Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. // Psalm 80:4 Through an unfruitful season of prayer, I sat at my desk each evening and opened up a livestream of virtual Eucharistic Adoration on my iPad. Jesus was present, however my heart and mind was numb to the truth of His mercy. Many of my evenings were spent fixating on my weaknesses and all the ways I’ve messed up, instead of shifting my focus toward the gaze of His eternal love. One evening in particular, I was mid-sentence when l felt a gentle tug on my heart. No words were audibly heard, but I gently heard in my heart, Look at Me. In today’s Responsorial Psalm, we read, “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved” (Psalm 80:4). There is nothing wrong with acknowledging where you fall short or areas that you would like to improve, however, there have been numerous times where I‘ve unknowingly made an obsession out of my wrong doings. Sister, I gently encourage you to go in person to Eucharistic Adoration or open it up on YouTube and just sit. Sit in the gaze of His love. Don’t worry about saying anything. Just look at Him. Even if it's just for five minutes. I know how easy it is to focus on our failures and sins. I still struggle, but how healing it is to turn our attention to His Sacred Heart that is adorned by His mercy and desire for you! Just sitting in silence and acknowledging His presence is enough to restore our hearts back to the Truth. Don’t be afraid to accept the gift of the Love you were created for. Jesus, we love You. We praise You. We thank You for the sacrifice of Your Love. Help us to open to accept the deep desire that You have for each of our hearts. Amen. [bctt tweet="Don’t be afraid to accept the gift of the Love you were created for. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

"Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." // Luke 21:28 My little daughter heart was exhausted. I kept depending on the people in my life to provide me with the satisfaction and healing that my soul craved. Both my mind and body couldn’t carry the bondages anymore that held me captive from receiving true freedom. However, the freedom I was seeking appeared unfathomable in my mind. My heart was full of worldly pleasures, yet when it came to the true Love I was thirsting for, it was empty. In today’s Gospel Acclamation, we read, “Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand“ (Luke 21:28). Redemption is the fruit of Jesus' love for us. Not only a fruit, but a deep desire that flames within His Sacred Heart. He didn’t wait to approach me until I was “put together,” He came to me exactly where I was, in all my brokenness, weariness, exhaustion, and ache. Jesus’ love poured a flowing current that captivated the yearning of my soul. His love is the real remedy to your ache. Every desire that you have, every bit of healing that you seek, it’s all found in Him. When it comes to redemption, Jesus doesn’t settle. He desires the fullest freedom and healing for each and every one of His daughters and sons. Sister, I gently encourage you to sit with Him today. Don’t worry about having to perform a certain way, or say the “right thing,” or if you look holy or not. Take the pressure off yourself. Jesus isn’t looking for perfection from you; He just wants your heart and to make you whole. Allow Him to meet you right where you are. Jesus, we love You. Thank You for the gift of our redemption. Help us to meet You, right where we are. Help us to be open to Your merciful Love. Amen. [bctt tweet="He just wants your heart and to make you whole. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." // Luke 1:28 My heart remained resentful towards Our Lady during my teenage years. I was convinced that she was only for the “really holy” people. I thought to myself, I already have Jesus. What does Mary have to do with me? Maybe you're wrestling with the same question. The Lord softened my heart throughout the years, and I began to see her ultimate role not only as the Mother of God, but my mother as well. In August of 2021, the Father tugged my heart to pray the 54 Day Rosary Novena. I agreed to do this, however I was a bit nervous. Praying the Rosary was not a habit in my daily life. I had prayed the Rosary a few times by myself and a decade with my family in the evening, but I had never consistently prayed the full Rosary. I didn’t know all the mysteries; I usually became distracted, restless, and bored. I knew it would be a challenge, but in all my littleness, I remained obedient. It wasn’t easy, however, it drew my heart so intimately with Mary’s. Not right away, but eventually, this led to making the Rosary a daily habit in my life. The more I learned about Mary’s heart, the more beautiful the Rosary appeared, instead of seeing it as a chore or something to cross off my to-do list. In a moment of great distress, I grabbed my rosary. Walking outside, I listened to an audio version of the Rosary on my phone. I was too upset to even mouth the prayers, but receiving the motherly care and comfort of Our Lady, through the Rosary, was enough to calm my heart. Sister, can I gently encourage you to say a Hail Mary today? Sit with Mary for a moment. Mother Teresa had a simple, but beautiful prayer that she would say to Our Lady, Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now. We need a mom, and Jesus gifted us with the most perfect one. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us. [bctt tweet="Sit with Mary for a moment. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. // Philippians 2:7-8 I remember as a little girl, after both my parents had gone to Confession, they would bring me to the huge statue of Jesus upon the Cross. It was located in the back of the church, directly next to the confessional. I was lifted up to kiss the feet of Jesus. At that age, Christ’s sacrifice was beyond my understanding. I don’t even remember questioning why Jesus was bleeding, why He had nails in His hands and feet, or why He wore a crown of thorns. Jesus loves you so much is what my mom would always tell me. I didn’t understand, but with authentic child-like faith, I believed. In today’s Second Reading, we hear, “Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8). The last of my teenage years and even now in early adulthood, the only way I could ever describe the reason for Jesus' sacrifice was because He loves us. However, numerous times I’ve mistaken that truth as a cheesy cliche. In moments of deep confusion and disbelief, I would aggressively give Him a bullet-point list of all the reasons why He shouldn’t love me. I’m deeply grateful for the intercession of Mother Mary, who would always direct me back to the foot of the Cross. Sister, we will never find a greater act of Love. Maybe you’ve given Him your own list of reasons why He shouldn’t delight in you. I gently invite you today, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, to place yourself at the foot of the Cross. To press your hand at one of His wounds. To sit by Mary and the women who loyally followed Him until the end. Let His sacrifice reveal His profound and intimate love for you. Mary, we graciously ask that you may always lead us to your Son. In moments of doubt, may you direct us to His Passion so that we remember His Love. Amen. [bctt tweet="We will never find a greater act of Love. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

For I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands, and bring you back to your own land. // Ezekiel 36:24 My restless, teenage heart, over the course of a year, had directed me away from receiving the untethered gift of God’s freedom and deep affection for me. Wandering from the green, fruitful pastures of His heart, I found myself in lands that only produced empty satisfaction. My heart was thirsting for something deeper than temporary contentment. I was convinced that the Love my soul was seeking for was unreachable. Even if I reached it, I considered myself unworthy. The enemy had sown these painful lies upon my already aching heart. Punishment for walking away from the Father felt like a more realistic outcome than a welcoming embrace. In today’s First Reading, we hear, “For I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands, and bring you back to your own land” (Ezekiel 36:24). Sister, the lies that I believed in are not the reality of His Fatherhood. He is a good and faithful Father with a bursting heart that pursues you every second of the day. Even when you don’t pursue Him in return. I don't know what lies are painfully lingering upon your heart and mind, but when we wander away from the abundant land of the Father’s heart, His profound love is always ready to redirect our souls back to Him. He is always willing to go the extra mile to retrieve the hearts of His beloved daughters. Christ will bring you back into the land of His most merciful and Sacred Heart. The land in which we long to be. Sweet Jesus, thank You for loving us so well. May You always redirect our hearts back to You. Amen. [bctt tweet="He is always willing to go the extra mile. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency. // Micah 7:18 The evening glow from the sun reflected throughout my creaky hallway as water droplets dripped down my freshly washed but wet hair. Steadily walking into my pink-cotton candy bedroom, I switched on the lights and grabbed from my bookshelf a little purple journal with gold polka dots. Now sitting at my desk, I vigorously began to write my apology. My apology to the Father. Just the previous evening, I had experienced my own reconversion. After putting off the Father’s invitation to come back into His arms, I finally said yes. I wouldn’t describe the moment as anything dramatic or overwhelming, but it was unforgettable. I felt wholeheartedly free from what was pulling me away from Him, but I assumed that His mercy upon me was nonexistent. I poured my heart into an apology letter. I went to Confession. Yet I still felt numb and unforgiven. In today’s first reading, we hear, “Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency” (Micah 7:18). Doubting His forgiveness and love left a huge burden on my heart. Sister, your Heavenly Father has a deep yearning to cleanse the stained parts of your heart. He desires intimacy and gently invites you to dwell and receive the gift of His mercy. His desire for your repentance isn’t out of hate or anguish, but out of deep, pure, and real love for you. Knowing His forgiveness has been a journey for me. It’s not something that clicked right away, but happened the more I spent time with Him, the more I got to know His voice, heart, and outward affection toward me as His daughter. His mercy became easier to grasp when you began to know Who He truly is and how He truly sees you. Spend time with Him and listen to His voice. Dear Jesus, we love You. Help us to know Your heart, so that we may let You farther into ours. Thank You for Your gift of Your mercy. Amen. [bctt tweet="Know His forgiveness. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” // Matthew 5:17 As my weary body weighed me down, I dragged my feet over to my desk. While opening up Eucharistic Adoration on YouTube, I asked the Father, Is this even worth my time? Silent time in prayer had been a struggle as other distractions that seemed “better” surrounded me. I was physically and emotionally exhausted, I knew time with Jesus is what I needed. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus says, “I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus didn’t come to deprive, but to fulfill our deep cry for His love and healing. He came to revive our hearts when they feel dry and hopeless. When we feel that there is no remedy to our brokenness, He’s there to save and set us free from our bondage. We can be rejuvenated just by sitting in silence and acknowledging His never-ending presence. The Father has a yearning for deep intimacy with you, His beloved daughter. The perpetual gaze of His delight has never left you. Even in the moments where you left Him. Sister, I know how discouraging dry seasons are. I know how other distractions might seem more fulfilling, but those things are only temporary. His love, mercy, and profound desire to quench your thirst is forever. Go to Him. Have the Living Water pour upon your heart. Your heart might feel like it’s wilting, but allow the One Who satisfies to rebirth your soul with His Love. Let Him do the work. Sweet Jesus, we love You. Plant Your Love and healing into our hearts so that we may flourish. Amen. [bctt tweet="Jesus didn’t come to deprive. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory. // Psalm 115:1 “What’s a Hail Mary?” This was the question that escaped one of my classmate’s lips. It gave me a prideful confidence boost because I knew the answer. As an insecure high schooler, I always took note of how popular, talented, or better everyone was compared to me. I felt like I had nothing. I took advantage of any opportunity to feel better about myself, but I kept silent so others couldn’t hear or see the pride that was sitting stiffly in my heart. The last thing I wanted was for my “nice girl” persona to be shattered. Sister, I felt like I could never win, and maybe you’ve felt the same. I want you to know, from my imperfect heart, that simply winning isn’t the reason why we're here. In today’s Responsorial Psalm we hear, “Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory” (Psalm 115:1). As beloved daughters of the King, we are here to give glory and praise to His name, and His name alone. I had a deep desire to be loved and accepted by my peers. They couldn’t give me anything that I craved. They left me feeling deserted in my aching desire. Sister, it’s Jesus I was craving. It’s Him you’re craving. In His profound and intimate love for you, He has a deep yearning to fill that desire. He’ll fill it over and over again. He is the One we live for. He is worth everything. He is everything. You are everything to Him. Sweet Jesus, may we praise Your name forever. May You always remind us who we are in Your eyes. We love You. Amen. [bctt tweet="He is worth everything. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

He said to them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." // Mark 16:15 Sitting in my American History class, my teacher announced a new group project that we would be working on in class. My stomach dropped at the idea of having to “work together.” Not only was I shy, but I was terribly insecure. Not just about how I looked, but about my faith. I had recently reconverted and was still navigating how to handle being in public school while also being Catholic. After being assigned to our groups, we rearranged the desks so that we could sit together. One of the popular girls sat next to me, and I quickly turned my cross ring to the other side of my finger so that she couldn’t see it. I always wanted to fit in. I avoided anything that could possibly upset others, including my faith. My anxious thoughts would captivate me as I pondered how I could respond if someone questioned what I believed. I thought hiding my faith was the solution to my fear. I thought my comfort meant that the “solution” was working. In today’s Gospel reading we hear, “He said to them, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature’” (Mark 16:15). Sister, living out the Gospel and proclaiming it isn’t easy. There were days when I was barely hanging onto the Truth. Days when I didn’t even believe the Truth. I still have those days. As beloved daughters, we aren’t made for comfort. Jesus wasn’t slaughtered in public so that I could be ashamed of what I believed in. Yes, moments of confrontation are scary. Yes, harsh words of nonbelievers are painful. The scourging at the pillar, the crowning of thorns, carrying the Cross, being nailed to the Cross, being beaten and mocked were also painful. He knows your suffering. He’s been through the worst of suffering so that He may know ours. Jesus, we thank You for your sacrifice. Help us to be courageous in our faith, especially when we feel weak. May we always turn to You. Amen. [bctt tweet="He’s been through the worst of suffering so that He may know ours. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” // Luke 1:38 The Lord has convicted me of my mental exhaustion. He has gently nudged me to rest. I looked up “live Eucharistic Adoration” on Youtube. I came across a beautiful church in Poland and inside was a huge statue of Mary. It was completely lit up and placed in her womb was the tabernacle. I couldn’t help but weep at her beauty and motherliness. The mother she is to Jesus and the mother she is to us. She held the most precious gift in her womb. A gift she would share with the world. If you’re anything like me, I used to think Mary had no place in my life, especially after my reconversion. I thought, I barely know Who Jesus is, let alone His mother. Why should I? Her role as my role model and mother began to slowly grow after I realized that we both had something in common. We watched someone we love suffer. For her, it was her son. For me, it was my Grandma. Mary was there with me: When I said my last goodbye. When I grieved (and still do at times.) When I was upset at the Lord for taking her away. I didn’t know it, but she was right there. It was a painful experience, but it’s what planted the seeds which slowly have sprouted into a deep love for Mary. Today we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to announce the news to Mary about God’s will for her life. Mary’s yes changed our lives forever. How can you say yes to God today? Mother Mary, thank you for your obedience to the Father’s will. Help us to say yes every day, especially when it is difficult or frightening. Amen. [bctt tweet="Mary’s yes changed our lives forever. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two. // Mark 6:7 These past few months, the Lord has gently convicted me of my selfish habits. As an imperfect daughter, in all my brokenness, I was under the impression that I was self-sufficient. I could do it myself. I didn’t need anyone's help, whether it was His help or assistance from someone He placed in my life here on earth. In all His love for me, the Father revealed that I had an unhealed wound. In my high school years, whenever we were placed into groups to work on a project, I remember being one who did a good portion of the work without the needed help of my classmates. And if we had to choose our groups, I was the one person no one wanted to work with. As the years went by, those who I thought loved me left me behind, and I was left to do a lot on my own. I became independent, but in the worst way. I assumed I didn’t need anyone’s help, including the Lord’s. In today’s Gospel reading, we hear, “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” (Mark 6:7). We are called to do similar work. As daughters and children of God, it is our calling to share His truth, pray for others, and care for those around us. However, we weren’t made to do it alone. Jesus had twelve disciples who journeyed with Him through thick and thin. At that time, they were probably the most unqualified group of people to choose, but He chose them. He chooses you, too, sister. In all your brokenness, unique quirks, and personality traits. God deeply delights in you, His precious daughter. He chooses you every single day. Will you choose Him? Lord, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for loving us. Help us to come together and share Your truth. Amen. [bctt tweet="He chooses you every single day. // Bella Rol " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

“They all ate and were satisfied.” // Mark 6:42 As I slowly crept back into practicing the Faith, other than going to Mass on Sundays, I perceived my faith as a burdensome thing in my life. It was the one thing that I didn’t want people to know about me because I knew it was the reason I’d be looked down upon. Trying to patch the shattered parts of myself, I would dig towards worldly things for the hope of satisfaction. My deep desire to be loved and accepted pushed me to keep digging and fill my hungry heart. I dug so far, but I was left empty. I would pick weeds in the mostly dry garden, but God would stand behind me with a flourishing bouquet of flowers. My blindness kept me from seeing the loving gaze that the Father fixes on me at every second of the day. In today’s Gospel, we hear about how Jesus fed the five thousand with the two fishes and five loaves of bread. After Jesus performed this miracle, “They all ate and were satisfied” (Mark 6:42). My heart hungers. Sister, your heart hungers. The Living Bread is the only One who can satisfy. Anything else is only temporary. I still struggle with this. I’m not always motivated to pray. I get distracted by things that seem “more important.” The Father gives us the gift of His love every day. He desires for us to come back to Him after we wander. We can only go so far without Him. His safe and loving arms are wide open for you to leap into for the warmest embrace. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your love. Light our path so that we may find it in our everyday life. Amen. [bctt tweet="The Living Bread is the only One who can satisfy. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

"Surely in a little while, Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard considered a forest!” // Isaiah 30:17-19 During an uncomfortable season of spiritual dryness, just like a lost child, I wandered through the desert. I desperately thirsted. I arrived at multiple wells for nourishment. None of them would truly satisfy my thirst. My sister, we are like the orchard changing into a forest. With His nourishment, we are able to bloom and fully flourish in our identity as His beloved daughters. Our dryness desperately thirsts for the Living Water. When I invited Him into the desert, I was able to find beauty. Letting Him lead was intimidating, but His tender love made the dryness bearable. Even while wandering through the desert, I was still able to find beauty. I was still able to find Him. Sister, your dryness is only temporary. I encourage you to invite Him into the desert with you. You will feel joy again. You will feel whole as His daughter again. And if you wander away, He is always there, patiently waiting for His sweet little girl to run back into His safe arms. We are most alive when we accept the freedom that He offers us every single day. His freedom is a gift that He desires for us. You are His gift. Will you accept His? Dear God, as Your daughters we come to You with thirsty hearts. Please nourish us with Your love and mercy. Amen. [bctt tweet="We are most alive when we accept the freedom that He offers us every single day. // Bella Rol " username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Every single one of us has the opportunity to build our own intimate relationship with the Father. When it came to developing my relationship with Christ, I don’t know why I had assumed that it would be easy. I still struggle with certain areas even after three years of developing my relationship. Our relationships are never perfect, and He doesn’t expect us to be in them. God doesn’t expect us to have it “all together.” No matter how long you’ve been Catholic. No matter how long you’ve been involved with your faith. We all stumble. We all fall. We also have the opportunity to get back up. As Jesus carried the Cross during His Passion, He fell three times. Excruciatingly painful falls. He got back up and continued. It wasn’t easy, but He still carried on. Today's Gospel Acclamation is, “My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). A priest at my parish once said, “We have to get lost to find the shepherd.” The journey of our faith is never linear. And that’s okay. No matter how many times we fall, He is always there to pick us back up. We don’t have to suffer alone. He doesn’t want us to suffer alone. He wants to be in every aspect of it. He is in every aspect of it, but it’s our choice to invite Him in. Allow yourself to be vulnerable with Him. If you need to be mad, you can be mad. You can cry on His shoulder. Sister, let Him relieve your pain. Sweet Jesus, we weren’t there to help You carry Your Cross, but thank You for always helping us carry ours. Amen. [bctt tweet="Let Him relieve your pain. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

During my high school years, I developed the unhealthy habits of being judgmental towards others and gossiping. During this period, I also started to rebuild my faith, which was ironic because Jesus would never be snarky like that. In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' judgment towards Him and the disciples for not traditionally washing before their meal. He says, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil” (Luke 11:39). Like the Pharisees, it was easier for me to point out the filth in others instead of my own bad choices. As sinners, our hearts desperately need cleaning. The Lord wants to heal our hearts through the Sacrament of Confession. From my own experience, I understand it can be hard to accept God’s forgiveness, especially sins that seem “unforgivable.” Dear sister, please don’t give in to this lie of the evil one that your sins aren't able to be forgiven. Listen to the One Who created you perfectly in His Divine Image. The Lord has a deep yearning to heal you. He wants your heart to be free from the dirt that’s weighing it down. As I imagine Jesus holding my grimy heart, His love, mercy, and forgiveness is the soap that washes it. He is the Living Water that rinses the heart and makes it brand new. There is no heart that He can’t clean, no sin He can't forgive. There is no heart that He doesn't wish to clean. Lord, as Your Daughters, we humbly ask that you may free us from the idea that we are unforgivable. Show us Your love, mercy, and forgiveness. Clean our hearts, Lord. Amen. [bctt tweet="He is the Living Water that rinses the heart. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Why aren’t You listening? Why are You ignoring me? Do You even care anymore? Sound familiar? Discouragement had overtaken my entire being one too many times, as I struggled to understand the Lord’s slow, yet beautiful process. I was too tangled with the voice of the enemy that corruptly made me feel as if the Father didn’t care about my deepest prayers and desires. It was also brought to my attention that in my prayer life, I had brought trauma from past friendships. Times when I felt ignored, unseen, not cared about. That's how I assumed Jesus felt about me as well. When it came to trusting the Lord, I didn’t know where to start. A wonderful priest at a parish that I was visiting gave a homily based on the Gospel reading of the parable about the mustard seed. During the homily, he said, “It will grow. It will grow slowly, but surely. He will always find a way.” That is exactly how our faith and trust in God grows. Sister, root yourself in His word. Allow Him to love you and to speak to you through ways that He knows you will easily recognize. Allow yourself to slowly but surely start a conversation with Him. Build a relationship. He is there. He is always there. Let Him plant the seed of trust in your heart. Watch it flourish over time. Dear sister, in the moments when you feel like He isn’t listening to your prayers, I encourage you to repeat our Responsorial Psalm for today. “Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard my prayer” (Psalm 28:2). Or simply say, “Jesus, I trust in You.” How will you put your faith in Him today? [bctt tweet="Build a relationship. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion

Eighty years ago today, a selfless, faithful, and courageous man died a martyr inside of Auschwitz, also known as “Death Camp.” Saint Maximillian Kolbe was a Polish Priest who had been sent as a prisoner to a concentration camp during the Holocaust. One night, three prisoners had escaped from the camp. As punishment, the Deputy took ten men to be starved inside of an underground cellar. One of the men who was chosen begged and pleaded not to be taken. He was a husband and father of two. Approaching the Deputy, Saint Maximillian said, "I am a Catholic priest from Poland. I would like to take his place because he has a wife and children." Saint Maximillian reflected Christ not only through his words, but also through his compassionate action of sacrifice. He sacrificed his life so that another man could live. This act was an imitation of Jesus’ suffering and death on the Cross for our sins so that we may be saved. As children of the Light, we are called to reflect and praise Him until the end of our days. During the sorrow and pain that Saint Maximillian had experienced, he still remained extremely bold in his faith. He led prisoners in both song and prayer. Even through the depths of their suffering, his heart remained truthful to the Lord and Blessed Mother. I understand that we may never experience anything as gut-wrenching as the Holocaust, but we all have our own suffering that has happened or will happen or is happening. May we reflect Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s faith and confidence in Christ, even when times seem unbearable. What small steps can you take today to reflect Christ? Saint Maximillian Maria Kolbe, pray for us! [bctt tweet="We are called to praise Him. // Bella Rol" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion