Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16 Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep. As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark. I will lead them out from among the peoples and gather them from the foreign lands; I will bring them back to their own country and pasture them upon the mountains of Israel in the land's ravines and all its inhabited places. In good pastures will I pasture them, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing ground. There they shall lie down on good grazing ground, and in rich pastures shall they be pastured on the mountains of Israel. I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD. The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy, shepherding them rightly. 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. Only goodness and kindness follow me 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 5:5B-11 Brothers and sisters: 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: Luke 15:3-7 Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes: "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." NAB Full Catholic confession: I never understood the Sacred Heart. My childhood parish had a statue in the basement of Jesus pointing to His wounded, bleeding heart—and it creeped me out. My college had a basilica by the same name, but I never noticed its meaning. Despite two decades of Catholic education, I cannot remember a single lesson about the theology of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All of which made my encounter with the Sacred Heart that much more stunning. When our daughters Maggie and Abby died in our arms over two months ago, my husband and I had our hearts torn apart. I never knew the human body could withstand such suffering. But at the moment of their deaths, I realized that we had entered into the Sacred Heart of Jesus—where everything is broken and bleeding, but also sealed with purest love. Because the intensity of pain at our daughters’ deaths was surpassed only by the depth of love for them—and our joy at the foretaste of Heaven they offered us in their last moments. The same joy they now enjoy forever within the Heart of God. The same joy that waits for each of us, beckoning our hearts to break like His in this life so that we can rejoice forever with Him in the next. Because this is what the Sacred Heart does. It loves foolishly by the world’s standards. It cares tenderly for the small and sick that the world ignores. It runs wildly after one lost sheep. It rejoices lavishly over a single repentant sinner. It rescues each of us from where we were scattered when it was cloudy and dark. The Sacred Heart is broken and wounded, bleeding out of suffering love. This is what makes it Divine: it does what we scarcely believe a heart could do. When we pray to have a heart like Christ, do we know what we are asking? We are praying for our hearts to be broken. Only when they are wounded like His can they begin to beat like His, too. Only when a heart suffers out of deepest love for others can it be transformed into a heart like God's. I understand the Sacred Heart now. It cannot be confined to a statue or a basilica or even a single solemnity. It is the pulsing, beating heart of everything we believe about the Christian faith. It is the broken, bleeding heart that loves us. It is the sacred, suffering heart that saves us. [bctt tweet="When we pray to have a heart like Christ, do we know what we are asking?"] Today when you pray to become more like Christ, pause to realize what you are asking. Pray for the strength to let your heart be broken out of compassion. Pray for the grace to let your heart be sealed with love. Pray with deepest gratitude for the Sacred Heart. photo credit 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: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5AB, 8-9, 10 AND 14 R. (4) Teach me your ways, O Lord. Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. R. Teach me your ways, O Lord. Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. R. Teach me your ways, O Lord. All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction. R. Teach me your ways, O Lord. Gospel: Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions. NAB Lord, sometimes I blunder about without a clue. I’m feeling pushed around by life, with no control or sense of where to go or what to do. Life is happening around me and to me and some days, I haven’t a clue what I should do, because all the pressures and demands of life are overwhelming. Guide me, Jesus! Make your ways known to me! (And just drag or carry me, OK, because I’m flat out exhausted.) Life feels hard. And we’re supposed to be faithful and seek God’s will on top of the daily here-and-now pressures—it can all certainly be overwhelming. Yet, “he teaches the humble his way . . . . All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy[.]” The way Jesus teaches is kindness—true kindness, summed up in the first and greatest commandments: love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself. I’m reminded of “The Little Way,” doing many small things with great love, taught to us by Saint Therese along with the teachings of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, who also emphasized showing love in small acts. She taught, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” When I was in high school, the above quote was the first (and only) I memorized because I was moved by it, and found it simple. Kindness in my eyes and smile? Not a problem. I wasn’t a particularly cranky or angsty teen, so I thought I had this all figured out. Then came college. Jobs. Relationships that lasted longer than four weeks. I’m also a wife and mother, so let me tell you, these words from Blessed Teresa and the Psalmist, giving us a clue as to how to live the greatest commandments? Ladies, they are hard. I think the more adult I become, the harder it is to be kind! If I’m not careful, sooner than later I could become a cranky old lady with a constant scowl. That’s not the way of the Lord, though. Even—and especially—on the hardest days, the days that seem like nothing goes right and I haven’t a clue in the universe what God’s plan is, He still wants my kindness. My love in action. This is His will, that we love and live with kindness in every action, to show Him to the world. [bctt tweet="No matter what, He still wants my kindness. My love in action."] Where can you practice great acts of kindness in your life? photo credit Gina Fensterer is a wife, daughter, mother, friend, homeschooling mama, and Colorado native. You can find out more about her here.

Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr First Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God for the promise of life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day. For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel, for which I was appointed preacher and Apostle and teacher. On this account I am suffering these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know him in whom I have believed and am confident that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 123:1B-2AB, 2CDEF R. (1b) To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes. To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters. R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes. As the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, So are our eyes on the LORD, our God, till he have pity on us. R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes. Gospel: Mark 12:18-27 Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and put this question to him, 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 and died, leaving no descendants. So the second brother married her and died, leaving no descendants, and the third likewise. And the seven left no descendants. Last of all the woman also died. At the resurrection when they arise whose wife will she be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.” NAB Lately, I have been thinking about death so the Gospel reading about the resurrection of the dead touched a chord with me. My father-in-law recently passed away and it has prompted a number of questions from my kids about death. I’ve answered them as best as I could and tried to assure them that although death is unavoidable, it is not something we should fear. They seemed to be satisfied but their questions lingered in my mind. A decade or two ago, I didn’t worry too much about death but lately, especially after my father-in-law’s passing and seeing my own parents getting older, I am reminded that there is a world beyond this earth awaiting us. Of course I already knew it intellectually but it has taken a deeper meaning, more than mere words. I’ve been reminded that life on earth is short and we should never lose sight that we were made to live with God for all eternity. When I turn off the computer, put down the phone, shut off Netflix and quiet myself before God and think about eternity, I ask myself what it would be like to face God and review all my actions, words and motives. Will He be pleased with His faithful servant or disappointed that I squandered so many gifts and so much time? I evaluate if and how I’m helping my husband and children draw closer to God. Am I being an instrument of God’s mercy and love to my neighbors, the other parents at my kids’ school, the annoying lady in front of me in the grocery line? How am I sharing the Gospel message with them? Saint Paul says in the First Reading, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control. Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord . . . but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling[.]” I have to be honest, that makes me squirm because it challenges me to go out of my comfort zone and be open to the Holy Spirit. He gives me daily opportunities to live and share my faith and to accept my daily crosses instead of complaining about them. It reminds me that we have a “holy calling” to live our life a certain way and we should live it with humility but without shame. [bctt tweet="We should never lose sight that we were made to live with God for all eternity."] Quiet yourself before God. Imagine that you were told that you would die tomorrow. Look at your life. Is there something you wish you had done differently in the past? Or is there someone you wish you would have reached out to? If so, take this as a prompting to make that change or reach out to that person while you are blessed with the opportunity to do so. photo credit Bobbi Rol is a wife, a mama of four and a blogger learning to love God in the midst of dishes, laundry and swinging light sabers. You can find out more about her here.

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18A Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6 R. (6) Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Gospel: Luke 1:39-56 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. NAB Meditations on the Feast of the Visitation often focus on Mary's ready and faithful response to her cousin in need. Mary didn't resist, didn't meander, didn't put Elizabeth at the bottom of her To-Do list after a long line of things that really didn't take priority. No, friends. In fact, Mary quickened her pace until she reached the hill country, moved perhaps by her sweet Lord within her. We would do well to remember Mary's actions today when we feel a weight of inertia or lack of willingness to help those around us. But there's another reality of the Visitation that was pressed hard in on me today, and it is that of Jesus. It would be easy to assume that Jesus was just along for the ride on Mary's journey to Elizabeth, but that wouldn't be true. Today's Feast reminds us that it is as much about Jesus visiting Elizabeth and baby John as it is about Mary visiting Elizabeth. It is Jesus who compelled John to leap for joy in his mother's womb. It is Jesus who prompts Elizabeth to praise and honor Mary. It is Jesus, quickening inside her, who compels Mary to sing her song of thanks to God. We, too, each live our own moment-to-moment Visitations. Jesus visits us in the moments when we look ruefully in the mirror at our ever-changing bodies and crave acceptance and love. He visits us in the conversation we didn't really want to have but knew we needed. He visits us the birth of new babes and in job promotions and in every other happy, joyful moment. And He visits us in times of death, doubt, and loneliness. He visited me this morning, when I woke with the realization that it had been one year and one day since I followed my father's casket down the aisle at my childhood church. He visits me in this way every day, in the grief and in the joy. Simply acknowledging His visit to my heart is enough for me to be able to say, "the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name." [bctt tweet="We, too, each live our own moment-to-moment Visitations."] What is one way that Jesus has visited you this week? Make an act of gratitude for His visit to your heart. photo credit 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.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20 In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4 R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool." R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion: "Rule in the midst of your enemies." R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. "Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you." R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Brothers and sisters: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. Gospel: Luke 9:11B-17 Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty." They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets. NAB What is your favorite meal of all time? Like if you had to eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would that be? For me it would be the Humus Ghalaba special at my all-time favorite Middle Eastern restaurant with plenty of that delicious free, warm bread on the side. So delicious. In today's readings, I am yet again reminded no matter the deep foodie desires of my heart, God has a meal plan that will always leave us full and satisfied. In the Gospel, Jesus performed an incredible miracle providing enough food to create abundant leftovers. Just as the people gathered "all ate and were satisfied" God himself satisfies our every hunger with His own body and blood. I mean stop and think what that really means: God fulfills every hunger in our hearts and lives. Jesus became real food for us; to sustain and fill every part of our soul. Jesus gave us the Eucharist as a way to stay connected and be with us until He comes again; the meal to end all other meals. He knew He was going away, but wanted to leave us with an intimate way of being closely connected. Anticipating the hunger of each our hearts, He provided a way to keep us filled and satisfied. So He left us this sacred meal, a special way to come close to Him. We take and eat. We remember. And every time we are blessed to receive His body and blood, we hopefully become a little more like Jesus. Something as simple as bread and wine are the elements Jesus chooses to use leave us full and satisfied. The Holy Eucharist is a sign of the passionate, reckless love our God has for each one of us. And in a special way today, let us express our gratitude to God for this beautiful gift. O Sacrament most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving, Be every moment Thine. [bctt tweet="The Eucharist is a sign of the passionate, reckless love our God has for us all."] As you approach this Sunday to receive Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, prayerfully say these words in your heart: "Jesus fill every hunger in my life. Show me where I hunger for things other than You." photo credit Patty Hubbard is a runner, youth minister ordinaire, and recovering know-it-all. 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: Jude 17, 20B-25 Beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. On those who waver, have mercy; save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh. To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished and exultant, in the presence of his glory, to the only God, our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, power, and authority from ages past, now, and for ages to come. Amen. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6 R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, For your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you. R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Gospel: Mark 11:27-33 Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and 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 shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?” they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” NAB The words of Saint Jude in today's First Reading feel like such a breath of fresh air. Encouraging, quenching, restorative air. As we walk renewed in this season after celebrating Easter and the great feast of Pentecost, it can be easy for us to just take the joyfulness of the past liturgical season at face value, but not let it really sit and live in our souls. It's easy to see the beauty of spring, feel the warmth of the sun, and wear bright floral prints again, yet not realize the renewal to which God is calling us to at this moment. Just as Lent was meant to call us back to our humble beginnings and the very humble earthly ends we are all journeying towards, the Easter season called us to live our calling as a Resurrection people. Today's reading which exhorts us to build up our faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep ourselves in the love of God, wait for His mercy, and help others do the same is the crux of the Easter message we must live not only all year long, but our whole lives. So often I either forget in my day to day the importance of my small prayers or attentiveness to the Holy Spirit then jump to the opposite reaction of thinking practicing the faith is too hard and too demanding. But here is a great reminder of the things we are called to do. It's this beautiful simplicity to which we are called. To live joyfully by building our faith little by little, relying on the Holy Spirit when we don't know what to pray for, reminding ourselves of the Truth that God has a very strong, personal love for who we are and that He created us with purpose, that we should wait and be patient for God's mercy no matter what area of life we may be waiting, that we need to have mercy on others despite their faults and mistakes, that we are meant to be helping all those in our lives reach Heaven. This is our joyful task sisters—remember, beloved! [bctt tweet="Let the truth seep into my soul. Let it slow me and open me to Your Spirit"] Lord, help me rest in the truth of your love for me today. Let it seep into my soul, let it slow me and open me to your Holy Spirit. photo credit Christy Isinger is the mom to five lovely, loud children living in the Canadian wilds. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-13 Beloved: The end of all things is at hand. Therefore be serious and sober-minded so that you will be able to pray. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13 R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth. Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. R. The Lord comes to judge the earth. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult. R. The Lord comes to judge the earth. Before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. R. The Lord comes to judge the earth. Gospel: Mark 11:11-26 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He looked around at everything and, since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve. The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it. They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples? But you have made it a den of thieves.” The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city. Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.” NAB There is so much life wisdom packed into today's readings! We could spend a month here, just in these words. Saint Peter exhorts us to be serious about our faith so that we can pray. And Jesus? Jesus wants us to believe God can move mountains. We are to be serious about our faith in order to pray and then, we are to pray bold things. When was the last time you went boldly before the throne of grace and asked for something audacious? How many mountains have you wanted Him to move in your life? I’ve prayed for jobs, and houses, and health, and even for the miracle of a baby. Never has there been such a mountain to pray than when I get on my face and beg God to speak grace into the soul of one who has all but lost faith. Peter wants us to be serious and sober-minded about our prayers, giving the utmost priority to our love for one another. Above all, that love for each other must be intense. There is nothing so intense, my friends, as a pitched battle for a soul. No prayers are more intense than those implored for someone we love who has been so beaten by the cares of this world and so battered by evil that he has lost his faith. To love him well is to cup hands around the barely lit flame he received at baptism and gently breathe the oxygen of prayer into its flickering. Frankly, moving a mountain can seem rather simple when we compare it with the daunting task of praying a friend to a place of firm faith. It is a bold thing to stand in the long shadow of his doubt and remain unwavering in one’s own belief. It is an audacious act to sweep doubt from our hearts and believe that faith will be restored if only we pray the bold prayer that it be so. It shall be done for him. The Lord promises it will be so. [bctt tweet="He can move mountains. Ask him."] For whom will you pray a prayer that faith be restored today? Be bold. Ask audaciously. photo credit Elizabeth Foss is a wife, the mother of nine, and a grandmother. She finds the cacophony of big family imperfection to be the perfect place to learn to walk in the unforced rhythms of grace. You can learn more about her here.

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest First Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12 Beloved: Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul. Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good works and glorify God on the day of visitation. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100:2, 3, 4, 5 R. (2c) Come with joy into the presence of the Lord. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song. R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord. Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; Give thanks to him; bless his name. R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord. The LORD is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations. R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord. Gospel: Mark 10:46-52 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. NAB If the Lord asked you today “What do you want me to do for you?” there are quite a few things I could add to my list. As I listen to my children say their prayers, I find that what we ask of the Lord is a pretty good indication of where we are spiritually. Some requests are pretty simple “Lord, let me get a good night sleep," some are hungry prayers “I want I want I want . . . ”. Of course, we should strive for a prayer life that does more than bring a list of demands before our Father, but if you found yourself standing before Jesus and He asked, “what do you want me to do for you?” what would you say? “Master, I want to see you.” We know the Lord has the power to heal and Bartimaeus knew it too. Jesus’s reputation preceded Him and Bartimaeus, a beggar, a blind man on the road cried out for Jesus to take pity on him. He didn’t say “Cure me, Lord” or “Give me sight” but rather: “Master, I want to see you.” We all have times in our daily struggles, where that simple prayer ‘take pity on me Lord—I want to see you” can apply. I want to see Jesus in my day. I want to see Him in my husband, in my children, in those around me, and when I look in the mirror. Maybe if I was better able to see Jesus in my daily living it would be easier to live in constant prayer. That my “Lord help me” would become “Thank you Jesus.” Thank you for letting me serve you when I serve others. Thank you Jesus for this hug. Thank you Jesus for this time to be in fellowship with those I love. Thank you Jesus for giving me the chance to grow in virtue through this struggle. Thank you Jesus. Maybe my prayers would be less about what I want, and more about giving thanks for what I have. [bctt tweet="That my prayer would go from “Lord help me” to “Thank you Jesus.”"] What would you say if Jesus asked you, “What do you want me to do for you?” photo credit MaryRuth Hackett is a full-time wife and mother doing her best to teach her four children to love God and country. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 1 Peter 1:18-25 Beloved: Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished Lamb. He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another intensely from a pure heart. You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God, for: “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, and the flower wilts; but the word of the Lord remains forever.” This is the word that has been proclaimed to you. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat he fills you. He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word! R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. He has proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia. R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. Gospel: Mark 10:32-45 The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice 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 or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” NAB Saint James and Saint John sure had guts, didn't they? I can imagine Zebedee's sons slowly sidling up to the King of Kings as they journeyed on the way, saying sweetly, "We want you to do us a little favor, Jesus." Of course, Christ knows what's on their minds and in their hearts before they say a word: James and John want honor, glory, and power. They want to rule. Instead of shooting down their request outright, Jesus asks James and John if they can drink the chalice He shall drink or be baptized with His baptism. They heartily agree that they can, not realizing the chalice and baptism Jesus refers to is eventual suffering and death. Throughout history, we see time and again that power corrupts. Greed defiles. Envy destroys. Even zeal, when left unchecked, can become tainted, leading erstwhile righteous souls down unintended paths of destruction. I've always suspected the other disciples were indignant with James and John not because they were disturbed by their bold request, but because they hadn't thought to ask it first. But Jesus takes care to set them all straight. He turns the tables, assuring the disciples that His kingdom isn't about yielding great power, but about service and sacrifice: "Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all." This precept is yet another paradox of living in the kingdom of God: to receive we must give; to be great we must serve; to live we must die. And yet serving isn't always easy, especially when we are consistently tasked with assisting difficult people in challenging circumstances. I look at the piles of laundry, the meal plan for the week, the dirty bathrooms, the cluttered bedrooms, the appointments and agenda items, and wish I didn't have to serve quite so much. But God still calls us to give with a spirit of gratitude and cheerfulness, with generosity and kindness, in spite of our feelings. He calls us to give as His Son gave. It is only through supernatural grace that we are able to take up our crosses daily and follow Jesus' profound example of self-giving love. [bctt tweet="To receive we must give; to be great we must serve; to live we must die."] Today, think about someone you know who is a good example of Christ-like service. In what way could you adopt some of their habits of generosity and selflessness and glorify God? Let us pray for the grace and fortitude to serve as Jesus did. 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 Pacific NW. You can learn more about her here.

First Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-16 Beloved: Concerning the salvation of your souls the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and investigated it investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look. Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4 R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. The Lord has made known his salvation. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. R. The Lord has made known his salvation. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. R. The Lord has made known his salvation. Gospel: Mark 10:28-31 Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.” NAB Every once in a while, one verse in Scripture will catch my attention and plant itself firmly in my heart. Once it takes hold, I find myself imitating Mary and pondering "all the things" in my heart. The words give me clarity, or become the refrain to my prayers, or cause me to dwell with the Word until it changes me. It happened to me with the reading from 1 Peter. These words are taking root: "Like obedient children...as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be yourselves holy because I am holy." Like obedient children, who love and trust the Father, be holy. As a child and a mother, the simplicity in this is so easy, and yet the practice is much harder! How I long for my children to just trust me, to just listen, to stop asking "Why do we have to?" And then, how delighted I am when they do respond obediently, when they do trust, when they rise to my hopes and expectations! God the Father must also smile so wide when we grow in holiness and make efforts to more completely do His will. But it is so hard. So. Hard. I am a child, the eldest, strong-willed, independent, and definitely like things to go my own stubborn way. I do not always choose what is better, or trust, or listen. As a child and youth, some choices disappointed my parents. And now? I am a sinner just like the rest, and certainly disappoint our Father. Thank God for the Sacraments, so that I can meet Him in my brokenness and imperfect-but-trying-to-do-better conduct. Thank God He reaches down from Heaven and shows me again and again how to be holy, as He is holy. Thank God for loving me like a child, weak and in need of constant instruction and guidance. With His grace, I too, can one day (hopefully!) attain holiness, and make Him smile the widest smile upon me. [bctt tweet="Thank God for loving me like a child."] Today, try to trust God a little bit more, as a child trusts her mother and father. If you find it hard, let God know and ask him to increase your trust! photo credit Gina Fensterer is a wife, daughter, mother, friend, homeschooling mama and Colorado native. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10C R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever. I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights. R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever. He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations. R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever. He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. His praise endures forever. R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever. Gospel: Mark 10:17-27 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” NAB Late one recent evening, my husband and I were discussing today’s Gospel. I don’t remember how we even came upon the topic. I think it had been a long day rich in family-raising drama, one of those that causes you to question your abilities as parents. We didn’t have the Bible open before us, and were focusing on the “Give it all away because it’s nearly impossible for the rich man to enter heaven part.” In our already discouraged state, we came to the hopeless conclusion that maybe it’s just not possible to get this right either, the whole possessions thing. And if we can’t, then what? I have a tendency to become somewhat attached to things: a settee that belonged to my grandparents, a special mug, a beautiful painted glass lamp purchased at an antique store. I still remember the night that lamp was broken, more than ten years ago. At the time, we had two wild little boys. I don’t recall which of them knocked the lamp from the bedside table, just my feeling of intense disappointment seeing it shattered on the floor. In that moment I had a choice: I could react with anger or with forgiveness, essentially choosing to prize the possession or the relationship. As the mother of now seven children, five of them boys, we’ve moved beyond broken lamps to broken windows, broken furniture, and even broken appliances. Over these refining years of motherhood I’ve begun to relax in the face of destruction. I can usually say, “These are just things.” Though I will confess, it was particularly difficult with that broken oven, bought only weeks prior. (No, you can’t use the handle for a step up. It will never heat properly again.) Essentially, these are worldly prizes that mean nothing in the face of eternity. Our relationships are the treasures here and now that will also become our treasures in Heaven. In a houseful of children, brokenness is a daily occurrence, and I recognize God in those moments now. This is the key that my husband and I neglected to recall in our discussion all those nights ago. Jesus tells us that while it is hard for the rich man to enter Heaven, anything is possible with God. He loves us and He wants us to spend eternity with him. God is in all the broken places, teaching us little by little to let go. With His Grace we can choose love, even as we watch our earthly possessions crumble. [bctt tweet="With His Grace we can choose love, even as we watch our earthly possessions crumble."] In the face of today's little inconveniences, choose to react with love rather than anger. photo credit Ginny Sheller lives in a little old house in Virginia with her husband and seven children. They keep bees, goats, and chickens and rarely have a clean house or a quiet moment. You can find out more about her here.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31 Thus says the wisdom of God: "The LORD possessed me, the beginning of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet the earth and fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. "When the Lord established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; when he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while, playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the human race." Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (2a) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth! When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth! You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet: R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth! All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas. R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth! Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5 Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and 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. Gospel: John 16:12-15 Jesus said to his disciples: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you." NAB We spent the those fifty days in the Easter season, culminating with the feast of Pentecost. Today marks the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, bringing together these great feasts of the Church. It reminds me of when I attend a religious retreat. The time I spend with Our Lord is always special and uplifting to my soul. By the end I am on cloud nine, and feel like I can conquer whatever God puts before me. I return home eager to see my family but soon I am back in the daily grind of dishes, laundry, helping with homework, making dinner and being the ref for arguments about who’s the greatest super hero. It is back to reality. The Apostles must have felt a little like this. After the Resurrection they experienced the joy and exuberance of Jesus’ return. They were elated to walk, talk and eat with Jesus once again. But He left them, they had to go on with their lives without His physical, earthly presence. It must have been a little difficult for them to get back to reality. However, Our Lord did not leave them alone. He sent them the Holy Spirit who poured out His fiery love and supernatural grace to live their lives completely for God. You see the results of the Holy Spirit’s work in their behavior in the Act of the Apostles. They were abused and suffered at the hands of their accusers yet they rejoiced at the opportunity to be witnesses of faith. They lived the words of the Second Reading, “We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and 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.” It is incredible when you consider their transformation from scared Apostles to proud proclaimers of the Gospel. Yet the same Spirit that sparked this transformation is waiting to do the same with us. He awaits our daily humble surrender so He can continue to transform us into the best version of ourselves, accomplishing what we never thought possible, enduring what seems unimaginable, finding the strength and courage to live our lives with charity, generosity, and fortitude. [bctt tweet="The same Spirit that sparked the Apostles' transformation is waiting to do the same with us."] Today, let the Holy Spirit kindle your heart with love. Let Him use you as an instrument to touch the lives of those God has placed in your hands and on your path. Be that flame of love to others. photo credit Bobbi Rol is a wife, a mama of four and a blogger learning to love God in the midst of dishes, laundry and swinging light sabers. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: James 5:13-20 Beloved: Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing a song of praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the Church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. Elijah was a man like us; yet he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain upon the land. Then Elijah prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the earth produced its fruit. My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 141:1-2, 3 AND 8 R. (2a) Let my prayer come like incense before you. O LORD, to you I call; hasten to me; hearken to my voice when I call upon you. Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. R. Let my prayer come like incense before you. O LORD, set a watch before my mouth, a guard at the door of my lips. For toward you, O God, my LORD, my eyes are turned; in you I take refuge; strip me not of life. R. Let my prayer come like incense before you. Gospel: Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them. NAB I spend my workdays surrounded by little children. I am responsible for 28 little people who range in age from two and a half to six and a half years old. (And if you know anything about children, you know that those half years matter a lot to them.) The First Reading is so characteristic of the natural behavior among children. Countless times I've witnessed the empathy of a child towards another child's sadness or suffering by laying on a hand in a gesture of comfort or offering a simple prayer to God around the prayer table. If another child is sick, a friend will go call for help. And children naturally sing little songs when they are in good spirits, giving praise and delight to God with their sweet voices. It is so delightful to hear the little songs that children sing (and often make up) when they are happy. Children are fantastic beings. It amazes me that each of us began like that, as a little child. And somehow in the process of growing up we forget. We forget that we began as a child, and we forget that deep inside that is who we are. We are children of God. In all the stress of "adulting" we seem to have forgotten our deepest identity. You are a child of God. Don't forget who you are. Today let the child of your heart come to Jesus. Let Him embrace you, lay His hands on you and bless you. May your prayer, suffering and song be like that of a little child. In this way, you will enter the Kingdom of God. (By the way, it belongs to you.) [bctt tweet="You are a child of God. Don't forget who you are."] How can you you turn to the Lord as a little child today and allow Him to embrace you and bless you? photo credit Mary Catherine Craige is a lover of creativity and learning new things. When she is not guiding the development of young children through Montessori methods, you can find her behind her harp, taking an art class, or writing. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: James 5:1-6 Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. You have stored up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 49:14-15AB, 15CD-16, 17-18, 19-20 R. (Matthew 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! This is the way of those whose trust is folly, the end of those contented with their lot: Like sheep they are herded into the nether world; death is their shepherd and the upright rule over them. R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! Quickly their form is consumed; the nether world is their palace. But God will redeem me from the power of the nether world by receiving me. R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! Fear not when a man grows rich, when the wealth of his house becomes great, For when he dies, he shall take none of it; his wealth shall not follow him down. R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed, “They will praise you for doing well for yourself,” He shall join the circle of his forebears who shall never more see light. R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! Gospel: Mark 9:41-50 Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. “Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.” NAB Can you imagine walking out your front door and seeing your neighbor with her eye gouged out? Or how about running to the grocery store to grab a few things only to bump into a friend whose hand had just been cut off? Maybe it was lust that resulted in a missing eye. And maybe the once two-handed person had a problem with stealing. It seems harsh, doesn’t it? That our Lord would tell us that it would be better for a millstone to be tied around our necks and us be thrown into the sea than for us to cause one of His little ones to sin? And our fate if we are to not to cut off what causes us to sin? Being thrown into an unquenchable fire. I know that our God is a God of mercy, but I don’t believe He was simply telling us a scary story in this gospel passage. What is causing you to sin? Is it that social media account that more often than not brings about feelings of jealousy? Is it that TV show you can’t live without that throws in a bit of nudity here and there just for good measure? Is it the coffee date with a friend that soon becomes a gossip date? Whatever it is . . . cut it off. As we sin, it paves a way for others to be tempted in the same way, and I don’t know about you, but I could do without an unquenchable fire. We all have our battles, our struggles, our silent sins that we want to escape from. You're not alone in these feelings. Whatever it is that is keeping you from Him, cut it off. I have a feeling once we do, we won’t even know it’s missing. [bctt tweet="Whatever is causing you to sin . . . cut it off."] Take a few moments in quiet contemplation today. Where are you failing? Where are your weaknesses that you know lead you into temptation? Christ wants you close. Let Him bring you close. photo credit Britt Fisk is the wife of Jeremy and mother of five young kids. She spends her days living simply in the-middle-of-nowhere-New Mexico helping with the family beef cattle operation. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: James 4:13-17 Beloved: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit”– you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. Instead you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.” But now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11 R. (Matthew 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all who dwell in the world, Of lowly birth or high degree, rich and poor alike. R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God; Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough to remain alive always and not see destruction. R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! For he can see that wise men die, and likewise the senseless and the stupid pass away, leaving to others their wealth. R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! Gospel: Mark 9:38-40 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” NAB It was supposed to just be a date night with a side of chips and queso. But after my husband and I watched the movie “Spotlight”—a chronicle of the Boston priest scandal, as seen through the eyes of the Boston Globe’s Spotlight reporting team—I was struck by one overarching theme. I, too, have turned a blind eye to wrongdoing and simply looked the other away. And that was a sobering reality. We all do it. Don’t kid yourself. A group of moms starts gossiping about a fellow mother in the trenches, and you stand by and say nothing, or worse, join in. I mean, that mom really did need to chill out, right? Your teenager posts a mildly inappropriate photo on Instagram, but it’s not really that offensive. You say nothing. Your co-worker knocks back a few too many beers before grabbing her keys to head home, but she’s really not drunk, just a little tipsy. Plus, her house is just a short two-minute drive away. She’ll be fine. Probably. A catechist shares with his First Communion class that coming to church every Sunday isn’t really that important, as long as they come a few times before the “big day.” The person ahead of you in the communion line, a non-Catholic, raises her hands and receives communion. She’s married to one of your closet friends and she’s practically Catholic. Totally no big deal. Our husband is working late, so we binge watch a morally questionable show because, we deserve it. Do you know how hard our day with the kids really was? We check our social media accounts relentlessly and are fully present to complete strangers, yet ignore the cries of our children. These words in today’s reading struck me: “So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is a sin.” I’m ashamed to admit how many times my humanity has tried to rationalize the severity of other’s sins compared to my own. Somehow, I’ve tried to convince myself that I was right to look the other way, right to say what I did, right to do nothing. The sobering bottom line? I was afraid. I was afraid to preach the Gospel, both in action and in word, because of what others might think. Y’all, there are a million opportunities God gives us to show Him love. Don’t squander it. Quit being a bystander and start becoming a disciple. [bctt tweet="Quit being a bystander and start becoming a disciple."] Do the right thing one time today, defend a friend, be a mom to your children, love your husband. Turn away from sin in at least one moment and let God win. photo credit 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.

First Reading: James 4:1-10 Beloved: Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose that the Scripture speaks without meaning when it says, The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy? But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 55:7-8, 9-10A, 10B-11A, 23 R. (23a) Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you. And I say, “Had I but wings like a dove, I would fly away and be at rest. Far away I would flee; I would lodge in the wilderness.” R. Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you. “I would wait for him who saves me from the violent storm and the tempest.” Engulf them, O Lord; divide their counsels. R. Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you. In the city I see violence and strife, day and night they prowl about upon its walls. R. Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you. Cast your care upon the LORD, and he will support you; never will he permit the just man to be disturbed. R. Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you. Gospel: Mark 9:30-37 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” NAB You’ve done that, right? The background noise fades away, and your mind stops racing. He calls to you, and asks you about what has been going on. You remain silent. Because you’ve been focusing on yourself. You have been wondering when you will be recognized by others. Or wondering why you weren’t included in that gathering. Maybe you wish that someone would publicly praise you for a job well done. You want to be loved, and admired, preferred by others. This Gospel reading always makes me cringe. Because I desire recognition. I desire admiration. I desire approval. And sometimes I am so focused on my own selfish desires, that I lose sight of Christ. Like the disciples, I need to be reminded of what God wants of me; a humble heart that is ready to serve others. And He has given us the perfect example of true greatness in His son. Today, I ask you to join me in praying this simple yet powerful prayer: Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine. [bctt tweet="Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine."] In what ways might Jesus be calling you to grow in humility? photo credit Jacqueline Skemp is a daughter, sister, wife and mother who endures living in Minnesota after leaving California for her one true love. You can find out more about her here.

First Reading: James 3:13-18 Beloved: Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15 R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just. R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. Gospel: Mark 9:14-29 As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.” NAB Catholic vocab lesson: an "aspiration" is a short prayer, a one liner that says it all without many words. "I do believe, help my unbelief," is one such aspiration. The father in today's Gospel called it out to Jesus in desperation and, truthfully, it is one of my favorite lines of Scripture. I can relate to the sentiment strongly—a prayer asking God to fill in the gaps—and I pray it often, especially when I am struggling with Church teaching. "Lord I believe, help my unbelief." Aspirations are like carrying an arsenal of prayers with you at all times. Someone on Facebook has a prayer request? Your patience is running low? Something wonderful just happened? It's a beautiful day? You're worried? Aspirations are there to help you focus on God, give Him the glory, and integrate prayer into your life even more. Examples include: Lord, have mercy. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Glory to God in the highest. Come, Lord Jesus. My Lord and My God! Jesus, I love You. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! Come, Holy Spirit. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the tender mercies of God, rest in peace. Jesus, I trust in You. If you don't already pray aspirations I encourage you to pick one or two out and try using them throughout your day. They are a great way to fulfill the Psalm: Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. [bctt tweet="Let the words of my mouth find favor before you, O Lord."] Find one. Pray it. Sing it. Live it. photo credit Bonnie Engstrom is a writer, baker, speaker and homemaker. She lives with her husband and five children in central Illinois. You can find out more about her here.