Slowing Down

It was a Tuesday evening when I left the nursing home where I was visiting, on my way to a 7 PM Mass. I wanted to be there in good time, so I was speeding through a very quiet neighborhood. That's when I saw the blue lights flashing behind me. "Oh, no," I thought. "I don't need this."

free image from Unsplash

I pulled over. By the time the policeman came to my car, I already had my license ready to hand to him. "I might have been going too fast," I said. I told him I was on my way to church and didn't want to be late.

"Let me see your insurance and registration," he said.

I fumbled through the glove compartment that's become something of a waste basket. Lots of coupons in there, a few masks, car repair receipts, and a pile of insurance renewal papers. Without my reading glasses, and in the dark, I hardly knew what I was looking at. My registration must be in there somewhere!

I'm panicking and fumbling through the papers when the policeman, still holding my license, said, "You find what you are looking for and I'll be back."

I may have found the current registration, I'm not sure. I started to hand him a pile of papers and said, "Maybe you can find what you need to see."

He asked, "Did you ever get caught for speeding before?"

"No..., but there was that one time I was stopped for turning right, but that was years ago..." I am clearly flustered.

"Listen," he said. "It's easy to get zoned out on this street. I'm going to give you a warning. I'll give you a verbal warning." 

I thanked him and promised to clean out the glove compartment.

Ever since then, I've been driving at or under the limit. In fact, I realize I may have been speeding a lot. Now I find I kind of like the slower pace. (I can even get in an extra decade of the Rosary on some of my trips.)

So today I am driving on a local road near home. It's dark and it's clear sailing. I would usually step on it, but I kept my speed at the limit. THEN, a truck from a side road pulls out in front of me! I slam on the brakes and we avoided one another. Whew! I immediately thought, what if I were going even a little faster - there could've been a collision! I am grateful for Divine Providence.

Thank you, Jesus, for always being with us, for going before us and preparing the way. Thank you for your protection. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you, Father for the Guardian Angels you send us.
And thank you that I didn't get a ticket.

Keep on Keeping On

He was nervous. He was scared. Our nine-year-old grandson's ice hockey team was chosen to play during the intermission of a professional hockey team game! He's the goalie.

The day finally arrived. He left school early. His classmates were at the window, waving and cheering him on. He and his parents then took the train to get to the arena.

There were thousands of people there. From the bleachers, he watched his first professional game. Then it was time. He left his parents for the locker room to put on his gear. 

When he skated onto the ice, his name flashed on the screen for everyone to see. The crowd cheered.

And he played.

When it was over, he went back to the locker room to remove his gear, then ran to the stands into the arms of his mother. He did it! And he was so very proud. He stayed in her lap and hugged and hugged and kept hugging her. He was so relieved, so happy, so excited.

"Remember when you were learning to skate?" she said. "And you kept falling, and how discouraged you felt? You kept going. Look how far you've come! You are skating in the arena of a multi-million dollar franchise!"

I keep thinking about our young grandson in his mother's lap. It leads me to reflect on my life, and how my times I've fallen and become discouraged, sometimes thinking, "How can I do this? How can I keep going on?" And somehow the grace is there for me to continue and experience little successes along the way.

Like our grandson watching the professionals, I witness the example of so many others whose lives demonstrate commitment and perseverance. They inspire me.

At the end of my life in this world, I hope the saints will be cheering me on, and that I can run into the arms of Our Father with relief, excitement, and everlasting joy - secure in His arms. And I long to hear him say, after all the times I've fallen short:
 

"Well done, good and faithful servant,... Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:23)

Slow Fasting

I lost the charger to my Versa 3 fitbit. I've looked everywhere I think it could be. I use my fitbit often to check the time, to record my fitness activities, to track my sleep. I even have an app on it to find my phone. Now I'm unable to use my fitbit because I am without the charger. I really miss it. I have come to depend on it as part of my daily routine.

This brought to mind what I recently heard in a teaching about fasting. When we fast, we abstain or deny ourselves, for example from food or some comfort. It's a penance because it is hard to do and it is a discipline because we use will power. But more than penance or discipline, fasting is about relationship. For the Christian, it is about a relationship with Jesus.

Our ultimate fulfillment is in and with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:9 states that we are called to be in fellowship with him, a personal relationship. Fasting can help us grow in this relationship.

We are meant to be fulfilled. When I feel cold, I might grab for a blanket. When I'm hungry, I'll look for a snack. If I get a headache, I'll take an aspirin. I want to feel comfortable and satisfied. When I am totally satisfied, I have no needs. Without needs, I am not as apt to turn to Jesus (who asked us to pray for our daily bread, Matt 6:11). Our needs direct us to call upon him, to depend upon him.

Fasting, then, is a choice to feel our hunger or discomfort, then to turn to Jesus, asking him to meet us in that experience. It's about developing a deeply personal relationship with Jesus. It's creating a space in our lives to make room for him. 

It may be a favorite TV show, or phone scrolling that occupies our time. To give that up is a kind of fasting that creates a space where we can choose to be with Jesus in prayer. 

In the teaching I heard, it was recommended to go slowly - to take "baby steps" in fasting. It's about the relationship. Once we turn to Jesus in our deprivation and begin to experience the intimacy of being with him, this creates a desire for even more. Only then may we want to take on more fasting or penances, as the Holy Spirit leads.

This is the beginning of Lent, and Lent is a journey. Every journey begins with one first step. May our fasting this Lenten season bring us ever more close to Jesus our Savior. 

So when I go to check my fitbit, I realize that now it is not on my wrist. I feel the loss. May those moments become times of thanking the Lord for the gift of time, of physical fitness, of restful sleep, of growing closer to him.

When my fitbit is fully charged, I'm thinking of choosing not to wear it, perhaps one day a week, and develop the habit - not so much checking my fitbit so often, but checking in with Jesus.

Update: The charger is found. Praise God!

"To Forgive is Divine"

Mother Angelica once said, "It's hard to pray for someone when you hope they'll slip on a banana peel." I thought of this quote today in church during the homily on forgiveness.

Forgiveness is likewise a theme of Jubilee Year 2025.

"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44

  

And so I consider:
Who is my enemy?
Is there anyone in my life towards whom I feel resentment?
Has anyone who caused me harm for which I am still hurting?

Has anyone been hostile or angry toward me?
Has anyone cursed me?

Have I been mistreated or abused? 

 
These are questions to bring to prayer. Some people or situations may quickly come to mind. Others may be deeply hidden in memories.

Forgiveness may often be first a decision of the mind and will, and then of the heart. Perhaps begin by simply saying aloud:

"I forgive _________ for __________."
"Lord, help me to forgive _________."

And:
"Lord, I release _________ into your loving, merciful care."

"Holy Spirit, how do you want me to pray for __________?"
"Lord, is there any way You want me to extend kindness toward _________?

 

We may need to forgive over and over again. Each time, forgiveness can become a deeper and ever more freeing experience so we no longer have to carry the burdens of resentment and bitterness toward others. 

I've told my kids, "When someone is mean to you, that's an opportunity to forgive." Much easier said than done. With God's grace, however, it is possible.

  

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

Jubilee 2025

This is the "Pilgrims of Hope" Jubilee year. This year, ending on Epiphany 2026, is a time of special grace. It is a time to be open to receive all that our merciful Lord has for us this year and to pray with the church for God's favor upon us and on the whole world.

 Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR gives an historical background.

  

  

In the Old Testament there were four central features of Jubilee: slaves were set free, debts were forgiven, people returned home, and there was time for rest and recreation. These features can be a guide on how to enter into and experience Jubilee in our own lives.

To what am I enslaved? What are those habitual sins, addictions, distractions that keep me from being truly free? What is it that keeps frustrating or annoying me? These are the encumbrances I need to bring to the Lord. Ask to walk in greater freedom. Be set free and rejoice.

Forgiveness of debt. Am I holding on to grudges and resentments toward those who have hurt me? Ask the Lord, "Whom do I still need to forgive?" Maybe a parent? A brother or sister? Or even an organization of some kind by whom I may have been unfairly treated? Ask for an extra measure of grace to forgive, to let go, to be healed. Forgive and rejoice.

 

Come home. Jubilee is time to connect more deeply to God as our Father and to one another as sisters and brothers. How can I strengthen those bonds? In the Old Testament people returned to the temple. How can I return to the church to more actively worship, to more actively participate in fellowship and ministry? Be with the family of God and rejoice.

 

Finally, rest and recreation. In Old Testament times during Jubilee people did not travel away from home and they did not engage in work. Even the lands were not tilled to be allowed "to rest." For sure, in our busy lives we need rest. How can we enter into rest to be recharged and renewed? Maybe it means taking breaks from social media, or from TV programs, or from scrolling our phones. Maybe it means purposely planning for a Sabbath/Sunday day of rest from weekly activities. (Even God rested on the seventh day of creation. Gen 2:2.) How can I use this space in my schedule for healthy leisure time? Rest and rejoice.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a helpful resource for Jubilee 2025.

“Open our souls to the working of the Holy Spirit, that he may soften the hardness of our hearts, that enemies may speak to each other again, adversaries may join hands,
and peoples seek to meet together.” Pope Francis

                                 

The Name of Jesus

Today in the liturgical year of the Church we honor in a particular way the name of Jesus. 

I was driving home and heard this on the radio. What an  appropriate and encouraging song for the beginning of the new year!

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ

 is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11
 

January 1, 2025

It's January 1, and on this day each year I usually look forward with high anticipation for new adventures, goals to achieve, places to see, things to do and learn. This year, not so much. There are wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other places that go on and on and on. Our country is politically painfully divided. A family member is coping with health challenges. 2025 looks to be a very sobering year. So this may be the year it is especially important to find light in the darkness, hope in difficulties, gratitude for blessings.

On social media someone posted about a "Gratitude Jar." The idea is that at the end of each month, reflect on and write down the very best thing that happened. It may be something from one's personal life or even a world event. Write it down on a slip of paper and place it into the jar. At the end of the year read everything that was written and give thanks for the blessings of the year. I am thinking this could be not only a personal project, but one for the family - a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the year and look forward to the one about to begin.

Photo by Kier in Sight Archives on Unsplash

“For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes.”
Former U.N. Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld

Advent, A Time of Beginning Anew

It's the beginning of Advent and of the new liturgical year - a time of anticipation. Advent is the time of year when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Jesus was given his name before he was born. "You are to name him Jesus..." Matthew 1:21. What a beautiful and powerful name that is!

"JESUS"

Autumn Gold

A favorite place at home where I like to pray is by an upstairs window with a view of the backyard. I can see a huge willow, a few pines, and a large maple tree which my husband and I planted years ago. Each morning I enjoy sitting by this window as I observe the change of seasons.

The other day I noticed that the maple leaves had turned from green to an autumn gold. The sun was shining and the golden leaves were magnificently bright. I admired the tree in all its beauty. 

I reflected on the "golden years" of life. I hope that as I age, I can shine forth brightly in the Light of Jesus the Son.

Today I'm looking at that same tree. The leaves are now gracefully and steadily falling to the ground. I clearly see the tree's branches. It's as if the limbs and branches are reaching upwards toward the sky.

I hope that like the tree, I can gracefully let go - let go of my possessions (as I downsize), and even of my youthful abilities as I age. I pray that my arms, that my whole being, be lifted up to give glory to God.

Photo by Dylan Phair on Unsplash

Autumn is here. Winter is on its way. And then comes a new Spring!

To God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be the glory
 and praise forever.

Extravagance

I was looking for an old photo and I came upon a post I had written on Wrapped Moments many years ago. It still resonates with me and so I am re-posting here with just a few minor changes. It's about the extravagant use of our precious time.

"Father Michael challenged us to identify with some of the characters in the Passion Scripture readings. One of those he mentioned was the woman who poured out the costly contents of the alabaster jar to anoint the feet of Jesus. She did not just take a portion of the precious contents, but she broke the jar and poured out all she had. It was an extravagant gesture. To many it seemed that the contents were wasted. She could have graciously used a portion and saved the rest.

Father Michael challenged us to be extravagant in our relationship with Jesus, to be extravagant with our time. He asked us to think about 'wasting time' with Jesus in prayer.

I thought about all the other times I waste, whether it is listening to the same news over and again, or surfing the net, or just sitting with that second or third cup of coffee. And that may not be so bad. But I never thought about wasting time with Jesus. 

 Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

We think about 'setting apart some time' for the Lord, and that is a good thing to do. But how about lingering in prayer when we could well be doing other things? How about 'wasting time' with Jesus? I just never thought about it in quite that way before...being extravagant with my time.

No time with the Lord is wasted. So why not be more generous?"

How to Persevere

I use a motivational running calendar. Yesterday in it I read about a man competing in an ironman triathalon. Less than 100 yards into the event, he felt a cramp in his leg. It painfully worsened as he was bicycling and then running. What kept him going? It was gratitude.

He focused on the fact that he was actually physically able to compete in a sport he loved. He appreciated the gentle warmth of the September day. He really enjoyed being with athletes and he felt the support of family and friends cheering him on. As intense as the pain was, he realized that "it's never all bad."

It is never all bad. Even in the most difficult of situations, we can find something good. We can look for something for which to be grateful. This may be cliche, but it's about an attitude of gratitude. And that may be just what is needed to keep going in difficult situations. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, for those who have been called according

 to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Resolved: To find the good in the most difficult situations.

"Who I Am"

My friends' daughter wrote a children's book. I bought a copy soon after I saw it was available.

After reading it, I gave it to my daughter to read. I asked her what she thought the message is. She replied, "that everyone has gifts, but other people may not be ready to see or accept your gifts, but the one who always sees your gifts is God. And even though other people do not want to receive your gifts, you shouldn't give up, but keep trying..."

Well, I thought that was a good response.

This is a wonderful book for children and even for adults, for parents and grandparents to read with their children. 

(Don't tell my grandson, but this will be his birthday gift.)

Heavenly Father, thank you that each of is unique and that each of us is wonderfully made. Thank you for all the gifts you bless us with to share with others. Please grant us opportunities to share our gifts
and to gratefully receive what others share with us,
with all honor, glory, and thanksgiving to you,
the Giver of all good gifts.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works..." Psalm 139:14.

"You Lift Us Up"

When our daughter was in grade school, she played on a softball team. Parents, family, and friends would come to watch the games. I'll never forget the time she was hit in the head by a fly ball. I not only saw it happen, but I could hear the "thud" as it hit her. The game stopped. I ran out into the field. The coach drove us to the doctor's office for her to be checked out. Thank God, no serious harm done.

Why did that happen? Was she momentarily distracted and not see the ball coming? Did she not have her glove ready to catch the ball? 

Photo by Yaw Afari on Unsplash

I thought of that incident this morning when I read a commentary on the Biblical phrase: "He lifts up the lowly." The image of "lifting up" is that of a father scooping up his child into his arms and holding the child close and comforting the child. I thought of children playing freely, not always aware of dangers that may be around them. I thought about children who fall as they run and play, whose smiles turn into tears.

We the children of God the Father are the little ones, the lowly ones. We are sometimes hurt by circumstances in our lives, not always seeing troubles coming our way. Our Father is there to lift us up, to take us into his strong arms and hold us close. No matter what the dangers are that surround us, we can always trust him to be there. He is with us always.

Lord, That I May See

When I was in third grade, I had trouble seeing the blackboard from where I was sitting. At home I would get as up close to the TV as possible to see the programs. My Mom made an appointment for me to see the optometrist.

The optometrist put lenses in front of my eyes and asked, "Is this one better? Or the other one?" "Does this make it more clear?" - and he would continue doing this until the best possible lens would be chosen for my vision. When I put on my new glasses, I was astounded how sharp and clear everything looked!

In a way, I feel like my life has been somewhat "out of focus." With new and different responsibilities, what I see as the reality of my daily life has changed. When I try to look at life with my prior expectations and plans, I am discerning that this vision, with many of my comfortable routines, is not quite right. God's plan for me evolves as my circumstances change.

His plan is like the lens through which I can see the way before me. When I cling to my old way of seeing, my vision is  "blurry." The Lord wants to sharpen my vision, for me to see my situation as it really is here and now. It is when I accept his plan for my life in the present time that my thinking readjusts and my responses can once again realign according to his divine plan. And I am astounded at the magnificence and beauty all around me, even in the mundane details.

 

"Lord, that I may see." cf. Luke 18:41

"My Life is in Your Hands"

Every once in a while, life "throws us a curveball" that breaks into our daily routine and changes our circumstances. It may be an accident, an illness, an unexpected conflict, a loss...

This happened to me recently when a loved one needed to be hospitalized. Medical decisions needed to be made to provide the best care. There was uncertainty regarding response to treatment. My own daily life became centered on hospital visits and how to become supportive of someone in a strange environment and somewhat scared about the future. I am questioning how I can be most supportive of someone who is now limited in caring for self and who is feeling loss of personal independence.

In prayer I sensed the Lord saying, "Keep going one step in front of the other. Look for my Holy Spirit of Love to guide you along the way."

While driving home from another visit, I thought of this hymn:

"My life is in your hands."

Who Moved?

Back in the day most cars did not have dual seats for drivers and passengers. There was a front seat and a back seat. I recall a joke dating back to that time about a husband driving with his wife. The wife looked at her husband and said, "Remember when we were first married and how much you liked us to be sitting close to one another?" And he said, "Well, dear, I'm not the one who moved."

It's a little like that with ourselves and God our Father. When he feels distant to us, he is not the one who has moved.

I've been reading the book The Father by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR. I'm reflecting on chapter 2 about how the Father infinitely delights in caring for us his children. I am imagining a group of children happily playing in the yard, and a father watching them having so much fun. When one of the children is hurt, however, the loving father runs to that child, takes the child into his arms, wipes away the tears, and does everything he can to take away the pain. 

The Father is drawn to us in our need, in our wounds, in our weaknesses and sin. He is drawn to us because it is his delight to care for us. It's what a loving Father does, and he is most loving.

Sometimes we may have a tendency to want to avoid God when we think we are not perfect enough or holy enough to be with him. But in a way it is just the opposite. It is our need that draws him to us. We are created to depend on him. Sometimes the only prayer we feel we can pray is "Help!" And that prayer is always answered. It is his delight to help us.

Maybe this is why in the Gospels we read that Jesus was seen to be with prostitutes and other sinners. In a way he was drawn to be with them, as the Father is drawn to be with those who are in need.

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

May we take delight in loving and serving others, as our Father takes delight in loving us.

Bye-bye, Tooth!

It was in church on Palm Sunday when I felt something like a little marble in my mouth. It was a crown on a tooth that had come loose.

I made an appointment with my dentist. She tried to save the tooth to replace the crown, but then said there was too much decay. "That tooth needs to be pulled out."

So I went to a dental specialist for the extraction. What an ordeal! I felt distress and pain. There was blood. Thankfully now the tooth is gone and healing is underway.

free unsplash photo by Quang Tri Nguyen

There was a spiritual lesson for me in this experience. I began to think about the little ongoing sins and bad habits that have become part of my life. If I am to become the person God calls me to be, those sins and their decaying effects and those bad habits have got to go. I cannot do it on my own. I need a "Specialist;" I need Jesus.

I admit and face the fact that I do have problems in my life. Problems I cannot fix on my own. I no longer want to try to hide them or deny them, but bring them to Jesus as openly as I am able. There can be distress and pain in doing this. And there is blood, but this time it is His blood that has been shed to take away all my sins.

Only when I do this can inner healing take place. Burdens are lifted. New peace and joy and strength flow into me. "Thank you, Jesus, for taking away our sins. Thank you, Jesus, for the healing."

As for me, I call to God,

    and the Lord saves me.

17 

Evening, morning and noon

    I cry out in distress,

    and he hears my voice...

Cast your cares on the Lord

    and he will sustain you;...

But as for me, I trust in you.

Psalm 55: 16-17; 22-23

It's Going to be All Right

I heard that one can expect to experience trials during Holy Week. This is Holy Week.

I've been feeling overwhelmed with all that I think I need to be doing. I have family medical issues I need to face and deal with. When I turn on the news, what I hear is not good. Yesterday I felt discouraged. And I am tired.

Last night I went to Mass and Adoration. I was grateful to come into the most Holy Presence of Jesus, just to be with Him.

This morning I awoke with more peace, hope and energy. I know that everything is going to be all right. Life is good. God is good always. Praise be to our merciful and most loving God, our Redeemer.

Lenten Transformation

After watching a recent Poco a Poco podcast, I am reflecting on the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10: 30 - 35), especially with a desire for a personal transformation during this Lenten season.

I am thinking of myself as the one on the wayside, parts of me broken, wounded, in need of healing. When I am aware of hurting, it's an experience of poverty. I cannot heal myself.

Jesus is the Good Samaritan. He will find me in my deepest need. He is seeing me with all my woundedness, weakness, and pain. He is not passing me by. He will find me even in the darkness.

He sees me. He stops to be with me. He anoints my wounds. He bandages me with love. He takes me to "the inn," to our Father's house. He asks me to rest here, to rest in his Father's arms while the healing, while the process of transformation takes place. All he asks that I trust him.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

"My Jesus, I trust in you."

Jesus, Take the Wheel

I'm reading Mary and the Interior Life by Fr. Shryock, CFR. In the first chapter he describes surrender and control with the example of driving in the car with Jesus.

When I have the wheel and Jesus is in the passenger seat, I listen to him give me directions to our destination. If he says, "Turn right," then I turn right. When he says, "Slow down," that's what I do. I am very attentive to him as we drive along.

Then he says, "How about if I take the wheel?" And I give him the keys and I sit in the passenger seat. But I soon learn that Jesus does not drive like I would drive. Sometimes he seems to go too fast for conditions. Or he takes a rough back road full of potholes. And sometimes he even seems to be asleep behind the wheel! I become anxious and maybe not trust the way he is driving, and I want to take back contol.

The author is writing about Mary's total surrender. I can't wait to read more. There are 14 chapters about the 14 Biblical moments in Mary's life.This book is based on a retreat he gave, 14 talks about Mary.

Mary our Mother, Help us say "Yes!" to God when He
invites us to trust him. Jesus is our Way,
our Father's house is our destination. 

Footprints in the Snow

I like to look out the window in the morning, like I did this sunny morning, and see the footprints in the snow, footprints made by animals and birds that have come into our yard. I don't always see the bunnies and the squirrels or other animals (like the deer), but I know they've been here. I see the impressions they have made.

I began to wonder, what are the impressions I leave behind me? Is it disorder or a mess? Any attempts to deceive? The echo of impatient harsh words?... Or do I leave behind me the results of loving service? The healing effect of kind and attentive words? The beauty of having created something new?

We leave impressions wherever we go. Some may be hardly visible and others very deep. People may even bear the scars of our hurtful actions long after we are gone. Or hopefully we leave behind us the impressions of love, beauty, truth, kindness.

Wherever I go, may I follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Come!

We have a little Beagle named Stella. When I call her, "Come," she takes her sweet time. Whe wanders this way and that way, searching for crumbs she might find on the floor, and being distracted by scents in the air that only she can smell.

When I say, "Treat," or if I rattle her treat jar, she looks up and sometimes runs to me.

Is it something like that when God calls to me? I am so easily distracted by what I see around me, looking for something else that would please me. However, when I am hoping for a special favor (a "treat") from him, or when I am praying for a special intention, I tend to focus more intensely on him.

I think the Lord would have us focus on him for the mighty, glorious, amazing God he is, and not as much on the favors gives. He longs for a personal relationship with each of us. All of our desires truly are completely fulfilled in and with him.

"Come, Stella, let's go for a walk," and Stella comes running to me.

"Come, my beloved. Come to Me and let us walk together
 to places you have never been,"
and may I come running to Him.

A New Year, New Resolutions

It is the beginning of a new year and a time when many of us are making "resolutions" to improve our lives, to become better people...

One of the gifts our daughter gave me for Christmas is a Bible study book. Toward the beginning of the book, one of the questions is about reflecting on the purpose of one's life. What is it that gives my life meaning? What is God's plan for me in my current circumstances? When I know my purpose, I can then make resolutions that will direct me in fulfilling that purpose.

What about the people who are closest to me? My family? My friends? Or even the people I encounter during the activities of my day? They, too, have a divine purpose. How about making resolutions to encourage and support others to accomplish their purpose in life?

How can I support my husband in fulfilling his responsibilities? How can I encourage our daughters to become the women they are called to be? What are simple actions I can take that can make life easier for others?

This year may my resolutions be not so much about improving myself and my own life, but about what I can practically do this year do to be more helpful to others.

                                        Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash

  “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Hearing God's Word

I was "flipping through the channels" looking for something to watch on TV. I stopped at CatholicTV. A priest and a layman were talking about the grace of God being active in our lives.

During the presentation, the layman said that he likes hearing the readings at Sunday Mass as if for the first time. He listens for a phrase or a sentence or two, or even just a word - that makes an impression on him. This is how the Lord is communicating with him. He recalls the word of God during prayer time and during the week. This is a way to experience the Liturgy of the Word and to live it out each day. A very simple thing to do.

So Sunday I listened for a word of God in the readings that touched my heart. I thought about what it meant for me personally. I thought about how I would respond to that word in my daily life. I wrote it down - just a few phrases of Scripture, and I will be referring to it each day until next Sunday (and maybe even longer).

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

 

Thank you, Jesus, that you are the Living Word from the Father who has come to be with us in our every situation, in our every circumstance. Keep us faithful to you, that we may hear you and respond to you, and to the people you bring into our lives, with love.
All praise and honor and glory to you forever.

Let It Rain

I recall someone saying to me a few years ago, "When it rains, that's when God is pouring out his blessings. When it rains, look for blessings." That is a positive and comforting thought, especially when an outdoor event is planned and on that day comes the rain. When storm clouds are drenching the ground with rain, God is drenching us with his blessings. 

I thought about that again when I heard this song on my car radio, "Bring the Rain."

 

It can be easy to praise God when all is going well. But on days we feel pain or doubts or distress, when we wonder "Where is God?" in all that we are going through, it can be difficult to find reason to give thanks or to praise God.

Our faith tells us that God is with us always. He never abandons us. He is in the midst of what we are going through. Our circumstances change, but God does not change. And we praise him for who he is in our good times and in not so good times.

In heaven we will be rejoicing and praising him forever. There will be no pain, no doubts, no distress. While we are here on earth is the only time we can praise him during often difficult times. Our faithfulness is precious to him. 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Great Expectations

When I was reading my Magnificat prayer book, one line from the writings of Pope Benedict XVI stood out for me. It was about person feeling hopeless who said, "No one is expecting me."

"No one is expecting me."

I wondered, who are the people in my life who expect to see me, to meet me, to be with me? How does that make me feel? Honored? Respected and valued? Loved? (If I am honest, sometimes I may be a little nervous that I will not measure up to their expectations!)

Whom do I expect to meet during the course of my day? Do I look forward to encounters with others?

I do really look forward to seeing my family and grandchildren. I want them to know how much I love them.

What about the "strangers" I happen to pass by? Do I leave the house with anticipation of whom I may providentially meet? Maybe someone at a restaurant? Or the gym? Maybe in line at the post office? Or at the grocery store, etc., etc.

How can I show those who are strangers to me that they are deserving of honor and respect? That they are welcomed? Truly each person is valued and loved by God. How do I extend the love of God to others? 

Unwrapping the Gift

When I was about 10 years old, I gave my Mom a gift. I wanted to see her joy at unwrapping the gift, almost as much as her joy in seeing the gift itself. So I put the gift in a box, wrapped it, and then I put it into another box, and into another bigger box, and another. It would take her awhile to unwrap it.

That memory came to me this morning as I was thinking about the gift of life from God our Father. Each day a little more of the gift is "unwrapped." We discover the experiences, situations, relationships, and adventures that life contains. Sometimes the unwrapping can be a struggle.

I cannot help but believe that there is so much more to discover about the gift of life, like continually unwrapping to see what it holds for us. 

Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

For the gift of life, for all the gifts He gives, let us give thanks. For the gift of Jesus, let us give thanks.

"Oh, my aching back!"

I've had an aching back. It's slowing me up and I feel discouraged by this. I do know that God speaks to me in every circumstance. What is he saying to me in this situation?

I know that what I am suffering is so very little, hardly significant, as to what many others are suffering physically and emotionally. Experiencing even a little suffering can let me become truly more compassionate, especially with those around me who are in any kind of pain. I know by experience, even in a small way, what others are going through.

I am keenly aware of my own pain with most every move. And so I move slowly. I move carefully. I appreciate more than ever freedom of movement.

Free image by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash

My faith tells me that I am part of the Body of Christ, in communion with other Christians. I am connected to others. "If one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it..." I Corinthians 12:26.

Am I ever a source of pain to others? By my thoughtlessness? By judging others? By greed? By selfishness? By harsh words? By neglect? How do I inflict needless pain? Do I offend others?

And so I am aware - I need to become more aware - of how I relate to others. I need to become more aware so as not to cause pain. May my thoughts, words, and actions offer respect and healing love.

Out of compassion, what can I do today to relieve the suffering of others? What can I do to offer healing love?

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

When Bishop Fulton J. Sheen would present one of his famous chalk talks, he would quickly write "JMJ" at the top fo the blackboard.

When I was in Catholic grade school, we would write "JMJ" at the top of our papers. I think it was a reminder for us to do our best work.

Recently when I watched a Poco a Poco Podcast, one of the friars spoke of hospitality in the Nazareth home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

When one offers hospitality, she or he helps others feel at home. The guests are received and welcomed just as they are. They can relax and enjoy good conversation, perhaps a meal, and come to know each other in a more familiar way. The friar suggested that, in prayer, we could ask Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to invite us into their home, into their communion with one another, which is a share in the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

If I were invited into the home in Nazareth, what would I see? What would I hear?
How would I be received?
What would my experience of being with the Holy Family be like? How would it affect me?
What would I want to share with them?

I believe Jesus, Mary, and Joseph had profound love for one another, and profound love and hospitality for anyone who came into their presence. 

As a follower of Jesus, I too am asked to offer hospitality to others. I can "create a space" for others to be truly themselves, to feel that I am listening to their concerns and observations, that I really care. I can take the time to be present to others whom I encounter (even when I am inconvenienced!), that they feel valued and appreciated. I can allow the love of Jesus to touch our hearts. 

Matthew 18: 20 -  "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them." 

Reaping What We Sow

It's almost time to plant the garlic. I love growing garlic. In autumn, put a single clove about four inches into the ground and in late summer reap a whole bulb of garlic.

All I need is a small area of soil. Once planted, the clove grows by itself with no help from me.

Obviously, when I plant a clove of garlic, I won't reap potatoes or onions... I'll reap several cloves of garlic contained in one bulb.

Yesterday I received a prayer ministry manual from friends. At the very begining of the study it speaks of "reaping what we sow." When we sow goodness, "we set in motion forces" that cause goodness to grow and expand. If we sow evil thoughts or deeds, however, the result is evil. That is how God's laws work.

So today I am trying to be more aware of good thoughts I have about others, and of even very small things I do to "plant goodness" wherever I go.

I also know that there is no evil that is insignificant. Like the small clove of garlic that is planted in the soil and is hidden where no one sees it, it is growing. It is growing like the clove that naturally multiplies into several cloves. Even the smallest unkindness towards others has consequences.

Lord God,
Thank you for all of creation,
even for the smallest of garlic cloves
that multiply for harvest.
By your Holy Spirit
please inspire me to think good thoughts today.
Inspire me to do good works -
even a simple smile, kindness, respect, a prayer.
Please multiply all the goodness that I sow,
that your Kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven, for your glory.
Amen.