January 15, 2025 // Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 Reflect on the Word // After a chaotic day, I find myself drawn to the quiet sanctuary of daily Mass. As I enter the cathedral, the noise of the world fades away, and I feel an immediate sense of refuge in the solitude and silence of prayer. In those moments, I can finally breathe, allowing my thoughts and feelings to settle. It’s a time to connect with God, to process the chaos of the day, and to receive His Presence in the Most Holy Eucharist. Jesus stepped out of the bustling synagogue and into the quiet home of Simon and Andrew. The atmosphere was thick with concern as they informed Him about Simon’s mother-in-law, who lay sick with a fever. Without hesitation, He approached her, grasped her hand, and lifted her up. Instantly, the fever left her, and she began to serve them. This moment of healing was just the beginning; soon, the entire town gathered at their door, bringing the sick and possessed, desperate for His touch. In this passage, we are drawn into the profound ministry of Jesus, who effortlessly intertwines compassion with action. He brought not only physical healing but also a deeper restoration of hope and dignity. Imagine the weight of those gathered outside, their faces filled with longing for relief. Notice, too, the intentionality of Jesus in seeking solitude: “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). In that quiet space with Him, we, too,  can find strength and clarity. As women of faith, we are called to embrace the balance of the active and contemplative life. Just as Jesus healed and preached, we too can bring hope and healing to our communities, rooted in a life of deep contemplative prayer. Together, may we find the courage to seek Christ in both the chaos and the quiet. Relate to the Lord // Step away from the noise to connect with God for at least five minutes today.

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37 Reflect on the Word //  As the sun dipped behind the mountains, casting a golden hue over the Sea of Galilee, I found myself among a lively crowd celebrating the joys of a Friday night. On my solo pilgrimage in the Holy Land, the cool night air buzzed with laughter and chatter, yet each person carried their own stories of struggle. I was here in the sacred place where Jesus healed the lame, blind, and mute. Did Christ still long to heal these souls today? Some were spiritually lame, feeling limited and stagnant, grappling with inadequacy and isolation. Others were spiritually blind, unable to perceive the deeper aspects of life, caught in ignorance, and feeling disconnected. Still others were spiritually mute, struggling to express themselves, wrestling with feelings of being unheard, and finding it hard to voice their prayers. I placed their brokenness at Jesus’ feet. In that tender moment, I noticed His deep compassion. His Sacred Heart was moved by the sight of their hungry faces.  In today’s Gospel passage, we encounter two radiant aspects of Jesus’ ministry: compassion and provision. “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd” (Matthew 15:32), He proclaims, inviting us to picture ourselves among them, wearied yet hopeful, longing for something more. He gently asks His disciples, “How many loaves do you have?” (Matthew 15:34) This question nudges us to reflect: What small gifts do we possess that we might share? When Jesus took the seven loaves and a few fish, gave thanks, and broke them, a miracle unfolded. Everyone ate and was satisfied. But what does it mean to be truly satisfied? How can we seek fulfillment in Christ? Can we recognize our humble offerings, as the disciples did, and trust that He can multiply them beyond our dreams? We are called not only to receive Jesus’ abundance but also to share our blessings. Together, let’s open our hearts to the wondrous possibilities of God’s abundance, knowing that our contributions are never too small. Relate to the Lord // How can you offer your resources—time, love, or support—to someone in need today?

Brothers and sisters: Have among yourselves the same attitude  that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. // Philippians 2:5-6 There was a wooden sign in my grandma’s kitchen which stated: “Thou shalt not whine.” I’m not sure where it came from or why she put it there, but my cousins and I knew that our complaints wouldn’t change her mind. We needed to change our attitudes.  Years later, I still notice times when I need to change my attitude. I know what I should do, but I am not always sure how to do so. Saint Paul unlocks this mystery for us as he describes the attitude of Christ Jesus in today’s First Reading (see Philippians 2:5-11).  Jesus humbled Himself, knowing His identity before the Father. This identity as the beloved Son formed His every decision. He trusted in the Father’s provision with complete surrender. Jesus emptied Himself, putting aside the powers of His divinity while uniting Himself to the frailty and weakness of our humanity. He became so small and followed the laws of human growth.   Jesus took the form of a slave, attentive to the needs of each person before Him. He planted, plowed, and harvested in His Father’s Kingdom.   Jesus obeyed His Father, knowing that He must dwell in His Father’s house with joyful surrender to the Father’s will. He let the Father provide for His every need.   Jesus offered Himself on the Cross, knowing that all the misunderstanding, confusion, and pain could be offered as a gift to His Father. The Passion and Cross always lead to the glory of the Resurrection.   This model of humility, emptying, submitting, obeying, and offering is how I can live my life united to Christ’s life. Jesus, please give me the grace to have Your same attitude, especially when I am tempted to have a bad attitude. Thank You for Your offering of Yourself for me.

May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power. // Ephesians 1:18-19 I hadn’t opened that journal in nine years. It was buried away in a box, full of words with painful memories. I kept those words safely tucked away in a place where I could simply ignore them. It was just easier that way. But there was something I couldn’t quite remember. I had courage to dust off that box and to get the details straight. A flood of emotions came as I read page after page. I recalled those years of suffering when I felt so hopeless, confused, poor, and forgotten. How does Jesus see this situation? These are the words my spiritual director often asks me. In the midst of intense suffering, confusion, and weakness, it can be difficult to see the next steps. When we see our life from Jesus’ perspective, He floods our hearts with the light of truth. And here I was, nine years later, finally reading this journal. Jesus has slowly and faithfully led me to a place of deeper surrender, trust, and peace. As I read that journal, I could finally see myself with Jesus’ eyes. And He allowed me to feel immense compassion for my younger self.  My daughter, may the eyes of your heart be enlightened. Have hope. Listen to My call. Receive My riches. Radiate My glory. Know your inheritance. The greatness of My power is victorious in your life. This is the freedom Christ desires for our hearts. This is the Easter joy that comes when you experience the Passion and the Cross. This is the fullness of life in Christ.

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. // Luke 1:49  (from the Gospel for the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary) Our Lady, Blessed Mother, New Eve, Star of the Sea, Queen of Heaven, Cause of our Joy, Mother of Mercy, Immaculate Conception, Full of Grace, Queen of Heaven, Seat of Wisdom, Mystical Rose, Refuge of Sinners, Gate of Heaven, Queen of Peace, Mary. Today the Church invites us to honor the Most Holy Name of Mary. No matter where we might find ourselves, Mary will encounter us right where we are. Ten years ago, I attended the canonization of Pope Saint John Paul II with nearly one million Catholics. As I waited overnight with thousands in Saint Peter’s Square, my eyes kept gazing at the beautiful mosaic of Mary Mater Ecclesiae, Mother of the Church. John Paul II commissioned this mosaic following the assassination attempt on his life. He attributed his survival to Mary’s protection.  John Paul II’s devotion to our Lady started at a young age. After his mother died, shortly before his ninth birthday, Karol Wojtyła experienced Mary’s spiritual motherhood in a deeper way. Wojtyła was consoled again by Our Lady of Sorrows at the age of twelve when his older brother died and at the age of twenty-one when his father died.  During World War II, Wojtyła studied as a clandestine seminarian in Poland. After the war, Wojtyła was ordained to the priesthood in the hidden chapel of the bishop’s residence. The only relative present at his priestly ordination was Maria, his godmother and aunt.  Father Wojtyła wrote part of Mary’s Magnificat on his homemade ordination holy cards: “Fecit mihi Magna.” How could this orphan, who experienced the devastating loss of his entire immediate family, echo Mary’s Magnificat on his ordination day with the words “The Almighty One has done great things for me”?  He could because he had consecrated his life completely to Mary, saying to her, “Totus Tuus!” All Yours!  As we honor the Most Holy Name of Mary today, consider praying with Henryk Gorecki’s Totus Tuus. The sweet melody with Mary’s name transports me to the memory of Saint John Paul II’s canonization. May the Most Holy Name of Mary always be our protection.

Put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God's way in righteousness and holiness of truth. // Ephesians 4:22-24 I was rummaging through some family photo albums, looking for a picture I vaguely remembered. I got lost in the memories of my old self: my childhood, teenage years, college experience, young professional life, vocational discernment, and adulthood. My life has zigged and zagged in surprising ways. The photographs contained versions of my old self. I noticed similarities and differences compared to who I am today. I remembered my strengths and weaknesses as I looked at the snapshots. The girl in the pictures is me, but she has a lot ahead of her: joys, sufferings, moves, celebrations, learning, travel, jobs, holidays, success, failures, and growth. In today’s First Reading, Saint Paul calls us to “put on the new self” (see Ephesians 4:17, 20-24). At my Baptism, my parents clothed me in white, symbolizing how I “put on Christ.” As the priest baptized me with water, the Holy Spirit purified, justified, and sanctified me (source). I became a beloved daughter of the Father. With each passing year, the Holy Spirit is continually calling me to deeper conversion and authentic renewal. This is not something I have to do on my own—the Holy Spirit is leading me along this path to holiness. The Holy Spirit purifies my desires and renews my mind.  If I live for several more decades, how will I look back on who I am today? Today will become a memory.  Today will be my former way of life. As I gaze into the future, there is a lot ahead of me: joys, sufferings, moves, celebrations, learning, travel, jobs, holidays, success, failures, and growth. How will the Holy Spirit renew me? Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful  and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created,and You shall renew the face of the earth.

She turned around and saw Jesus there. // John 20:14 Several years ago, I made a month-long pilgrimage to the Holy Land and visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre every day while I was in Jerusalem. It is a massive building with over twenty chapels, including the site of the crucifixion on Calvary and the empty tomb. As I wandered through the countless nooks and crannies day after day, I remembered the holy women who courageously accompanied Jesus through His Passion and Death. Near the empty tomb, the Franciscans have a chapel and altar dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene in the place where Jesus appeared to her on Easter morning. Saint John gives us a detailed account of Saint Mary Magdalene's devotion, eagerness, confusion, and joy as she encountered our Risen Lord in the garden. Mary Magdalene turned towards Jesus. In Latin, the phrase is conserva est—which reminds us of her conversion. This Saint whom we honor today throughout her life turned away from darkness towards the light. During my pilgrimage, I prayed several Holy Hours near the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene. On my last day in Jerusalem, I prayed with today's Gospel account of Easter morning (see John 20:1-2, 11-18). As I turned towards Jesus in prayer, the Holy Spirit gently helped me to see some areas in my heart that were still in need of conversion. He carefully shone His light into the places I wanted to ignore. I noticed a deep desire to bring these things to Jesus in the Sacrament of Confession. I mustered up some courage, tracked down a Franciscan priest who lived at the adjacent monastery, and asked him if he spoke English and could hear my Confession. This priest was incredibly generous to me—he heard my Confession and then we talked for almost an hour. I encountered the Father's love in the most tender way in that humble confessional by the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene.  In honor of her feast day, let's open our hearts to the grace of deeper conversion. Consider seeking out the Sacrament of Confession today. Turn away from the darkness towards the radiant light of our Risen Christ.

Know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. // Ephesians 3:19 On this Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us, dear sister, add our needs to the traditional Litany of the Sacred Heart:* My brother is drifting away from the Church. Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,  have mercy on us.   My friend is suffering from infertility. Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,  have mercy on us.   My Bible is collecting dust. Heart of Jesus, one with the eternal Word,  have mercy on us. My mind is completely distracted during prayer. Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,  have mercy on us. My friend's dad just went into hospice care. Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,  have mercy on us. My heart feels unlovable. Heart of Jesus, aflame with love for us, have mercy on us. My supervisor misunderstands me. Heart of Jesus, source of justice and love,  have mercy on us. My bad habits feel impossible to change. Heart of Jesus, well-spring of all virtue,  have mercy on us. My schedule is pulling me in countless directions. Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,  have mercy on us. My failures are a disappointment. Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased,  have mercy on us. My frustrations keep growing. Heart of Jesus, patient and full of mercy,  have mercy on us. My selfishness is guiding decisions. Heart of Jesus, generous to all who turn to you,  have mercy on us. My prayer feels incredibly dry. Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,  have mercy on us. My tendency is to choose comfort. Heart of Jesus, obedient even to death,  have mercy on us. My fear of pain hinders vulnerability. Heart of Jesus, pierced by a lance,  have mercy on us. My desolation is not going away. Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,  have mercy on us. My body is hurting. Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,  have mercy on us. My soul needs a savior. Heart of Jesus, salvation of all who trust in you,  have mercy on us. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine. *Pray the full Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. // Acts 6:1 I often ask the Holy Spirit to make my heart attentive to those in need around me. A few months ago, I noticed a situation in my workplace where we were neglecting to care for the spiritual needs of several people. One day during daily Mass, I received a very clear conviction about this situation. I was unable to ignore the problem.   The Holy Spirit helped me to see something that others were unable to see. I received many things: the courage to humbly bring these needs to my supervisor, the opportunity to speak to the administration in a timely manner, the freedom to share my heart, and a clear plan of action for how we might be able to solve the problem. I noticed an unshakable confidence which immediately calmed my fears. I barely recognized myself, but also felt completely myself. My administrators listened to me and we created a plan to remedy the problem. The gift of my feminine genius felt fully alive. I received a conviction and let it pierce my sensitive heart. I responded with generosity, cherishing the souls entrusted to my motherly care. The Father created our souls with this feminine design of receptivity, sensitivity, generosity, and maternity (both biological and spiritual). It was a gift to detect these gifts harmoniously working together for the benefit of others. Sister, the Church needs our attentive hearts. Who is being neglected in your community? What do you notice? How can you respond with generosity? How will you provide motherly care? Do not be afraid, especially as you might face strong winds of resistance. Be attentive and courageous! The Holy Spirit desires to strengthen you today.

Lent starts February 14, and so does the RESCUED Blessed is She Lent devotional. This year, you’ll be receiving an excerpt from the Lent devotional every day in your inbox (in lieu of our regular daily devo). We want to pray with one heart and one mind as the BIS sisterhood. If you prefer to have the book, purchase the 2024 Blessed is She Lent devotional RESCUED right here. Right upon purchase, you’ll receive a link to come into the free Blessed is She app to walk through the Lenten season with us in daily live prayer, small groups, and more. Together let’s look to the Lamb of God who came to rescue each one of us. As [Jesus] was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him.  But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” // Mark 5:18-19 There is a fascinating recurring contrast that happens  when Jesus encounters different people in the Gospels. Sometimes Christ invites the person to follow Him more closely and other times Christ immediately sends the person out to proclaim the Good News. Throughout my own life, I have experienced both of these invitations. There have been times when I have felt drawn to follow Jesus more closely. He equipped me with the gifts of contemplative prayer, studiousness, and stillness. I desired to remain near to Him in steadfast prayer, especially Eucharistic Adoration. I also became a voracious reader, wanting to learn as much as I could through the Scriptures and spiritual classics. I set aside time to receive this formation, staying so close to His Sacred Heart. These were times when I felt like I was not doing enough, but I remained with Him in peace. There have been other times when I have felt like Jesus has sent me out to share the Good News. He equipped me with gifts of boldness, zeal, and courage. I felt empowered to go out into the world and witness to His loving faithfulness. I was confident that He would lead and guide my every step. These were times when I felt like I was not doing enough, but I remained with Him in peace. Both of these kinds of experiences help me to enter more deeply into the Gospels. When I contemplate the encounter between Jesus and the Gerasene Demoniac in today’s Gospel (see Mark 5:1-20), I see a miracle story of healing where Christ brings restoration and hope to an isolated man who was in desperate need of freedom. Jesus restored his dignity and humanity. This man wanted to stay with Jesus, but was sent in a different direction. Jesus desired to bring further healing to this outcast by commissioning him to be a messenger of Good News who would return to his community. As you encounter Jesus in the Scriptures today, be docile and attentive to Him—ready to stay with Him and be sent out.

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. // Wisdom 3:5-6 Suffering. It is intense, painful, messy, and difficult. I hate feeling stuck when I cannot understand God’s will, see the next steps clearly, or hear His voice in prayer. It can be so frustrating. There is a petition that I often ask for in prayer that has been incredibly fruitful in seasons of suffering: Father, please help me to see this as you see this. This is what the Father sees: He sees me, His beloved daughter. He knows me intimately—my strengths, weaknesses, joys, sorrows, wounds, and scars. He uniquely loves me in a way that my heart can understand and receive. He understands every last detail about the situation I am in. He finds me worthy. He sees how He will provide, in generous abundance. He knows my longing to spend eternity with Him in our heavenly home.     Our loving Father also helps us to turn back to Him through a little chastisement. Our harsh, modern understanding of chastisement loses the Latin etymology of castus agere—“to make pure.” The purification of our hearts that comes from redemptive suffering leads us to deeper union with Him. It also strengthens our trustful surrender. Sister, the Father gives gentle reminders to turn to Him, especially in the midst of suffering. As the Psalmist reminds us today, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves” (Psalm 34:19). Next time you are in the midst of suffering, pray for Him to show you His view. Let your suffering lead you deeper into the safety of the Trinity’s love.

"I will follow you wherever you go." // Luke 9:57 I knelt at the tomb of Saint Francis at the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi, Italy. I had just attended Mass with some Fraciscan friars and sisters and was praying in the silence of that stone crypt in a quiet corner. Pilgrims were quietly filing through for a moment to pray at the tomb of this beloved Saint.  What would this poor, humble Saint want us to know?  In my prayer, I imagined Saint Francis responding to us with these simple words: “Say yes and follow Jesus wherever He goes.” The ripple effect of Saint Francis’ yes to Jesus has continued in the Church for almost eight hundred years. Saint Francis of Assisi inspired the fiat of many saints: Saint Clare of Assisi, Saint Agnes of Assisi, Saint Anthony, Saint Bonaventure, Saint Catherine of Bologna, Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Saint Colette, Saint Thomas More, Saint Junipero Serra, Saint Marianne Cope, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Padre Pio, and countless other Franciscans and Poor Clares who have given their lives to follow Jesus.  I doubt that the poor and humble Saint Francis of Assisi ever imagined how his yes to Jesus would help so many to say yes to following Jesus wherever He goes. The witness of the lives of the Saints inspiring one another is a concrete example of how the Kingdom of God grows. Today, our yes to Jesus may seem hidden and insignificant. The enemy may tempt us to make excuses or procrastinate, but let’s pray for the grace to respond to Jesus’ call with quick obedience. As we say yes to Jesus, others will follow. 

For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. // Romans 14:8 I can be a very opinionated person with very strong preferences. This made discerning my vocation rather interesting. I had numerous desires in my heart, dreams for the future, and plans that I had made. When I discerned into religious life and moved into a convent, certain things lived and many things died. When I discerned out of religious life after six years, certain things lived and many things died. The cycle of life, suffering, death, and the Resurrection are ongoing in the path to holiness. Each cycle leads to deeper purification and union with the Trinity.     As I have walked alongside Christ on this journey towards union with Him in Heaven, Jesus has been teaching me about detachment. I remain attached to Him, walking arm in arm, in prayer and the Sacraments. Jesus is teaching me how to be detached from my preferences, surrendering my heart to His perfect will. Jesus is uniting my heart to His Sacred Heart—teaching my heart to be attentive, ready, and receptive. I remain attentive to Him, listening in prayer and keeping my eyes open for ways to serve in His Kingdom. I strive to be ready with quick obedience to the Father’s will. And I desire for my heart to be receptive to receive both everything and nothing. I have experienced great peace because there is no fear when we know that we are the Lord’s.  Sister, this is the truth that we can rest in today. The Lord sees us, knows us, and desires our good. Today may be a day of life, suffering, death, or the Resurrection. Wherever you are, whatever you are experiencing, may you experience an abundance of peace because we are the Lord's.

“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” // Matthew 17:5 Jesus took them up, up, up the high mountain by themselves and He was transfigured before them.   Look into His face. It shines like the sun. Behold His beauty!   Notice His clothes. They are dazzling white as light. The radiant splendor!   Can you hear what He is saying to Moses and Elijah? Jesus brings fulfillment.   It is good that we are here. Receive this Grace. Remain in the mystery.   That bright cloud in the sky Casting its shadow over everyone The voice pierces through the cloud.   This is My beloved Son, With whom I am well pleased; Listen to Him.   What is the beloved Son saying to you today? Listen to Him.   The disciples cower prostrate on the ground full of fear.   Jesus came to them. Jesus touched them. Jesus reassured them.   Let Him come to you. Let Him touch you. Let Him reassure you.   Rise, and do not be afraid.   They listened to Him. They rose. They saw Jesus alone.   Down, down, down the mountain. The slow descent Do not tell the vision to anyone,   Until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.   Who is this Son of Man? He receives dominion, glory, and kingship   All peoples serve Him. All nations serve Him. All languages serve Him.   An everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away. His kingship shall not be destroyed.   Encounter Jesus today in His glorious Transfiguration. Let Him transfigure you.   Let Him come to you. Let Him touch you. Let Him reassure you.   Rise, and do not be afraid.

“The Lord himself will fight for you; you only have to keep still.” // Exodus 14:14 When my nephew wakes up, sometimes his first words to my sister are “Bye, bye?” (translation: “Are we going somewhere in the car today?”) This delightful toddler is not even two years old, and yet prefers leaving the house to go on simple outings. It can be comical to observe the preferences of such a little boy. I have similar tendencies. I have always loved going on adventures, exploring new places, and learning through travel. People have accused me of a disordered greed for experiences, so this is something I often bring to prayer. The Father has given and taken away travel throughout my adult life, most recently during the Coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions. My March 2020 flight to Molokai, Hawaii, was suddenly canceled along with my Saint Damien of Molokai pilgrimage. In June 2020, the pandemic completely shut down my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage through Spain. Covid stilled all of my travel plans for the foreseeable future, and it was difficult for me to understand God’s will in the midst of that disappointment. In my confusion, this Scripture verse made its way to the forefront of my prayer: “The Lord himself will fight for you; you only have to keep still” (Exodus 14:14). As the Father invited me to even deeper surrender and trust, I deliberately tried to keep still in the Heart of the Trinity. I intentionally spent time each day before the Blessed Sacrament.  The stillness allowed me to listen, be attentive, and remain recollected. The Father led me to further vocational clarity about the contemplative life He was calling me to. My desires came into sharp focus and I moved forward with bold courage. During that time of stillness, the Lord Himself was fighting for me and was preparing to give me the greatest gift. We may only understand pieces right now, but let’s remain confident that the Lord does great things when we are still. Let us pray for the grace to remain peacefully within the Heart of the Trinity, confident that the Lord is fighting for everything we need.

“Follow me.” // Matthew 9:9 Jesus’ clear and concise words to Saint Matthew completely changed the course of his life.  Don’t we all desire that sort of clarity in life? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each of us responded with quick obedience to His call? When I was discerning my vocation, I hoped that I could have a Matthew Moment—Jesus sees me, Jesus chooses me, Jesus calls me, Jesus delights in me as I follow Him.  The Call of Saint Matthew probably occurred in approximately one minute—my call to discern religious life occurred over the course of several years. As my heart slowly opened to the possibility of leaving everything behind to follow Jesus, so many fears bubbled up in my prayer. I could see the beauty of an undivided heart that belongs completely to the Lord, but I could also see the death of many dreams. I became more attentive to the loving gaze of Christ during my nine months set aside for intentional discernment of my vocation. I experienced the way Jesus looked at me, especially at daily Mass, daily Adoration, and frequent Confession. I knew that He saw me. Then I began to experience His choice of me—I started to understand how my life was to be set apart to follow Him more closely. Then Jesus called me to a particular community after I had visited with dozens of religious sisters across the United States. Finally, I decided to follow Him with unwavering trust in His goodness.  As I went through formation in the convent as a postulant, novice, and newly professed sister, I experienced the depths of the Matthew Moment—Jesus saw me, chose me, called me, and delighted in me, even as I began to suffer with a very painful cross. Jesus saw how I was not thriving. Jesus chose to invite me to deeper surrender. Jesus called me to a new place. And Jesus delighted in me as I followed Him into New Life outside of those convent walls. Where is He calling you today? 

Allow us to live together to a happy old age. // Tobit 8:7 This line from Tobit was a saving grace on my thirty-second birthday. I had recently moved by myself to a new state for a short-term assignment. The physical distance from my family and friends felt painfully far on that birthday. My remote location and limited technology were another isolating factor. I mentioned my birthday earlier in the week to my housemates, but no one seemed to remember it on that Sunday morning. It was disappointing. I brought this to Jesus in prayer and felt completely known by Him. He knew. He knew everything. Jesus knew my fear of being forgotten. I wanted Him to be enough for me. I remained in His Eucharistic presence in the Adoration Chapel that morning. The previous year had been excruciating and my tender heart struggled to hope that anything would change. I paged through my worn-out Bible, and noticed the prayer of Tobiah and Sarah, which I highlighted years before: “Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age” (Tobit 8:7). As I read these words again, I experienced a gentle outpouring of mercy from the pierced Heart of Jesus. Christ’s gaze of love soothed my own pierced heart. Jesus was with me and would not abandon me. And on top of that⁠—He desired for me to live together with Him to a happy old age. I spent that memorable birthday in solitude with Him. I went on an extended hike along a gorgeous river and my heart received a supernatural joy that only comes from union with the Holy Trinity. And in Jesus’ mercy, my housemates did remember my birthday late that night and whipped up a celebratory dessert. Birthday cake is best enjoyed with others!  Sisters, on the darkest nights, when you are feeling isolated and alone, let Jesus be your consolation. He sees you. He knows you. He loves you. Receive His mercy and lean into the hope of an abundant life with Him.