must also add the question, of “What was going through St. Joseph’s mind?”  It must have taken a lot of faith and trust, believing that this child his wife was to give birth to, was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

                In reflecting on these questions, we can ask ourselves how we can respond with Mary’s same fiat, and St. Joseph’s humble submission to the will of God, in Christ’s birth. 

                Maranatha!  Come, Lord Jesus!

 

We're Open!

     This past Sunday, I had the great joy of being able to participate in the Mass inside my church.  What a joy to be home again!  I continuously pray an act of thanksgiving to God for this reopening, and I hope to never take it for granted.  I rejoiced in the "Glory to God," and remember that He promises to never leave us.  Even in the midst of turmoil and confusion, He is here among us.  Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ!

    I know that some of you are still celebrating the Mass outside.  It is my prayer that this incoming, cooler weather does not become a detriment for you.  I also hope that you are able to find a nearby, Catholic church that is able to open its doors to you.  It is not your parish's fault if you are unable to go inside your church.  May Jesus give you the strength to persevere during these difficult times.  Receive Jesus in the Sacraments of Confession and in Holy Communion, that you may have all the graces you need to strengthen yourselves in the Faith.  And in all things, may Jesus Christ be praised!