In the Presence of God, Who is Love

God be Praised!  I have been studying various quotes from contemplatives of old from the daily "devotional" called Wisdom of the Cloister, 365 Daily Readings From the Greatest Monastic Writings.  These holy people help me in my current "season" of busyness of having two small kids, to pause and think of God.  Allow me to share this thoughtful quote from Saturday Week 5, by St Clement of Alexandria:

"[The man's] inmost conviction is that God is everywhere: no particular place marks his limits, and nowhere, by day or by night, can we imagine that he is absent and allow ourselves to grow lax.  In this belief that God is everywhere, an enveloping presence whichever way we look, our life becomes an unending solemnity; we praise him as we till the fields, we sing of him as we sail the seas; whatever we do, this is the wisdom that is our guide." (St Clement of Alexandria)

This really spoke to me, as it speaks loudly of my blog's title: In the Presence of God!  Thank you St. Clement!  

Though life may be bombarded with the daily mundane and sometimes endless duties, we must never forget to live Present, in the Presence of God!  I, personally, must also add that my life has a more beautifully present outlook when I do things with focused intentionality, and for the glory of God.  

We just celebrated the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and I want to offer everything to this Heart, for as St. Francis of Assisi once said (I think it was him): "Love is not loved!"  To add, St. John of the Cross wrote: "Put love where there is no love and you will draw out love."  We must console His Sacred Heart!

In our present day and age, since the time of dealing with covid, mental health has been struggling, and I often hear of practicing Mindfulness.  Well, let us be mindful of God's Love, believe in this Love, and bring that Love to others.  Be mindful of His Presence!

God be Praised!  Always!

Reflection

 Third Sunday of Easter

In today's Sunday gospel at Mass, Jesus asks Peter three times "Do you love Me?"  I let Jesus ask me this question in every stage, and every season, of my life.  

Do I still love Him?  

How am I showing Jesus that I love Him? 

I think He is challenging each one of us to do everything for love of Him, and that adds value to all of our works, doesn't it?!  How awesome, to offer everything for Jesus, and to make decisions WITH Jesus- to have Him in mind!  

Let us not miss opportunities to transform every action- to do everything in the Presence of God!- and love Him.

 Isn't it interesting that Pope Francis died on Easter Monday?  With yesterday's celebratory reminder of the Resurrection fresh on our minds, how can we not keep this in mind with hope, while mourning his death?  

Easter is not meant to be observed just once a year.  Notice we sing the "Alleluia" before the gospel at Mass, beyond that joyous day?  

Further, let us pray for our next pope, and the decision the cardinals must soon make in choosing one.  Who will lead the Church, the Bride of Christ?  We pray for a down pouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, and upon the man who will be divinely selected to witness to and instruct the sheep.  

Come Holy Spirit!

Seasons

 I have been away for awhile!  Everyone goes through different seasons of life and I am no different than anyone else.  There are life transitions and new experiences to be lived, and days where life can seem a little unpredictable.

But what always remains is the love of God, and so should our love for Him.  To see Christ in one another, and to be consistent in that love.  Isn't it great to be loved?  

Praying that you all have a blessed Holy Week, and I hope to return to this blog again soon!

Here Comes Advent!

 Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you are all blessed with a spirit of gratitude for all we have to be thankful for!  God is so good and ever Present, even in the difficult moments.

Advent is just around the corner!  We have so many reflective resources at our fingertips whether it be through our parish, online, or in books, for the new liturgical season.  I encourage you to choose one or two, but not be overwhelmed that you have to do all of them.  I say this with my own thoughts of overwhelm and praise to God for these many sources to put us in the spirit.  

But I would also encourage you to just be still with Our Lord and the Blessed Mother.  How did they prepare, on that journey to Bethlehem?  Even to be still with the daily Readings can help us draw closer to God.  There is so much preparation this time of year, be it in the shopping, in the putting up of decorations, and our getting together as a community.  

But what about our hearts?  I feel like putting in bold letters: it's not Christmas yet.  It's Advent!  Let us not "miss the boat."

An Additional Note to Vocations Awareness Week

 I recently posted a video on Vocations Awareness, and I hope that it has been informative for you and your understanding of the diversity of vocations within the Catholic Church!  

I wanted to reiterate the importance that everyone is called to holiness.... so no excuses that you don't "qualify" as a lay person!  In fact, there are many rising saints who come from the laity.  I am learning this as I continue to seek God's will for my life in the different seasons as a wife and a mother.  I've got to admit, sometimes I feel like an inspired ministry I pray about depends totally on me.... then I wonder if God is calling me to do it while taking care of my children?  I'm realizing I need to build up the domestic church, that is my family, first.  But I needn't be discouraged if I need to back out of such inspirations.  I have a beautiful vocation that God wants to work with me through, and lead me to holiness!  Motherhood is amazing!

We recently celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints Day, and I hope you are feel inspired to go forward a saint yourself!  Pursue God, He is already- and always- pursuing you.

Suffering?

So I wanted to do a video or blog post on suffering- though it can be a difficult topic to bring up.  It is a very real thing, and I'm not going to try and make dealing with it to be a lofty breeze.  For it is the undesired things that make life difficult, aren't they?  It can take many forms, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual.  In fact, it is hard to fathom the struggle of a loved on, unless we ourselves are undergoing it as well, right?

We just had celebrated the Miracle of the Sun, a sign given by Our Lady of Fatima to the three children.  She asked them if they would be willing to suffer, for the conversion of sinners- and suffer, they did.  I watched a video on the apparitions on October 13, to commemorate the miracle and the lives of these seers.  It reminded me of how to suffer, especially when I might be misunderstood by others.

What can I do with my suffering?  How can I better endure it with patience and love?  We all have suffered in some way, whether now or in the past.  It is part of the fall of Adam and Eve, a consequence for sinning.  

Whatever you may be going through, always believe- from the depths of your heart- that you are not alone.  Jesus walks alongside you, and His Immaculate Mother is cheering you on.  They have been there, while on earth.   And we don't have to suffer while feeling isolated and rejected.  In whatever form the suffering comes, they are right there with us, in it.

Onward, fellow Christian.  Let us endure the good fight together, knowing that we are not alone!