Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr First Reading: 3 John 5-8 Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and sisters, especially for strangers; they have testified to your love before the Church. Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey. For they have set out for the sake of the Name and are accepting nothing from the pagans. Therefore, we ought to support such persons, so that we may be co-workers in the truth. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance. R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. Gospel: Luke 18:1-8 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” NAB "But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" This Scripture verse troubles me—haunts me, even. I look around and observe that while there are faithful pockets of people scattered here and there, my family has chosen to live in an area that is almost proud to be defined by its sheer lack of faith. Sadly, the Pacific Northwest, for all its God-given beauty, boasts the highest rate per capita of “nones”—those individuals who respond to surveys indicating that they have no faith at all. Driving around in my aging minivan covered with pro-life and other religious bumper stickers, I realize that we stick out like a sore thumb. People don’t give a second thought to advertising their sports and political preferences; why shouldn’t we proclaim our love for Christ and His Church as we roam the highways and bi-ways of our city? Still, Jesus’ words today continue to challenge me. “No, Lord,” I lament. “You likely won’t find much faith here.” But then I realize that others’ faithfulness, over which I exert little to no control, cannot be the point. Rather, I should be looking inward, asking myself: Will Jesus find faith in me? It’s not enough to slap a bumper sticker on my minivan or say that I have faith. Do I truly believe with every fiber of my being that He is the Son of God and the Son of Man? Do I know in the depths of my soul that He came to Earth to die for me because He loves me deeply and intimately, and that He wants nothing more than to bring me to Heaven to be with Him forever? Do I encounter my family, friends and even the “nones” as if these truths are not just meant for me but for each of them as well? Does God’s love and kindness, generosity, and forgiveness flow out from me like an endless spring of living water? Am I bringing His light, His peace, and His joy along with me wherever I go? Do I pray without ceasing? Or . . . do I act as one without faith? [bctt tweet="Do I believe w every fiber of my being that He is the Son of God & the Son of Man? // @realcatholicmom"] How does your life reflect authentic faith in a living God, and where are some areas where you could seek to improve? Pray for the courage to live the fullness of your Christian faith in spirit and in truth. photo credit Heather Renshaw is a writer, speaker, and uplifter on a mission to love and serve God with her husband and five children in the unchurched Pacific NW. You can learn more about her here.

Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop First Reading: 2 John 4-9 [Chosen Lady:] I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth just as we were commanded by the Father. But now, Lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another. For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, as you heard from the beginning, in which you should walk. Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh; such is the deceitful one and the antichrist. Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we worked for but may receive a full recompense. Anyone who is so “progressive” as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God; whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1, 2, 10, 11, 17, 18 R. (1b) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD. R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! Blessed are they who observe his decrees, who seek him with all their heart. R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! Within my heart I treasure your promise, that I may not sin against you. R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! Be good to your servant, that I may live and keep your words. R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! Open my eyes, that I may consider the wonders of your law. R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! Gospel: Luke 17:26-37 Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise one in the field must not return to what was left behind. Remember the wife of Lot. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.” They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.” NAB Perhaps you've felt it this week. Fear, helplessness and despair. Fear not, sweet sisters, the cavalry has arrived. As I reflect on the example of Saint Martin of Tours on his feast day, the patron saint of soldiers, and what it means to be a soldier for Christ, one theme keeps bubbling to the surface. Fearlessness. In a world that tests our beliefs, applauds moral relativism and insists on instant gratification, we are reminded that to truly love and serve our great God, one must be willing to suffer. To increase our faith, we must decrease our doubts. To live a Christian life, we must be prepared for persecution. We must be fearless. I can hear you now, "Come on, Lady. Don't you know how hard that is?" Indeed, I do. When God gave us a preemie, I wanted to hide in a corner. The last thing I felt was fearless. But God is on the front lines battling for our love, and our hearts. Just as those veterans battled for freedom and Saint Martin of Tours battled for justice, our souls are on the line. How much do you care? How much do you battle back? How far are you willing to go to show the world how big your love is for God? A beautifully wise and seasoned Dominican Sister once confessed, “It’s time we put suffering back into our vocabulary. It's time to be dependent upon God's love.” I think she’s on to something. Suffering and persecution will come to all of us. In the midst of that pain, though, God is inviting you to love big. In turn, He promises to suffer right along with you. Nothing you’re going through is bigger than what He has to give. Nothing. On this day in 1919, the armistice essentially was the “war to end all wars,” at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Let’s take a cue from our veterans, Saint Martin of Tours and our God and let’s end the battle and give it all to Jesus. Our doubts, fears, joys, accolades, pain and love—give it all to Him. You’re a soldier for God and there’s no more honorable army to be part of, than His. [bctt tweet="In the midst of pain, God is inviting you to love big."] Kathryn Whitaker and her husband, Scott, have 6 awesome kids, teen to toddler. She is a former public relations consultant turned freelance graphic designer, party planner, organizer, and preemie advocate who hails from the Lone Star state. You can find out more about her here.

Memorial of Saint Leo Great, Pope & Doctor of the Church First Reading: Philemon 7-20 Beloved: I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother. Therefore, although I have the full right in Christ to order you to do what is proper, I rather urge you out of love, being as I am, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus. I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment, who was once useless to you but is now useful to both you and me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the Gospel, but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord. So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. And if he has done you any injustice or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, write this in my own hand: I will pay. May I not tell you that you owe me your very self. Yes, brother, may I profit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:7, 8-9A, 9BC-10 R. (5a) Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob. The LORD secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob. The LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD raises up those who were bowed down; the LORD loves the just. The LORD protects strangers. R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob. The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia. R. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob. Gospel: Luke 17:20-25 Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.” NAB I’ve been a youth minister for a few years now, and I’ve found that there is a universal expectation among teens when it comes to Saturday night. Not your typical weekend Saturday night, but retreat Saturday night. Teens tend to expect Jesus to reveal Himself in a big, flashy, emotionally appealing way. But this attitude isn’t exclusive to teens. I mean, it would be nice to have a lightening flash every now again, just to make things super abundantly clear, right? But in today’s Gospel, Jesus warns against going after signs because “the coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.” The kingdom of God is among you—as in around you, and in you, and through you. The kingdom of God is happening right now. The problem with our Saturday-night-mentality is that when we’re waiting for a Bible-sized miracle, we can miss the intimate, intricate, creative ways that the Father is loving and providing for us today. We put God in a box when we specify how we want Him to work. We limit Him when we insist upon a certain solution. If we want to trust God, we simply have to look around to glimpse His goodness and providence already at work in our lives. Just the other day, I was feeling particularly stressed and overcommitted. I found myself darting frantically around the parish office, when I noticed a note scrawled on my white board: I love you, Beth. Presumably one of my teens from our previous night’s youth group had left it there, but by God’s grace I understood them as coming from the Lord. I might’ve missed this precious message if I only expected God to speak to me in the pages of my journal or in the adoration chapel. But He is too in love with us to leave us alone. Ask the Lord to reveal to you those tender little ways He is loving you today. Because He is loving you—every minute of every hour of every day. [bctt tweet="He is loving you—every minute of every hour of every day."] Call upon the Holy Spirit to help you feel and see God’s love and presence more tangibly today. photo credit Beth Davis is a lover of Jesus, an aunt to five beautiful humans, and a full time youth minister in Flagstaff, Arizona. She is passionate about winning the hearts of young people for Jesus through discipleship. You can find out more about her here.

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 The angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar. He led me outside by the north gate, and around to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw water trickling from the southern side. He said to me, “This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah, and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh. Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 R. (5) The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea. R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed; God will help it at the break of dawn. R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. Come! behold the deeds of the LORD, the astounding things he has wrought on earth. R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9C-11, 16-17 Brothers and sisters: You are God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. Gospel: John 2:13-22 Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. NAB I can't be the only person who does this: I love driving around fancy or older neighborhoods and looking at the houses. I imagine how much they might have cost to build, how old they are, what they look like inside, who lives there now, who lived there in the beginning. I picture what my life might be like inside of a cool house like that. I look up the prices online. And at the end of the drive, of course, I always pick my favorite. There are certain neighborhoods that I love to frequent, but it's even more fun to explore new areas when we are out of town. There is something about architecture that brings out so many questions and lends itself to my imagination. Each reading today touches on the idea of architecture—specifically temples. (And, of course, this is quite appropriate as it is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.) Even back in the time of Jesus, people knew the importance of a good structure. It provides shelter in harsh weather. It is a gathering place for celebrations and mournings. It is the sweat and labor of hundreds of people. These havens are a marvel to be respected. Much like a brick and mortar structure can be a sacred dwelling, our bodies are too. "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" says the Second Reading. We are made in God's image, we receive Him in the Eucharist, and we are His hands on earth. Because of this, He dwells within us. And we need to tend to our temple by keeping it clean and being careful of who we invite in. If anyone (including ourselves) tries to deface our temple, it should stir up strong emotions. It is the dwelling place of God, after all. Everyone loves today's Gospel. Jesus gets real; he's flipping tables, raising his voice, whipping people and animals out the door. It's righteous anger. He knows the temple is a place of great importance. It is okay for us to protect our temple with righteous anger too—meaning that sin should offend us greatly, but we are not allowed to respond with sin. Instead, we need to be fearless in our convictions and loving in our intentions. We must be firm in our beliefs while still demanding honor and virtue. [bctt tweet="Our body, our temple is the dwelling place of God."] What is invading your temple lately? Is it sloth or gluttony? Is it pride? Is it abuse of some kind? Start taking steps forward to tend to your temple. God is in there. Jenna Hines has teeny army of three children (and one in utero), and is married to a bearded fellow named Mike. A former high school English teacher, she now stays at home where she blogs and runs a crafty embroidery business. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 Beloved: You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited. Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves, showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say about us. For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 37:3-4, 18 AND 23, 27 AND 29 R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. Trust in the LORD and do good, that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security. Take delight in the LORD, and he will grant you your heart’s requests. R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted; their inheritance lasts forever. By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm, and he approves his way. R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. Turn from evil and do good, that you may abide forever; The just shall possess the land and dwell in it forever. R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. Gospel: Luke 17:7-10 Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” NAB I turned forty last month, so I figure as a reverent, responsibly drinking, non-slanderer, I’m officially authorized by Saint Paul in the First Reading to train y’all up. So get comfortable. Here’s what I want you younger women to know, based on my experience: To those who are married, love your husbands: Love him emotionally. Love him physically too. If at all possible, have sex with your husband. Regularly. Maybe you’ll end up with more kids than you planned on. I did. But a happy marriage means you can probably handle more kids than you thought. I could. To those who are mothers, love your children: Loving them is what counts. Particular parenting styles are great resources for parents. But no one style guarantees “success” however you measure it. Strict or lenient, intense or easy going, working or stay-at-home, if your kids know that you love and like them, they’re probably going to be fine. Be self-controlled: Self-control is probably the least tempting of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but it’s key to so much more. As a younger woman, I used to lose my composure over traffic and long lines and other people being idiots. But realizing that *I,* not my circumstances, am in control of myself has made a huge difference in my peace of mind. Now that I’m forty, I can accept that toddlers will be unreasonable and teenagers will be dramatic and people on Facebook will be wrong, and I can do it without losing my cool (at least most of the time). Be chaste: Chastity is beautiful and misunderstood. What it really means is that we are meant to honor our bodies and souls with the sexuality appropriate to our state of life. So, rather than seeing sex as something to avoid (just barely) before marriage and then to exploit within marriage, let’s embrace chastity in all stages of life. Whether that means curfews and chaperones or creative NFP date-nights or going ahead and not having a headache tonight after all . . . chastity is a virtue that keeps on giving. Be good homemakers: There are two extreme camps on the subject of homemaking. On the one hand, you have Pinterest-y obsessive types with perfect Instagram feeds and guest towels no one is allowed to touch. And, on the other, women who seem to believe that to cultivate any level of skill in the domestic arts is to devalue oneself. As usual, virtue is to be found in the middle. As a young woman, I could not cook or clean or do laundry. Learning to take pride in my home and to care for my husband and children has made me an all-around more capable person, and having a bunch of kids means I can’t overvalue my domestic skills. Be controlled by your husbands: Yikes, right? But, we talked about this last month, remember? See my October 25th devotion to refresh your memory. It will be okay, I promise. And that’s that. Easy peasy, right? Maybe YOU won’t have to wait until forty to have this stuff almost figured out. [bctt tweet="Mrs. @kendratierney is officially authorized by the First Reading to train us up. Get comfy:"] What would you add to this list? Take some time to journal today about where you honestly see yourself and where you would like to be in the coming months and years. Take it to prayer. Kendra Tierney lives in Los Angeles, CA where her interests include blogging, homeschooling, looking after her eight children, and fixing up a hundred year old tumbledown mansion. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law. One of the brothers, speaking for the others, said: “What do you expect to achieve by questioning us? We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.” At the point of death he said: “You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we are dying.” After him the third suffered their cruel sport. He put out his tongue at once when told to do so, and bravely held out his hands, as he spoke these noble words: “It was from Heaven that I received these; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him I hope to receive them again.” Even the king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage, because he regarded his sufferings as nothing. After he had died, they tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way. When he was near death, he said, “It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15 R. (15b) Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. Hear, O LORD, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. My steps have been steadfast in your paths, my feet have not faltered. I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings. But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking I shall be content in your presence. R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5 Brothers and sisters: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you, and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people, for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you, you are doing and will continue to do. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ. Gospel: Luke 20:27-38 Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out ‘Lord,’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” NAB “Why do you need to go to church? You’re on your honeymoon! It’s supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon, so you’d be better off signing up for the 9:00 ride!” These were the words my husband and I heard after attempting to schedule an afternoon glass-bottomed boat-tour with one of the Jamaican resort employees. The man seemed to think our request was somewhat absurd as he threw his head back and laughed. My husband and I exchanged a quick we-weren't-expecting-that-kind-of-a-reaction glance, and I chimed in with a simple, “Sir, I’m sorry, but going to Mass is very important to us. We’re okay if it rains, but we’re not okay with missing church. So can we please sign up for the 3:00 ride?” He was quiet for a moment then finally handed us the clipboard allowing us to sign up for the later boat ride. “What do you expect to achieve by questioning us?” As I reflected on this line from today’s First Reading and Jesus’ encounter of being questioned by the Sadducees in the Gospel, I couldn’t help but think back to this experience. While my husband and I certainly weren't persecuted to the point of death or challenged to answer a hypothetical question as Jesus was, we were still questioned about our motives for choosing to attend Mass over going on a boat tour. In the Gospel Jesus reminds us and the Sadducees (who didn’t believe in the resurrection) that the resurrection is real. That there will be a place for “those who are deemed worthy” after passing from this life. My husband and I could have easily given in and decided to skip Mass just this once, but we decided to choose the option that would help us be “deemed worthy.” And even though our response to the man’s question caused him to laugh at us, maybe it caused him to start thinking. Maybe it was the very exact thing he needed to hear to open a piece of his heart to Christ. [bctt tweet="My dear sisters, may you be encouraged to speak the truth."] Whatever the extent of the questioning you've endured, my dear sisters, may you be encouraged to speak the truth and remember that your words can change lives. And as Saint Teresa of Calcutta reminds us, "Let nothing so disturb us, so fill us with sorrow or discouragement, as to make us forfeit the joy of the resurrection." Joan Geiger is a North Dakota native and newlywed, and in her spare time she can be found going on adventures with her husband, working as a Registered Dietitian, and learning to play the ukulele. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Philippians 4:10-19 Brothers and sisters: I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you revived your concern for me. You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity. Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. You Philippians indeed know that at the beginning of the Gospel, when I left Macedonia, not a single church shared with me in an account of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was at Thessalonica you sent me something for my needs, not only once but more than once. It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account. I have received full payment and I abound. I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus, “a fragrant aroma,” an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1B-2, 5-6, 8A AND 9 R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance. R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear. Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord. Gospel: Luke 16:9-15 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all these things and sneered at him. And he said to them, “You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.” NAB I have Pinterest boards filled with drool-worthy kitchens, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and backyards. Our fixer-upper of a house is nice but wow—would I love to put some of those Pinterest plans into action. That's the dream. The reality, though, is that we basically live paycheck to paycheck. New tires for the car, new glasses for a child, more diapers for the baby, dental work for my husband—these take precedent and I am grateful that we are able to provide for our happy family. The reality is that our good-enough house is a love-filled home. Of course having pretty things is not a sin—it's morally neutral. But the reality that you don't see but God, who knows our hearts, does see is that I want the pretty things partly because I want them to impress you. I am ashamed to admit it and I hate when I relate to the Pharisees in today's Gospel, but I share this embarrassing secret with you in hopes that we can all do better together. In our First Reading, we see that Saint Paul knew how to live both in humble circumstances and in luxurious ones with a joyful acceptance of what God gave him. He knew beyond a doubt that God would provide exactly what he needed. I don't know how long it took him to master the virtue to know and trust that, but it's my goal, too. [bctt tweet="Let's serve and love God, not money and human esteem."] Let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with generosity, gratitude, and humility so that we may serve and love God, not money and human esteem. photo credit Bonnie Engstrom is a writer, baker, speaker and homemaker. She lives with her husband and six children in central Illinois. You can find out more about her here.

Memorial Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop First Reading: Philippians 3:17—4:1 Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us. For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.” Their minds are occupied with earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified Body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4AB, 4CD-5 R. (1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD. R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David. R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Gospel: Luke 16:1-8 Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.” NAB Sometimes I forget that there is more to this life, that my real home is Heaven. Sometimes I get easily distracted by what my true purpose in life is. However many years all of us have on planet Earth are like the previews in the movie theater. They build up to the main attraction which is the movie you have come to see. Nobody goes to opening day for a particular movie for the previews, right? That's crazy. So why then, do we treat our life on earth sometimes like it's the main attraction rather than just the preview? We are like those Saint Paul refers to in the First Reading “Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.” Their minds are occupied with earthly things.” We need to remind ourselves that “our citizenship is in heaven.” Saint Charles Borromeo, whose Feast is today, strikes me as a man who understood very well his purpose in life. While born into nobility, Eventually he was made the archbishop of Milan. During the post-Reformation years, Saint Charles was a great reformer to combat the inroads of reformation theology along with men like Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Philip Neri. He was also responsible for significant reforms in the Church, including the founding of seminaries to properly educate priests. This is a guy who knew his purpose down to the core of his soul, and he lived his life out of that knowledge. When we understand our true purpose in life, then we start living our lives on earth differently. We start to live with our eyes fixed on the main attraction which is Heaven, our real home. Let's not forget for what and Whom we are created, sisters. Our citizenship is not defined by the address on our driver's license or the home country on our passport. We are created for something much more than this world could ever possibly offer us. We are created for God and to be with Him forever. [bctt tweet="We are created for something much more than this world could ever possibly offer us."] Have you ever asked God the question: What is my purpose here on earth? What is my mission? Be still with those questions and let Him speak to the depths of your heart. Speak, and then just listen. photo credit Patty Hubbard is a runner, youth minister ordinaire, and thinks old movies are the greatest thing since sliced bread. When not fundraising for World Youth Day, she is learning to find grace in all things. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Philippians 3:3-8A Brothers and sisters: We are the circumcision, we who worship through the Spirit of God, who boast in Christ Jesus and do not put our confidence in flesh, although I myself have grounds for confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he can be confident in flesh, all the more can I. Circumcised on the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrew parentage, in observance of the law a Pharisee, in zeal I persecuted the Church, in righteousness based on the law I was blameless. But whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ. More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 R. (3b) Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. R. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Gospel: Luke 15:1-10 The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. “Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” NAB The search was on. My husband and I were turning our house upside-down and inside out looking for an infant-sized hearing aid. When we found out our son was born with a hearing loss we knew that there would be challenges ahead. We did not know that one of our greatest challenges would be keeping track of those darned hearing aids This was not the first time we had looked over at our son and noticed he was wearing only one hearing aid. With an exasperated sigh we’d strap him into his high chair so we could focus on our search. Then we’d tear up couch cushions, go through the trash, and get on our hands and knees with flashlights to peer under and behind every piece of furniture in the house. When we would finally discover it tucked inside a toy car or shoved under the refrigerator we would all but jump for joy. Now whenever I read the different parables of people searching for something that is lost I think of what it was like to search for that lost hearing aid. Though we were overjoyed to find that expensive little piece of technology, it’s only a small fraction of the joy of the Lord when we repent and return to Him. You see, we are all that one sheep that goes astray in today's Gospel. We are all in need of His mercy. And He is so eager to give it. No matter how far you have wandered, and no matter how lost you may be, He is searching for you and longing to bring you back into His arms. But you must first let yourself be found by Him. My dear sisters, what is causing you to wander? Is it a fear to fully trust Him, or a desire to maintain control? Is it, like Saint Paul in the First Reading, an attachment to status and worldly success? Whatever it may be that’s got a hold on your heart, throw it off! I think we all know by now that nothing will satisfy us like the love of Jesus. Like Saint Paul says, "I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." [bctt tweet="We are all that one sheep that goes astray in today's Gospel."] Do an examination of conscience today and ask yourself, “How have I wandered?” Anna Coyne is a wife, mother, knitter, gardener, and convert to the Catholic faith. Read more about her here.

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9 The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6 R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11 Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by his Blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life. Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Gospel: John 6:37-40 Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” NAB My grandfather, my Papa, died when I was in my late 20s and pregnant with my second child. I have little snapshot memories of his funeral. The panic I felt at being out of the state when he took a turn for the worse. The care with which my dad rearranged the pins on my grandfather’s dress blues that adored the quiet and still body laying in rest. My father quietly explaining to me that the body was like an empty glove—the soul was gone to Heaven. Having my family gather around my tiny bump of a tummy, expressing about how comforting it was for them to see that life continues amidst the death. There was a certain peace present throughout the weekend. About a month later, I lost that little baby growing inside of me; the contrast between my Papa’s death and my little baby’s death couldn’t have been greater. What I remember most from that time is not snapshots of a beautiful funeral weekend surrounded by family, but rather feelings of immense loss, loneliness, and emptiness. I longed to be in control as life took a turn away from my plan. Life went off-script, and I found myself feeling helpless. And yet we aren’t really helpless in this life. We have been given the Good Shepherd, not just to guide us and protect us, but to save us and bring us to everlasting life in Him. But we have to choose to do so. We have the opportunity to follow Him and embrace His gift of a true and never ending life every day. Every decision we make can bring us closer to Him or lead us away. We choose to love. We choose to follow Christ. We choose to place our hope in His gift of eternal life. The rest may be painfully out of our control, but it also pales in ultimate importance when compared to our salvation. Remember His promise in the Gospel: "[E]veryone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day." On this All Souls Day, we take the opportunity to commemorate the Faithful who have gone before us. Let this be a day that brings us peace and comfort as Sisters in Christ who, too, will be raised with Him on the last day. [bctt tweet="Every decision we make can bring us closer to Him or lead us away."] How will you choose to love today? What will you do today to grow closer to Him? photo credit MaryRuth Hackett is a full-time wife and mother doing her best to teach her four children to love God and country. You can find out more about her here.

Solemnity of All Saints First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, “Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the children of Israel. After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, and exclaimed: “Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.” He said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1BC-2, 3-4AB, 5-6 R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? or who may stand in his holy place? One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior. Such is the race that seeks him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3 Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure. Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12A When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” NAB A few weeks ago I was faced with the possibility of a really challenging health issue. Praise be to God, most of my fears of what it could be have since vanished. But in those days of trips to urgent care and extensive testing, I would be lying if I said I wasn't terrified. As I was pushed into the MRI machine one sunny late summer morning I took some slow, deep breaths as I forced my logical, Type-A self to think about how I could get through the next hour. I remember thinking about all of the people in the world who don't even have access to the medical advancements that my doctors could readily employ, and I said a prayer of gratitude. I prayed for my deceased dad's intercession and for the Saints' intercession, especially those who are patrons or patronesses of neurological disorders. Then I thought of my nieces and nephew and God-babies and felt this immense sadness as I pondered what their reality would be if I simply ceased to be in their lives. That's when the tears came—slowly, silently, trickling down my temples. It's the only kind of crying allowed in an MRI because you have to hold very, very still! Even now as I write this, the tears come, as I re-live the myriad of emotions from that day. Today's readings from Revelation and the Gospel of Matthew, though seemingly unconnected, are actually beautifully intertwined. The Book of Revelation was believed to be written during a time of unimaginable persecution of the early Church. Its message, though full of intricate and at times confusing symbolism, is clear: Stand strong. Do not be afraid. There are those who have gone before us, through the times of great distress, and have come out on the other side at the foot of the throne of grace and peace and mercy and Divine Love. Similarly, our Lord's words in Matthew 5 remind us that when we are persecuted, when we mourn, when we hunger and thirst for righteousness with seemingly no avail, we are actually at the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven. Now is hard, yes, but our reward will be great in Heaven indeed. [bctt tweet="Now is hard, yes, but our reward will be great in Heaven indeed."] Today is the Solemnity of All Saints, a Holy Day of Obligation, which a priest friend once told me should really be called a "Holy Day of Opportunity." If you don't know where you can find a local Mass, check out this site. Come to Mass today and think of the burdens you carry, large and small. Take the opportunity to cast them into the arms of those Saints in Heaven who pray for you and with you to Jesus with great earnestness, love, and devotion. 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: Philippians 2:1-4 Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 131:1BCDE, 2, 3 R. In you, O Lord, I have found my peace. O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. R. In you, O Lord, I have found my peace. Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. R. In you, O Lord, I have found my peace. O Israel, hope in the LORD, both now and forever. R. In you, O Lord, I have found my peace. Gospel: Luke 14:12-14 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” NAB Do you ever feel daunted by Scripture? I find myself thinking, “I don’t have the time or mental energy to ‘go deep’ into this.” In college, it was because I had so many classes to keep up with. In my working years, I had millions of English papers to grade. Newlywed? It was much more fun playing wife to my husband. And as a mother? Forget about it. Then I discovered Saint Teresa of Avila (whose feast day was earlier this month—October 15) and her method of Contemplative Prayer. It was just what my tired and busy mind needed to feel connected to the Living Word again. I am by no means perfect or consistent with this method of prayer, but it is so comforting to know that I can call on Contemplative Prayer when I am feeling weary. Let’s do it together today. First, put your mind with God. This might be as simple as taking a deep breath and asking God to quiet your mind. Ask to be with Him completely—even for just a few minutes. Second, read the Scriptures for today. If you’re like me, you skim and read quickly, barely letting things soak in. That’s okay. Read as you would normally, but pay attention to any line that sticks with you. Today, this verse from the First Reading stuck with me: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.” Third, take a few moments to reflect on what that verse means in your life right now. For my verse, I immediately thought of refugees around the world. What am I doing to help them? Am I turning my head because I feel my life is more valuable than theirs? Am I being called to pray more fervently for them? How can I look into their eyes and see them as humans who are just as valuable as myself and my family? While I contemplate this Scripture, I try to picture Jesus right beside me in the flesh (after all, He is really truly there in the Word). I imagine having a conversation with Him, asking Him questions, and listening to His answers. Finally, I lay my petitions in front of the Lord. These might be things that have to do with the Scripture I read, and they may be my own personal intentions. I also thank the Lord for the time I was able to spend with Him today. [bctt tweet="Do you ever feel daunted by Scripture? Read today's #BISdailydevotion:"] Take a moment to practice Contemplative Prayer today. Your experience will look different than mine, but follow the steps above as a guide. Jenna Hines has teeny army of three children (and one in utero), and is married to a bearded fellow named Mike. A former high school English teacher, she now stays at home where she blogs and runs a crafty embroidery business. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Wisdom 11:22-12:2 Before the LORD the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth. But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people's sins that they may repent. For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things! Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O LORD! Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14 R. (cf. 1) I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might. R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. The LORD is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2 Brothers and sisters: We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand. Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” NAB A wise mentor recently prayed I might "see myself as God sees me." I tucked this thought into my brain and carried it with me all day, turning it over at the gym, mulling over it as I ferried kids to and from activities, chewing on it as I tried to fall asleep—attempting to crack open a truth so heavily cloaked in doubt. How does God see me? I know what the answer is supposed to be: He looks at me as His precious, cherished daughter. He sees me and smiles. But how I see myself has created a narrative in which I can more easily imagine His frustration at my laundry list of sins and His exasperation that I allow so many worldly pursuits to distract me from working toward desperately needed virtues. Sure, He sees others and smiles with ease. But me? Even I can see how small and unworthy I am in the shadow of His glory. Like Zachheus from today's Gospel, I'd rather view God from afar than believe He really desires to let Himself into my mess. It’s easier to accept that He sees me as more project than priceless masterwork, as more of an offender to His sensibilities than a daughter with whom He wants to sit and eat, with whom He longs to build a real father-daughter relationship -- despite my failures. Loving Father that He actually is, the very next morning God countered my self-doubt and laid out the truth of His Love word by word in today's First Reading. “You’re right, daughter,” He said. “To Me, the whole universe is but single grain. But only because my capacity to love is so big and so wide. Far from loathing, I can't help but cherish everything I've deliberately fashioned—meaning you. I am a lover of souls—your soul. Your smallness cannot negate the bigness of My love for you. Because your love and mercy are limited, you believe mistakes can limit My love and mercy. You forget I am limitless. Yes, I see your shortcomings, but they cannot make you less loveable. Those shortcomings will slowly fall away as you move toward Me—but only as much as you accept the truth of My love for you. Read My words again and let these be the words you carry and mull over: I see you and I love you, handcrafted daughter of mine. Believe it." [bctt tweet="Do you see yourself as God sees you?"] Do you see yourself as God sees you? Or do you limit His love based on your own self-doubts and insecurities? Re-read the First Reading and let the truth of our Father's love seep into your heart. 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: Philippians 1:18B-26 Brothers and sisters: As long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42:2, 3, 5CDEF R. My soul is thirsting for the living God. As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for you, O God. R. My soul is thirsting for the living God. Athirst is my soul for God, the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God? R. My soul is thirsting for the living God. I went with the throng and led them in procession to the house of God. Amid loud cries of joy and thanksgiving, with the multitude keeping festival. R. My soul is thirsting for the living God. Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” NAB I’m not a terribly patient person. I know this about myself and yet I’m not very interested in praying for patience. You know what they say, pray for patience and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to practice it. This is true in silly situations, like scouting out the shortest line at checkout, but it’s also true of my vocation. Waiting is hard; having patience while waiting is even harder. Today’s Gospel offers an important lesson in patience. Rather than grasping for the highest place, Jesus encourages us to wait and be invited to the good thing. Too many times, I’ve tried to make things happen on my own. The fruit of this is almost always frustration, confusion and heartache. But I’ve also felt what it’s like to be surprised by an opportunity, a compliment, or given a gift that I didn’t ask for. The difference is amazing. There is a Greek word that captures this perfectly: kairos, meaning a propitious moment for decision or action. You see, this is how God’s timing works. He waits for an opportune time, for the perfect moment to gift us with His best. And in the meantime, in the waiting, He asks us to be patient, trusting that He is purifying and preparing us for what’s next. In a world that encourages striving and earning, waiting on God seems counterintuitive—foolish even. When people ask you about that thing your heart desires, it stings to say, I don’t know. But take heart, dear sister. God knows our hearts and our circumstances. And He is delighted by our faith in the waiting. Decide with me today to wait in peace and patience, believing that we will hear our sweet Jesus say, as He does in the Gospel, “My friend, move up to a higher position.” [bctt tweet="Take heart, dear sister. God knows our hearts and our circumstances."] How have you been talking about your problems? Today, ask God to help you speak only positively about what troubles you and what you’re waiting for. Beth Davis is a lover of Jesus, an aunt to five beautiful humans, and a full time youth minister in Flagstaff, Arizona. She is passionate about winning the hearts of young people for Jesus through discipleship. Find out more about her here.

Feast of Saints Simon & Jude, Apostles First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5 R. (5a) Their message goes out through all the earth. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. R. Their message goes out through all the earth. Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. R. Their message goes out through all the earth. Gospel: Luke 6:12-16 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. NAB Do you have a spiritual bestie to walk alongside you and do life together? I think some of the greatest blessings in life are those friends and companions who can support and challenge you in the spiritual life. I recently was able to grab coffee with such a friend in my life who was back in town for the weekend. Drenched in lattes and laughing together in cozy armchairs, we shared with each other what God is up to in each of our lives. We talked about struggles, hopes, and dreams. We talked about what God is working in ministries we serve in and favorite books or podcasts we've been loving. As I recall that wonderful Saturday morning, I find myself wondering if Saints Simon and Jude shared such a friendship with each other. It is commonly thought that they share the same feast day because both men had been sent to preach the Gospel: Simon in Egypt, Jude in Mesopotamia and finally together in Persia. But we don't know for certain a lot about them beyond them being identified as Apostles in the New Testament. Besides sharing the same feast day, did these men who were both in Jesus' "Band of Brothers" find a close spiritual companion in the other? Did they pray together? Could they trust each other with their deeper feelings or emotions? How did they challenge and support each other spiritually after Jesus' Ascension to Heaven? How did they support each other taking the Gospel message to a foreign land? These are questions we cannot for sure answer, but it is interesting to think about what the dynamic would have been between the two of them. We cannot be Christian lone-rangers, riding off into the sunset. We need each other. We cannot live the Christian life alone or in isolation, if we try we will wither up and die. In his homily on the Occasion of the Day of Confraternities in 2013, Pope Francis challenged the faithful to "be an active presence in the community, as living cells, as living stones." We need spiritual companions and friends to walk with us on the road of Christian discipleship. We need men and women who will love us, cheer us on, and challenge us when we need it. We need to be living stones in the lives of other people. And we need to have our own Saints Simon and Jude in our lives. [bctt tweet="We need to be living stones in the lives of other people. // @amoderngrace"] Who are the cherished spiritual companions in your life, your own Saints Simon and Jude? Write a note, send a text, or call that person today. Share with them how they are helping you more fully become who God wants you to be. Patty Hubbard is a runner, youth minister ordinaire, and thinks old movies are the greatest thing since sliced bread. When not fundraising for World Youth Day, she is learning to find grace in all things. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1B, 2, 9-10 R. (1b) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock! Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war. R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock! My mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust, who subdues my people under me. R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock! O God, I will sing a new song to you; with a ten stringed lyre I will chant your praise, You who give victory to kings, and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword. R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock! Gospel: Luke 13:31-35 Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” NAB Most days, I feel woefully unprepared to pick up my cross and face whatever may come. I struggle to be kind to my own family let alone perfect strangers. I don’t want to say “yes” to hardship and suffering. I just want to keep my head down and get through the day. What I want and what God wants are not always the same thing. Actually, if I am being completely honest, they are rarely ever the same thing. Thankfully on today’s First Reading, Saint Paul gives me examples on how to properly prepare myself to make it through the muck and the mire of my daily struggles. First, there is courage. Saint Paul inspires me to have courage and place my trust in the Lord, for without Him I can do nothing. I am not strong enough on my own to do what God is asking me to do. I need Him to lift me up and never leave me. Saint Paul knows all about this. Without God’s redeeming grace, he would still be a murderer, his soul lost forever to evil and death. Instead, he said “yes” to God when he was struck down from his horse and blinded and went on to become one of His most effective evangelizers. Saint Paul teaches me to cling to my faith, holding it as a shield against the Devil and all those things that pull me away from my Redeemer. He instructs me to dive into God’s word which is indispensable in this battle and stand firm in the knowledge of my salvation that comes only from the Lord God. All of these tools help me to face the day ahead with grit and determination to do my best to love God and my neighbor well. Some days I win the battle. Other days I fall in defeat clinging to the mercy and grace of the Cross, begging God to deliver me from evil and forgive my transgressions. In loving my neighbor as I wish to be loved, I speak the gospel of peace. I am called to love God above ALL else. In doing so, I seek to bring ALL I have, both in need and want, to the foot of the cross, laying it before the King of Kings, so that His will may be done. [bctt tweet="Saint Paul inspires me to seek the courage to want what God wants. // @marylenaburg"] Saint Paul inspires me to seek the courage to want what God wants and the fortitude to strive for victory. Do his words speak to you today? Mary Lenaburg married her first (and only) blind date going on 27 years, is a full-time liturgist, and parents one adult son navigating his path on earth and a special needs daughter safely in Heaven. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33 Brothers and sisters: Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the Church, he himself the savior of the Body. As the Church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the Church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church, because we are members of his Body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 R. (1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Gospel: Luke 13:18-21 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” NAB The Protestant minister who did pre-marital counseling with my sister and her husband explained Ephesians 5:21-32 thusly: Say a married couple is buying a car. The husband wants a green car, and the wife wants a brown car. Saint Paul says the wife needs to let the husband decide which color car to buy. And Saint Paul says the husband needs to decide to buy a brown car. And that’s cute. It makes me smile. And while it’s certainly an oversimplification, there is truth to it. It’s easy to read “wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything” and be so flabbergasted you miss the part where it says “husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.” I would even argue that Saint Paul is giving husbands the more difficult task here. It is certainly a challenge to do what you’re told. It’s even more difficult to willingly choose to do what’s best for another person over yourself. But the feisty gal in me can’t help but chafe at it a bit, even so. Why, with such a beautiful foundational understanding of the equal purpose and dignity of men and women in the eyes of God espoused by the Jesus and the Catholic Church, would Saint Paul/the Holy Spirit even feel the need to set in stone that “the husband is head of his wife”?! Some husbands are dummies, right? (Not mine. Mine is a genius. And handsome. And SO patient. And I’m not sure whether he reads these or not.) I think the answer can be found in the Church’s understanding of obedience and hierarchy. The buck has to stop somewhere. We all love and respect and serve one another. But, unlike our Protestant brothers and sisters, we believe in a chain of command, stretching from the Pope through the Cardinals and Bishops, forking out to Religious Superiors and Pastors, through the heads of families to the smallest child. Someone has to be the head of the family, and that someone is the husband. Not because he is better, or because he is worthy, but because it was he who was given the task. As Saint Paul explains, Jesus’ redeeming spousal relationship with the Church is reflected in the relationship of husbands and wives. For fifteen years now, I’ve been striving to honor and obey my husband, while he strives to nourish and cherish me. While I still bristle at the concept of submissiveness, in practice, it really has worked beautifully. My respect for my husband means that I trust him to have my interests at heart as he leads our family . . . including the recent purchase of a brown car. [bctt tweet="I’ve been striving to honor and obey my husband, while he strives to nourish and cherish me."] If you're still unsettled on this reading, please talk to a trusted priest and ask for some guidance. It's a lot to tackle! photo credit Kendra Tierney is wife to a good man and mother to eight pretty good kids. Together they are fixing up a tumbledown hundred year old house. She's a writer, and a blogger, and a graphic designer, and a homeschooler, and a regular schooler. Her word art is available here. Her book, A Little Book About Confession for Children, is available here. Find out more about her here.