First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple. Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they veiled their faces, with two they veiled their feet, and with two they hovered aloft. They cried one to the other, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook and the house was filled with smoke. Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it and said, “See, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93:1AB, 1CD-2, 5 R. (1a) The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. The LORD is king, in splendor robed; robed is the LORD and girt about with strength. R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O LORD. R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O LORD, for length of days. R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty. Gospel: Matthew 10:24-33 Jesus said to his Apostles: “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” NAB God's still on His throne. It is a phrase that reminds me that while we live and work out our salvation in this messy, crazy world, the Kingdom we truly serve is other-worldly, and in that Kingdom, the battle is won, love reigns, and my King sits steadily on His throne, for ever and ever without end, amen. It steadies me. It offers me hope when I feel unraveled, and courage when I am afraid. Jesus was offering that very thing to His apostles in today's Gospel. And it is no silly concern He is responsing to. Many of His disciples would one day give their lives for Him. The danger of "those who can kill the body but not the soul" was literal, real, and ever-present for them. And yet Jesus encourages them not to be afraid, as, truly, God knows. You face no danger, you manage no trail, and each fear you overcome is with Him there, offering you mercy and love and tenderness. The world we live in today in increasingly designed to make us afraid, and particularly designed to make us afraid of our faith and the price it might one day cost us. But Jesus tells us not to be afraid to proclaim in the light. He doesn't promise us it won't cost us, but He does promise us God will still be on His throne and that he sees our every hair, our every effort to make him known, along with every hurt and injury we incur because of it. And He tells us not to be afraid to give our lives in this world. I don't know what fears you are praying through today, and what price you might be paying for what you believe right now. But close your eyes, and feel the rush of mighty angel's wings, and see the gleaming beauty of the heavenly throne room for one minute. Feel the shakiness of this side of the veil fade and feel the eternal stability of God's holiness. Rest there as He takes note of every detail about you. And return to your battles assured and unafraid. God's still on his throne. And he's got you. Today, tomorrow, and forever. You'll pay no price for Him that he has not already counted, give nothing for Him he has not already given for you. [bctt tweet="In the heavenly Kingdom, the battle is won, love reigns, + my King sits steadily on His throne."] Today, every time you find fear creeping into your living faith, close your eyes, see God on His throne, and pray with the heavenly hosts, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty." photo credit Colleen Mitchell is wife to Greg and mother to five amazing sons here on earth. They serve in Costa Rica where they run the St. Francis Emmaus Center, a ministry that welcomes indigenous mothers into their home to provide them access to medical care, support and education in the weeks before and after the birth of a child. Find out more about her here.

First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10 Thus says the LORD: Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God; you have collapsed through your guilt. Take with you words, and return to the LORD; Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity, and receive what is good, that we may render as offerings the bullocks from our stalls. Assyria will not save us, nor shall we have horses to mount; We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’ to the work of our hands; for in you the orphan finds compassion.” I will heal their defection, says the LORD, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them. I will be like the dew for Israel: he shall blossom like the lily; He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar, and put forth his shoots. His splendor shall be like the olive tree and his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar. Again they shall dwell in his shade and raise grain; They shall blossom like the vine, and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols? I have humbled him, but I will prosper him. “I am like a verdant cypress tree”— because of me you bear fruit! Let him who is wise understand these things; let him who is prudent know them. Straight are the paths of the LORD, in them the just walk, but sinners stumble in them. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-13, 14 AND 17 R. (17b) My mouth will declare your praise. Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. R. My mouth will declare your praise. Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart, and in my inmost being you teach me wisdom. Cleanse me of sin with hyssop, that I may be purified; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. R. My mouth will declare your praise. A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. R. My mouth will declare your praise. Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. R. My mouth will declare your praise. Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23 Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” NAB For the last week or so, the Church has been reading through the book of the prophet Hosea. God uses Hosea’s marriage to an unfaithful wife to symbolize the unfaithfulness of His people, Israel. Their sin has been great, their sacrifices can’t atone for it, and so God punishes them. Just as Hosea strips his wife of all she has and casts her away, God turns His back on his people. But this chastisement does not last forever. God can’t stay away. He is a true and faithful lover, He is merciful and compassionate, and He loves us with an everlasting love. And so today, in the final chapter of Hosea, we receive an invitation to repentance. “Return, O Israel, to the Lord, your God." I love the book of Hosea, because I see in myself the unfaithful bride. Jesus Christ, my bridegroom, has given himself to me on the cross, and over and over again in the Eucharist. And I at times have returned His love very poorly: with my selfishness, my affection for material goods, my lack of faith. We all at times play the unfaithful bride. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way.” (Is 53:6.) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Ro 3:23.) And like the unfaithful bride, I am receiving grace that I do not deserve. Jesus is drawing me back to Himself again and again. He is the lover that can’t stay away. “I will heal their defection, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them. I will be like the dew for Israel: he shall blossom like the lily.” Today we receive an invitation to repentance. No matter where we are coming from, we are invited to turn from sin, receive the grace of forgiveness, and have our relationship with God restored. I think it’s beautiful that the Psalm paired with this passage is Psalm 51, a Psalm of repentance. “A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.” [bctt tweet="I am receiving grace that I don't deserve. Jesus is drawing me back to Himself again + again."] Where have you been unfaithful to God? How is He drawing you back to Himself? Use the words of Psalm 51 as a start to repentance today. photo credit Anna Coyne is a wife, mother, musician, knitter, gardener, and convert to the Catholic faith. Read more about her here.

First Reading: Hosea 11:1-4, 8E-9 Thus says the LORD: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me, Sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2AC AND 3B, 15-16 R. (4b) Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved. O shepherd of Israel, hearken. From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power. R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved. Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see: Take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted, the son of man whom you yourself made strong. R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved. Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15 Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your wordsC go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” Have you ever read the whole book of Hosea? It so powerful. God asks the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute, Gomer, who proves to be as unfaithful as everyone expects her to be. But Hosea accepts her back every time. The image of the unfaithful wife is present throughout the whole prophetic book, as Hosea foretells of the exile and return of the Israelites all because they would not remain faithful to their God, their husband, their Father. Every time I read from Hosea my heart aches to hear the longing and love of a rejected and faithful God for His people. Thus says the LORD: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me. When I read this, I think of how I myself do not always hear God calling me to Him. I have gone through periods of my life where prayer has not been a priority, where things of the world are more alluring, and I have been like Israel forgetting who made me His child. I also forget about God on a daily and hourly basis. I lose my cool with my unreasoning children. I forget the task I am supposed to be doing and do something else. I allow myself to be so overcome with anxiety or discouragement that I forget that it is God who is helping me through my day. And then there is this poetry of love from Scriptures: I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. How could I forget about this Fatherly love? How could I forget about my healer who has made me whole, who continues to make me whole from moment to moment? These are the Fatherly caresses of One who truly cares. But we so easily forget Who it is who loves us. A beautiful spiritual practice we can do to remember God, is to interiorly place ourselves in His presence throughout the day. Whenever you think of it, think of Him. The more you do it, the more you will remember. My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred . . . For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you. God’s ways are not our ways. And He has mercy. Let Him love you. He will not let you go. He is always calling you back. And He will always heal you. [bctt tweet="God’s ways are not our ways. And He has mercy. Let Him love you."] If these verses resonate with you, take time to read all of Hosea. Hear and feel the love of a truly forgiving lover and Father. He will not let the flames consume you, if you truly seek His love. photo credit Susanna Spencer once studied theology and philosophy, but now happily cares for her three adorable little girls, 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.

First Reading: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 Thus says the LORD: They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority; they established princes, but without my approval. With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction. Cast away your calf, O Samaria! my wrath is kindled against them; How long will they be unable to attain innocence in Israel? The work of an artisan, no god at all, Destined for the flames— such is the calf of Samaria! When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind; The stalk of grain that forms no ear can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it. When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, his altars became occasions of sin. Though I write for him my many ordinances, they are considered as a stranger’s. Though they offer sacrifice, immolate flesh and eat it, the LORD is not pleased with them. He shall still remember their guilt and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 115:3-4, 5-6, 7AB-8, 9-10 R. (9a) The house of Israel trusts in the Lord. Our God is in heaven; whatever he wills, he does. Their idols are silver and gold, the handiwork of men. R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord. They have mouths but speak not; they have eyes but see not; They have ears but hear not; they have noses but smell not. R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord. They have hands but feel not; they have feet but walk not. Their makers shall be like them, everyone that trusts in them. R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord. Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38 A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.” Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” NAB My instant reaction to the last sentence of this Gospel passage is to get out there and DO more. But, stop. Read the second part: “[S]o ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Sometimes we get so eager to jump all in with what we can contribute action-wise that we forget prayer comes first. It is true that the harvest is abundant and laborers are few—but is that particular labor the one you are called to? Is that particular harvest one that is ripe for the picking? I recently watched the new film about Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta called The Letters. If there is one thing that is clear about her life, it is that she always took time for prayer. She always began (and ended) with prayer. Blessed Mother Teresa started her life as a sister in the cloister, but felt God was calling her outside, to help care for the poorest of the poor. But even when she began working in the slums of Calcutta, she never lost that interior life, that deep relationship with Our Lord that she had developed as a cloistered nun. In the Rule of Life that she developed for her Sisters, ample time is carved out of every day for conversation with God. She knew how essential it was to their work. She also recognized that she was not truly the one in charge—all was in God’s Hands. How could she best discern His direction if she did not make repeated contact with Him as she went about her work throughout the day? This was vital to her ministry, to her life. It was her most important work. Similarly, sisters, we must remember to turn to Him—always. When faced with big decisions, when faced with small inconveniences, when trying to go about the mundane tasks of everyday life. Before beginning exams, before entering into a conversation, before embarking on a journey, before we begin a new day. In all circumstances. In all things. These are the things of life where we will reap His harvest. Let us pray before we act. We must not forget the efficacy of prayer. [bctt tweet="We must not forget the efficacy of prayer."] Blessed Mother Teresa said, “Everything starts from prayer.” Try to take a moment for prayer—even just three seconds!—before embarking on the tasks placed before you today. 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.

First Reading: Hosea 2:16, 17C-18, 21-22 Thus says the LORD: I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart. She shall respond there as in the days of her youth, when she came up from the land of Egypt. On that day, says the LORD, She shall call me “My husband,” and never again “My baal.” I will espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the LORD. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (8a) The Lord is gracious and merciful. Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. R. The Lord is gracious and merciful. Generation after generation praises your works and proclaims your might. They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty and tell of your wondrous works. R. The Lord is gracious and merciful. They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds and declare your greatness. They publish the fame of your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your justice. R. The Lord is gracious and merciful. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. R. The Lord is gracious and merciful. Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26 While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land. NAB Imagine a lover who is faithful in every thought, word, and deed. Imagine a lover who would forgive you immediately for every mistake you made, the most minuscule to the largest whopper. Imagine a lover who does not take into consideration any of your past dalliances, any of your past obsessions, any of your past heartbreaks, but just loves you for who you are right now His faithfulness is without end. He will love you to the moon and back (and further), and will never stray. His mercy is inestimable. He will forgive you, without a grudge, for any offense. His graciousness is immeasurable. He wants to fill you with every good thing. His love for you is unfathomable. He longs for your heart; He longs for it to be joined to His. That lover exists. And He exists for you. And you alone. Jesus. He is all these things . . . and more. The readings today remind us of this Tremendous Lover of your soul. They remind us of the depths of His love for you. It is hard to imagine, for we always fall short, but His is truly the Love that satisfies all of your longings. Remember this when you’ve turned away from Him—He will always take you back. Remember this when you feel like you’re not enough—you are everything He wants. Remember this when you’ve once again committed that sin you promised you wouldn’t repeat—He is ready to forgive completely. Remember His great love for you and rest in the assurance of His love and mercy. He is the Lover of your soul. Give your heart back to Him. [bctt tweet="His faithfulness is without end. His mercy is inestimable. He will forgive you, always."] Is this kind of love difficult for you to accept? Ask Jesus to open your heart to accept Him in every way that He longs to love you. 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: Isaiah 66:10-14C Thus says the LORD: Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her; exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her! Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort, that you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts! For thus says the LORD: Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort. When you see this, your heart shall rejoice and your bodies flourish like the grass; the LORD's power shall be known to his servants. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 R. (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, "How tremendous are your deeds!" R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. "Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!" Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. He has changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot; therefore let us rejoice in him. He rules by his might forever. R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness! R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18 Brothers and sisters: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen. Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others 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 his 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.' Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.' Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town." The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name." Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven." NAB "Like sheep among wolves." Just imagine standing face to face with Jesus, hearing these words as He sends you out on your life's mission. He doesn't talk about the perks or the bonuses. He doesn't talk about how fulfilling the work will be or rave about the connections that might be made. Instead, when Jesus commissions this group to spread truth, He gives them only the bare bones of what to bring, what to do, and what to say. Yet this--along with their zeal and His grace—appears to be more than enough for their journey. Jesus also warns of trials; yes, they will see great miracles, but they will also meet great frustration and disappointment. Some of the very souls they are working tirelessly to bring to God's kingdom will, quite literally, close their doors in the face of the disciples, in response to an unparalleled opportunity for grace. We may not live the same austere lifestyle or fear the same type of persecution as those seventy two disciples, but we are Christ's disciples all the same—sheep being sent out by our Lord among wolves of a new breed. It's still just as hard to live as Christians and proclaim the Gospel today as it was then. What makes it so tough? The fact that other imperfect humans have the free will, the choice of whether or not they will cooperate with grace. Sometimes they choose to, and we are overjoyed, and it's a beautiful moment. But the reality is that sometimes, they just won't. But, as Jesus reminds us so clearly, He only needs us to be the messenger, not their Savior. This hard truth holds a certain freedom for us mere messengers. Jesus tells us to let go. Move along to those with ready hearts just waiting for us to bring them Jesus. We can keep the hardened hearts in prayer, but we must remember that we are messengers, not saviors, and step aside so the Our Lord and Savior can get to work. There will be wolves. Doors may slam in our face. But there is always, always sufficient grace. This, Jesus promises as He sends us on our way—and upon our return, we can rejoice at the prospect of our names being written with Him in Heaven. [bctt tweet="Doors may slam in our face. But there is always, always sufficient grace."] If you're aching beyond hope for someone you love to know God, try to step aside and place them in our Lord and Lady's hands today. Megan Hjelmstad is a wife, mom, writer and sometimes soldier whose real passion is equal parts faith and chocolate. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Amos 9:11-15 Thus says the LORD: On that day I will raise up the fallen hut of David; I will wall up its breaches, raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, That they may conquer what is left of Edom and all the nations that shall bear my name, say I, the LORD, who will do this. Yes, days are coming, says the LORD, When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the vintager, him who sows the seed; The juice of grapes shall drip down the mountains, and all the hills shall run with it. I will bring about the restoration of my people Israel; they shall rebuild and inhabit their ruined cities, Plant vineyards and drink the wine, set out gardens and eat the fruits. I will plant them upon their own ground; never again shall they be plucked From the land I have given them, say I, the LORD, your God. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14 R. (see 9b) The Lord speaks of peace to his people. I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people. Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people. The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people. Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” NAB Recently I witnessed the beauty of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. A dear friend, alongside six other brave souls, stretched out his lanky form prostrate on the floor before altar and we called down the Host of Heaven by the Litany of Saints. Later as he knelt before our Archbishop, pledging his fidelity to him and to his successors, he offered his upturned hands to the successor to the Apostles. His hands were anointed with sacred chrism, and as Archbishop wrapped them in the stole signifying his new priestly ministry, he intoned a quiet rubric of the liturgy. Later in the evening, cradling a beer in my hands and bouncing a baby in my front carrier, I listened to this freshly minted priest thank his family, his friends, and his religious brothers. He pointed to his high school youth minister in the back of the ballroom and asked him to consider that, if nothing else bloomed from those six hard seasons of youth ministry he'd served all those years ago, this, at least, was one tangible fruit of his labor: a priestly vocation. Another Christ. The Bridegroom, sacramentally animated in the person of this flawed and fallible young man, Roman collar still scratching an unfamiliar groove around his neck. "Can the wedding guests mourn when the Bridegroom is with them?" Looking around the room at the faces upturned in joy and thanksgiving at this little wedding feast of sorts, I reflected on how very good it is to be Catholic. Even today. Because He does not leave us orphaned. He pours out new wine into new wineskins, forming priests after His own heart, calling us along in love and intimate communion through the Sacraments those hands will confer. And that silent exchange between newly ordained and ordinary? It was this: Father James held his hands up and said, "These hands no longer belong to me. When I received the chalice and patten from Archbishop he told me this: 'Your hands are no longer your own.'" They belong to Christ now. And to His Church. He still walks among us, serving His Bride, and laying down His life. [bctt tweet="Your hands are no longer your own. They belong to Christ now."] Pray for a priest in your life: your pastor, your bishop, Pope Francis. Pray that God would nurture a priestly vocation in your brother, your nephew, your son. Make an act of sacrifice for someone's priestly vocation. photo credit Jenny Uebbing is a freelance editor and writer for Catholic News Agency. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband Dave and their growing army of toddlers. She writes about marriage, life issues, politics, sociological trends and traveling with kids here.

First Reading: Am 8:4-6, 9-12 Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! “When will the new moon be over,” you ask, “that we may sell our grain, and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat?” We will diminish the containers for measuring, add to the weights, and fix our scales for cheating! We will buy the lowly man for silver, and the poor man for a pair of sandals; even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!” On that day, says the Lord GOD, I will make the sun set at midday and cover the earth with darkness in broad daylight. I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentations. I will cover the loins of all with sackcloth and make every head bald. I will make them mourn as for an only son, and bring their day to a bitter end. Yes, days are coming, says the Lord GOD, when I will send famine upon the land: Not a famine of bread, or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of the LORD. Then shall they wander from sea to sea and rove from the north to the east In search of the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it. Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 R. (Matthew 4:4) One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Blessed are they who observe his decrees, who seek him with all their heart. R. One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. R. One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times. R. One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. R. One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Behold, I long for your precepts; in your justice give me life. R. One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. I gasp with open mouth in my yearning for your commands. R. One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Gospel: Mt 9:9-13 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” NAB I am a recovering perfectionist. Even though I grew up in the Church and loved the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I never quite understood mercy. Or rather, I understood it for *other* people but never could quite believe that it was meant for me, too. I knew what the Church taught and I loved God, so I desperately wanted to do right. And that was my plan. The only problem with the plan was, well . . . I’m human. So even though I loved Jesus and I wanted to be holy, I still sinned. (Shocker, I know.) Today’s Gospel tells us that Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. Can you picture it? I imagine Jesus throwing His head back laughing or leaning into a private conversation, listening intently, eyes full of compassion. But as a perfectionist, it’s like I’m standing on the perimeter of the room: I can observe Jesus showing genuine love to sinners, but I am both too ashamed and proud to approach Him and ask for it, much less receive it. “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.” All this time I thought I was well—following the rules, working for the Church as a youth minister, living a moral life—but perfectionism was eating away at me. I was sick but I wouldn’t go to the Doctor. One afternoon while sitting in my holy hour at the Adoration chapel, I sensed the Lord say in my heart, “You don’t have to perform.” Consciously or unconsciously, I had been laboring under the weight of this pressure to perform and now He was giving me permission to be human. I don’t have to get it right all the time. I don’t have to be together all the time—and neither do you. [bctt tweet="I’d rather break bread with Jesus than look down my nose at the sinners and miss out on the party."] So pull up a chair with me, Sister, and have a good belly laugh. Because I’d rather break bread with Jesus than look down my nose at the sinners and miss out on the party. photo credit Beth Davis is a lover of Jesus, an aunt to five beautiful humans, and a full time youth minister in Flagstaff, Arizona. She is passionate about winning the hearts of young people for Jesus through discipleship.

First Reading: Amos 7:10-17 Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos has conspired against you here within Israel; the country cannot endure all his words. For this is what Amos says: Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.” To Amos, Amaziah said: “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now hear the word of the LORD!” You say: prophesy not against Israel, preach not against the house of Isaac. Now thus says the LORD: Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; Your land shall be divided by measuring line, and you yourself shall die in an unclean land; Israel shall be exiled far from its land. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 R. (10cd) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just. R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; Sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8 After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men. NAB “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus doesn't mess around. He goes straight to the heart—the forgiveness of sin. Sin is the paralysis that was really ailing the man, and yet the Lord reassures him. The paralytic is forgiven, and his spiritual health and mobility is restored. "Courage," Jesus says. I'm wondering why He uses this word. It seems as if Jesus is encouraging and preparing the man for what comes next. Jesus doesn't care about what other people think. He doesn't change Himself, His actions, or any aspect of His mission merely because of other people's feelings or what other people might think. Additionally, He calls those people out for the negative judgmental thoughts against Him and what He was doing, and He uses the situation to reveal to them who He is. He is the God-Man, capable of forgiving sins and healing the most incurable ailments. And then it's time for the courage part Jesus mentioned to the man at the beginning. "Rise. Pick up your stretcher and go home." Do you think the man was afraid to get up? Do you think he was afraid to even try to move? He had been paralyzed, remember, and he probably hadn't moved in a very long time. I think that must have taken a considerable amount of courage. He probably was thankful he had the support of his friends who had brought him there, and he, of course, had Jesus' support too. But the paralyzed man had to take action himself. He needed to do His part. He needed to move in courage. I'm wondering if there is something going on in your life that seems to be paralyzing you. Something that makes you feel stuck, like you can't move. I'm wondering if Jesus is calling you to have the courage to come to the grace of Confession so that you can hear the words that your sins are forgiven. If you've already been to Confession, maybe you are still holding on to past sins and regrets, and Jesus is now calling you to have courage to let go of shame and know that you are loved and forgiven. Maybe you are being called to make a move, a change, a step and you are afraid of what other people might think of you. I'm wondering if there is something that has been making you feel stuck, frozen, or paralyzed. If so, Jesus says to you today, "Courage!" Now, rise up and walk! [bctt tweet="Jesus says to you today, "Courage!" Now, rise up and walk!"] If you feel there is an action, step or movement that you might need to take, know that you have support. You have the support of this community present to you and interceding for you, as well as the support from Jesus Himself present in His Word and in the Eucharist. "Courage! Your sins are forgiven!" photo credit Mary Catherine Craige is a lover of creativity and learning new things. When she is not guiding the development of young children through Montessori methods, you can find her behind her harp, taking an art class, or writing little poems. You can find out more about her here.

Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul First Reading: Acts 12:1-11 In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. –It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.– He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter recovered his senses and said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. 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 angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 I, Paul, 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. 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: Matthew 16:13-19 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” NAB I can hear Jesus asking me that same question. Who do you say that I am? Somedays I feel like I have the faith of Saint Peter. Somedays I feel like I don't. And it's not just through my own understanding of who Christ is. I understand who He is. Fundamentally, we all do, regardless of moments of doubt or hardship of faith—but do I live like He is the Christ? Do I live with the faith of Saints Peter and Paul? The faith that would lead me to my own cross everyday? I don't. I mean, let's be honest. I don't have a real, physical martyrdom waiting for me. I don't have soldiers at the gates and a jeering crowd to face. But it's not like Christ is offering me a free pass either! He has given me my crosses, eager for me to unite mine to His as the action of my love and of my faith. My crosses are much simpler than Saints Peter and Paul, but they are crosses nonetheless, and they are mine, intended for me, to make me holy. Like many of you, I am a wife and a mom. And so Christ comes to me most often in the menial every day. In the yogurt glopped under the table, the baby screaming for a nap, the older kids piling home after school with a zillion questions and excited comments about their days. He comes to me in the husband who walks through the door at the end of the day. And in that moment, at the end of a long, long day, my cross might simply be putting on a grin and tossing my arms around his neck. It might be swallowing my laundry list of complaints for the day and just being his wife and his companion, happy to see his face again, eager to be with him. Day after day of the same routine can feel so mundane. But I think we really must look deeper into our days and try to listen hard to the voice of Christ asking us that same question—"Who do you say that I am?" And I think our lives are how we answer. I believe you are the Christ. Help me, Jesus, to live it. [bctt tweet=""Who do you say that I am?" And I think our lives are how we answer."] Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us! 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.

Memorial of Saint Irenaeus: Bishop & Martyr First Reading: Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12 Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the LORD pronounces over you, over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt: You alone have I favored, more than all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your crimes. Do two walk together unless they have agreed? Does a lion roar in the forest when it has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from its den unless it has seized something? Is a bird brought to earth by a snare when there is no lure for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground without catching anything? If the trumpet sounds in a city, will the people not be frightened? If evil befalls a city, has not the LORD caused it? Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets. The lion roars— who will not be afraid! The Lord GOD speaks— who will not prophesy! I brought upon you such upheaval as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah: you were like a brand plucked from the fire; Yet you returned not to me, says the LORD. So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel! and since I will deal thus with you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 5:4B-6A, 6B-7, 8 R. (9a) Lead me in your justice, Lord. At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you. For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; the arrogant may not stand in your sight. R. Lead me in your justice, Lord. You hate all evildoers; you destroy all who speak falsehood; The bloodthirsty and the deceitful the LORD abhors. R. Lead me in your justice, Lord. But I, because of your abundant mercy, will enter your house; I will worship at your holy temple in fear of you, O LORD. R. Lead me in your justice, Lord. Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27 As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” NAB Oh the power and justice of our Lord! I can’t help but feel like we need a dramatic soundtrack playing in the background for today’s readings. God is powerful and just. Though few of the faithful can doubt His power, we are sometimes reluctant to face His justice. The First Reading presents a scenario where people turned away from God. The Israelites kept breaking God’s commandments and so He was going to bring them to task. *Cue scary music* “So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel! and since I will deal thus with you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” This reminds me of childhood when my sister and brother and I would disobey and we just knew the wrath and justice of my dad was coming. He was a loving and fair dad, but when we really messed up, we deserved those punishments. So what about our Loving Father? Sometimes bad things happen because we're sinners and we sin. We separate ourselves from God and the consequences are rough! We were all born with original sin, we all “sin and fall short of the glory of God.” (Ro 3:23). Other times bad things happen and it feels like a punishment for no reason. God isn't up there slinging out vengeance. Sin has double consequences: eternal & temporal but these ramifications aren't punishment by God. (CCC1472). We all will experience pain and suffering through no fault of our own. We live in a fallen world. We ourselves will continue to sin and also, hopefully, confess and receive absolution through the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation. We can turn away from our all-powerful Lord and Savior when things get rough, or we can embrace our crosses and take the opportunity to close to Him. He that commands the wind and the sea can also calm the storms in your life. Whatever you are tackling in life today, remember that you do have a loving father. Your Savior went to His death out of love for you. Let Him in to calm your storms. [bctt tweet="Your Savior went to His death out of love for you. Let Him in to calm your storms."] Is your inclination to draw closer to God in times of good or in times of bad? How can you ask for closeness all the time, today? photo credit MaryRuth Hackett is a full-time wife and mother doing her best to teach her four children to love God and country. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Amos 2:6-10, 13-16 Thus says the LORD: For three crimes of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke my word; Because they sell the just man for silver, and the poor man for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the weak into the dust of the earth, and force the lowly out of the way. Son and father go to the same prostitute, profaning my holy name. Upon garments taken in pledge they recline beside any altar; And the wine of those who have been fined they drink in the house of their god. Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorites before them, who were as tall as the cedars, and as strong as the oak trees. I destroyed their fruit above, and their roots beneath. It was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt, and who led you through the desert for forty years, to occupy the land of the Amorites. Beware, I will crush you into the ground as a wagon crushes when laden with sheaves. Flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong man shall not retain his strength; The warrior shall not save his life, nor the bowman stand his ground; The swift of foot shall not escape, nor the horseman save his life. And the most stouthearted of warriors shall flee naked on that day, says the LORD. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:16BC-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23 R. (22a) Remember this, you who never think of God. “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, Though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” R. Remember this, you who never think of God. “When you see a thief, you keep pace with him, and with adulterers you throw in your lot. To your mouth you give free rein for evil, you harness your tongue to deceit.” R. Remember this, you who never think of God. “You sit speaking against your brother; against your mother’s son you spread rumors. When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.” R. Remember this, you who never think of God. “Consider this, you who forget God, lest I rend you and there be no one to rescue you. He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” R. Remember this, you who never think of God. Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22 When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” NAB One of the most thrilling, nauseating, and compelling moments of a young crush is the moment you discover how that person feels about you. The anticipation of a much-desired crescendo can make five minutes feel like a lifetime. Does he like me? Does he know I like him? Does he want to date me? What is he thinking? What is he going to say to me? As women, we spend much of our single years wondering if a certain friendship might blossom into something more, if the guy we've been dating is interested in becoming more serious, or what kind of relationship the person we like might be looking for. All this is good and well, but this is also where the Godhead comes in as the end-all-be-all Lover. In the Gospel today, Jesus doesn't mince words. He doesn't lead us on or leave us wondering. On the contrary, He's eager to DTR (define the relationship). Jesus clearly reveals what kind of relationship He desires with us—a wholehearted one. In the First Reading, we see our God as a jealous lover, righteously angry that we continued to look for love in all the wrong places after He had written us love poems, saved our lives, made us dinner, and offered us our favorite flowers. The Lord isn't interested in a casual relationship or one devoid of commitment and passion. He didn't become man and endure the Passion in order to have a so-so relationship with us. He wants permanence. He wants depth. He wants consistency. And deep down, under the layers of doubt and intertwined in our wanderings, we want the same. No matter how long or ferociously we look for fulfillment in other arenas of life, our hearts are only able to rest in committed, faithful, and adventurous relationship with our God. So what's holding us back today? What active steps should we take to respond to Jesus' invitation with fervor? How can we take the tenants of healthy human relationships and apply them to our relationship with Jesus? [bctt tweet="He didn't become man + endure the Passion in order to have a so-so relationship with us."] Let's DTR, girls. Let's go all-in with Jesus. Let's be jealous lovers in return. Let's follow Him. 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.

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:16B, 19-21 The LORD said to Elijah: “You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah, as prophet to succeed you.” Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?” Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 R. (cf. 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord. Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you. O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot." R. You are my inheritance, O Lord. I bless the LORD who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. R. You are my inheritance, O Lord. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. R. You are my inheritance, O Lord. You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. R. You are my inheritance, O Lord. Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-18 Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Gospel: Luke 9:51-62 When the days for Jesus' being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village. As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus answered him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head." And to another he said, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." And another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home." To him Jesus said, "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God." NAB Years ago, when I was a young Navy wife, I started a conversation driven by the devil. And like most rides with Lucifer, this one drove me off a cliff. I’m still recovering. At the time, I wasn’t as well-educated as the other officers’ wives. I also wasn’t as thin, polished, or organized. Envy and jealousy accompanied me and my toddler everywhere. Competition drove me to try crazy diets, “one-up” the other wives, and strive for perfection. I was twenty-four years old and believed my own PR. Needless to say, I lacked humility and a relationship with God. Despite my husband’s tireless-yet-ignored attempts to remind me that I was enough, I dove into the sin of gossip, carrying my insecurities with me. And like most repetitive sins, gossip took me down slowly until one day I was neck-deep with no way out. Let me tell you about that day. One afternoon, I was chatting with a fellow Navy wife about a mutual friend who was pregnant. I started praising this mutual friend and her parenting skills but wound up trashing her and her husband and their “not-so-perfect” relationship. The other wife agreed with everything I said and ended the conversation. Because she had agreed with me, I felt vindicated in my sharing. Except I was wrong. She hadn't agreed with me. The wife I was talking to went to our mutual friend and told her everything I had said. I was caught in my own jealousy trap and humiliated. My words had ripped her apart like the whips which had taken chunks out of Jesus’s flesh. She was angry and hurt. She never spoke to me again. I’d become a slave to my fear. In my desire to be accepted, I ended up experiencing complete rejection. It was a vicious circle and it took losing a friendship to recognize it. In today’s second reading, Saint Paul writes “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He instructs us not to fight each other, instead to “serve one another through love.” Because love breaks those chains of fear and jealousy as Christ’s love washes away our sins. I’ve seen the damage caused by my insecurities. I’ve let my fears take control. When you give into sin, the devil becomes your chauffeur. So allow Jesus to take the wheel. Fight fear and jealousy with love, love of self and love of neighbor. Love equals truth. [bctt tweet="Fight fear and jealousy with love, love of self and love of neighbor."] Reach out and love your neighbor today, whether they be family or a stranger. Show someone the face of Christ in your kindness of deed or of word. photo credit Mary Lenaburg married her first (and only) blind date going on 27 years, is a full-time liturgist, and parents one adult son navigating his path on earth and a special needs daughter safely in Heaven. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 The Lord has consumed without pity all the dwellings of Jacob; He has torn down in his anger the fortresses of daughter Judah; He has brought to the ground in dishonor her king and her princes. On the ground in silence sit the old men of daughter Zion; They strew dust on their heads and gird themselves with sackcloth; The maidens of Jerusalem bow their heads to the ground. Worn out from weeping are my eyes, within me all is in ferment; My gall is poured out on the ground because of the downfall of the daughter of my people, As child and infant faint away in the open spaces of the town. In vain they ask their mothers, “Where is the grain?” As they faint away like the wounded in the streets of the city, And breathe their last in their mothers’ arms. To what can I liken or compare you, O daughter Jerusalem? What example can I show you for your comfort, virgin daughter Zion? For great as the sea is your downfall; who can heal you? Your prophets had for you false and specious visions; They did not lay bare your guilt, to avert your fate; They beheld for you in vision false and misleading portents. Cry out to the Lord; moan, O daughter Zion! Let your tears flow like a torrent day and night; Let there be no respite for you, no repose for your eyes. Rise up, shrill in the night, at the beginning of every watch; Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord; Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your little ones Who faint from hunger at the corner of every street. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 74:1B-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21 R. (19b) Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. Why, O God, have you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Remember your flock which you built up of old, the tribe you redeemed as your inheritance, Mount Zion, where you took up your abode. R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. Turn your steps toward the utter ruins; toward all the damage the enemy has done in the sanctuary. Your foes roar triumphantly in your shrine; they have set up their tokens of victory. They are like men coming up with axes to a clump of trees. R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. With chisel and hammer they hack at all the paneling of the sanctuary. They set your sanctuary on fire; the place where your name abides they have razed and profaned. R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. Look to your covenant, for the hiding places in the land and the plains are full of violence. May the humble not retire in confusion; may the afflicted and the poor praise your name. R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones. Gospel: Matthew 8:5-17 When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven, but the children of the Kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed. Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him. When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases. NAB I was in my third year of college, in a creative writing class, when a fellow student shared her story of trauma. Her sobs, her lamentations as she read from her nonfiction piece about her abortion, moved all of us. She shared about an abusive relationship, an uncertain pregnancy, her ultimate decision to abort, and her depression and sadness afterwards. Any true complaints I had about my life vanished right up into thin air, hearing her difficult path. Since then I've worked with sexual trauma victims, trafficked persons, and other traumas of the human condition. Each and every story evoked the same feeling of why, God, why? and the same conclusion that suffering is universal and unknowable and raw. Now that I'm no longer practicing as a lawyer, and at home with my little kids, the universe is smaller, more protected, in a way. I feel sheltered from the raw suffering I used to encounter at work. In this world of mothering and mommy-blogging and social media connecting us all, I have witnessed a different kind of suffering: loss of babies, loss of parents, loss of physical abilities. Women suffering infertility, miscarriage, hysterectomies. Families suffering brings again the why, God, why? question to the forefront of my mind. I hear the lamentations from the first reading echo in all of our hearts, we, a long suffering people. But I also take heart at the last line from the Gospel, and all the miracles Jesus wrought for those suffering and dying around Him. He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases. [bctt tweet="Come and give our hearts balm, Lord!"] Christ has conquered death, and in Him, there is no more suffering or loss. We take our faith and hold onto it, even while experiencing and witnessing awful, ugly, terrible, horrible pain around us. Come and give our hearts balm, Lord! photo credit 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.

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 Hear me, O coastlands, listen, O distant peoples. The LORD called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God. For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1B-3, 13-14AB, 14C-15 R. (14) I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar. R. I praise you for I am wonderfully made. Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works. R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. My soul also you knew full well; nor was my frame unknown to you When I was made in secret, when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth. R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26 In those days, Paul said: “God raised up David as king; of him God testified, I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ “My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent.” Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. NAB Today we honor Saint John the Baptist, a truly incredible saint. Formed in the elderly Elizabeth’s barren womb. Gave up the trappings of the world to point people toward the Messiah. Died while continuing to witness to the coming of the Kingdom. What can I do that compares? I live a pretty comfortable life, even by American standards. The only bug I ever ate was in a Mexican candy. And I probably won’t be martyred any time soon. But the truth of the matter is, each of our lives and faith can be as miraculous and inspired as Saint John’s, no matter how they look on paper. We have been formed by the hand of God—fearfully and wonderfully made. We have been raised up to testify to the glory of the Lord. Our lives are meant to be lived in witness to the One who is greater than each of us could ever be. We are called to grow and become strong in spirit. God has such great plans for each of us! We may never see this fruit on Earth as we remain arrows in the quiver of the Lord. We might feel as though we are toiling in vain, blind to the graces that God is working through us in the world. But remember that our recompense is not of this world. Saint John the Baptist remained humble in this life. He was never rich, he was clapped in prison, and he suffered at the hands of the world. But through paving the path for Christ, he was truly made glorious in the sight of the Lord. If we keep our eyes fixed on heaven and live to reflect the glory of God, we will find that great reward. [bctt tweet="Through paving the path for Christ, John the Baptist was made glorious in the sight of the Lord."] Every day, in every age, the Lord calls forth saints. Take a moment to reread today’s passage from Isaiah, imagining yourself in the place of the prophet. photo credit Brigid Hogan loves the view of the Washington Monument from her apartment, her standing desk, the Green Bay Packers, and a good mystery. She tolerates taking the Metro to the office, where she works as a communications consultant. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 2 Kings 24:8-17 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta, daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. He did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his forebears had done. At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, himself arrived at the city while his servants were besieging it. Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother, his ministers, officers, and functionaries, surrendered to the king of Babylon, who, in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive. And he carried off all the treasures of the temple of the LORD and those of the palace, and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel, had provided in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had foretold. He deported all Jerusalem: all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None were left among the people of the land except the poor. He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon, and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother and wives, his functionaries, and the chief men of the land. The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylon all seven thousand men of the army, and a thousand craftsmen and smiths, all of them trained soldiers. In place of Jehoiachin, the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king, and changed his name to Zedekiah. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 79:1B-2, 3-5, 8, 9 R. (9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us. O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the corpses of your servants as food to the birds of heaven, the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth. R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us. They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury them. We have become the reproach of our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. O LORD, how long? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us. Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us. Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us. Gospel: Matthew 7:21-29 Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. NAB Man, I thought to myself, as I first read through today’s readings, are these passages depressing or what? Looking through, hopelessness was blaring in my face. A city under siege, finally surrendering and practically the whole nation being deported. God’s anger at a wayward people being bemoaned by the Psalmist. Even in the Gospel, Jesus makes it known it’s not enough to “do mighty deeds in His name.” And there you have it. Seemingly one thing after another of failure; stories where nobody can get a leg up. I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely had seasons in my life that have felt exactly like that, where I feel I’m failing at every task and the world around is just too tough. The winds of life often seem overwhelming. Once that instability hits, the temptation to take it into our own hands looms. I know I often find myself thinking: “If I can just gain control of this one area of my life, I’ll be better off. If I can just build myself this little fortress to protect myself, I’ll feel stronger.” And the truth is, it may seem easier, and we may even be able to fool others and, perhaps ourselves, for a time. But we cannot fool God. He knows the most intricate workings of our hearts. Most importantly though, God does not and will not ever leave us to our despair. Instead, His very character radiates Hope. Even hidden in today’s morose readings are glimpses of that beautiful lifeline: the answer to what holds our hearts stable and secure. The formula for the strong foundation that will hold us up through the storms of life is made clear in the Gospel: Listen to God’s words, and act on them. First, surrender of our will must happen. Then we must be open to the teachings of the Church. As our walls are broken down, community is strengthened and we find a place to act. Finally, at all times we must practice full trust in God’s plans, only then will we find true security. By seeking to do and to live His will, not merely observing it, He becomes the source of our security. He is the rock that will support us when life is a hurricane swirling about us. Fear, anxiety, overwhelming trials, all these lose power when our foundation is God. Listen first. Then act. And know that Hope will carry you through. [bctt tweet="Listen first. Then act. And know that Hope will carry you through."] Consider an area of your life where you're prone to worry or where you attempt to take control. Ask God to help you surrender this area. May this quote from Saint Jeanne de Chantal encourage you: "Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to him. That is all the doing you have to worry about." photo credit Sarah Ortiz is a Catholic convert, and when not folding laundry, she can be found reading, experimenting in the kitchen, or writing at her blog. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3 The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the temple of the LORD.” Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. Then the scribe Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your servants have smelted down the metals available in the temple and have consigned them to the master workmen in the temple of the LORD.” The scribe Shaphan also informed the king that the priest Hilkiah had given him a book, and then read it aloud to the king. When the king heard the contents of the book of the law, he tore his garments and issued this command to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, son of Shaphan, Achbor, son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan, and the king’s servant Asaiah: “Go, consult the LORD for me, for the people, for all Judah, about the stipulations of this book that has been found, for the anger of the LORD has been set furiously ablaze against us, because our fathers did not obey the stipulations of this book, nor fulfill our written obligations.” The king then had all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem summoned together before him. The king went up to the temple of the LORD with all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: priests, prophets, and all the people, small and great. He had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been found in the temple of the LORD, read out to them. Standing by the column, the king made a covenant before the LORD that they would follow him and observe his ordinances, statutes and decrees with their whole hearts and souls, thus reviving the terms of the covenant which were written in this book. And all the people stood as participants in the covenant. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40 R. (33a) Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes, that I may exactly observe them. R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart. R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight. R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Incline my heart to your decrees and not to gain. R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain: by your way give me life. R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Behold, I long for your precepts; in your justice give me life. R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord. Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.” NAB Today's Gospel shares a good litmus test for prophets and, I think, friends. What does a friendship bearing good fruit look like? Well, it should be rich with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22) Love: Are our friends willing and able to hope all things and endure all things for our sake, and are we willing and able to do the same? (1 Cor 13:7) Do we want the best for each other, and help one another find God's will in our lives? Joy: Is our time together fun? Do we both look forward to it and feel refreshed because of it? Peace: There shouldn't be anxiety about what our friends might think of us or say about us. There shouldn't be a pressure to impress but a knowledge that our friends accept us where we are while walking with us as we grow. Patience: When life happens and plans have to be cancelled, or time together is limited, or one of us is having troubles do we still support one another? Kindness: Empathy, compassion, encouraging words—all of these things should be present in the relationship. Generosity: Are we willing to give our time, lend our skills, and give our possessions according to our season of life? Do we take meals and fold laundry for our postpartum friends, clean the house or pull weeds for our sick friends, and buy flowers or a new blouse for our friends who are celebrating a promotion? Do we give as much as we take and are we willing to humbly and gratefully receive? Gentleness: Do our friends push us to be better? Do they nudge us forward by providing insights and information? And do they do it with gentleness or in a way that humiliates and scorns? Faithfulness: Can we trust our friends to keep our secrets, to pray for us, to support us, to defend us, and to stand by us? Can our friends trust us to do the same? Self-Control: Gossip, drunkenness, husband / boyfriend bashing, checking out men—none of this should exist in the friendship. Some friendships are too full of thorns and thistles to bear such fruit. Seek the kind of women who are filled with the Holy Spirit—"by their fruits you will know them"—and center your relationships around your love of Christ. And before all else, be the kind of woman who bears good fruit yourself. [bctt tweet="What does a friendship bearing good fruit look like? It should be rich w/ the fruits of the Spirit:"] Reflect on your friendships. Who are the women who bear good fruit in their lives and in your relationship? Pray for them and then send them a note, email, or text message thanking them for their friendship. 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.