In today's First Reading it talks about Christ's ultimate sacrifice for us and God's amazing forgiveness for us and our sins. Forgiveness is a tall order and sometimes the hardest thing we as humans can ever do. God gave us not only the greatest gift—Jesus—but also forgave us of all our sin too. That is pretty darn incredible. I do not know about you, but I know I have done many things I shamefully regret and cannot believe I have done, so I am beyond grateful that God has given me a clean slate every time I fall embarrassingly short of what He intends for me. Something I learned about as a kid is the joy and freedom of forgiveness. Now my mom, she is a smart lady, she taught me and my brother about how to forgive. Whenever my brother or I would do something that required a "I'm Sorry" and a "Please forgive me," she told us, "Every time you ask for forgiveness or forgive another, Heaven throws a massive party. The angels sing and dance and everyone eats treats. And we must forgive and forget." So every time we would give heaven the opportunity to party, we also got to party, my mom would let us pick out a treat or a cookie and my brother and I would sit together enjoying the taste of reconciliation. Surprisingly, we did not abuse the system, but this tangible way of experiencing the joy of what forgiveness can give taught me that forgiveness is not something to be afraid of or fear, but rather rejoice in, practice regularly, and see the freedom it can give you. Why hold on to the pain, when you can let it go and party. God has forgiven us and has forgotten it, can we offer that same courtesy to ourself or to someone else? Today, do not hold back from Heaven, give heaven an excuse to party. Throw a little party for yourself too and soak in the sweetness of freedom. photo credit Cassie Kent is a wife, mom to two kiddos, loves to get a little crafty and even throws a monthly party celebrating the beauty of creativity. You can find out more about her here.

Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin. Yikes. This is serious stuff in Saint Mark’s Gospel today. It’s the kind of thing that can (and should) shake us up a little. When I read this, I had to ask myself, what exactly does it mean to “blaspheme against the Holy Spirit”? Jesus brings this up because the scribes have done exactly that when they say Jesus is casting out demons by the power of demons. When we blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, we attribute the grace and power of God to someone or something else other than Him, and we fail to repent of our sin. That last part is important, as we know no sin can separate us from God’s mercy when we seek reconciliation with a sincere heart. As Christians we are called to give the glory to God, and Him alone. “Tell of his salvation,” “Declare his glory,” “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name!” The Psalmist calls us to speak boldly and to spread the Lord’s truth. Likewise, in his letter to Timothy, Saint Paul also encourages us to share our faith. Regardless of whether we come from a faithful line of women (like Timothy’s mother and grandmother who are mentioned), we are called to be faithful women for one another, and boldly. “God did not give us a spirit of timidity . . . .” Yet another thing I need to remember. When we are timid, shy, quiet, or embarrassed to share our faith in this secular world, we have to remember that this inclination is not from God. As the first month of this new year comes to an end, I invite you to join me in examining how we’re doing in terms of testifying to God’s work in our own lives. Sometimes we may need to be bold and speak up when we hear or see something that is not in line with God’s teaching. Perhaps more importantly, we can testify to God’s goodness by the way we live our lives and the way we love one another. Let us pray that each of us might rekindle the gift of God that is within us. May we be a light for God’s kingdom with a spirit of power and love and self-control. May we sing to the Lord a new song in this new year. photo credit Elise Howe is a devoted wife and musician currently living in NYC, though she will always be a midwestern gal at heart. You can find out more about her here.

If nothing else, these men that followed Jesus had a zeal for Him that is hard to match. Jonah, in the First Reading, inspires the city of Nineveh to convert their hearts to Lord, turning back His wrath for their sinful ways. The apostles we encounter in today’s Gospel were out busy fishing for their livelihood and they dropped everything to follow Him. Are we that zealous? Are we willing to proclaim God's message loudly and proudly in order to convert hearts? Are we willing to drop whatever He is asking of us to come follow Him? This also happens to be the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. Saint Paul was anything but saintly when he first encountered Jesus. In fact, he was probably one of Jesus’ biggest enemies. He was throwing people left and right into jail who said they were Christ’s followers. But when he was struck by grace on the road to Damascus, all that changed in an instant. His zeal made a one-eighty and was converted into whole-hearted support for the Lord’s work. He gave everything he had to Jesus with an enthusiasm that is difficult to replicate. His missions to foreign lands, the words he leaves us in his epistles, all filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Saint Paul gave all he had to become an instrument of the Lord. He turned all his gifts into instruments of the Lord’s work. He proclaimed Christ in all He did—thoughts, words, and actions. Can I claim the same in my own life? We, of course, do all things through Christ who strengthens us, but it takes an active response on our part to His calling. When we turn our hearts toward Him, offering all we have to His service, He will do wonderful things with that offering. The soul infused with the Holy Spirit’s power can do mighty things. Are you zealous for Jesus? How do you live out this zeal in your day-to-day? photo credit Laurel Muff is a creator and appreciator of beautiful things. She resides with her husband and daughters in Northern California. You can find more about her here.

Is it just me, or does this time of year tend to feel a little disappointing? The holidays are over, the days are dark, and the winter seems to stretch on with no end in sight. To add to the disappointment, this is the time of year that most of us start to flake out on our new year’s resolutions. Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that we were ringing in the New Year and making all kinds of promises to ourselves that we were going to try harder, be better, and make a new start? How’s that new start working out? Does it still feel new? I think I can relate a little bit to the new Christians that the author of Hebrews was exhorting in today’s First Reading. They had converted from Judaism to the very newly established Christianity, and maybe after the initial high and excitement, this new faith was starting to get hard. They were encountering persecution, and reverting back to Judaism was probably looking pretty appealing. But the author of Hebrews tells them: Don’t go back! We don’t need the old way, the old covenant, with all its rituals and endless sacrifices, because Jesus has given Himself, “his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” But what does this mean for us? We live in a society that puts a lot of emphasis on The New: new cars, new clothes, new body, new techy gadgets. It’s easy to feel that pull, to want to be new and exciting, and to become dissatisfied with our own lives. Sometimes we get stuck in our own sort of “old covenant,” repeating vain rituals over and over again to try to find happiness and newness. But Jesus made ONE sacrifice—His own life, the redemption from our sin. It’s the only thing that can make us new. Thanks be to God, we get to participate in that ONE perfect sacrifice every time we go to Mass. We get to drink the very blood that paid our ransom and makes us clean. So how about this for a new New Year's resolution? I resolve to rest in Jesus, and let His sacrifice make me new, all over again. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Co. 5:17 ESV) Am I relying on what the world has to offer to make me new? Or on Jesus Christ? photo credit Anna Coyne is a wife, mother, knitter, gardener, and convert to the Catholic faith. Read more about her here.

The Letter to the Hebrews, written to Christian Jews, beautifully ties the promises of the Old Testament to the coming of Christ. God promised a new covenant, unlike that that the Israelites broke, one with laws that change hearts, not just the written laws. He extends His hand to His chosen people and says that they have another chance. They have another chance to accept and live out His covenant, and many of them do. We, too, are given so many chances. After receiving undeserved forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession the other day, I reflected on how little faith I have. If I had more faith, I would not confess the same things every time I go. I would be more constant in prayer. I would kneel before the Eucharist with more love. This time I knelt with a sense of awe and humility. I sensed the power of God, His justice, His mercy, His steadfastness. I felt my own small attempts to follow Him, to be kind to my husband and children on a daily basis were not getting me far. I need a deeper transformation. I need a life long transformation. But it is so easy to become comfortable where I am. I forget that the laws have been written on my heart. It is the fact that they are there that draws me back to God. The indelible mark of Baptism will never go away. My restless heart draws me back to God, and He is waiting there. He is always steadfast. We must always live in such a way that reflects the law written on our hearts. In what ways do we still need transformation? In prayer, we must surrender ourselves before our steadfast God and be changed. How can I draw back closer to God today? photo credit Susanna Spencer once studied theology and philosophy, but now happily cares for her three adorable little girls and her dear husband. You can find out more about her here.

In today’s Gospel, we meet up with Jesus the Rock Star—the One who attracted people by the multitudes. People were undoubtedly hearing about Jesus’ astounding abilities to heal all manner of illness and decided to check it out for themselves. Significantly, in Christ’s day, various ailments were considered punishment for sinful behavior: ". . . who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2) Those with inferior physical or mental capabilities were shunned and cut off from community. To be healed meant much more than just restoration in body and spirit—it meant reunion with family, friends, and society. Healing meant wholeness, in every sense of the word. And so, because of His proven gift for restoration of body and spirit, the crowds came. And kept coming. All those suffering souls likely flocked to His physical presence in frenzied, Beatlemania-like proportions. Amazingly, even the unclean spirits recognized the majesty and Kingship of Who Jesus Christ truly was, as evidenced by falling down before Him, declaring, “You are the Son of God!” But . . . unclean spirits only existed in His time . . . right? If only that were so, my friends. Since “The Fall,” evil has existed in our world. Human beings have been falling and sinning and then falling countless times more. One only need scan the latest headlines to realize that evil still exists in the here and now. In fact, Mother Church reminds us to pray today for the protection of unborn children specifically in response to the greatest evil of our age. Tragically, since 1973, over 57 million lives have been lost and countless more wounded due to the scourge of abortion. In Jesus’ time, thousands sought healing in the midst of their pain and affliction. They sought Him. And, over and over again, Jesus welcomed them, touched and healed them; He loved them without condition and showered them with mercy. Today, how do we, as Christian women, manifest God’s loving and merciful presence to the “lepers” who may cross our paths? Do we offer an encouraging word, a helping hand, and a fervent prayer as we were able, or do we secretly believe certain people are “too far gone” for God’s healing power? The guy on Death Row. The militant atheist. The career abortion clinic worker. Jesus turned His back to no one. May we always follow His lead and open our hearts to all God’s children. photo credit Heather Anderson Renshaw is currently not drinking enough [coffee] to keep up with her five young kiddos in the Pacific Northwest. You can find out more about her here.

“M-m-m-m-m-o-o-o-m-m-m!” shouted the young girl to her mother as she attempted to hit her older brother in the arm, “He keeps staring at me! Make him go sit in the corner!” We’ve all seen it. And by “it” I mean we’ve all seen a child—maybe even our own—tattletale on a sibling or friend. The motivating factor behind this act of tattling could range from trying to receive special attention to wanting to play with a particular toy, but ultimately, the tattletaler seeks to shine negative light on the one they are tattling on. In today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees are exhibiting classic tattletale-esque behaviors as we read: And they watched him, to see whether he would heal him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him . . . . The Pharisees went out, and immediately held counsel with the Hero'dians against him, how to destroy him. This is one of several encounters we read about in the Gospels where attempts are made to destroy Jesus. Whether it’s for healing a crippled woman (Luke 13: 10-18) or a man on the sabbath (Luke 14: 1-6), Jesus’ works are constantly scrutinized by the Pharisees. And it doesn’t seem fair. It doesn’t seem fair that the Son of God should be ridiculed for doing good, and it doesn’t seem fair that the Son of God should have to suffer for speaking the truth. But He was. And the ridiculing continues today. Perhaps you’ve experienced a moment in your life when you felt attacked because of your faith. Or perhaps you’ve even ridiculed another because of his or her religious beliefs or cultural norms. Whatever side of the ridiculing you’ve been on, it doesn’t feel good, and it is not the way Jesus would want us to act. And so my challenge for you today is to be fearless when it comes to defending your faith and to respect those around you. Saint John Paul II offers insight for how to live this way with his words: Do not be afraid to be the saints of the new millennium! Be contemplative, love prayer; be coherent with your faith and generous in the service of your brothers and sisters, be active members of the Church and builders of peace. To succeed in this demanding project of life, continue to listen to His Word, draw strength from the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Penance. Be fearless in defending your faith. photo credit Joan Nagel is a Registered Dietitian, and in her spare time she can be found reading, writing, and drinking coffee. You can find out more about her here.

Sometimes it feels like I'm living my own version of Alexander's Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. That day that everything goes wrong—you over-do it on the sleep and under-cook the food. Nothing you say is coming out right and nothing is turning the way you planned. Those are the days I just want to throw in the towel and stop trying all together just to see how long we could function if I stopped trying so hard. I'm sure I'm not alone in pouncing on a friend or spouse the moment they walk in the door for affirmation that whatever I did that day was instantly notice and affirmed; particularly on the days when hours of work cleaning, errand running, or play childcare defense has gone full circle and ended up exactly where we started by dinner time. I've seen that confused look on my husband's face a few times when I demanded immediate gratification for the obvious work I had done that day even though I knew that despite a day's work, I was right back where I had started. Today, give those around you a break—don't ask for that affirmation from your spouse or on social media. Do exactly what you want and need to get done; see to your needs and the needs of others around you just like you would any other day. But, just for today turn your thoughts inward. Search for that anchor of the soul in God, the One who sees all that you're doing and the love and intention in your heart as clear as day. Remember that He sees your hard work whether it's in the home or outside it, whether it's with the young, the old or those just like you. He has promised you the greatest affirmation you could possibly receive and He will not overlook your work. What you are doing is important, what you are doing matters, and what you are doing will be rewarded. Seek affirmation in God. photo credit Molly Walter is a wife, mother and homemaker (with a pesky job outside the home). She writes at Molly Makes Do about making the life she wants with the life she's been given. You can find out more about her here.

Jesus was always in the hot spot with the Pharisees. They delighted at any opportunity to criticize him. Today it's the lack of fasting. Tomorrow it's the healing people of their sins. And yet He always, of course, has the ultimate comeback, each and every time. When God is with us, we should rejoice! He is here and the old ways are changing fast. He doesn't fit the old mold. He's a new cloth, new wine. What are we in this scenario? I think to my own stubborn legalistic ways. As a child, the fourth of five, I had a finely tuned conscience. Older sister and younger brother playing thumb war at Mass? Oh, you bet I told on them quick as I could. I was all of, what, five years old? Six? Friends drinking in high school? Couldn't bear to be there. Always the good girl. Always the rule stickler. And when I had my fair share of mistakes in college and idiocy, self-forgiveness was harder than going to confession. Christ couldn't be more right (truer words ne'er spoke) when He says that rigid vessels or fabrics don't take well to change, to newness. Over time, I have learned to be pliable and flexible, through God & my sweet husband's love. But ask my siblings. I'm still the stick-in-the-mud. Transport me back to Christ's time and I'd probably be in the Pharisee's camp. Too blinded by the rules to see the truth. Too concerned with being right and less concerned with being joyful. Too afraid to make that leap to actually really truly believe that Christ is the Redeemer and redemption is available to me. The Bridegroom is here. Let him soften your heart with love. Let go of rigidity and love yourself and the other failed people in your life today. Nell O'Leary is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom to three lovelies. She and her husband live in the great city of Saint Paul. You can find out more about her here.

Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. I love whenever people start talking about the Christian faith as it relates to the body. Unlike so many religions that tend to ignore—or even disdain—our bodies, Christianity talks about resurrecting them. Our God was incarnated. We are the body of Christ. We eat the flesh and drink the blood. Specifically Catholic liturgy seeks to engage the body: sights and sounds and smells. Too often we’re reminded of our bodies negatively: Don’t do this with your body and don’t do that. Gluttony. Lust. Vanity. As though our body is just these troublesome things that we have to lug around everywhere. While it is true that we should guard our bodies from sinful behavior, it’s also important to remember the other side of that coin: your body is a member of Christ. Glorify God with it. In C. S. Lewis’s book The Screwtape Letters—which if you haven’t read, you certainly certainly should—the demon-narrator Screwtape counsels his nephew Wormwood on how to be an effective demon, and he says this: At the very least, they can be persuaded that the bodily position makes no difference to their prayers; for they constantly forget, what you must always remember, that they are animals and that whatever their bodies do affects their souls. Today you will hopefully go to church. And as you bring yourself, physically, into this holy place, remember that you are here to glorify God. Enter the church. Delight in what you hear and smell and taste and see, and let that delight be a prayer of thanksgiving. And for goodness sake, kneel down. Glorify God today with all the senses of your beautiful body. photo by Emily Trutter Kate Rhodes is the wife of a lanky carpenter and mother to two littles. She used to teach English, but then she joined the ranks of SAHMs. You can find out more about her here.

And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ Many times in Scripture the scribes and the Pharisees are the bad guys. They are condescending and sneaky, trying to catch Jesus saying or doing the wrong thing, upset with Him for upsetting their world. But here, in today’s Gospel, I can’t help but empathize with them and wonder if they really were just genuinely and innocently baffled. Why did Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners? Don’t those of us who are trying to walk the walk need a little help and support? Then comes Jesus’ response: He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.' It reminds of a conversation I had with our family doctor during my first child’s six month check-up. I was exhausted, trying to do everything The Right Way, and always feeling like I was failing. As our doctor finished up the appointment he told me, completely unprompted, “You’re a good mom, and you’re doing a great job.” “Do you say that to everyone?” I asked, feeling like he was just trying to be nice in the face of my embarrassingly bad job. “No,” he said matter-of-factly. “I don’t say that to everyone. Not everyone is.” And there it was. Some moms weren’t doing well and needed help, but I was doing a good job and just needed to keep on keeping on. So it is with Christ. Jesus didn’t ignore the Scribes’ question; He wanted to help them understand and see the big picture: The tax collectors and sinners needed much more love, support, and instruction and so Jesus gave that to them knowing that the righteous just needed to keep on doing what they were doing. I don’t know where you are in your life. If you identify more with the sinners, I want to encourage you to see that Christ has made Himself available to you, so please go to Him—in confession, adoration, Mass, and prayer. And I also want to encourage many of you to consider that you are already doing a great job and Christ wants you to keep on keeping on. Keep on doing a great job. photo credit Bonnie Engstrom is a writer, baker, speaker and homemaker. She lives with her husband and five children in central Illinois. You can find out more about her here.

I remember once someone talking about the fervor of the men who tried to get their friend in to see Jesus. The room was full, all surrounding them was full of people and they couldn't get in through any door. Envision that for a minute. There is literally no room. But they had a to find a way. They needed their friend to get in there. So, naturally, they climbed up onto the roof with their very sick friend, and they removed the roof. That is some boldness right there. That is some tenacity right there. That is some determination. What does my faith look like in comparison to those men? Am I bold? Am I tenacious? Am I determined? Hate to break it to you, friends: at most times, no. At most times I'm cowardly or ashamed or I don't step out of myself to care for others in the ways I know I am beckoned to. Am most times I make excuses for my lack of prayer and my lack of fervor for Him. It's my season of life, I just don't have time, and the excuses drone on. To get their paralytic friend to Jesus, these men broke a roof of the place. Literally. They lowered their friend in to get to the Lord who then proceeded to not only forgive his sins, but to heal his infirmities. What could the Lord do for me, if I only reached to him in boldness, in fervor and in determination? Forgive my sins, heal my wounds, reason my sufferings, hold me close. If only I made the time for His word, His presence, His fire to move in me in my life. How easily he would exclaim, "I say to you, rise!" photo credit Jenna Guizar is the wife to an amazing man and mother to three beautiful little girls. You can find out more about her here.

One of my favorite Bible stories growing up as a child was the story of the Israelite's fleeing Egypt and journeying in the desert for 40 years Exodus. I was amazed by the powerful ways God worked among the people and and made Himself known to them. It made the greatness of God come alive. I felt such awe and wonder for what our God was capable of. As I have grown in faith, I realize how similar I am to the chosen people of Israel; especially when they wandered in the desert for 40 years. Because of their sinful ways and hard hearts, they wandered for 40 years before God saw them purified and fit to enter into the Promised Land of Canaan. But they certainly were not the happiest of happy campers during those 40 years! They grumbled to Moses, complained about lack of food and water, and even told Moses at one point they wish they had never left Egypt?! That sounds crazy for a people who were in bondage for hundreds of years. But it's true, and you know what, it is no different for each of us. Sometimes in the middle of our own greatest sufferings and trials, we grumble and complain against God just like the Israelites. We wish our burdens were not so heavy and we can often feel alone, lost and unsure of God's presence with us. It is easy to see the goodness of God when we are in the Promised Land, but much harder when were are wandering in the deserts of our own lives. Are you wandering in the desert in your own life? Though it is difficult and painful, take heart! Just as the Israelite's time of wandering came to an end, so to for your own. God leads us into the desert to purify our hearts and to teach us a valuable lesson. Will you allow God to use difficulties to strengthen and change you? Or will you harden your heart like Israel? Spend ten minutes in silence today. In the quiet of your heart, reflect and think about the greatest suffering and trials you have experienced; your own desert. Talk about them with Jesus; be honest. Can you find goodness in the difficulty? Can you see you see the hand of God at work, even when you are wandering in the desert? And always, always remember we have to go through the desert to experience the goodness and glory of the Promised Land. Go through the desert within and get to His promised land. photo credit Patty Hubbard is a new-ish wife finishing grad school, working in youth ministry, and learning to cook more than your average Lean Cuisine. You can find out more about her here.

There's a lot of talk about demons in today's readings. Being possessed by demons, talking to demons, driving out demons . . . . We don't exactly walk around these days witnessing sidewalk exorcisms. But spiritual warfare is still alive and well. In the Biblical era, when God was so publicly revered, these demons often needed to be "seen" to stand a chance. But in today's society where God is often both rejected and sought to be made invisible, these demons—and indeed Satan himself—are happy to also remain invisible while carrying out their ghastly work. The more obscure the “ideas” of God and Satan become in our society, the easier it is for Satan to fly under the radar. And from the advent of moral relativism to the denial that hell and Satan even exist, it's clear that the Prince of Darkness and his legions are quietly yet absolutely getting somewhere. But there is good news! God wins in the end. His Word says so. We see what happens in today's readings every time the demons and humans encounter Jesus. The demons hate it, because they have no choice but to bow to His authority and be banished back to hell. And the people? They are saved. They are healed. They are restored. Sisters, the same happens whenever the powers of darkness encounter God's presence in us. With God on our team, we’re more powerful than the evil that tempts us. Always. In her autobiography, Story of a Soul, Saint Therese of Lisieux talks about a powerful dream she had as a very young girl. She dreamed she was walking in her garden when she saw two little "devils." Suddenly they cast their flaming eyes on me, but just at the same time, looking more scared than I was, they jumped off the barrel and went and hid in the laundry that was just across the way. . . . I think that God allowed me to remember it in order to prove to me that a soul in the state of grace has nothing to fear from demons, who are cowards, capable of running from a child’s glance. The key, friends, is acknowledging both the reality of spiritual warfare and the absolute authority of Jesus. Satan will always be trying to slip through the cracks at our weak points, but Jesus will always be ready and willing to stand between as our defender, ready to banish the forces of evil from our sight. We just have to speak His name. What temptations are you weakest in trying to resist? Don't let Satan get away with it! Try to go to Reconciliation sometime this week (or at least schedule it!), knowing that the forces of darkness will be terrified of your soul in a state of grace. And anytime you feel especially tempted, speak the name of Jesus and know that evil will have no choice but to flee at the authority of His name! Speak His Name. photo credit Megan Hjelmstad is a wife, mom, writer and former soldier whose real passion is equal parts faith and chocolate. You can find out more about her here.

Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former base condition by sinning. Remember who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Never forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of the Kingdom of God. - Pope Leo the Great What an awesome responsibility! Anytime I feel greatly the threat of temptation, these words of Pope Leo the Great kick me back on track, inciting me to fight the good fight in the battle against sin. Christ came to earth, lowered Himself to a state lower than the angels, and died just for you. He came because He loves you and He wants you to share in all the amazing glory that He has prepared for you when you return to Him. The word “pioneer” comes from the Old French peonier—the word for “foot soldier.” A foot soldier is one who paves the way, who digs out the trenches in preparation for the oncoming army to properly fight their battle. Christ is our peonier—the “pioneer of [our] salvation.” Through His death on the Cross, He has prepared the way, He has dug out the trenches, so that we are able to effectively challenge the Evil One and be successful on the path to Heaven. But “pioneer” has another and deeper meaning. (The original Latin and Greek give a better sense of this deeper meaning.) A "pioneer" is the author of the plan. Christ is the author of our salvation. He has written and paved the path for us to follow. Christ is the source and summit of our salvation! Thank Him for this awesome gift! When He has given so much to us that we may be co-heirs of eternal life, how can we not respond? How is God calling you today to fight the good fight? photo credit Laurel Muff is a creator and appreciator of beautiful things. She resides with her husband and daughters in Northern California. You can find more about her here.

"And immediately they left their nets and followed him." Every time I hear this Gospel passage I always wonder, "What happened after they dropped their nets to follow Jesus? Did they ever regret the decision or second guess themselves? What did their families and friends think? What happened where the story ends?" This one sentence is so provoking and challenging for us who truly strive to follow Jesus in our daily lives. When Jesus called them, they immediately left and followed him. I know in my life when the Lord calls me or wants me to do something, I often get fearful and anxious right away. I start to ask questions like, "Okay, but how will this end up? What if it gets hard or I can't do it? What if I feel I cannot go on and want to give up?" I struggle with answering the call of Jesus in my life. But I think deep down I struggle because I doubt myself and I am afraid of suffering. I don't trust the path Jesus has already paved ahead for me. Each of us is on a journey. God has placed YOU in this world in this specific time of history for a mission and purpose. When Jesus calls you to more deeply fulfill it, what is your response? Are you like those humble fishermen who literally left it all to answer the call of God on their lives? Or do second guess yourself, fearful of all what this may entail? Why do we hesitate with Jesus? Take five or ten minutes of quiet today. Turn off the phone. Close your eyes. Sit in a comfortable chair. Ask Jesus what holds you back from immediately answering His call on your life. Allow the Lord to strengthen and reassure you. Following Jesus is never easy, but when we can identify what holds us back from answering His call, we can experience greater freedom and joy in Him. photo by Emily Trutter Patty Hubbard is a new-ish wife finishing grad school, working in youth ministry, and learning to cook more than your average Lean Cuisine. You can find out more about her here.

When I was little, I aspired to be what most little girls long to be: a mermaid. I would play like a fish in the pool or ocean during the summers, and I would frequently have relatives time how long I could hold my breath underwater. I had true goals to increase my lung capacity to the point where I could breathe under water. Aim high, right? Anyway, during these attempts to defy normal human capacity, I would plunge myself under the water and allow myself to float there calmly as I tried to beat my previous records. I would wait, and wait, and wait until I knew I couldn't hold out much longer. Once I reached my limit, I would vigorously emerge from the depths of the water and break the surface, feeling the sunshine on my face once again and the light piercing my closed eyes. There was something thrilling and relieving about coming up for air. And the same has proven true in my life ever since. There are times in my life when I'm deeply submerged into the darkness of the water, spiritually speaking. There are moments when it seems that breathing is impossible, when I'm not sure where the surface is, or when I can't see the light. There are days when I feel that I'm flailing about without any progress in the midst of stormy waters. Yet without fail, when I call upon the Lord to rescue me, to take me by hand, He pulls me out of the waters and into the light of day. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would set the captives free and release the prisoners. Jesus did just that during His time on earth. He gave sight to the blind and set the tormented free from their inner prisons. He's doing the same thing today. He rescues us from our own dungeons, floods our darkness with His light, gives air to our weary lungs and warmth to our cold faces. He is the one who draws us out of the darkness of the deep and into the light of new life. But we have to let Him. We can tend to be stubborn and refuse to be rescued. We can try to find our way to the surface on our own. We can convince ourselves that we are able to catch out breath without any help. That gets us nowhere fast. So if you find yourself covered by deep and dark waters, look to Light Himself. Call upon the Lord and allow Him to draw you from the depths and into His glorious light. photo credit Olivia Spears is a middle school religion teacher turned SAHM who is married to her high school best friend. You can find out more about her here.