First Reading: Ephesians 4:32–5:8 Brothers and sisters: Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. So do not be associated with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6 R. (see Eph. 5:1) Behave like God as his very dear children. Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night. R. Behave like God as his very dear children. He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. R. Behave like God as his very dear children. Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. R. Behave like God as his very dear children. Gospel: Luke 13:10-17 Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him. NAB “She was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.” It’s possible she didn’t even see Jesus there. But He saw her. And He called out her healing. More often than not, I am that woman. I’m bent over, turned inwards, so focused on the ground that I don’t see the sky. I get tunnel vision and all I can see are the things that are going wrong, and I fail to see all the things that are just amazingly wonderful, beautiful, and true. I’m short sighted and I cannot see the bigger picture. The last few years my family has been through a few challenges. In three years time, we will have moved three times. Due to a variety of circumstances, we haven’t found a steady place to live. On top of that we got a big surprise in the way of a new tiny soul that will be joining our family this winter. Sometimes the weight of it all is so heavy that I am bent over, eyes on the ground. It’s easy for me to let myself get so wrapped up in the discouraging that I fail to see the gift. It can be really, really hard to see how He is working in the midst of this. I want to be that woman at the end of the story. I want to look at everything and see His glory in it. I want to be able to look at good things and see His work. I want to look at trials and see how He can use it to transform. He sees me. He sees you. He sees our burdens, and in His great affection and mercy He calls out the healing words: “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” [bctt tweet="He sees our burdens, & in His great mercy He calls out the healing words: “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”"] How is your burden today? Are you able to look up? Can you connect with a sister or friend or make it to Adoration to connect more intimately with Our Lord? Jacqueline Skemp is a daughter, sister, wife and mother who endures living in Minnesota after leaving California for her one true love. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. The LORD redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --greedy, dishonest, adulterous--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” NAB God shows up. Many of us can point to moments of Divine Intervention in our lives or our families. It could be a series of perfectly synchronized events or someone who spoke precisely what we needed to hear; Heaven came down to touch our little portion of the Earth and forever changed it. As a member of a religious order, my sisters and I have the amazing gift of being able to make an annual eight-day silent retreat. One of the life-changing insights I received on one of these annual retreats was, as most spiritual keys, very simple: expect God to answer. You and I are reading this devotional because we want to hear God. That’s what prayer is for. Prayer is the practice of learning to listen to God. It’s allowing God to calibrate our hearts to know and love Him in every present moment. It’s allowing God to tune our hearts to hear the song He is singing. What does the song sound like? It sounds like our First Reading today. It is that consistent, gentle yet strong assurance God speaks throughout Sacred Scripture, “Behold, I am with you.” The spiritual life, then, with all of its varied practices (lectio divina, rosaries, litanies, meditation) aims at enabling us to hear again and again, “I am with you” and “I am listening to you.” Shortly after I entered the convent, the Lord powerfully underscored this lesson in my life. I had been devastated by something that happened to someone I admired in the Church. I pleaded with God, How could this happen under the gaze of the eternally good, knowing God?” Even though I spoke with my formators and friends, I was waiting for God. I wanted Him to speak to the situation. One evening, while again praying through tears, I heard the His clear and gentle response: “I am with you.” I felt His nearness and realized that He was also mourning. This is a moment in which Heaven reached down and saved me, and it will forever be a source of strength for me. It’s not a thousand-page theological treatise, but I know it was Him because He pierced dissipated the clouds of my heart. God is near, and we can rest assured our sincere prayers pierce the clouds of Heaven. [bctt tweet="God is near, and we can rest assured our sincere prayers pierce the clouds of Heaven."] Let us together pray today, “You are my rock, my fortress, my deliverer . . . I stand firm.” Sister Maria Kim Bui is a Daughter of Saint Paul, women religious dedicated to evangelization in and through the media. She is originally from Tempe, AZ, spent most of her fourteen years in religious life in the northeast, and is part of a bilingual evangelization team of sisters serving in Texas. Find out more about her here.

First Reading: Ephesians 4:7-16 Brothers and sisters: Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it says: He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men. What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood to the extent of the full stature of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4AB, 4CD-5 R. (1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD. R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Gospel: Luke 13:1-9 Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them– do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’” NAB If I’m being perfectly honest with you, sisters, the parable of the fig tree in today’s Gospel reading from Saint Luke is one I have at times struggled with understanding. I think the lens I find it most helpful to look through is to recognize myself, my life, as the fig tree. With that perspective I can ask: will the One who gave me life see the fruits of my life when He comes? Am I bearing fruit for the Lord? We hear in the First Reading that we are called to different vocations and ways of life: "And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers." God gifted each of us uniquely and intentionally, and we will be judged by how we bear fruit from those gifts. The more we have been given, the more will be expected of us, and the more fruit our fig tree should bear. As we know, the fig tree that bears fruit will be saved. Heaven forbid we end up a fig tree cut down! How is your life bearing fruit for the Lord, sister? What does that look like for you? I find it helpful to evaluate whether my smaller decisions are going to be fruitful. Too often I say “yes!” to an opportunity or a commitment without stopping to consider whether or not my yes will bear fruit—beautiful, life-giving fruit—for the Lord, and for my family or friends, not just for myself. These little decisions are the branches. They ultimately make up the fig tree of a lifetime. To see an example of a fruitful life, we need look no further than Saint John Paul II, whose feast we celebrate today. I imagine many of you reading this devotion could share your own personal stories of how this saint has played a role in your life, how his life, his words, his witness have inspired you. The fruits of his life, his fig tree, have fed us and nourished our souls. They have led us to Jesus and His sweetness. That’s part of the beauty of living a life that bears fruit. We cannot begin to understand the ways our fruits might nourish others. A tiny seed from the fruit of your life might lead someone else to plant a fig tree in their soul. Saint Paul speaks so beautifully in his letter to the Ephesians about our call as Christians: Living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body […] brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love. Praise God for this opportunity, sisters. Let’s not miss it. [bctt tweet="How is your life bearing fruit for the Lord, sister? // @inendlesssong"] May our lives be ever more fruitful—to bring glory to God, Creator and Life-giver, and to Jesus, in whom we are one Body. Elise Howe is a devoted wife, momma, and musician currently living in NYC, though she will always be a midwestern gal at heart. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6 Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4AB, 5-6 R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. Gospel: Luke 12:54-59 Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” NAB In the early days of motherhood it happened almost every day. Now, a little less often. My children would take a nasty fall, but before letting the tears fall, they would first look around to see if they should rub some dirt in it, or succumb to the tears. But here’s a newsflash: grownups do it, too. We find ourselves in a situation, often tricky, but before we react we look to those around us to decide our reaction. Maybe it’s at Bible study, when the gossip about a member starts. You know you should walk away, but the girlfriend next to you chimes in, so you follow her lead. Or, perhaps your child makes a questionable post on social media, just like his friends, but none of the other moms say anything, so you remain silent. That last girls’ night out, the group starts making plans to see 50 Shades Darker. You hesitate and before you know it, you’re joining the group. Y’all. You KNOW the truth. You FEEL His love. Yet, you doubt. We all do it. We all look around at the secular world for our reaction when really, we should be looking upward and inward. If the Holy Spirit created you, He resides in you. Never doubt your instinct, it’s almost always divinely inspired. I’m not encouraging you to be the righteous police. Lord knows we have enough of those. I’m encouraging us all to do one simple thing. Lead with love. Always. As Saint Paul urges us in the First Reading today, “[L]ive in a manner of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love . . . . ” When you let your love of God reside within, you’re slower to criticize, quicker to praise and poised to love. [bctt tweet="When you let your love of God reside within, you're poised to love. // @kwhitaker96"] Today, go be the light someone needs. Not because you’re holier, but because your Beloved loves you. Kathryn Whitaker and her husband, Scott, have 6 awesome kids, teen to toddler. She is a former public relations consultant turned freelance graphic designer, party planner, organizer, and preemie advocate who hails from the Lone Star state. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21 Brothers and sisters: I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 R. (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Gospel: Luke 12:49-53 Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” NAB There is a lot going on in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians today, and it is easy to just let the eyes gloss over and move onto the Psalm, and then dwell on the Gospel where Jesus wants to set the earth a blazing. But we are going to go back and examine Ephesians, because Saint Paul is talking about growing in knowledge of God. So, go back, read it again. I want to focus here: . . . that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. Part of really loving someone is knowing someone. When people become friends it often starts with a lot of discussion about each other: where they grew up, what they do everyday, their hopes, their dreams, their favorite things. It is the same with God. To really love Him, we have to know Him. Saint Paul wants us to comprehend what is “breadth and length and height and depth.” I turned to the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas, to explain this for me. He explains that what we are to comprehend in the “breath and length and height and depth” are not dimensions physically applicable to God, but they are metaphors. Saint Thomas Aquinas says that breadth refers to God’s “extension of his power and divine wisdom over all being.” Or to put it Baltimore Catechism terms, God is all-powerful. We should run to Him for help whenever we need it, and ask for Him to help us accomplish what we cannot do on our own and give us wisdom to know His truths. Length refers to God being eternal: He always was and always will be. He is outside of time and we are in it. Knowing this helps us trust in Him that He always has had us and our needs in mind from all eternity. The word height “denotes the perfection and nobility of his nature which infinitely exceeds all creation.” He is the source of all of creation, and anything that is good in creation comes from Him. We can praise Him for the goodness in creation, and seek to be more like Him as we were made in His image. Depth refers to the “incomprehensibility of his wisdom.” We can only comprehend God’s wisdom according to each of our own abilities, but His grace helps us know Him deeper and better than we ever could on our own. [bctt tweet="To really love Him, we have to know Him."] Take some time to dwell on these perfections of God today, for when we seek to know Him more, we will love Him more. And when we comprehend these things we are aiming to ultimately enjoy God’s presence and know Him intimately. Contemplating these things on earth prepares us for an eternity of happiness. photo credit Susanna Spencer once studied theology and philosophy, but now happily cares for her three adorable little girls, new baby boy, and her dear husband in Saint Paul. She loves beautiful liturgies, cooking delicious meals, baking amazing sweets, reading good books, raising her children, casually following baseball, and talking to her philosopher husband. You can find out more about her here.

Memorial of Saints John de Brebeuf & Isaac Jogues, Priests & Martyrs First Reading: Ephesians 3:2-12 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier. When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power. To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the Church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him. Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6 R. (see 3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation. God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation. Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation. Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation. Gospel: Luke 12:39-48 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” NAB “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” When I was reading through today’s Gospel before writing, this verse I’ve been reflecting on often in the last few months hit me like a ton of bricks. I have been entrusted with so much just by being born an white middle-class American. I didn’t get to choose the family I was born to, but these privileges have entrusted me with a civic duty to my neighbor — locally and globally. What can I do to be a responsible steward of these material gifts? I’ve been working to understand that my lens of the world is limited by my own experience. I must continually work to expand my vision and recognize the value and reality of experiences outside my own. Especially in this election year, as I consider my votes on every level, I’m challenged to consider perspectives beside just my own. How can I participate in this democracy in a way that is as life-giving and respectful as possible? The gift of my baptism has entrusted me with even more. This year, during the Year of Mercy, I’ve continually realized that I will never truly deserve the mercy and love that flows through my life. What can I do to deserve all I have been given? It’s a tall order, but the Works of Mercy are good place to start. As I try to welcome the stranger, pray for the living and the dead, and feed the hungry, I’ve learned again and again just how much mercy I continually need in my own life. I will never be able to account in this life for the gifts God has entrusted to me, so I call on the gift of mercy in this life. I will never earn that mercy that is poured out on my life, but I will do whatever I can to share that gift with others. [bctt tweet="I will never be able to account in this life for the gifts God has entrusted to me. // @br1gid"] It might sound cliche, but take a moment today to count your blessings and reflect on all that you have been given. How can you put your blessings to work in improving the lives of others? photo credit Brigid Hogan is a midwestern graduate student who finds peace in lakes, the Mass, and fiction when she isn’t ensconced in schoolwork. Find out more about her here.

Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17B Beloved: Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18 R. (12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might. R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. Making known to men your might and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom. Gospel: Luke 10:1-9 The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’” NAB I mean no disrespect to Saint Paul, but his letter to Timothy reads more like one of my afternoon text messages to my husband than what we would expect from Sacred Scriptures. Saint Paul writes that this person only cares about himself, that person stabbed him in the back, that coppersmith was a jerk, and—oh yeah!—"When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments." My version would mention which kids have been talking back, the grumpy gas station attendant, and—oh yeah!—"when you come for dinner at my mom's don't forget the kids' pj's, the library books, and especially my wallet." It's nice to be reminded that even the every day is important and can be made sacred. It's nice to see, so plainly illustrated in Scripture, how close friendships are important and that even the greatest preachers and saints were normal people who forgot their coat at a party. How inspiring to see that the mundane little events of life—how we have been hurt in little and big ways, which friends we have been with, what errands we have to run—are important. If you haven't prayed your Morning Offering yet, do so now, inviting Christ into your day to sanctify it, from the sacrificial acts of love to your afternoon s.o.s. text messages. [bctt tweet="I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day..."] Is there a friendship in your life you've been neglecting? Do you need to reconnect with a sister? Make that step today, after your Morning Offering. Sisterhood helps heal. photo of Hatch Prints Morning Offering Mug Bonnie Engstrom is a writer, baker, speaker and homemaker. She lives with her husband and six children in central Illinois. You can find out more about her here.

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr First Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 Brothers and sisters: You were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you once lived following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:1B-2, 3, 4AB, 4C-5 R. (3b) The Lord made us, we belong to him. Sing joyfully to the LORD all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song. R. The Lord made us, we belong to him. Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. R. The Lord made us, we belong to him. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise. R. The Lord made us, we belong to him. Give thanks to him; bless his name, for he is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations. R. The Lord made us, we belong to him. Gospel: Luke 12:13-21 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” NAB I graduated college precisely the year the recession hit. Entering into the workforce with a newly minted degree can be a challenge (especially, I’ve been told, with one in the area of the liberal arts), but what I encountered was beyond frustrating. When I could land a job, it certainly didn’t pay a living wage—no savings, still living with my parents’ house, barely able to make ends meet. When I finally turned the corner, able to venture out on my own and put a few dollars into a savings account each month, I also had to place a check on my heart. I was fearful; I wanted to amass all the dollars I could, which would somehow amount to a savings security blanket that would magically cover me so that I would never be destitute again. I didn’t want to share with a friend who lost all she possessed in a flood. I didn’t want to support a friend who is a single mother and couldn’t afford a box of diapers one month. I didn’t want to use a few dollars to slip out for coffee with a friend who was going through some serious struggles in her family. I had a desire to hoard all the “riches” for myself. Just in case. Unfortunately, I was placing my hope in things, not in the Lord and His provenance. But, sisters, our hope is and should be in the Lord, not in the riches (however little they be) stored up, as we see in today's Gospel reading. The riches, in and of themselves, are not evil—they are necessary and good for survival in this world—but when we place our hope and trust in them, something is off-kilter. We must depend upon God while using the possessions we have been given with a heart of grateful and generous stewardship. Let us not place a higher value on what we possess than our faith in the Lord, nor our compassion and care for others. The surplus we have been given may very well be the gift needed by our neighbor, whatever form it may be. [bctt tweet="Sisters, our hope is and should be in the Lord."] The wealth that God has bestowed on you—little or big—how generous are you with it? 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.

First Reading: Exodus 17:8-13 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses’hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 R. (cf. 2) Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you: indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps, the guardian of Israel. R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand. The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The LORD will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life. The LORD will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever. R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 Beloved: Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. Gospel: Luke 18:1-8 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” NAB It was the fifth day of weeklong beach vacation. Tempers were short, the walls were closing in, and a hurricane was pushing us to pack a day earlier than planned and evacuate ahead of torrential wind and rain. All in all, the perfect setting for a classic vacation fight. So we had one. And I pushed and pulled it into its biggest version yet. That's how I found myself outside in the wind as the rain started to spit, crying and looking at an ominous but awesome sky. That's how I found myself saying right out loud and rather boldly absolutely every prayer of petition I'd held in my heart for the last two years: just one big tired torrent of pleas. And please. Please, God, please. And in the days since that plaintive wail into gusts off the ocean, God has moved with such might and majesty that I'm nearly speechless. Why do we wait so long to ask? Why can't we be the widow from today's Gospel reading who asks and then asks again? And again. And again. She asks over and over because she knows that He hears her and she believes He will answer her. Further, she has faith that He will give her everything she needs exactly when she needs it. And He does. I think that often we don’t have what we want because deep down, we don’t believe that we deserve or will be granted our desires, so we just don’t ask. When we don’t ask, we shut down the dialogue before it can happen. When we don’t ask, we don’t give God the chance to answer. Asking is bold because asking invites God into the places of hearts where desire lives and lets Him shine light there. Asking is creative because we share our vision and then give God the paintbrush. Asking makes us vulnerable and opens us to the possibilities of a Lord who can give so much more than we can imagine. [bctt tweet="Asking is creative because we share our vision + then give God the paintbrush. - @elizabethfoss"] What desires stir your heart but never reach your lips? Whisper them aloud to the Lord, better yet, go outside and shout them into the wind. Then listen. Listen hard. Finally, patiently watch what He does and be amazed. Elizabeth Foss is a wife, the mother of nine, and a grandmother. She finds the cacophony of big family imperfection to be the perfect place to learn to walk in the unforced rhythms of grace. You can learn more about her here.

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church First Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 Brothers and sisters: Hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, I do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the Church, which is his Body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:2-3AB, 4-5, 6-7 R. (7) You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands. O LORD, our LORD, how glorious is your name over all the earth! You have exalted your majesty above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings you have fashioned praise because of your foes. R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands. When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place— What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands. You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet. R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands. Gospel: Luke 12:8-12 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. “Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” NAB Knowledge matters. To know, to really know God, enlightened by His Spirit, matters. It mattered then and it matters now. God gives us the Holy Spirit, who descended on the early Church as fire—a spark in the heart of man to ignite the world. And while we don't stand in a room with visible tongues of flame dancing above our heads just like them can't you just imagine it? It's the same flame and the flame still burns. It still burns for the same purpose—over us and in us, to reveal to us the knowledge of God and to inspire us to His loving will for our lives. To inspire us to greatness, even small, everyday greatness. We don't see it but the flames are still dancing over us. The same One that empowered the Early Church to go into all the world. Their mission is ours now and the flame still burns. So, where are you today? This very day. Where is your field? Who are your people? That Holy Flame is still burning. Close your eyes and feel it. Can you feel it? A great priest I know encourages me often to pray to the Holy Spirit. It's easy for me to forget the Spirit's presence in my life. How beautiful are the words, "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful . . . ." [bctt tweet="That Holy Flame is still burning. Close your eyes and feel it."] Let us pray this today, to see the lit flame of the Spirit and to bid Him come and move us, enkindle in us the fire of your love. "And you will renew the face of the earth." Come. Blythe Fike is the wife of Kirby and mother of 6 smallish kids. She loves the quiet life in small town SoCal. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Ephesians 1:11-14 Brothers and sisters: In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13 R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down; he sees all mankind. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Gospel: Luke 12:1-7 At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees. “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” NAB I hated my hair. Plain brown, not beautiful blond like my friends or stunning auburn like my sister. Messy wavy, not shiny straight or bouncy curls. Boring. Bland. (Even ugly, I hissed.) I did everything I could to change it. Permed it. Curled it. Straightened it. Dyed it. Nothing helped. Then one Saturday I sat in the salon chair while the cheerful stylist chirped about “how highlights could brighten it up!” I realized the truth. My hair matched my face, my skin, and my eyes. It matched me. It never looked better when I tried to change it, because those changes weren't me. I smiled and thanked her and told her I was fine without the highlights. And I was. Because here is the truth in today’s Gospel: we are beloved by God simply because we are. Even the hairs of our head have all been counted. Not one of us has escaped the notice of God. We do not need to do or become anything else to earn God’s love. But Jesus knows humans are consumed by hypocrisy, lies, and fear. He tells the disciples to beware these evils. And then He tells them “do not be afraid”—God’s comforting refrain through all of Scripture. Do not be afraid. You are worth more. Contrary to our culture’s seductive suggestions, you and your body are not projects to be perfected. You are not flaws to be fixed. The second that your life began, deep within darkness, you were—and you were good. Even through your sins, God sees the beauty and goodness of you. As women, we need to remember this. We are made to be cherished, not to be compared. We are made to be celebrated, not to compete. Because we have been created by a loving God who wanted our life to exist and who calls us beloved so we can love in turn. We exist for the praise of God’s glory. We are blessed because we were chosen to be God’s own. We need not be afraid, because we are known and loved by God. Here is the secret I wish I could tell my teenage self. Life is not about our hair—or our bodies, jobs, homes, spouses, children, possessions, or accomplishments. Life is about our existence itself, beloved by God and beautiful to our Creator. [bctt tweet="Life is about our existence itself, beloved by our Creator. // @laurakfanucci"] Look at yourself in the mirror today. Remind yourself that every hair on your head has been counted by your Creator. Speak aloud one beautiful thing you see. Speak a word of love to God who gave you life. Laura Kelly Fanucci is a mother, writer, and theological researcher. She and her husband are raising three little boys in the suburban wilds of Minnesota. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Ephesians 1:1-10 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In Christ we have redemption by his Blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6 R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. The Lord has made known his salvation. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. R. The Lord has made known his salvation. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. R. The Lord has made known his salvation. Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD. R. The Lord has made known his salvation. Gospel: Luke 11:47-54 The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say. NAB When we bought our little house, we had a toddler son and were expecting another baby. Our plan was along the lines of, "Two and we're through." Well, fourteen years, two conversions, and six additional kids later, there are now ten of us living in that same little 1500 square foot house. These days, rather than charming and full of character, our house feels constrictive and messy, if not disastrous. We don't have a garage, so our large front porch houses sports equipment, bicycles, and more shoes than the average person will own in a lifetime. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but oh, the shoes. We've become extremely creative when it comes to bedrooms, especially considering that technically our house only has two. We've made a few offers on bigger houses over the years, but nothing has panned out. Each time I've had peace that we must be meant to stay put. I'm usually very good at making the best out of every situation, especially the small house situation. But recently, I've started hitting a wall. I can't seem to manage our space anymore. Despite my ongoing efforts to battle clutter and unessential material things, we are exploding out of this house. My kids are growing up, my oldest three being teenage boys. There are days when I stand at the kitchen counter with tears of frustration running down my face and I beg God, "Please, save me!" I'm sure He appreciates my dramatics. Sometimes it feels like the walls are caving in as I see the mess of our family life in every direction all to the tune of my kids arguing in the next room. I worry that I can't be the mom I want to be because I'm so distracted by the chaos of my environment. I want the material blessings: the bigger house, one with a garage, maybe a basement for storing off-season clothing, another bedroom or two. What I truly need though, are the spiritual blessings. Thankfully, these are promised. As the First Reading tells us, He has "blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens." He lavishes His grace upon us. No matter our living situation, His grace will be sufficient. Maybe we will get the house. Actually, I'm talking about a very real house (one that we just may be able to buy this time). But if it doesn't work out, yet again? I pray that my eyes will see the abundance of His blessings, and not my lack of storage space. [bctt tweet="He lavishes His grace upon us, and it will be sufficient."] Do you find yourself turning to despair in your circumstances? Is frustration impeding your ability to spot your blessings? Re-read this epistle. Let the words sink into you. Believe them. Trust them. Ginny Sheller lives in a little old house in Virginia with her husband and eight children. They keep bees, goats, and chickens and rarely have a clean house or a quiet moment. She knits everyday to maintain sanity. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Galatians 5:18-25 Brothers and sisters: If you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6 R. (see Jn 8:12) Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night. R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. Gospel: Luke 11:42-46 The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.” NAB Saint Paul is not one to mince words. He just lays out the fact that the “works of the flesh” will keep us away from the Kingdom of God—immorality, impurity, hatred, jealousy, acts of selfishness, etc. There was a time in my life when I was not living as I ought and was giving into my passions and desires. When I finally hit bottom, I called out to God. I distinctly remember kneeling at the foot of my bed sobbing because I hated what I had become and wanted nothing more than to leave that old life behind and embrace a new life in Christ. The next day I woke up feeling a shift within me but I also realized that living a life of Christ was more than just avoiding these sins. Saint Paul emphasized that now that we live in the Spirit, we also follow the Spirit. We become a new person that embodies the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That is a tall order! I don’t know about you, but all these fruits do not come naturally to me. It has been nearly two decades since that night I knelt by my bed and while many of the old sins have been laid to rest, there is the constant battle (as my kids would say) to give into the dark side. Even things that seem “good” to others can be motivated by the wrong attitude. In the Gospel, Jesus was reprimanding the Pharisees for their adherence to all the outwards acts of the Law, while in their hearts there was no love. I can’t help but reflect to see if I ever have the same attitude. I think on the times I've gone to Mass or said my prayers but more out of habit than to really stop and reconnect with God. Or when I spoke sweetly to my kids in public but lost my temper in the house where no one watching. Can you relate with stories from your life? God loves us despite our failings but He is not content to let us coast in our faith. We are continuously being challenged and given opportunities to weed out sin and grow in virtue. He gives us the grace to truly live in the Spirit and follow the Spirit. [bctt tweet="We are always being challenged & given opportunities to weed out sin & grow in virtue."] Which fruit of the Holy Spirit do you struggle with the most? Today intentionally work on building that fruit in your life. Bobbi Rol is a wife, a mama of four and a blogger learning to love God in the midst of dishes, laundry and swinging light sabers. You can find out more about her here. Save

First Reading: Galatians 5:1-6 Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I declare to every man who has himself circumcised that he is bound to observe the entire law. You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48 R. (41a) Let your mercy come to me, O Lord. Let your mercy come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise. R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord. Take not the word of truth from my mouth, for in your ordinances is my hope. R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord. And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord. And I will walk at liberty, because I seek your precepts. R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord. And I will delight in your commands, which I love. R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord. And I will lift up my hands to your commands and meditate on your statutes. R. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord. Gospel: Luke 11:37-41 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” NAB To which part of our bodies is our attention to cleanliness? And, if we’ve acknowledged that it’s the outside, will its cleanliness ever be enough to override the filth inside? God cares about our souls. Yes, taking care of ourselves is important. And, I’ll admit that when I try to keep my outside clean and presentable (and sometimes even going the extra mile for the special occasion), I typically feel better. Yet, when my insides pain me because of sin, there is nothing I can do to my outsides that pulls me from those feelings of despair. The funny thing is, it takes a lot more work to pretty our insides. But, we never have to do it alone. In fact, we cannot do it all alone. “. . . [A]s to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” By the power of His mercy, and the grace He bestows in the Sacraments, we are made clean as often as we seek to be. Today is the feast of Saint Damien, a priest who spent his life tending to the “unclean,” the “filthy” in the eyes of the world. Those deemed untouchable by society were the very people Saint Damien sought to help. My guess is that he could see through the outsides of those lepers, into the inner chambers of their souls, where the only cleanliness that matters shown brightly. [bctt tweet="Just as you are made clean, I imagine the outsides will sing of the beauty of your soul." username="blessedisshe__"] Do you feel untouchable? Are you having a day when examining the depths of your insides and coming clean again seems unfathomable? If you are, take a minute to reflect on our Psalm, and slowly say the words, “Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.” He will not forsake you. His mercy will flow, and as He has promised, He will make you clean again. And just as you are made clean, I imagine the outsides, which He made too, will sing of the beauty of your soul. Britt Fisk is the wife of Jeremy and mother of five young kids. She spends her days living simply in the-middle-of-nowhere-New Mexico helping with the family beef cattle operation. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1 Brothers and sisters: It is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman. The son of the slave woman was born naturally, the son of the freeborn through a promise. Now this is an allegory. These women represent two covenants. One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman. For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113:1B-2, 3-4, 5A AND 6-7 R. (see 2) Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forever. R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD; above the heavens is his glory. R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. Who is like the LORD, our God, who looks upon the heavens and the earth below? He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever. Gospel: Luke 11:29-32 While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.” NAB There have been times in my life when I've wanted signs. When I prayed for weeks and months concerning school choices, while I discerned my vocation, where I earnestly sought God's will. But I've also wanted signs when I was in difficult circumstances and the signs I wanted painted in bold, neon lettering went something like, "Don't worry about this choice, do what feels good! All that stuff the Church teaches (about sexuality, what practicing the faith entails, politics, how we treat other people) doesn't apply to you!" I wanted a sign that spoke only to me, that gave me secret information which let me off the hook of following Church teaching. I'm reminded of this temptation when reading today's Gospel. I think this human desire to get around God's law, Church teachings, and surrendering in obedience to God's will is similar to what Jesus is talking about in this passage. Jesus is talking to people who want a big sign, something that makes it impossible to walk away from what God wants, something that makes faith unnecessary, but at the same time I feel like they want a different sign than the repentance Jonah once preached to the people of Ninevah. We want new signs for our times. We want to reinvent the spiritual wheel more often than not. It's hard to realize at times that Christ's teachings two thousand years ago still apply to us. It's humbling to acknowledge that the Church has carried Christ's teachings from the time of His death to now in a seamless, developed, coherent system that speaks to all of us. If I have a problem, the Church has given me guidance in some way. There are no new problems or new answers. Christ's signs and promises still stand and are available to us through the Church, a treasure trove of wisdom and insight into how to be human and how to relate to God. But hearing those answers, accepting them into our hearts, and living them are often much harder and time consuming than a new sign from the heavens. [bctt tweet="Christ's signs and promises still stand and are available to us through the Church." username="blessedisshe__"] What problem in our life right now do we wish there was an easy answer to? Ask God to open your heart to His word and love, to give you His wisdom, and the grace and courage to follow His will, no matter what His answer may be. Christy Isinger is the mom to five lovely, loud children living in the Canadian wilds. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 2 Kings 5:14-17 Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of Elisha, the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy. Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before Elisha and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant.” Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it;” and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused. Naaman said: “If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands: break into song; sing praise. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Gospel: Luke 17:11-19 As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” NAB Making my way through a dark time in my life, days seemed heavy and full of the pain of regret, loss, and heartache. Painstakingly putting one leaden foot in front of the other was the only way I could make it through each day. At some point in the midst of this storm, a grace-filled idea came to me: count your blessings. So I took up pen and paper, at the end of every day, and I searched out those blessings—despite it being difficult at first to recognize them—and gave thanks to God for those moments when His love was still managing to shine through. This practice became easier as the days passed. Rejoicing in these singular moments of grace, I desired to see more of them and was better able to recognize His loving care woven throughout my days. My hope returned. The recognition of His presence in my life lifted me from the fog of despair and back into the light of hope. In today’s Gospel, only one of the ten who were cleansed returns to give thanks for the gift of his healing. Jesus recognizes this man’s graciousness as a result of faith. The gift of faith gives us eyes to see God at work in our lives. An attitude of gratitude allows us to stay present to His Presence. Jesus leads us by example at the Last Supper: "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”(Luke 22:19, RSV) The Eucharist, instituted in this moment, comes from the Greek word, eucharisteo, which means “to give thanks.” Therefore we can recognize Christ’s presence in the Eucharist as a continual “giving thanks” to God. Maintaining a spirit of gratitude draws us closer to Him. It is an antidote against despair, hopelessness, greed, bitterness, discouragement, and a host of other temptations and sins. In all things, sisters, GIVE THANKS! [bctt tweet="An attitude of gratitude allows us to stay present to His Presence." username="blessedisshe__"] Take a moment at the end of the day to reflect on the blessings you have witnessed throughout your day. Thank God for these gifts in your life. 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.

First Reading: Galatians 3:22-29 Brothers and sisters: Scripture confined all things under the power of sin, that through faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. Gospel: Luke 11:27-28 While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” NAB When I was 22 years-old and freshly out of college, I decided I needed to help Jesus move His plan for my life along. You see, for the last four years, I had a very specific, very strong call on my heart in regards to a certain area of my life. And I knew it was from the Lord. No doubt about it (still none). I labored throughout college to prepare for this calling, and once I had diploma in hand, I was ready—ok God let's do this thing!—really ready. But the invitations and opportunities didn't present themselves, not yet, and I was confused and frustrated and frankly, let down. So I did what any ISFJ personality type would do and decided that if something's going to be done right, I'd better do it myself. Jesus clearly wasn't opening the doors that needed to be opened, so I picked up my proverbial jackhammer and gave Him a hand. You know where this is going, right? I stopped listening to Him. I stopped giving Him a chance to work in His own lovely time. I stopped practicing patience and understanding, trusting that the Lord remembers what He promises, that He remembers His covenant for ever. I stopped believing that He would fulfill His Word. Like a stupid sheep, I ran off the path He had for me. And I paid for it. Thankfully, the Lord redeemed what I had muddled, like He tends to do in His mercy, but not without a lot of suffering on my end. During this time, I thought a lot about Our Lady, and what makes her so whole, so blessed. I reflected often upon this Gospel from Luke, because in it, Jesus reveals what He admires most about His mom: her faith. While the woman in the crowd speaks total truth (Mary's womb was blessed as she carried God in it), Jesus goes beyond even that honor. Mary is most blessed because she heard in her heart what God had spoken to her, what He reveled to her, what He promised her, and she believed Him. She didn't understand the practicalities; she wasn't handed a timeline; she wasn't briefed on all the details of her Son's life. Mary simply trusted that the Lord remembers His Word for ever, and she kept it. [bctt tweet="The Lord redeemed what I had muddled." username="blessedisshe__"] Are you struggling with God's timing? Find a new prayer, write a new prayer, pray it for patience and acceptance in your life. Reach out to a sister so you're not carrying this burden alone. 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.