First Reading: Sirach 51:12-20 For thou didst save me from destruction and rescue me from an evil plight. Therefore I will give thanks to thee and praise thee, and I will bless the name of the Lord. While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her to the last. From blossom to ripening grape my heart delighted in her; my foot entered upon the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps. I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction. I made progress therein; to him who gives wisdom I will give glory. For I resolved to live according to wisdom, and I was zealous for the good; and I shall never be put to shame. My soul grappled with wisdom, and in my conduct I was strict; I spread out my hands to the heavens, and lamented my ignorance of her. I directed my soul to her, and through purification I found her. I gained understanding with her from the first, therefore I will not be forsaken. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:8-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Gospel: Mark 11:27-33 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, "By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?" Jesus said to them, "I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me." And they argued with one another, "If we say, `From heaven,' he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?' But shall we say, `From men'?" -- they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." ESV What a gift we have in today’s Scripture, this beautiful invitation from Sirach to remember how God’s Wisdom has been our loving companion all along our journey. While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her to the last. Do you remember when it felt like to pray when you were younger? Full of hope, heading into an future ripe with promise. Maybe you prayed about school or friends or boys. Maybe you prayed about college or majors or boyfriends or jobs. Maybe you prayed about grad school or marriage or babies or moves. Maybe you have prayed since childhood or maybe you came to faith as a young person or maybe you are just starting to figure out what it means to seek God. But no matter what, God’s Wisdom has been your companion from the beginning. From blossom to ripening grape my heart delighted in her. My foot entered upon the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps. Here we are now in spring: buds bursting into bloom after winter’s cold, opening themselves to the world. Here we are today: each of us on our way towards wisdom, growing and blossoming each day as we open ourselves to God’s ways. Wisdom offers us women such beautiful feminine imagery for the life of faith. She invites us to pause and consider what we pray for today. What we seek and what we gain when we trust the God of Wisdom with each step we take. I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction. I made progress therein; to him who gives wisdom I will give glory. You are making progress on this long journey of faith, dear sister. So am I. We do not always praise ourselves for progress made; we cannot always glimpse the long view; we do not always understand how good can come from present darkness. But when we bend our ears towards God, we discover wisdom. We strengthen our hearts for hard work, and we dig deeper to give more. I directed my soul to her, and through purification I found her. I gained understanding with her from the first, therefore I will not be forsaken. [bctt tweet="You are making progress on this long journey of faith, dear sister. So am I."] Take a moment today to celebrate how you have grown in faith. Remember how God’s Wisdom has revealed holy truth in your life. Ask for the grace to grow into the woman God has created you to be. photo by Laura Jensen Laura Kelly Fanucci is a mother, writer, and theological researcher. She and her husband are raising three little boys in the suburban wilds of Minnesota. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Sirach 44:1, 9-13 Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations. And there are some who have no memorial, who have perished as though they had not lived; they have become as though they had not been born, and so have their children after them. But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; their prosperity will remain with their descendants, and their inheritance to their children's children. Their descendants stand by the covenants; their children also, for their sake. Their posterity will continue for ever, and their glory will not be blotted out. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 149:1-6, 9 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful! Let Israel be glad in his Maker, let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with timbrel and lyre! For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches. Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, 9to execute on them the judgment written! This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the LORD! Gospel: Mark 11:11-26 And he entered Jerusalem, and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it. And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons; and he would not allow any one to carry anything through the temple. And he taught, and said to them, "Is it not written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching. And when evening came they went out of the city. As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, "Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered." And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." ESV Whenever I hear this Gospel, I want to ask Jesus, "Whoa, what is with you and the fig tree?!" The Jesus I want the world to know is not a rage-y Jesus who flips tables and curses a poor fruitless tree out of hunger. But deeper study reveals that there's much, much more to this Gospel than meets the eye. Now, the message of the "temple tantrum" is actually pretty clear: God's house is sacred. It is not a place for socialization and swindling; it is a place for quiet reverence and prayer, a place to separate ourselves from the material distractions of life in order to center our souls. So even though it might seem over the top at first, we can empathize with Christ's reaction to the complete disrespect of His Father. But the fig tree? What did it ever do to Jesus? First off, Jesus and His disciples knew (as any local should) that even if it wasn't the "season for figs," a fig tree with leaves would still be producing little edible knobs of fruit called taqsh that peasants often ate. The taqsh would ripen and fell off before the actual figs forming. But if a fig tree already in leaf didn't have any taqsh, then there wouldn't be any figs in the coming season—it would be fruitless. Jesus understood all of this when He cursed the tree for its failure to bear fruit, both in the present and the future. What's more is that the fig tree represented Israel. From a distance, the tree was showy: attractive, covered with bright green leaves, a tree that—by all appearances—one would assume would be extremely fruitful. Same with the nation of Israel at the time. The Jewish people had every reason to bear fruit: they'd been riding high on the covenants of their forefathers, they were living proof of the God who had brought Israel to the Promised Land and blessed them with generation upon generation of righteousness. But many of them had started to forget their reverence and love for the God behind it all. They turned His temple into and party scene and place to get rich quick. They were obsessed with following certain laws perfectly and scrutinizing (and punishing) those who didn't, while completely forgetting the Father's love behind the law. Just like the fig tree, the nation of Israel had become all show and no fruit. Sin had wormed its way in so that the outer appearance could remain a shiny, attractive shell that disguised the inside: the withered, barren, lifeless soul of a nation that had become all but hopeless. Israel would not, could not produce fruit - in the present or the future - at least not without a Savior. Mother Angelica also talks about this gospel and Jesus's call for us to bear fruit in and out of season. When life is going well, it's easy to embrace God's love and share it with others. But when we're "out of season," when the suffering and darkness surround us and the hits keep coming, one right after another...the last thing I want to think about is bearing fruit. I often make my suffering an excuse. But sometimes, as Christ reminds us--beaten and bloody and weak and crying out from the cross--it's the most painful "out of season" moments that can produce the greatest fruit. Which begs the question: what kind of tree are we? Do we, in our brokeness, tend to close God out? Or do we let Him in to cultivate seeds of love in our souls? In the good times, are we mostly show? Or are we allowing His fruit to really grow? [bctt tweet="It's the most painful "out of season" moments that can produce the greatest fruit."] Today, let's try to examine our soul from God's eyes. What obstacles can we try to remove (through prayer and the sacraments) or what suffering can we embrace to bear greater fruit that will last? 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: Sirach 42:15-25 I will now call to mind the works of the Lord, and will declare what I have seen. By the words of the Lord his works are done. The sun looks down on everything with its light, and the work of the Lord is full of his glory. The Lord has not enabled his holy ones to recount all his marvelous works, which the Lord the Almighty has established that the universe may stand firm in his glory. He searches out the abyss, and the hearts of men, and considers their crafty devices. For the Most High knows all that may be known, and he looks into the signs of the age. He declares what has been and what is to be, and he reveals the tracks of hidden things. No thought escapes him, and not one word is hidden from him. He has ordained the splendors of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting and to everlasting. Nothing can be added or taken away, and he needs no one to be his counselor. How greatly to be desired are all his works, and how sparkling they are to see! All these things live and remain for ever for every need, and are all obedient. All things are twofold, one opposite the other, and he has made nothing incomplete. One confirms the good things of the other, and who can have enough of beholding his glory? Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33:2-9 Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song, play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth. He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle; he put the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD, let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood forth. Gospel: Mark 10:46-52 And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae'us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae'us, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; rise, he is calling you." And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. ESV Take heart. Arise. He is calling you. I don't much like the morning. Perhaps you can commiserate. However, these three sentences have caused me to reflect on the topic of the morning, and I have started to ponder . . . what would it be like to hear this proclaimed every time I awoke to a new sunrise of a new day? There are many mornings when I open my eyes and the task of life seems too daunting, the to-do list seems far too long, the heartbreak people around me are experiencing is just too much for my aching heart to bear, and the people who will need my help seem far too many for me to reach them all. These things can sometimes keep me from any desire to rise and seize the gift of a new day. But no matter the difficulty of the endeavor of this life, the Lord calls us out of our beds every morning to see the gift that He has given us, and to respond to this blessing of a day we so often take for granted. Christ calls us to a life in which the smallest thing we do within a 24-hour time period could radically change the life of one person we come in contact with. When we hear the Lord calling us into a day with Him as our guide, loving others should trump our to-do lists, giving of ourselves in service to Him should dissolve our worries that He will not continue to provide, and our heartbreak at the happenings of this world should move us to love as He loves. May those words resound in our hearts tomorrow when we awake to the new day. May we take heart and rise to embrace a gift to be unfolded, and may we see each moment of our lives as a moment in which Christ calls us to share His love, His light, and His joy. [bctt tweet="May we take heart and rise to embrace a gift to be unfolded."] Each day is a gift. In the busyness and difficulty of life, do you find a need to change your thinking to see every day as a glorious gift rather than a burden? photo by Laura Jensen Emily Wilson planned her whole life to become a sports reporter but turned out to be a Catholic musician and speaker at the hand of God. She lives out of her suitcase and travels across the world speaking to people of all ages. The heart of her ministry is offering encouragement to teen girls in search of their true identity, and she loves ever second of it. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Sirach 36:1, 4-5, 10-17 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, the God of all, and look upon us, 4As in us thou hast been sanctified before them, so in them be thou magnified before us; and let them know thee, as we have known that there is not God but thee, O Lord. Crush the heads of the rulers of the enemy, who say, "There is no one but ourselves." Gather all the tribes of Jacob, and give them their inheritance, as at the beginning. Have mercy, O Lord, upon the people called by thy name, upon Israel, whom thou hast likened to a first-born son. Have pity on the city of thy sanctuary, Jerusalem, the place of thy rest. Fill Zion with the celebration of thy wondrous deeds, and thy temple with thy glory. Bear witness to those whom thou didst create in the beginning, and fulfil the prophecies spoken in thy name. Reward those who wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found trustworthy. Hearken, O Lord, to the prayer of thy servants, according to the blessing of Aaron for thy people, and all who are on the earth will know that thou art the Lord, the God of the ages. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 79:8-9, 11, 13 Do not remember against us the iniquities of our forefathers; let thy compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for thy name's sake! Let the groans of the prisoners come before thee; according to thy great power preserve those doomed to die! Then we thy people, the flock of thy pasture, will give thanks to thee for ever; from generation to generation we will recount thy praise. Gospel: Mark 10:32-45 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." ESV The road to Jerusalem. The end is near. The crowds are pressing in from every side, and the frenzy over Who Jesus is has reached a fever pitch. Jesus, having just finished explaining His impending passion and crucifixion to His disciples, waits expectantly for Saints James and John who have breathlessly approached Him with one small request: "Can you make us kind of a big deal, Lord?" If God weren't accustomed to human antics by this stage of the game, I think He might have lost it at this point. But He didn't. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, has infinite patience for us in our weakness and our inability to focus on what He is asking of us. And thank God for that, because isn't that just like a Christian to survey the map of suffering laid out before us and ask, "Oh, Lord, if You wouldn't mind, one small detail: could you make sure this turns out nicely for me in the long run?" If I'm going to follow You, I want it to be worthwhile. It communicates a certain lack of trust, this seemingly innocent but not entirely appropriate request to be held in high esteem for doing the right thing. It reminds me a lot of my oldest son who is always asking to be first out of the car, first to be served at meals, first wrapped up in a fluffy towel after bath time. And every time he asks we gently remind him, "The first shall be last, honey." Sometimes he struggles and overcomes his need to be first, and I see it and I love him for it. And in those little moments of triumph I'll reach over and release his carseat straps first, winking at him in a silent acknowledgement of his little victory in his skirmish with concupiscence. Jesus is infinitely more patient than the kindest of parents, though. And so He reassures not with chastisement but with tenderness and tough love. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first must be slave to all. And then He goes a little further. He beckons us, watch Me, keep your eyes on Me, because I'm going to show you exactly what that looks like, and then He points us to the Cross. This is what love looks like, He whispers. That's why I'm here. [bctt tweet="This is what love looks like, He whispers. That's why I'm here."] Take a moment to reflect on how you've failed to serve your family, your coworkers, your spouse, your children today, and spend some time journaling some concrete actions you can take to do better. photo by Laura Jensen Jenny Uebbing is a freelance writer and editor for Catholic News Agency. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband Dave and their small army of toddlers. You can find out more about her faith, thoughts on bioethics, and potty training failures here.

First Reading: Sirach 35:1-12 He who keeps the law makes many offerings; he who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. He who returns a kindness offers fine flour, and he who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord, and to forsake unrighteousness is atonement. Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all these things are to be done because of the commandment. The offering of a righteous man anoints the altar, and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High. The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable, and the memory of it will not be forgotten. Glorify the Lord generously, and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. 9With every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness. Give to the Most High as he has given, and as generously as your hand has found. For the Lord is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him is no partiality. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 50:5-8, 14, 23 "Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!" The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! "Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God. I do not reprove you for your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are continually before me. Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!" Gospel: Mark 10:28-31 Peter began to say to him, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first." ESV Let's stop for a minute, sisters. Look around you and think about your day so far. What are you doing, thinking, worrying about, planning, distracted by as you read this devotion? Maybe you're reading this first thing in the morning while intercepting breakfasts requests from your kids. Maybe you're trying not to spill your coffee on your phone as you read while you rush out the door for work. Maybe you're taking a break from working on your big presentation to reconnect with the Lord and chill out for a minute. Maybe you're seeking refuge from a clingy toddler or a painful circumstance. Maybe you're reading this while in the carpool line. Maybe you're celebrating the end of a long day by nursing a glass of wine and diving into this devotion. Maybe you're just scrolling through this devotion just so you can delete the email because the amount of emails in your inbox is enough to make you cry. You work hard, sister. And I'd venture to guess that much of your work goes unnoticed, and maybe even unappreciated. As women, we love hard and we love well. And when we love, we work. We serve. We put our heads down, our hand to the plow, and work hard to love on the people who matter to us. Most of the time, we do so in quiet, hidden ways. An anonymous encouraging note to a coworker going through a loss. A wiped butt of a screaming baby. A quiet visit to the local nursing home. We were made to love fearlessly and passionately, and while we may feel like no one notices, the book of Sirach proves otherwise. We see from the First Reading that our sacrifices will not be forgotten by God. Furthermore, when we bring our daily sacrifices to the altar in the Mass, the altar is made even sweeter. We make a more welcoming seat for the King of Kings who comes to us on that altar in the Eucharist. Sister, the little ways you love and sacrifice do not go unnoticed by the One who inspires these actions in you. He sees you. You are pleasing to His Heart when you serve even in the most subtle and humble ways. He knows all that you have left behind to follow Him. He sees the smile you give those around you even when you've reached your breaking point. [bctt tweet="When we bring our daily sacrifices to the altar in the Mass, the altar is made even sweeter."] He knows. He sees. He hears. And it makes His Heart sing and His altar fragrant with devotion. And you will be reward a hundred fold. photo by Laura Jensen 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: Sirach 17:20-24 Their iniquities are not hidden from him, and all their sins are before the Lord. A man's almsgiving is like a signet with the Lord and he will keep a person's kindness like the apple of his eye. Afterward he will arise and requite them, and he will bring their recompense on their heads. Yet to those who repent he grants a return, and he encourages those whose endurance is failing. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32:1-2, 5-7 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. I acknowledged my sin to thee, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; then thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. Therefore let every one who is godly offer prayer to thee; at a time of distress, in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. Thou art a hiding place for me, thou preservest me from trouble; thou dost encompass me with deliverance. Gospel: Mark 10:17-27 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: `Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" And he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." ESV Over the years, I’ve run a couple of half-marathons. To endure throughout the miles, there are a couple of tricks it was useful to have up my sleeve. My top three were: 1) continual fueling, 2) maintaining a manageable pace, and 3) zeroing in and getting pumped up by the cheering crowd, especially at the finish line. When you run a long distance, you burn a lot of calories. To keep up your strength (and not pass out), it was important to fuel with little high-calorie goo packs every few miles. The pace I ran over the 13.1 miles was never as fast as I could go. If I had done that, I probably wouldn’t have lasted a mile. When training, it was important to find a good pace that I could maintain throughout the entire, long distance. That last mile always found me flagging. The cheering fans on the sidelines really helped me keep up my spirits and endure that last, hard mile to the finish line. Certain periods or seasons of life feel like running a marathon. Finals week. Writing your thesis or dissertation. Studying for and taking a professional exam. Caring for a brood of sick children. An intense project at work. Overseeing the care of an ailing parent or grandparent. Spouses in grad school leaving you to do most of the parenting. Spouses serving overseas leaving you alone to parent. Or juggling more than one of these things at a time. Those three marathon tricks I mentioned? They help in running through the races of life as well. We “fuel” with prayer and by receiving the sacraments. We find our strength in the Lord. If we are “starved” for relationship with Him, it will be more difficult to maintain steady footing. He will help us maintain our strength so that we will not falter. "Thou art a hiding place for me, thou preservest me from trouble; thou dost encompass me with deliverance." It is easy to feel overwhelmed with so many tasks, such a large project, so many needs needing to be fulfilled. But breaking it down into smaller tasks, focusing on the task at hand, and offering each step as a prayer to Our Lord, will help us maintain a slow and steady pace so as to win (or, at least, finish) the “race.” There will be moments when we feel like we just can’t do one more thing, can’t wipe one more nose, stay awake one more minute, but our Lord will be there to lift us up and carry us through if we turn to Him. He is cheering for us from the sidelines. Look to Him for encouragement. He is one of our best cheerleaders. “[H]e encourages those whose endurance is failing.” It may seem an impossibility that you will find the strength to persevere. But! ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.’ [bctt tweet="Our Lord will be there to lift us up and carry us through if we turn to Him."] Run the race with your eyes fixed on Him. photo by Laura Jensen 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: Acts 2:1-11 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and wondered, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Par'thians and Medes and E'lamites and residents of Mesopota'mia, Judea and Cappado'cia, Pontus and Asia, Phryg'ia and Pamphyl'ia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyre'ne, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, thou art very great! Thou art clothed with honor and majesty, O LORD, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy creatures. When thou hidest thy face, they are dismayed; when thou takest away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When thou sendest forth thy Spirit, they are created; and thou renewest the face of the ground. May the glory of the LORD endure for ever, may the LORD rejoice in his works, May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free -- and all were made to drink of one Spirit. Gospel: John 20:19-23 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." ESV Can you imagine what it would have been like to be in that room when the Holy Spirit came and descended upon those normal people—turning them into apostles for Christ? Equipping them with not only the faith and courage but also with the wisdom and guidance? They had a marvelous task outlined for them and BAM—tongues of FIRE! To fulfill our purpose, the Holy Spirit has given each of us certain gifts too. We probably did not have flames descend upon us (maybe you did but I had the more standard version of the sacraments), and we may not discover those gifts until we are further along in our paths of holiness, but we can be confident they are there, taking seed. Because we need those graces to complete His task for us. I am reminded of the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope". I, for one, don’t speak in tongues. But still, I know God will equip me with His grace as I fulfill His mission for me on this earth, just as He did for that rag-tag group of apostles. Gifts of the Holy Spirit can be sanctifying, or charismatic such as the gifts bestowed upon the apostles. Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world (CCC, 799). Some of us can recognize some ordinary gifts—maybe we are a good teacher or a good parent or have the gift of hospitality. Other still may be able to recognize a gift of understanding, or piety, or healing, or the gift of tongues. Whatever our gift, it will help us with our mission here as part of the body of Christ. [bctt tweet="Whatever our gift, it will help us with our mission here as part of the body of Christ."] In what special ways has the Holy Spirit prepared you for your mission? Are you able to recognize any particular gift you have received? In what way can you use your gifts, be them ordinary or extraordinary, to build up His body today? photo by Laura Jensen 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: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him. After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brethren, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar -- though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain." And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 11:4-5, 7 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven; his eyes behold, his eyelids test, the children of men. The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates him that loves violence. For the LORD is righteous, he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. Gospel: John 21:20-25 Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. ESV I love Saint Peter. I love his impulsive ways, his missteps and his tendency to put his foot in his mouth. He is a saint I can relate to and doesn’t seem so holy that he is unreachable. It is interesting when you consider that John was the one that “Jesus loved” and as you read Scripture you can sense Saint John’s deep spirituality and love for Our Lord. At first glance, it seemed like John would have been Jesus’ choice as the first Pope. There must have been moments when Peter thought to himself, “Why me, Lord?” I am sure Peter was aware of his faults and he felt there were better suited men to fill this role. However, Jesus saw beyond the rough spots. He saw the qualities that Peter possessed that were needed for his calling—great faith, determination, a fiery spirit, love for Christ and humility. Jesus understood Peter and He brought the best out of him. With God’s grace Peter went from a lowly fisherman who denied knowing Christ to a great defender of the faith and leader of the Church. I find great comfort in that! It shows me that Jesus knows exactly who we are. He sees all our strengths and our weaknesses. He doesn’t expect us to change our personalities and become someone we are not, rather, He smooths out the rough parts and brings out our natural gifts. God has a special purpose for each of us. We were born at this moment in history with our particular circumstances because we have a mission that only we can fulfill. Right here, right now God calls us to follow Him. [bctt tweet="Right here, right now God calls us to follow Him."] Sometimes we get this attitude that things will be a lot better once this happens or that happens. Or that we’d be better at our vocation if only we were more like so-and-so. We take it to prayer and say, “Lord, what about this??” Jesus looks at us and with tough love and says, “What is that to you? Follow me!” We don’t need to worry about that future thing that will supposedly make us happier. We don’t need to worry that we don’t have the traits of super-Catholic mom down the street. God made us as we are and all we need to do is keep our focus on Him and follow where He leads us. He’ll take care of the rest. [bctt tweet="God has a special purpose for each of us."] Today, don't compare yourself to someone else or wish that things were different in your life. Be thankful for who you are and the blessings that are before you. photo by Laura Jensen Bobbi Rol is full time mom to a teen daughter, three rambunctious little boys, and two babies in heaven. She lives in California with her husband, Brian. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Acts 25:13-21 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Berni'ce arrived at Caesare'a to welcome Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a man left prisoner by Felix; and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. When therefore they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed; but they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be held until I could send him to Caesar." Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word! Gospel: John 21:15-19 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." ESV For a long time I read this Bible passage and would get frustrated with Peter—why does our Lord keep asking him repeatedly when Peter has clearly answered the question several times??? But after diving a little deeper and learning a little more behind the language being used (and lost in translation in English), Christ’s reason for asking thrice becomes more clear. The first two times Christ asks Peter, He uses the word agape—a selfless, wholehearted, unconditional, sacrificial love. Peter, are you capable of loving me unconditionally, without holding anything back? Peter always replies with the word phileo—a love based on affection for a person, a friendly love. Of course, I think you’re an awesome guy, Lord! You’ve done some wonderful things and I admire you greatly! The third time Christ asks the question, He uses this word: phileo. Peter replies, exasperated, perhaps because he realizes his shortcomings. He realizes he’s not yet capable of this deeper and higher love Christ is calling him too. Yes, Lord, you know my heart. You know I love you like a brother. I am not yet ready to die for you. On Good Friday, we saw Peter deny Christ three times. His affection for Christ was not enough to motivate him to die with and for Him. Peter still needed his love for Our Lord elevated to an agape sort of love before he was ready for that sort of commitment. Still, Peter is not ready to love Christ in this way. (Hey, at least he’s honest!) We, too, are called to this agape love for Christ and for our neighbor in whom we see the face of Christ. It is not easy to achieve. In fact, without Him, it is impossible. Only He is capable of inspiring and elevating our hearts to such a profound gift of self. But we were made for this self-giving love. We were made to sacrifice for others, to be faithful, to give fully, to love unconditionally. We come to know this love in the person of Jesus Christ, in His Sacred Heart. As Saint John Paul the Great stated: "In the heart of Christ, man's heart learns to know the genuine and unique meaning of his life and of his destiny, to understand the value of an authentically Christian life, to keep Himself from certain perversions of the human heart, and to unite the filial love for God and the love of neighbor." (emphasis mine) In Him, we learn and live agape. [bctt tweet="In Him, we learn and live agape."] Lord, You sacrificed all for me. Teach me to give all to You, to love You with an agape love, so that I may live and die in You. Amen. photo by Laura Jensen 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: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 But on the morrow, desiring to know the real reason why the Jews accused him, he unbound him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them. But when Paul perceived that one part were Sad'ducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead I am on trial." And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sad'ducees; and the assembly was divided. For the Sad'ducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. Then a great clamor arose; and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended, "We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?" And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also at Rome." Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 16:1-2, 5, 7-11 Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "Thou art my Lord; I have no good apart from thee." The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; thou holdest my lot. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For thou dost not give me up to Sheol, or let thy godly one see the Pit. Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore. Gospel: John 17:20-26 "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." ESV When was the last time you called your mother? I mean really, intentionally called your mother just to talk, just to say "Hi" and "How's the weather?" and not with a request or a question, not with a problem or a pain? Was it yesterday, the day before, or maybe last week? When was the last time you made a big decision after talking it over with a friend, spouse or parenting? That time when you really sat and listened to their side, their concerns and their vision of your future? Probably within the last few weeks or month I would wager. When was the last time you sat with God? When was the last time you went to Him with no problems or requests and just sat with Him and talked and told Him about your day? When was the last time you sat quietly in His presence as you tried to figure out the next big move in your life, your career, or your family? I know I don't do this enough. I live in an instant age and I want an instant answer, and living in a time when I can Google most anything does not make me well suited to sitting in silence or quieting the outside voices and listening and waiting. God is infinite, omnipotent and omnipresent and as such I cannot believe He can be rushed. As Tolkien describes his wandering wizards, I believe God's answers can never be early or late, but arrive exactly when they mean too. [bctt tweet="God's answer can never be early or late, but arrive exactly when they mean too."] Today, let's remember to talk to God. If you can, when you're out running about today, stop in and sit in His presence. If only for a few minutes, just stop: don't talk, don't ask, don't complain. Sit at His feet and listen; in His due time, precisely when He means to, the answer will come. photo by Laura Jensen Molly Walter is a wife, mother and homemaker (with a pesky job outside the home). She shares about making the life she wants with the life she's been given over here.

First Reading: Acts 20:28-38 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they all wept and embraced Paul and kissed him, sorrowing most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him to the ship. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 68:29-30, 33-36 Summon thy might, O God; show thy strength, O God, thou who hast wrought for us. Because of thy temple at Jerusalem kings bear gifts to thee. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord, to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; lo, he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and his power is in the skies. Terrible is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel, he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! Gospel: John 17:11-19 And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in thy name, which thou hast given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. ESV My flock. My flock flutters around my ankles like a swam of mosquitos, some days. Nipping, nagging, tugging, trying me. It's not easy to remember what it means to care for them. To really, really care for them—the way Saint Paul reminds us, the way our Lord reminds us in the Gospel. Am I keeping them near to Jesus? Am I keeping their little souls safe guarded from the wolves of the world, from outside evils and from my own sin? Am I shepherding them the way Jesus commanded me to? The way He longs to see His beloved flock shepherded? Or do I become the wolf? A wolf in in my anger, a wolf in my laziness, a wolf in my pride, and in my greed. It's so easy to do, right? It's so easy to forgot that this little flock has been given to us to tend. And not lightly or casually, but with a deep knowledge of the value of each one of their souls and a real faith in their total uniqueness and Divine Sonship—that which makes them wholly His, that which makes us wholly His. Who is your flock? Husband? Child? Friend? Let's try harder to see them for who they are—His. Let's try harder to be to them who we were made to be- guardians, shepherdesses, protectors. Let's work harder to fend off the evils that pervade their little worlds. [bctt tweet="Let's try harder to see our flock for who they are — His."] Let's fight against the darkness in our own hearts so that we can push them into the Light. photo by Laura Jensen Blythe Fike is the wife of Kirby and mother of 5 smallish kids. She homeschools and loves the quiet life in small town SoCal. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Acts 19:1-8 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” He said, “How were you baptized?" They replied, “With the baptism of John.” Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Altogether there were about twelve men. He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God. Responsorial Psalm: PS 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. God arises; his enemies are scattered, and those who hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; as wax melts before the fire. But the just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. Sing to God, chant praise to his name; whose name is the LORD. The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. Gospel: John 16:29-33 The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world. ESV I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In our Catholic dorm Masses we used to drape our arms around each other’s shoulders and sing a sweet, slow round that led into the Lamb of God: Peace I leave with you, my friends, my friends. And I am with you till the end. For years I stood and sang those harmonies next to the women who became my best friends. Only now do I see how those college friendships let us start to practice what adulthood would ask of us. There were so many times we tried to speak peace to each other back then. Calm down; you can fix this; maybe you don’t have to break up. Take a deep breath; tell me the whole story; this class isn’t the end of the world. No matter how the test turns out, I’m here for you; let me know how I can help. We were practicing being peace for each other. We were practicing the small ways we help lead each other back to the One whose love is peace. Today I don’t have my best girlfriends on my right and my left every Sunday night in the chapel. But I still get to practice this peace every week at Mass. That moment before communion when we turn and smile and shake hands? It’s not just a happy Catholic meet-and-greet. The Sign of Peace is a profound encounter with the risen Christ in each other—spouses and children, family and friends, strangers and sinners, all of us. Just like we meet Him in the Word that is spoken and the bread that is broken, we also find Him in each other. We are reminded that He gave us peace, He left us peace, and He asked us to bring peace in His name. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. Just as He did for His disciples in today’s Gospel, now Jesus is talking to us plainly; now He is not using any figure of speech; now we realize that He knows everything and we do not need to question. Now we remember that the only true peace rests in God. In the world we will have trouble. Of course we know this, even before He speaks this truth. But take courage, we remember. He has conquered the world. [bctt tweet="Take courage. He has conquered the world."] Let us hear peace. Let us be peace. Let us share peace. Today, right here, right now. The peace that comes from Christ. photo by Laura Jensen Laura Kelly Fanucci is a mother, writer, and theological researcher. She and her husband are raising three little boys in the suburban wilds of Minnesota. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 In the first book, O The-oph'ilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama'ria and to the end of the earth." And when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47:2-3, 6-9 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the LORD, the Most High, is terrible, a great king over all the earth. God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! 8God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all. Gospel: Mark 16:15-20 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen. ESV Today, in many dioceses, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. While we absolutely should not gloss over the mind-blowing event surrounding Jesus’ rising by His own power into Heaven, I’m transfixed by the exhortation Jesus gives His disciples immediately before He ascends: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” These are Christ’s final recorded words on earth, which means they are probably pretty significant. Why then don’t we, as Catholic Christians, talk about them more? Perhaps it is because these words are mysterious, unlikely, unreasonable, foreign, illogical, impossible, and, let’s face it, sort of . . . weird? But really—since when do we as Catholics only believe some of the controversial things that Jesus says—“Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you shall not have life within you (John 6:53),” for example—and not others? Much about the Christian life is inexplicable by conventional human standards, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true or that miraculous things don’t happen in our modern age. Consider the following: 1) Four years ago, an infant boy fully recovered after being without a pulse for 61 minutes through the intercession of Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen. 2) Last week, a senior citizen touched his wedding ring, strung on a chain around his neck, to a relic of Pope Saint John Paul II and was able to easily fit the ring on his arthritic ring finger for the first time in over a year. 3) A routine ultrasound detected a large mass inside the stomach of a 21 week old preborn baby girl. Her parents asked everyone they knew to pray, and at the follow-up with a specialist, tests confirmed the mass had completely vanished. The little girl is now a healthy 10 year old. Friends, just insert the inexplicable, incredible, mysterious phenomena and “Godincidences” you’ve experienced in your own life here—the miracles you’ve noticed, both big and small. Ponder the Ascended Lord’s presence in these moments, and praise Him! [bctt tweet="Ponder the Ascended Lord’s presence in these moments, and praise Him!"] Today, consider a situation in which you need the powerful assistance of Almighty God. In the powerful Name of Jesus, ask for what you need, knowing that nothing is too illogical, inconceivable, or impossible for our Ascended Lord. Heather Anderson Renshaw last called upon Jesus' Name to help her be a good wife and mother. She also speaks, writes, and usually has too many computer tabs open and not enough laundry done. Learn more about her here.

First Reading: Acts 18:23-28 After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phryg'ia, strengthening all the disciples. Now a Jew named Apol'los, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aq'uila heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Acha'ia, the brethren encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully confuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47:2-3, 8-10 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the LORD, the Most High, is terrible, a great king over all the earth. For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted! Gospel: John 16:23-28 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. "I have said this to you in figures; the hour is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in figures but tell you plainly of the Father. In that day you will ask in my name; and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from the Father. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father." ESV Do you ever find yourself reading something, or listening to something, believing you already know what is coming, you've heard it before, there is nothing new in it for you? I often find myself doing just that when I read or listen to the Bible readings . . . especially when I feel the weights of my to-do list growing by the second, or when I can't shake the urge to move on to checking my email, or when the kids keep calling out, "Momomomom . . . ." Did you do that just now, too? Read through today's readings and get to the end hoping I bring it all back for you so aren't lost? Take a minute and read the Gospel again. Listen to Jesus. He has quite the monologue going in this chapter of John, but one part might get skimmed over too quickly. "Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name . . .” In other words, "I know you haven't come to my Father in prayer and set your needs before Him yet." ". . . ask, and you will receive that your joy will be full . . .." Read that again. ASK. SO YOUR JOY WILL BE FULL. I read this a few times before I believed it. Even so, I need to live this so I believe it. Ask so I will be filled with joy. Bring my needs to the Lord so He can make me joyful. Seek Him and He will not deny you. Of course, Jesus isn't promising us a winning lottery ticket, an easy-street four years in college, illness-free and whine-free children, a perfect career, Prince Charming, or even daily happiness. He is promising us that if we ask (to know God's will, to deepen our faith, to grow in love, to be at peace, to have grace . . .) for those things which are truly good for us and our eternal happiness, that we will not be disappointed, and our joy will be full. And joy, that state of being that comes when we allow God to work in our lives, is worth asking for, over and over again. [bctt tweet="Joy is worth asking for, over and over again."] Take to heart these lessons from Jesus! We ought to run to meet Him in prayer, to seek Him, to ask the Father in Jesus' name for our joy to be full. Whatever is good for us, it will be given, and whatever is good for us will increase our joy. Gina Fensterer is a wife, daughter, mother, friend, homeschooling mama and Colorado native. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 In those days Peter stood up among the brethren (the company of persons was in all about a hundred and twenty), and said, "Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us, and was allotted his share in this ministry. For it is written in the book of Psalms, `Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it'; and `His office let another take.' So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us -- one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection." And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsab'bas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthi'as. And they prayed and said, "Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two thou hast chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthi'as; and he was enrolled with the eleven apostles. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 113:1-8 Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised! The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. Gospel: John 15:9-17 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another. ESV I was kneeling in a pew last November during a prayer service for our dearly departed, reflecting on some of the losses I had recently endured: My grandfather’s passing. The tragic death of a former student. The unexpected loss of a college friend. Despite the passage of time and my faith in the promise of heaven, I found that my heart still ached for each of them. I lit candles for Kenny, Kiley, and Grandpa John and placed them in the sand-filled bowls near the front of the Church, breathing a silent prayer for them and asking for their prayers for me. Then together we sang a hymn so beautiful that it echoed the cry of my heart: Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. My mind has continued to ponder death since that November night, because my own father is sick with Alzheimer’s disease. He lives in hospice and, though we visit often, knows very little of my present life. He isn’t aware of my work as a doula or my life in Minneapolis. He doesn't remember that I've picked up the mandolin, or that I recently learned how to replace a broken tail light (which he would be particularly proud of). I have missed telling him ever so many things. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see— O Thou who changest not, abide with me. And every day, I grieve. Grief is a funny thing. At times I am filled with an ache that is utterly indescribable, and at other times overcome with a profoundly deep (even joyful) gratitude. God chose my father to be born, to live, and now, to die and be born to eternal life. How can I be anything but grateful? I am learning, I suppose, that this is what Jesus means when He tells us to “abide in God's love.” At the times when my grief does seem overwhelming I simply whisper, "Abide, dear heart. Stay with Him." And I ask for the ability to accept the reality that while my earthly father is leaving for his true home, my Heavenly Father will never, ever leave me. [bctt tweet="Abide, dear heart. Stay with Him."] I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness; Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. We all suffer griefs in life. Some are little, and some that are unimaginably big. When they come, let us say together, "Abide, dear heart. Stay with Him." Karen Schultz is a Birth Doula who hails from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where she is often found in or near one of them. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Acts 17:15, 22--18:1 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. So Paul, standing in the middle of the Are-op'agus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, `To an unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all men life and breath and everything. And he made from one every nation of men to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after him and find him. Yet he is not far from each one of us, for `In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your poets have said, `For we are indeed his offspring.' Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the Deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, a representation by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead." Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, "We will hear you again about this." So Paul went out from among them. But some men joined him and believed, among them Dionys'ius the Are-op'agite and a woman named Dam'aris and others with them. After this he left Athens and went to Corinth. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 148:1-2, 11-14 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the LORD! Gospel: John 16:12-15 "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. ESV Today is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. On this day in 1917 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared for the first time to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. Because of the messages Our Lady brought, little Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta were filled with a zeal to save souls and to help people get to Heaven. Reading about them, I am always amazed. Who were they? What was it about them that God loved them so and chose them? Then in the First Reading Saint Paul shares how some who heard his preaching mocked him but others were compelled and became Christians. Dionysius and Damaris, who were they? What was it about them that God allowed their ears and hearts to be open to the Gospel and their names to be written forever in Scripture? There is "them" and then there is me. Maybe you feel the same way. The Church, the faith, and a personal, beautiful relationship with Christ—those things are all for them. The fact is, however, that God does not love the children of Fatima and the converts from Athens any more than He loves you and me. We are all part of this great work of salvation history. We are also important enough to be noted and named. Christ said that the Spirit of truth would come and would guide us into all the truth. God's Holy Spirit is here for you and for me, ready to whisk us away. [bctt tweet="God's Holy Spirit is here for you and for me, ready to whisk us away."] You may never be a canonized saint, as the children of Fatima are, but that does not mean that God is not leading you to something awesome. What great good does God want to work in the Church though you? What miracle is He about to perform because you are compelled by what you know of Him and so you trust and give your life to Him as Paul and the converts did? What flames will the Spirit fan in your heart so that love, passion, and conviction overtake you and it is through you that God is glorified and praised, just as with the psalmist? Do you see? Do you see that the Church needs you? Almighty God, your parish, your diocese, and little ole me—we all want you to embrace the fullness of Truth that God now reveals to us and we want you to joyfully and passionately live it out every day and in every aspect of your life. [bctt tweet="Do you see? Do you see that the Church needs you?"] Our faith is beautiful, it is true, and it is fun. God loves you; Christ died for you; the Spirit guides you. How can you live your life accordingly? photo by Laura Jensen 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.

First Reading: Acts 16:22-34 The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 138:1-3, 7-8 I give thee thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing thy praise; I bow down toward thy holy temple and give thanks to thy name for thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness; for thou hast exalted above everything thy name and thy word. On the day I called, thou didst answer me, my strength of soul thou didst increase. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; thy steadfast love, O LORD, endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of thy hands. Gospel: John 16:5-11 But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, `Where are you going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. ESV I have to admit to enjoying the sheer muttonheadedness of the Apostles of the Gospels. Here they are, sitting at the feet of the master. Listening to Him teach, day in and day out. Walking with Him. Eating with Him. And they just. don’t. get it. Jesus teaches them in parables, using imagery from their daily lives to make His lessons easier to grasp, and when they are still totally lost, He has to just spell it out for them in plain English (or plain Aramaic, I guess). He sets a constant example of humility and service to others, but finds them arguing over who should get the best seat in Heaven. They watch him feed five thousand with five loaves and two fish, and when Jesus is surrounded by four thousand followers, still ask Him, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” (*facepalm*) They are confident and brash one moment, and petty and cowardly the next. Eleven of the twelve flee in fear, and desert our Lord as He suffers and dies on the cross. And yet . . . The men of the Acts of the Apostles are wise and noble. They are bold and fearless. They tirelessly work to advance the church that Jesus founded here on earth. One after the next they valiantly face gruesome martyrdoms rather than deny the divinity of Christ. What happened? The Holy Spirit happened. And it changed EVERYTHING. [bctt tweet="Then the Holy Spirit happened. And it changed EVERYTHING."] Jesus explains it all in today’s Gospel, but since it hadn’t happened yet, we can only imagine the disciples were pretty confused. Then, just as Jesus says it will, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes down and fills the hearts of Mary and the apostles, and what was impossible becomes possible. It happens for us too, in confirmation, the sacrament in which the Holy Spirit is given to those already baptized in order to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. Strong and Perfect. Soldiers. That’s us. Muttonheads no more. What might WE be able to accomplish if we allowed the Holy Spirit to really work through us today? Kendra Tierney can be found blogging, homeschooling, and gestating Tierney baby number eight in Los Angeles, CA. You can find out more about her here.