“I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?"// Matthew 18:32-33 I’m not a vengeful or unforgiving person. My anger may sprung up swiftly, but it fades, and I’m soon eager to forgive and forget. However, that changed the day I found out that a priest, whom I trusted as a spiritual father, had been living a double life and was committing sins, including the abuse of young children. My anger towards him rose and didn’t dissipate. For years, I would hear his name, and immediately the rage would boil once again. My eagerness to forgive was nowhere to be found when it came to this man. However, I knew I couldn’t harbor this hatred and still claim that I loved God as a faithful daughter. God spoke directly to my heart when Jesus said, “I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?" (Matthew 18:23-33). Those words were difficult to hear. God was challenging me to forgive this man, who had since died, and pray for his soul. Everything inside me rebelled against it because it felt like I was also excusing his horrendous behavior. I begged God to take the anger and replace it with the grace of mercy, forgiveness, and trust that He would take care of the rest. Eventually it came. It wasn’t instantaneous, and there are still moments when his name comes up and my anger rises, but I quickly ask for God’s forgiveness. I recall the mercy God has bestowed on my life and say, “I forgive him, Lord, as You have forgiven me. I leave judgment to You and offer this struggle as a prayer for those he has hurt. Please bring them healing and recovery.” Forgiveness is not easy, especially when the pain is deep. But we are the ones who benefit from letting go of the weight of unforgiveness and handing that burden to Our Lord. Let us pray together, “Breathe your spirit of mercy within us, O Lord. Wash away the anger and bitterness and heal us anew.” [bctt tweet="Heal us anew. // Bobbi Rol " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

The Lord will not abandon his people. // Psalm 94:14 I could feel the tears starting to burn my eyes and the emotion bubbling inside me. These were going to be hot, angry tears, and I didn’t want to scare my kids, so I went into my bedroom and locked the door. I grabbed my pillow and screamed until my throat was hoarse. I couldn’t believe that my mom’s cancer had returned with a vengeance. Her body was not responding to treatments, and we had to face the fact that we were going to lose her. I broke down. I was done with being strong in my faith. Like the Psalmist today, I cried out in anger, “Why God? Why have you abandoned us? You are the God of healing . . . of mercy . . . of miracles. So why have you turned a deaf ear on our pleas?” I waited for an answer or for peace to calm me down, but there was nothing. I had to decide if I would believe God and His word not only when things were going well, but even when my world was shattered. I sighed. Even though I didn’t feel anything, I chose to believe and trust that God would see us through this. It wasn’t until months later that I had that epiphany moment and God poured out a flood of grace into my heart. It was a life moment that deepened my relationship with God, but the days, weeks, and months prior, I was just walking with blind faith repeating, “I don’t get it, but I trust in You.” We all have those moments when our world is shattered—health fails, a relationship ends, a job is lost, or a loved one dies. Sometimes all we can do is repeat, “The Lord will not abandon His people” (Psalm 94:14) and trust that even though we may not get it now, God will never leave us. He will carry us, strengthen us, and give us the grace to endure another day until our hearts are healed and we find joy once again. [bctt tweet="God will never leave us. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?” // Matthew 7:4 “Oh, this woman is driving me crazy! How did I get stuck working with someone who annoys me so much?!” I pondered this question as I walked to my car after work. My conscience reprimanded me, telling me I should be more charitable with her. I drowned out the reproach with the radio and drove home. However, I thought about what a priest said regarding people that annoy us. He suggested that the things we dislike in them can be the same things we dislike in ourselves. I tested the theory. What bothered me most about her? She bragged about her accomplishments, was needy, and always looked for affirmation. That’s nothing like me. Right? I recalled getting upset when a friend was praised for a job well done while my work was overlooked. And when I made my weekend sound more exciting than it really was. Also, the times I felt insecure and uncomfortable around other people, I dealt with the feelings by being quieter and not drawing attention to myself. She dealt with her struggle to fit in by being louder and shining the spotlight on herself. Then my conscience started reminding me of all the ways I could be annoying to other people. It seems I had forgotten the words of Jesus, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:4). I was the hypocrite. So I made the decision to be intentionally kind to her. And when I got to know her better, I saw beyond her behavior to the motivation behind it, and I became more understanding of what she was dealing with in her life. In turn, she seemed happier and more confident in herself. Who is someone you’ve judged or been uncharitable to in your life? Will you show them kindness and mercy? Will you hold your tongue before making a snide remark? Will you pray for them to be healed from the pain that causes them to act out? Instead of judging, let us be merciful, just as our Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). [bctt tweet="Let us be merciful. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah. // Luke 1:39 I remember the very first Blessed is She retreat. I attended with my mom. She happened to be in town, so the timing was perfect. We both loved Blessed is She, especially the sisterhood it fostered, working to connect the different generations. Sadly, six months later my mom passed away from an aggressive cancer. A little part of me died with her, but my family and Blessed is She sisters lifted me up with their prayers when I needed it most. Fast forward three years, and I recently attended another Blessed is She retreat, this time with my daughter. My soul was refreshed spending time with Jesus, but it was also important for me to reconnect with long-distance friends and make new friends. Despite our differences in vocations, ages, and locations, we experienced a familial bond as daughters of God. You can see this same sisterly love in today’s Gospel. When Mary heard that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant in her advanced age, she rushed to be with her, despite the discomforts of traveling in primitive conditions, while pregnant (Luke 1:30). Likewise, Elizabeth was overjoyed to see Mary, not only as a cousin, but—as the Holy Spirit revealed—the mother of her Lord. Both brought all the glory back to God and praised Him for His goodness (Luke 1:41-56). Afterwards, Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. I can imagine Mary doing little things to comfort Elizabeth, and Elizabeth offering wisdom and assurance to Mary as she pondered being the mother of the Messiah and what that may entail. This Gospel holds beautiful lessons for us as women of faith. First, be willing to go out of our way to help someone in need. Lean on each other. Share experiences and learn from one another. Second, be open to the Holy Spirit and let Him guide and reveal God’s truth to us. Third, in all things, bring it back to God and rejoice in His goodness. Like Mary and Elizabeth, let’s walk together on this road to Heaven supporting each other, trusting in the Spirit, and blessing God. [bctt tweet="Bring it back to God. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. // Isaiah 50:6 I knew something was wrong when he wouldn’t look me in the eye. I pressed him to be honest, and he reluctantly told me what happened. People whom I thought were my friends were shunning me for standing up for my Catholic faith. They no longer wanted me in their lives. I could not believe it. We shared a common love of Our Lord, but some refused to let go of their misguided aversion of the Catholic Church. I was heartbroken and felt betrayed. In today’s Gospel, Jesus was betrayed on a much deeper level. I can only imagine the pain Our Lord went through knowing that it was a close friend who handed Him over to death. It is easy for me to judge Judas and be sickened by His behavior, but have I not done the same? Reading the words of Isaiah: “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6). Are we not the ones who beat Him, abused Him, and spit in His face every time we chose sin over His love? Have we not been Judas? I think about this not to fill my heart with shame, but to fill my heart with remorse over my sins and resolve to unite with God’s grace. I want to turn away from sin and bring comfort, not pain, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As we approach the Triduum and contemplate the suffering Jesus endured for us, let’s not watch passively, but experience a prayerful repentance of our sins and awe at the depth of love Jesus has for us. He endured every moment of pain and humiliation so we could be saved and united with Him forever. Dearest Lord, may I never become complacent in my sinful behavior. Move my heart to deeper conversion and greater love of You. May I glimpse the ocean of love You have for me and may my heart be forever united to Yours. I love You. Amen [bctt tweet="He endured every moment of pain and humiliation so we could be saved. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” // Matthew 5:19 “Ugh, this is the worse day ever!” yelled my middle schooler, dramatically exiting the room. I sighed and looked over to my husband who was trying to hide his smile behind the book he was supposedly reading. He looked at me and asked, “Who does that sound like?” I scoffed. “I hope you don’t mean me?” He chuckled and went back to his book. He was right. Although all my children have their own unique personalities, I can see traits of my husband and myself—in their mannerisms and behavior. Sometimes they reflect the best of us and sometimes, they imitate or say things we wish we could take back. While my middle schooler returned and apologized for the outburst and gave me a hug, I recalled something a priest told me in Confession, “You’re teaching your children not just with your words, but with your actions and attitude.” That applies not just to my kids, but to the example I am giving everyone. The way I act in person—with friends, coworkers, at the market, or even how I comment on a social media post—speaks volumes about the kind of person I am and the values I hold. In today’s Gospel, Jesus doesn’t mince words when He says, “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19). As we go about our day today, let’s be extra aware of the lessons we are teaching through our actions. Are we reflecting the person of Christ or are we pushing them further away from Him? Lord, help me to be a person of light in the darkness. May my words, actions, and attitude draw people to You and Your Mercy. Amen. [bctt tweet="Lord, help me to be a person of light in the darkness. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

When they had fulfilled all the prescription of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. // Luke 2:40 There are moments when God’s goodness is undeniably obvious to me. When I look back on my own life, I marveled at God’s wondrous works in major milestones: the day of my conversion, the day I got married, the birth of my children, when my husband’s cancer went into remission. However, there are equally numerous moments when God's presence was quietly revealed throughout my ordinary day: in the hug of a child, the smile of a friend, or the warmth of the sun on a winter day. The early life of Jesus held some glorious moments when He is revealed as the Savior, such as when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary (Luke 1: 26-38), when the Angels proclaimed it to the shepherds (Luke 2: 9-15), and when Simeon and Anna revealed it in today’s Gospel (Luke 2:25-38). Although Mary and Joseph knew Jesus was the Chosen One, they did not know the details of how this would unfold. God did not give them a master plan with everything mapped out. They simply had to take one day at a time and go where God led them. After the purification and presentation ceremony, “they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40). Except for the finding in the temple at the age of twelve, Scripture doesn't tell us more about their years at home in Nazareth. Yet, God was working in their lives and setting into motion His plan of salvation in their quiet living at home. Likewise, we can find God’s presence in not only the big occasions, but in the ordinary moments. Intentionally seek God out today and let Him speak to your heart. Lord, reveal Yourself to me. Help me to open my heart to hear and see your presence in my day. I love You. Amen. [bctt tweet="Let Him speak to your heart. // Bobbi Rol " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“She remained long at prayer before the Lord.” // 1 Samuel 1:12 I’m moved by the story of Hannah in today’s reading. Hannah was married to Elkanah, who had two wives—a common practice then. The other wife, Peninnah, had many children, while Hannah was barren. Making it worse, “to upset her, [Peninnah] would torment her constantly” (1 Samuel 1:6) about her infertility. This went on for years, and Hannah was in anguish. One evening, Hannah went to the temple and “in her bitterness she prayed to the Lord weeping freely” (1 Samuel 1:10). She begged God for a son and promised she’d give him to God. Meanwhile, Eli, a temple priest, saw her distress. Assuming she was drunk, he reprimanded her. Hannah could have easily become angry at Peninnah and lashed out at her for her bullying. Hannah could have doubted God and turned her back on Him for not answering her. She could have lost her temper at Eli for misjudging her. However, time and time again, Hannah didn’t lash out. Instead, she ran to God. Despite all the turmoil surrounding her, she never lost faith. God saw Hannah’s faithfulness and heard her cry. After she returned home to her husband, Hannah conceived and bore a son named Samuel. As promised, after Samuel was weaned, she took him to the temple and offered him to the Lord. In today’s Responsorial Psalm, we hear Hannah’s song of praise to God. Her faithfulness was rewarded beyond what she could have even imagined, having been blessed with three more sons and two daughters. I, too, prayed like Hannah for a child and experienced God's incredible mercy and blessings. Hannah is a powerful witness of a life activated by faith. She was able to get out of her bed and face another day because she knew God would sustain her and give her the strength to keep going. She knew He would not abandon her, even if she had to wait for her answer. And when God did answer her prayer, she was quick to thank Him and praise Him for His goodness. In what ways is God calling you to be more faithful in your life today? [bctt tweet="She knew God would sustain her. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” // Luke 2:37 I stood in the back of the hall where the retreat participants were gathered, and I couldn’t help but smile as I looked around. There were young college girls, moms with babies, mothers of older kids, brides of Christ, and silver-haired women bouncing grandchildren. Each had her own unique story, yet we were all there for a common purpose—to deepen our love of God and to experience the presence of Jesus. In today’s Gospel, we read about the prophetess Anna, an older woman who spent her days in the temple worshiping, praying, and fasting day and night. To an outsider, it may have seemed a little crazy or that she was wasting her life. But, as in the narrative of the birth of Jesus, we see humble hearts—from the lowly shepherds to the wise men who were not too proud to kneel before the Baby Jesus. Likewise, God favored Anna, someone who seemed insignificant in the eyes of the world, and He allowed her to see the Messiah before she died. I find this incredibly encouraging! Even though there are high-profile women spreading the Gospel, most of us are living quiet lives, humbly serving God as best we can in our circumstances. We don’t have to feel bad that our current situation or season of life hinders us from doing as much as we’d like. Instead, we need to hear God's call and live the Gospel right where we are. Whether we are struggling through school or work deadlines, are surrounded by kids and messiness, or miss the old days of a busy household, God has His unique plan for us in this moment of time. Sometimes it is to carry on quietly, offering up the prayers of your struggle. And sometimes it is to speak boldly, as Anna did, and proclaim that the Messiah is here to save us. Whatever our current call, we can give God a humble and open heart. What is God asking of you today? [bctt tweet="Give God a humble and open heart. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

My sister rolled her eyes and gave me that look. I shut my mouth and gave her an apologetic smile. Yes, I was singing the praises of my boyfriend again, but I was in love, and I couldn’t stop talking about it. As time went on and I fell deeper in love, I talked about it less, but my mom noticed a change in my behavior. I became more serious and less flighty, as she called it, about life. She saw happiness in my eyes and a desire to better myself. She knew there was something different about this boy (who would later become my husband). The funny thing is that I experienced something remarkably similar when I fell in love with Our Lord. The more I got to know Him, the more I wanted to share that love with others. My behavior changed, and I was more serious about my faith. In the past when I read the parable of the ten gold coins in today’s Gospel (Luke 19:11-28), I was fearful because I identified with the guy who hid the coin. Fearful because, at the time, I did not have a deep love of God. I related to Him as the Judge, but not the merciful Father. However, as I was praying over the Scripture today, I kept thinking of that love that bubbles up because it cannot be contained. When we are in love with Jesus and incredibly thankful for the mercy and graces God has bestowed on our lives, we cannot help but want to share that with others. Like the gold coin, we don’t want to hide it, rather, we want it to be fruitful. Producing a “spiritual profit” is no longer a chore. It is the natural outcome of a faith-filled life. Does our love for God spur that kind of evangelistic fire? If not, what is holding us back? Fear? Mediocrity? Ask God to reveal what may be holding you back from giving your life completely to Him and being fruitful in your faith. [bctt tweet="What is holding us back? // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

I met him at a concert. I immediately noticed his dark hair, dark eyes, and alluring smile. We became friends and as we got to know each other better, he told me about girls who became enamored with him. One bought him a motorcycle. Others gave him substantial amounts of money when things were tight for him. Although Tony was attractive, I laughed that these girls would be so desperate, securing his love with money and extravagant gifts. As the weeks went by, Tony was creeping increasingly into my life. He was calling every night, and I started believing his assertions that he cared for me, and that no one understood him the way I did. Despite all the red flags, I got sucked into his world until I was transferring him money to help him through a pinch. Granted it was not a lot, but once he got his money, I heard from him less and less, until he was out of my life completely. It was humiliating. I thought of those other girls who had been duped by Tony. I felt bad for laughing at them and felt the reprimand of the today's reading, “You. . . are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment” (Romans 2:1). As bad as I may have felt then, I am grateful for the experience now. I encountered healing, recalling Psalm 62:9, “Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him; God is our refuge!” Likewise, it taught me a lesson about judging others without knowing both sides of the story or knowing a person’s heart. It gave me a greater compassion for human weaknesses, not to excuse it, but to help lift someone up when they have fallen with “kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). The next time you find yourself judging a person, stop and ask God for a more compassionate heart. Say a prayer for them and their situation, and if you’re able, reach out to them. Be a positive influence drawing them back to God. [bctt tweet="I encountered healing. // @bobbi_rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

The day was gorgeous! Blue skies were adorned with fluffy clouds and a gentle breeze. As my husband and I walked along the sunny nature trail, I smiled at the couple passing us. The man never looked, but the well-dressed woman gave me a quick glance over and looked away with a sour expression. After the initial sting of hurt, I was annoyed. What the heck was her problem? Was she offended to see a Hispanic woman holding hands with a white guy? Was it my inexpensive Old Navy outfit? My plus-size physique? Why was she judging me?! I eventually shrugged it off and took solace in the fact that I wasn’t like her—passing judgment on other people. But as I thought about it, my conscience chided me with the words in the today's reading, “Show no partiality as you hold the faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ” (James 2:1). There have been many times when I looked at someone and sized them up, eyeing the statements on their slogan hat. I may have been friendly, but my mind quickly formed an opinion about them, and I am not proud of that. It makes me think about Saint Mother Teresa whose feast day we celebrate today. She was able to look at a person and see their heart and how Christ dwelt within them. She was able to see the God-given dignity of people who were shunned and cast off by others. She changed the lives of countless people—those who felt the loving touch of her motherly hand and those who witnessed her selfless example. I want that same burning love for Christ . . . a love that curbs my tendency to judge others and instead allows me to see them as children of God. A love that prompts me to help someone in need, rather than my own self-interest. Let’s honestly look at our hearts and examine our prejudice or wrongful judgment of others. What is a concrete way we can live Mother Teresa’s example and bring love and care to an ignored person today? [bctt tweet="Bring love. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

"I need you to watch the kids for me until I get back," my mom called out. "Seriously?" I groaned. "I have to watch them again?" As the oldest of nine siblings, I was used to being the “second mom.” It was annoying at times, but I didn’t rebel against it until my late teens when I started drifting away from God. By my early twenties, I decided I didn’t want a big family and that I’d use birth control to prevent it. Years later, when I returned to the faith, I had a better understanding of love, marriage, and the sacredness of life. By the time I was engaged to be married, I longed for a big family of my own. However, things didn’t go as planned. It took a year to conceive our daughter and five years and two miscarriages to conceive our second child. That time of infertility and losing babies was my own wandering in the desert. Like the Israelites, I complained and disregarded the marvelous workings of God. I saw new life as a nuisance that prevented me from doing what I wanted. God said to me, just as He did in the First Reading, “I will do to you just what I have heard you say” (Numbers 14:28). It sounds harsh, especially after years of pleading to God. In reality, those desert years were a mercy. They opened my eyes and my heart to see that life was precious, sacred, and not something to be wielded according to my whims. As I look at my four children now, and think of my two entrusted to God's mercy, I praise God for His mercy and miraculous gifts of life. Whatever we’re asking of God, amid the pain of unanswered prayer, it’s tempting to think God has forsaken us. Trusting in His mercy, timing, and goodness requires faith and surrender of our will. Let us pray together: Father, transform my heart and strengthen me to desire Your will. Help me trust in Your goodness because You love me and have a plan for me. I love You. Amen. [bctt tweet="Praise God for His mercy. // @bobbi_rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion  

I held back the burning tears and clapped to hide my emotion. Although I was truly happy for my friend’s marriage, it broke my heart. She was years younger than me, and she was marrying a guy that I secretly liked. Why did it seem like everyone around me was finding love and getting married, while I was forced to stand on the sidelines and watch with a painted-on smile? I knew in my heart that God would answer my prayer in His good time, but it was getting harder and harder to not become disillusioned as I waited. Like the Israelites fleeing the Egyptians in today’s reading, an insurmountable wall seemingly prevented me from my answered prayer. However, God gave me the grace to remain faithful, despite my impatience. Eventually, my miracle came when I married a man above and beyond what I could have imagined. And God was not done performing miracles in my life. Whether it was babies after years of infertility or my husband's cancer going in remission, God answered above and beyond what I could have imagined. Although not all my prayers were answered as I wanted, God has remained faithful in giving me all the strength and grace I need to get through the difficult times. Frankly, it’s still my tendency not to ask for something too big, for fear of getting my hopes up, but God has been challenging me to be bold in my prayer. The same Father Who parted the Red Sea then is still the Way Maker and Miracle Worker of today. So, let’s take a big leap of faith in our prayer, trusting that He will always catch us. What leap do you need to make today? [bctt tweet="He will always catch us. // @bobbi_rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

I closed my eyes in prayer, and after a few minutes, I imagined Jesus with me. I spoke to Him about my day and in my mind’s eye, He placed His hands on my cheeks and gently turned my face towards Him. He asked, “Please, look at Me.” Surprisingly, I couldn’t bring myself to look into His eyes. I pleaded, “Don’t make me look at You.” My unexpected anguish troubled me, but Jesus patiently waited. Slowly, I looked into His eyes and saw my own reflection in them. It was me, but it didn’t look like the me I see in a mirror. It was as if, for a moment, Jesus allowed me to glimpse at the me behind the layers and the masks I hide behind. He saw the beauty of my soul. He saw all my potential and all that He called me to be. I sobbed. This prayer happened over a year ago, yet Our Lord continues to bring me back to this moment in prayer. It reminds me of today’s reading, “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” (Hosea 11:3-4). I was frightened to let Jesus truly see me, even though He is my Healer. How many times have we felt ugly, unworthy, ashamed, or anxious to look into the eyes of Our Savior? Yet, with hands upon our cheeks, He beckons us to turn our faces to Him. His burning love sees the God-given beauty within us. He sees our strengths and the weaknesses He desires to overcome. On this Feast Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Savior wants to refine our hearts with the fire of His love. It is painful to come face to face with our demons and our flaws, but it is only through this purification that we are formed into women who will change the world. What is Jesus trying to show you that you have not wanted to see? [bctt tweet="He is my Healer. // Bobbi Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion  

My pen scratched furiously over the pad of paper on my lap. I was trying to get down all my mom’s instructions. Normally, I would be doing this for a recipe or something she wanted me to look up online. But on this day, I was taking down the final conversations we would ever have. Topics ranged from the mundane to the humorous. However, it was when she spoke from her heart, emphasizing the importance of her words, that moved me the most. I vividly remember her telling me that she was at peace. Despite her life being cut short, she was ready to die. Moreover, she wanted us to have that same peace. She told us not to be afraid to go on without her, that we’d have one another to lean on, and we’d continue to love and serve God with our lives. This scene immediately came to mind when I read today’s Gospel. Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). You can hear the tender concern Jesus has for the Apostles. He knew He would be leaving them relatively soon, and He wanted to impart His words, knowing that they would think back and remember them after He was gone. Jesus’ words would bring comfort and strength to carry on His mission of spreading the Good News. Saying goodbye to my mom was a heartbreaking and paramount moment in my life, but I still need to be reminded of God’s peace many times. Even as I write this, my heart is heavy with worries, and I’m trying to absorb the words on the screen into my heart, handing my troubles to Jesus and asking for His peace. It’s a paradox of Christian life to be at peace when our world is shaken, yet it’s the challenge we’re given each day. What is troubling your heart today? Take it to Jesus in prayer and ask for His embrace of peace. [bctt tweet="Be at peace when our world is shaken. // @bobbi_rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion Prince of peace, teach me (again) to rest in Your peace.  

The phone rang, and I saw her name. I was tempted to let it go to voicemail. My friend was having a rough time, and lately I’d been her moral support. She wanted to get together to talk, but I explained that I already had plans, and we’d do it another time. She was disappointed but understood. I hung up with a twinge of guilt because, technically, I could’ve changed my plans. I brushed it aside, but that small voice in my heart told me it was important to make time for her today. I resisted, but the voice kept nudging. I sighed and picked up the phone to tell my friend that we could get together. As I’ve grown older and more mature in my faith, I’ve learned to recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As a youth, I was fascinated with the way the Holy Spirit moved in the lives of the Apostles, particularly in the Act of the Apostles. In the reading today it says, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’” (Acts 13:2). As I read that, I realized there was another Person in the scene—the Paraclete. I thought such activity was reserved for ancient times or a few select holy people. However, I’ve witnessed the Holy Spirit at work daily—in others' lives and my own. Sometimes, my heart and head are preoccupied with noise and activity, and I can’t hear Him. But when I make time for prayer and turn my mind to God several times during the day, I’m more attuned with the voice of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is ready to speak to each of us so we can live as the Apostles—not only in the big “sharing the faith” moments, but also in the little ways in which we deal with difficult people or unforeseen changes in our plans. What is the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart today? Listen carefully. listen to today’s devotion [bctt tweet="The Holy Spirit is ready to speak to each of us. // @bobbi_rol" username="blessedisshe__"] Paraclete, whisper in my heart how I can do Your work today.