Confused about the current "Synod on Synodality" you have seen in your parish bulletin and maybe heard about in passing? Synodality is what God expects of the Church in the 21st century. // Pope Francis The meaning of the ten-dollar word “synodality” is "mutual collaborative listening, guided by the Holy Spirit, in which all of the faithful have something to learn from each other, in order to know what God is saying to the Church." This Synod// A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity Traditionally, synods have referred to an assembly of bishops who gather to discuss matters pertaining to the Church and the faithful. The gathering of the Second Vatican council broke new ground in seeking to include the input of theologians, scholars, vowed religious, laity, and ecumenical representatives in a new way. In the case of the current synod, the bishops will consult uniquely with lay Catholics worldwide to get a sense of their lived experience as well as their needs (where the Church is meeting the needs of the people, and what growing edges exist to meet Catholics living lives of faith in this contemporary). "Both before and after Vatican II, a theology of the laity was developed. It “emphasized that ‘the Church’ is not identical with her pastors; that the whole Church, by the action of the Holy Spirit, is the subject or ‘organ’ of Tradition; and that lay people have an active role in the transmission of the apostolic faith” (Sensus Fidei 41). The synod of bishops provides an important channel for the voice of the faithful to contribute to the lived experience of a Church still in search of a response from her Risen Lord on those difficult matters that present themselves from time to time" (source). Under Francis’ papacy, several synods have been called: Syond on the Family (2014), on youth (2018), and the Church in the Pan-Amazon region (2019). “Consultation of the faithful must be followed by discernment on the part of the Bishops chosen for the task, united in the search for a consensus that springs not from worldly logic, but from common obedience to the Spirit of Christ. Attentive to the sensus fidei of the People of God—‘which they need to distinguish carefully from the changing currents of public opinion’—the members of the Assembly offer their opinion to the Roman Pontiff so that it can help him in his ministry as universal Pastor of the Church…. When it is therefore a question involving the faith itself, the consensus ecclesiae … is the outcome of the working of the Spirit, the soul of the one Church of Christ’ ” (Apostolic Constitution Episcopalis communio 7). The "Synod of Synodality" is a two-year process that began in October of 2021 and will last through mid-October 2023. During this time, Pope Francis has opened a process for both listening and dialogue amongst the hierarchy and the laity of the Catholic Church. Bishops around the world are invited to lend an ear to the experience of Catholics everywhere. As our pastor says, to be invited to participate in the work of a Synod is a once in a lifetime opportunity. An Epic Compilation All Catholic parishes have been invited and encouraged to host gatherings of prayer and reflection for parishioners to share their input on questions pertaining to the life of the parish community. In most cases, gatherings have been scheduled and delegates from each parish are assigned the task of compiling and condensing input for submission to the Archdiocese. The Archdioceses, in turn, have been tasked with reading through the specific parish feedback and creating a document that reflects the themes and input from the archdiocese as a whole. When these documents have been compiled, they will be submitted to the Vatican to help illustrate the strengths and needs of the Church by world-region. As we might imagine, liturgies and worship have a particular flavor in urban cites that differs significantly from rural parishes. Parishes with schools and lots of young people have different needs than those with an aging population. Catholics in Europe where the church is waning experience community in a much different way than the burgeoning global south. Church communities in areas of poverty have a different lived experience than those with tremendous affluence. Parishes who lean more heavily on the Corporal Works of Mercy have something to share with parishes who lean heavily on Spiritual Works of Mercy, and vice versa. We Have the Same Goal As the largest church in the world, it is good and necessary to have the opportunity to gather and communicate about the wants/needs/hopes/stirrings of the Church that serves and guides us. In her wisdom, the Church provides that to us, and we are all better for it. Synods, though not new, afford us a fantastic way to work collaboratively as a body of believers who are diverse and plentiful. Have you participated in your parishes synod discussion groups? Whether or not you were able to participate in the conversation, be on the watch for the Archdiocesan document that is compiled for your specific area. Or find the document from an area different than yours and see how they compare.   [bctt tweet="The Synod on Synodality (+ Ways to Pray) #BISblog //" via="no"]

Stand up and go; your faith has saved you. // Luke 17:19 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

“Have you ever considered that the devil is active in your prayer life? In the parish church where you attend Mass? In the lives and actions of people of goodwill all around you?” So begins the inspiring and compelling book by Dan Burke, The Devil in the Castle: St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul. This series of questions is startling, isn’t it? And it certainly jolts the reader to consider an aspect of prayer she has never considered: the devil’s undetected activity. The Invisible Battle When we think about the demonic, more often than not, obvious evil plots unfolding in the world come to mind. We think about demonic oppression or possession and the possible need of an exorcist. Sure, we may think about the small, spiritual attacks we encounter when plans—especially spiritually good plans—seem to go amuck. But in the quiet of our prayer? In our communion with the Lord? In the interior castle of our soul? How can that be? In The Devil in the Castle, Burke explains how “an invisible battle for souls is being waged in and around us without reprieve, and we remain ignorant of it to our peril.” But through this book, which uses Saint Teresa of Avila’s masterpiece Interior Castle as its foundation, Burke explains that we no longer need to remain ignorant. Now we can be very attune to the simultaneous movements within our prayer: Those of the Holy Spirit that draw us closer to Christ. Those of demonic activity that strive to distract and derail us. Saint Teresa’s Interior Castle Before we dive into Burke’s bestseller, let’s learn a bit about the book behind the book Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. Saint Teresa entered the convent at age 16, but it wasn’t until her 40s that she began a life of true contemplative and mental prayer. Soon after her own, deepening conversion, Saint Teresa began reforming her Carmalite order, which had fallen into worldliness. She wanted to teach her sisters how to mature in prayer. However, she struggled with how to explain this to them. Finally, in prayer, she received a vision of the soul that served as a roadmap for growth in contemplative prayer. The vision was of a castle that contained seven mansions centered around an innermost chamber. Making Spiritual Progress She utilized this vision to write Interior Castle in 1577. In it, she explains that prayer is essential for traveling through each mansion. However, prayer is not an immediate achievement. Rather, it progresses, step-by-step, over time. As a soul advances to the next step (or mansion), she receives special gifts but also distinct challenges, including demonic opposition. Yes, as the soul travels to the center of the castle where Jesus Himself dwells, Saint Teresa details the marks of progress the soul makes. However, she also “points out clearly where the devil is lying in wait and how he is most likely to reveal himself.” And this is the basis for Burke’s The Devil in the Castle: to reveal the reality of spiritual warfare in prayer that Saint Teresa unfolds in Interior Castle: The devil’s sole aim is to prevent each soul from reaching the goal, and he disguises himself in the process. He will make every effort to waylay you: to get you to pause, to walk another (easier) path, to give up, or to believe that what is good is actually bad, or vice versa. Not only is the enemy seeking to keep you from union with God, but he is also trying to get you off the path and to deceive you and lure you, inch by inch, toward Hell.     The Devil in the Castle Each chapter of The Devil in the Castle is devoted to one of seven mansions. Woven throughout are Saint Teresa’s own words, as well as Burke’s clear and thorough explanations, making this book thought provoking yet easy to comprehend. In each chapter, Burke explains what is happening in the soul as it responds to God’s invitation to a life of prayer. He indicates how the soul progresses from one mansion to the next, and he provides the essential prayer practices needed to advance into each mansion. Burke also explains what the soul can expect from the Lord, such as how He uses consolation and desolation in prayer to invite the soul into deeper dependence on Him. The majority of The Devil in the Castle, however, outlines the various goals and tactics of the devil within each of the seven mansions. As the soul progresses in the castle—from the first mansion to the seventh—it becomes closer to God and thus stronger. Here, the devil loses his power, and therefore, his tactics have to adapt to the soul’s dwelling place within the castle. Sometimes his tactics remain similar, but they become much more subtle in hopes that the soul will fumble. Each chapter concludes with a very helpful summary that serves as a great reference point for future review. Reflection questions allow this book to be a prayerful aid in advancing in the spiritual life. At the end of the book, Burke gives a step-by-step guide on what to do next, in light of a greater awareness of the war the devil has raged on our souls. He also includes a substantial section of “Resources for Continued Spiritual Growth.” Why I Loved This Book Many years ago, I attempted to read Saint Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle and it felt so beyond me. I didn’t understand what she was even talking about! And I quickly gave up. Perhaps I wasn’t ready for it, or maybe it just wasn’t the right time for me to explore this spiritual treasure, or maybe it was a badly-written translation. But throughout the years, I continued to feel as if this Doctor of the Church was too advanced for me; that she was out of my reach. Until I read The Devil in the Castle. Dan Burke has introduced me to a saintly friend who is not beyond me at all, but who wants to guide me beyond the outer chamber of my soul and into its very depths. For she knows that in the interior castle I will find the love and light of the Lord Who deeply wants to share that inner chamber with me. And not only in eternity, but in the here and now, in the everyday encounter with Him through prayer and living a life centered on Christ. But like any good friend, Saint Teresa also warns me of the pitfalls that lie ahead as I advance in the spiritual life. In fact, she insists that I understand what is happening. And for this new awareness, I am especially grateful. As I continue on my own journey within my interior castle, I feel more equipped to notice the devil’s plan to derail me. I also feel more confident in hearing the promptings of the Holy Spirit over the noise of this world. And I think I’m almost ready to give Interior Castle another try. Have you read either of these wonderful books? Share your thoughts in the comments?   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // The Devil in the Castle #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

My mind has a tendency to wander. I float between writing notes on my phone, post-it notes, my Blessed is She planner, and the notepad on the kitchen counter. I end up being all over the place in hopes of staying organized, jotting down ideas for something I want to write about, and then attempting to piece it all together later. When I don’t reign in the mental scroll of what’s next on my personally-inflicted corporate task list, I lose track of my intentions. I begin the day with intention and then focus begins to taper off. By mid-afternoon, I’m a crabby, grumpy, and tired mama (especially before dinner time). Combatting Excuses I’m not a busy person as much as I like to occupy myself. It probably stems from some misguided need to be productive. The problem with my busy-bee approach is that it offers little time to quiet myself and be still. It keeps me from getting to the bottom of the roots of old habits mixed in with poor habits which continues the cycle and has led me straight to burnout. Excuses become acceptable and, before I know it, I am giving into a bad habit and lack the discipline to reign it in. Taking Time Over the summer, Jesus spoke to me through a wise and holy priest who said, “Take your time.” I can’t tell you how much I needed those words. They are such simple words, and yet they completely calmed my inner restlessness. It's almost like I was a candle, flickering continuously underneath a draft until I was repositioned and the wick became calm and still. As I have slowly unpacked what it means for me to take my time, it has opened my eyes to the self-inflicted expectations and demands I place on myself. It has been so liberating for me to come back to these words throughout the day. When the toddler explodes into a complete and utter melt down... Take your time. When my kids begin to argue over who can play air guitar (because one of them has had guitar lessons and the other hasn’t )... Take your time. When I send an e-mail with directions and other pertinent information and someone responds asking for the directions... Take your time. This concept isn’t exclusive to what I am actually doing as much as it is the practice of taking my time to respond to these daily occurrences. My response to all of these situations is typically met with feelings of agitating, aggravation, annoyance, and frustration. When I take my time to process my response to a situation, I can’t blame anyone for frustrating me, annoying me, or agitating me because no one has the power to do that. It's like when I remind my son that his sister (who doesn’t want to hear the intricate details about LEGO descriptions) doesn’t have the power to make him angry because he is choosing to respond in that manner. The battle to remain in peace is at every moment of the day. Blaming someone or something else is normally seeped in excuses. Taking Deep Breaths I take a deep breath and take my time in doing so. I feel better when I say those words in my mind. I feel at ease. Suddenly, the hesitation to take my time because of this-or-that excuse envelops me with peace. I give myself permission to take my time and suddenly I’m not as tense, stressed, hurried, or feeling the need to apologize for being human. Why do I fall into quicksand for the sake of speed and efficiency when it ends up costing me more in the long run? What’s the rush to not take my time? What do I think I will really gain by living encumbered to do things a certain way? Undoing the Worldliness I haven’t had a “real job” in years, yet my urgency to get things done and respond as if the earnings of stockholders depend on me is something I am learning to undo. I can’t force the confessional line to go any faster, I can’t will traffic to ease up, I can’t make my children eat faster when we have somewhere to be, and I can’t make myself work as if there are four other versions of me. The reality is that my life with Christ is always going to be counter-cultural. I am constantly going to be battling against the noise, distraction, worldly temptations, vanity, and materialism that the world proposes will fulfill me. The truth is that only Peace Himself can allow me to experience happiness. The Prince of Peace I am tired of allowing excuses to consume me and get in the way of interior freedom. Jesus came into this world with nothing and yet He is everything. This babe of Bethlehem stripped of any and all worldly attachments gave us the greatest gift of Himself. Jesus came and countered everything the world says we need. This Godman entered into this world fallen to sin, and the gift He offers us as a feeble and vulnerable newborn is His lasting peace. It doesn’t make sense, but His love has no bounds. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. // John 14:27 Peace. It is peace we are impoverished from. It is peace we seek as we walk in this valley of tears disillusioned and weary. [elementor-template id="761780"] Practical Ways to Enter into Peace This Advent Season The Church in her wisdom invites us into these moments of time and space with Christ. These liturgical seasons can change our prayer lives if we allow them. Shedding layers of what we have consumed from the world and trading it in return for peace Himself. The calm we yearn for can only come from Him. Non-Negotiable Prayer Time Prayer in the morning is non-negotiable for me as praying in the morning lifts my heart and praise to the Lord. Whatever transpires during the day leads me back to the Scripture verse I prayed with or a particularly Saint whose words I am meditating on for the week. Worship Music While I love a good Christmas jingle, I love worship music that grounds me and invites me into the quiet anticipation of Jesus’ birth. It draws me away from consumerism and sugar cookies and fuels my need for God’s peace. Prayer Environment This Advent season I am going to allow my prayer space to reflect the peace I am longing for. A Blessed is She candle, a statue of the Holy Family, a journal, and this Advent devotional will adorn my little corner of the house. This will be my sanctuary from the pressure of making our house into a winter wonderland. I am going to welcome the bare spaces in our home that aren’t decorated and allow Jesus to fill them. Sacraments Confession is mandatory for me during Advent. I go to Confession regularly, but there is something special about cleaning your heart to welcome the Baby Jesus. Eucharistic Adoration and increasing my daily Mass attendance will be part of my Advent practices as well. I can easily get lost looking for the perfect holiday cookies to bake, Christmas wrapping paper, and thoughtful gifts for family and friends. I can fall prey in making Christmas less about Jesus and more about worldly delight. Peace is here to stay. Peace is a Person and not a thing. Peace has a Name. His name is Jesus. Sister, what takes your peace away (whether it’s a holiday season or not)? Can we hold onto prayer like we do our shopping bags? Can we take the time to give Jesus our time like we do when we spend hours on Amazon? LITURGICAL PLANNERS Our Liturgical Planners are based on the Litany of Humility. Enter into prayer every day alongside this beautiful Litany. Order your days in His peace. GET YOUR PLANNER

Stand up and go; your faith has saved you. // Luke 17:19 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Not so long ago, I received an out-of-the-blue text from an old college friend asking if I was available for a phone call. Our lives had overlapped heavily during our post-secondary years, sharing classes, social circles, and living spaces. However, in the ten years since, our relationship existed primarily on social media. Still, she is the kind of person I am always happy to hear from. Excited to connect, I shared my availability and inquired, “What’s the topic of discussion?” “Down syndrome,” she responded. Hastily, I typed back, “Ooo, I’m excited!” What It's Like to Have a Sibling with Down Syndrome As it turns out, a new family member with Down syndrome had just been born into my friend’s extended family. As is normal with the unexpected and unfamiliar, the diagnosis brought with it a full range of emotions and concerns. This gal pal reached out to me because of my own personal experience. My youngest brother has Down syndrome, and she knows from all the time we spent together that Max is one of my favorite people in the world. First Came Fear When we were able to connect on the phone later that day, my friend confided, “The fact that you were able to say you were excited in response to the subject of Down syndrome brought me so much comfort.” I was happy to hear that and completely sincere in my excitement. However, the truth is that the news of my brother having Down syndrome was not something I was initially enthusiastic about. In fact, it was quite the opposite when he was born. I was nine years old at the time, which was old enough to understand what “Down syndrome” meant, at least on a basic level. I knew his capabilities would be different from mine and my siblings, and I felt all the negative emotions when my dad shared the diagnosis with us. Fear. Confusion. Anger. Bitterness. Resentment. Fury. I remember vehemently asking God how He could let something like this happen to my family. I feared what it meant for the rest of my life, both personally and for the whole family unit. I was worried that Max was going to somehow hold us back and suck fun and flexibility out of our lives. For the first time in my life, I was experiencing what it was like to be truly angry with God. A Different Kind of Fear But then, a different fear struck. Like many babies with Down syndrome, Max was born premature with a myriad of health issues and spent a substantial amount of time in the NICU. The children’s hospital was about two hours from my hometown and my parents spent a good amount of time there with Max and away from us. One night, my dad called. I do not remember the specifics of the conversation, but I remember the news was bad—so bad we were afraid Max might not make it through the night. At that point, weeks after his birth and diagnosis, my siblings and I had not even met Max yet. The gravity of reality flipped a switch inside me. My fear of living with Max turned into a fear of living without him. I turned to God in prayer and begged him, “Please don’t let Max die.” Then Came Growth Max made it through that night, and the twenty-three years since. And all the things I was worried about as a nine-year-old ended up not being much of an issue. Things were certainly different, but that’s true regarding any new sibling that comes into the world. Max has not held any of us back at all. In reality, his life has been transformative and life-giving for the family. That’s not to say every year and season has gone unchallenged. Hardship is always present in everyone’s life. However, in the midst of every challenge we face with Max, there is also this magnetic joy that draws one into the present moment and detaches you from everything else. Truth be told, I have no negative memories of growing up with a brother with Down syndrome (except for the one in which I watched his middle school classmate ignore him at the mall). Max brought so much joy into the lives of my siblings and myself that he was often the topic of conversation brought up among our peers, and he almost always accompanied us on our social outings. We simply loved being around him– and our friends did, too. Underlying Happiness What I fear I am failing to express in this post is the immense level of happiness that Max brought into my life, and this happiness would not be present if he did not have this extra chromosome. I cannot pinpoint what exactly it is about Down syndrome that makes it so; however, thorough studies conducted by Harvard support this claim. According to their research, 88% of siblings surveyed believe they are better off because of their sibling with Down syndrome, and 94% experience feelings of pride. Similar findings occur for parents, other family members, and the individuals themselves. Check out: Having a brother or sister with Down syndrome: perspectives from siblings Having a son or daughter with Down syndrome: perspectives from mothers and fathers Family perspectives about Down syndrome Self-perceptions from people with Down syndrome What to Be Aware Of Having lived within a community with many individuals with Down syndrome for over twenty years now, I have heard many stories and seen many comments and assertions online. Far too often, Down syndrome is presented as something to be feared, something that causes suffering, and something that lowers a family’s quality of life. I can say, with confidence, experience, and research to back it up, that this is not the case. Certainly, change is a part of the experience. Often there are some health issues at the start, as well as life-long learning hurdles. However, all of these can be overcome, and more importantly, there are far more important things of which a person should be aware when it comes to welcoming a family member with Down syndrome. Ultimately: life is about to get better than you ever could have imagined. My experience with Max as a brother transformed me in such a way that if I was ever to be told that I was expecting a child with Down syndrome, my initial reaction would be pure delight. It would then be followed with some human anxieties about the child’s health, medical bills, and the initial emotional welfare of my other children (because I’m not that holy yet). However, this time my prayer would not be, “God, how could you let this happen?” Instead, it would simply be a heartfelt surge of trust and gratitude as the joy I feel even in this imaginary scenario leaves me speechless. That’s just one of the countless ways having a brother with Down syndrome has changed my life.   [bctt tweet="What It’s Like Having a Sibling with Down Syndrome #BISblog //" via="no"]

October is one of my favorite times of the liturgical year. It's the month of (not so) Ordinary (Saints) Time. Each Saint of October is profoundly different from the others, but all share a love of Christ and witness to the true catholicity of the Church. What to Read and Watch to Celebrate October Saints The digital age has made it easy for people to share their stories. A blessing in that is that the stories of the Saints are readily accessible as well, whether through books, podcasts, videos, or a quick internet search. Yet as with all things, the amount of digital information can be overwhelming. Here is a list of ways to encounter these October Saints without having to get lost in the thousands of search results. Though not possible to finish this list in a month (and I didn’t even list all of the Saints!), you can perhaps become better acquainted with one or two Saints. October 1 // Saint Therese Saint Therese could have her own blog post of book recommendations... but here are a few of the best, aside from Story of a Soul: The Way of Trust and Love by Jacque Phillip I Believe in Love by Father Jean C J D'Elbee October 2 // Guardian Angels To read // Angels and Demons by Peter Kreeft To watch // This twelve-minute video is a treasure trove of information about the angels. October 4 // Saint Francis The Sign of Contradiction documentary is an excellent retelling of Saint Francis of Assisi’s life and message. He’s more than a birdfeeder, and this free documentary shares the true Francis. Filmed in beautiful Assisi, you can see why peace is such an essential gift of Saint Francis. October 5 // Saint Faustina Of course, reading The Diary in her own words is the best way to get to know her. However, the first time I read it, it took me four years to complete! It may not be the right time yet for you to read it, and if that’s the case, I recommend the documentary The Face of Mercy (free on Prime) or Father Michael Gaitley’s book The Second Greatest Story Ever Told as a great introduction to the Divine Mercy devotion. October 7 // Our Lady of the Rosary Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon by Father Don Calloway is like an encyclopedia on the Rosary. Read it after you’ve prayed a Rosary; there's no better way than that to know Our Lady! October 11 // Saint John XXIII I first encountered Saint John XXIII through his encyclical Pacem in Terris. It not only provides insight into what he was facing in his pontificate, but the prophetic exhortation is even more needed today. I felt like I got to know what he held close to his heart through reading it. I have not tackled his autobiography, Journal of a Soul, yet, but it’s on my list! October 12 // Blessed Carlo Acutis In this season of Eucharistic Revival called by the USCCB, there is perhaps no other Blessed so timely on the scene. You might recognize him as the Saint to be who was buried in his jeans and Nikes. He could be the future patron of the internet, and you can get to know him by exploring the website he built on Eucharistic miracles or this documentary on his short life of 15 years. October 13 // Feast of Our Lady of Fatima Perhaps it’s because it’s one of the first ways I came to know the story of Our Lady of Fatima, but I don’t think you can beat the 1954 film Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima. Fatima: The Apparition That Changed the World by Jean Heimann is also a great introduction to the apparitions. October 15 // Saint Teresa of Avila It is fitting that such a larger-than-life Saint as Saint Teresa has so many biographies about her life, not including her own autobiography and writings. The Fire Within by Thomas Dubay is my favorite. October 18 // Saint Luke What better way to get to know Saint Luke than to dive into his Gospel?! Perhaps you could spend some extra time with His Word today. October 19 // Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko This Polish Blessed’s life reads like a thriller and his witness is a powerful testimony of standing up for the truth. Arrested, beaten, and killed by the Communists in the 1980s, you can read more about him in Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko: Truth Versus Totalitarianism by Bernard Brien. Or watch the documentary called Messenger of Truth, which contains powerful footage of Blessed Jerzy. October 20 // North American Martyrs This short documentary is a great introduction to the North American Martyrs. Saint Isaac Jogues is probably the most well-known, but the writing of his companion, Saint John De Brebeuf, read in the Office of Readings for the Liturgy of the Hours for this feast day, is stunning. October 22 // Saint John Paul II Again, there could be an entire post about books by and about John Paul II. His autobiographical reflections in Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination witness to his love of the priesthood. I also recommend the movie Karol: The Man Who Became Pope. It’s a fantastic introduction to the early life of this great saint. The sequel, The Pope, the Man, is also worth a watch. October 29 // Blessed Chiara Badano Like with Blessed Carlo Acutis, Blessed Jerzy, and Saint John Paul II, we are blessed by the digital age to have video recordings of Blessed Chiara. This documentary interviews her friends and parents to give a very personal encounter with a girl who truly lived her name ("Chiara" means light). A member of the Focolare movement, she died from cancer at age 17. A World with Octobers... and Amazing Saints As Anne Shirley said, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." Fall colors, sweatshirts, apple cider (or pumpkin spice if that’s your thing) and some amazing Saints to get to know. Yes, truly I am glad to live in a world where there are Octobers. It’s just not such an ordinary time at all. Which Saint on this list will you learn more about this month?   [bctt tweet="Reads + Watches for October's Saints #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

We know you're just starting to pour your PSLs and grab your flannel from the storage boxes, but can we direct your attention to the end of the year for just a small moment? Because, ready or not, the beginning of Advent is just under 8 weeks away, and we would love to help make your preparation for the Christmas season simple and profoundly fruitful. Peace Has a Name // The 2022 Catholic Advent Devotional for Women In the midst of the changing seasons—both literally and metaphorically—the idea of peace can seem like an unattainable ideal. Everything is always changing, so where do we rest? We know that our true peace comes from the Prince of Peace, but we can struggle to live out that reality in our daily lives when so much clamors for our attention and anxiety. And yet it is only when we are at peace with Our Lord that we are able to be free, to fully live our lives in relationship with Him and to fulfill His mission for us. In this pursuit of the freedom found in peace, we at Blessed is She hope to offer you space this Advent to reflect upon the theme and Source of peace in our 2022 Catholic Advent devotional for women: Peace Has a Name. What to Expect in the Advent Devotional We invite you to bring your heart before the Prince of Peace all throughout the Advent season. Each chapter of this devotional walks through a different element of peace and the would-be thieves of our peace culminating in meditation on why God is Peace and that He alone can give it to us. We have a chance to hear and learn from the stories written by Kendra Tierney, Karen Schultz, Leana Bowler, and Sr. Maria Kim Bui. The Weekly Themes // What we think peace is Where we seek out peace Who or what steals our peace Why God alone brings peace How the Weeks are Structured // Sundays // Ponder Father Jacques Philipe’s five tenets of peace. Mondays // Read an excerpt from Saint Paul’s letters, practicing lectio divina and responding to a question. Tuesdays // Hear a story about a time in which the author for the week's peace was challenged. Wednesdays // Read an excerpt from a Gospel account, practicing lectio divina and responding to a question. Thursdays // Hear a story assuaging our storyteller’s peace. Fridays // Draft your peace petitions for the Prince of Peace and pray with the Canticle of Zechariah Saturdays // Practice visio divina and sit with sacreed art in prayer and ponderance. [elementor-template id="761780"] Advent Bundles for the Whole Crew As usual, along with our Catholic Advent devotional for women, we are offering a variety of bundles for you and the little ones in your life! In the Advent bundle, you will receive a devotional, an ornament, and a Rosary made just for us. In the Advent + kids bundle, you can get the devotional for women and our exclusive devotional for kids at a discounted price. In the Advent + Emmanuel bundle, you will receive the Advent devotional along with our evergreen Christmas coffee table table to help you prayerfully celebrate the Christmas season. [elementor-template id="761792"] Peace Has a Name, Peace is a Person Now that you've secured your Advent devotional and checked that off your mental list, we return you to your fall preparations and traditions. We will be waiting for you at the start of Advent, ready to encounter Peace Himself by your side. Have you snagged your Advent devotional yet? Advent will be here before we know it—don't wait too long!   [bctt tweet="The 2022 Catholic Advent Devotional for Women #BISblog //" via="no"]

Guard this rich trust with the help of the holy Spirit that dwells within us. // 2 Timothy 1:14 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

My husband’s name is Michael and I am always on the lookout for gifts that honor him through his namesake, Saint Michael the Archangel. This past Valentine’s Day I was looking for a special gift and came across Litany’s Archangel Pocket Squares. The designs are incredibly creative and each one is overflowing with deep meaning. Even though I set out to find something to honor his name, I ended up getting him the Saint Raphael one that featured Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches of the ideal city, with references from the book of Tobit around the border. It made the perfect Valentine’s Day gift! Even before marrying Michael, I loved learning about God’s angels and striving to draw close to them, especially my Guardian Angel. It was, however, when I met and married Michael, that my desire to learn about his patron Saint grew. That longing overflowed into a great devotion to Saint Michael’s fellow Archangels, too. Let's Meet the Archangels One of my favorite resources to learn more about angels is the book Time to Meet the Angels by Mark Miravalle. It’s filled with so much wisdom and I learn something new every time I pick it up to read. Here are some of my favorite facts he mentions in his section on the Archangels: There are two times in Scripture that the name for the eighth choir of angels, “Archangel”, is mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and again in Jude 1:9. Archangel refers to this choir's role as leaders. They deliver important messages to us, the faithful here on earth. Saint Michael Name Meaning // Who is like God Found in Scripture // Daniel 10:13 // “Michael, one of the chief princes.” Daniel 12:1 // “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people.” Jude 1:9 // “But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, disputed about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’” Church’s Ascribed Role // “Prince of the Heavenly Host,” the leader of the angelic army appointed by God the Father to battle Lucifer. (Revelation 12:7) Important Prayer // “Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel” promulgated by Pope Leo XIII for the protection of the Church. This prayer is often recited after Mass. Patron Saint of // Military and Police forces Reflection // We should call upon Saint Michael daily, turning to him for protection, especially when we experience spiritual warfare. Ask his intercession for those who are called to lead and protect. May we be brave, humble, and courageous like this great Archangel, who combats Lucifer’s pride with humility, a humility so great that we now proclaim him to be “Who is like God.” Saint Michael, pray for us. Saint Gabriel Name Meaning // “Man of God” or “Strength of God” Found in Scripture // Daniel 8:16 // “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” Daniel 9:21-27 // Gabriel prophecies to Daniel the time when the Messiah will come. Luke 1:26-28 // Gabriel brings the message and invitation of the Incarnation to Mother Mary. Luke 1:19 // Gabriel announces the conception of Saint John the Baptist to Zechariah. Church’s Ascribed Role // As “Strength of God,” tradition holds that Saint Gabriel was the Angel who served Jesus during his Agony in the Garden. Important Prayer // The Hail Mary, the “Angelic Salutation.” We repeat Gabriel’s words as we proclaim, “Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Patron Saint of // Messengers, those who work for broadcasting and telecommunications such as radio and television, postal workers, clerics, diplomats, and stamp collectors. Reflection // Just like Saint Gabriel, let us always greet one another with joy, inviting those we meet to encounter Christ and take Him within their hearts as their own. May we ask Saint Gabriel to strengthen us, especially in our sufferings, agony, and temptations. Saint Gabriel, pray for us. Saint Raphael Name Meaning // “God heals” Found in Scripture // The book of Tobit includes Saint Raphael as one of the central characters, interceding with both physical and spiritual healings. Tobit 6:10 // We read about the spiritual healing of Sarah and in Tobit 6:6-8; 11:7-8 the physical healing of Tobit from blindness through the intercession of Saint Raphael is recorded. Tobit 12:15 // “I am Raphael, one of the seven holy Angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One.” Church’s Ascribed Role // “Healer of God” Important Prayer // Holy Raphael, I entreat thee to help me in all my needs and in all the trials of this life. And since thou art the “physician” of God, I pray thee to heal my soul of its many infirmities, and my body of the ills that afflict it, if this favor be for my greater good. I plead for angelic purity that I may be fit to be the living temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Patron Saint of // Travelers, the blind, bodily ills, happy meetings, nurses, physicians, and medical workers. Reflection // We all need spiritual and physical healing in some way. Saint Raphael, intercede on our behalf for the healings we need to truly flourish as daughters of our High King. May we always turn to you for protection and guidance, especially when we encounter those we love. Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael the Archangels, pray for us!   [bctt tweet="Meet the Archangels #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Early in my teaching career, I learned that to have credibility with my students, I had to “say what I mean and mean what I say.” Young people have the ability to spot inauthenticity miles away and have no problem calling out promises that are not kept. If I threatened to keep them in during recess, I had to do it. If I promised a reward, I had to follow through. If I promised an activity would be fun and they didn’t see it, they had no qualms questioning my definition of "fun." In time, it built a community of honesty and mutual trust. My students knew I would follow through, and I knew I was seeing them as they really were. Trust is a Gift Trust is a fragile, precious gift. It doesn’t just happen. It is given and accepted slowly, over time. To trust means to be vulnerable and to risk being hurt when that vulnerability is not received. To trust someone means you also know them intimately and personally. It means you know they will come through for you and they will fight for you. When you trust someone, you know they are about your good and for your good. We grow in trust in the Lord in the same way we grow in trust of others. Trust in God grows slowly over time. We encounter Him in the Word and Sacraments. We learn through experience that God receives our weaknesses and loves us through them. We learn that God "says what He means and means what He says.” We learn that He keeps His promises. The fragile, precious gift of our trust finds a home in His Heart. Scripture Verses about Trust Where best do we learn this but through Scripture? When my trust in the Lord is shaken (or at least needs reminding and strengthening), I root myself in the promises of God. Sometimes I will pray with one verse a day, just letting the Word permeate my being. Other times I pray the Scriptures like a litany, allowing myself to be overwhelmed by the promises of God. Here is my current litany: I, the Lord do not change. // Malachi 3:6 I love you, says the Lord. // Malachi 1:2 I will give you peace. // Haggai 2:9 God is faithful. // 1 Corinthians 10:13 The Lord is near. // Philippians 4:5 He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. // Proverbs 30:5 My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with the glorious riches in Christ Jesus. // Philippians 4:19 The Lord listened attentively. // Malachi 3:16 I am a Father. // Jeremiah 31:9 I am the Resurrection and the Life. // John 11:25 I am the one who searches mind and heart. // Revelation 2:23 I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people. // Leviticus 26:12 I am the Lord, the God of all the living. Is anything too difficult for me? // Jeremiah 32:27 The Lord is a warrior. // Exodus 15:3 God’s way is unerring. // 2 Samuel 22:31 No single thing escapes Him. // Sirach 42:20 I am always with you. // Psalm 73:23 Scripture Verses about Trusting Our Call from Him Trusting in Who the Lord says He is helps me also trust who He says I am. When I am tempted to believe what the world says, I conquer it with what God says. When I am tempted to believe what my broken heart says, I choose to repeat what the Lord says instead. I have chosen you. // Haggai 2:23 All who are called by my name I created for my glory. // Isaiah 43:7 You have the Lord for your refuge. // Psalms 91:9 You were called for freedom. // Galatians 5:13 I love you, says the Lord. // Malachi 1:1 The Father Himself loves you. // John 16:27 The one who calls you is faithful, and He will also accomplish it. // Thessalonians 5:24 Lord, you know me, you see me, you have found that my heart is with you. // Jeremiah 12:3 Truly the Lord is waiting to be gracious to you, truly He shall rise to show you mercy. // Isaiah 30:18 What Trust Demands Trusting in the Lord also makes His commands understandable and embraceable. If the Lord is Who He says He is, and I am Who He says I am, then He won’t ask anything more (or less) than what I am capable. We trust not only the Ten Commandments and the teachings of the Church, but also what He commands of us in Scripture: Give me your heart. // Proverbs 23:26 Come now, let us set things right. // Isaiah 1:18 Do not worry about your life. // Matthew 6:25 Do not fear, I am with you. // Isaiah 41:10 For freedom Christ set us free, so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. // Galatians 5:1 Offer praise as your sacrifice to God. // Psalm 50:14 Take refuge in God all you people, trust Him at all times, pour out your hearts before Him. // Psalm 62:8 What Scripture verses speak to your heart and help you grow in trust?   [bctt tweet="Scripture Verses about Trust #BISblog //" via="no"]

Comparison is like a thief that comes in the middle of the night to steal your joy. Whenever we compare ourselves to another person we basically allow the thief in ourselves. It took me a long time and lots of prayer to realize that I sometimes fall into the trap of comparison. The good thing about growing older and (hopefully) wiser is that we begin to see these things more clearly and can then put an end to them before they can cause great damage to us. I’m not sure that men struggle with this as much as women do. But one thing is for sure: living in the era of social media has exacerbated this struggle 100 times more for women than before social media came around. We tend to look at those feeds and think things such as: her life is perfect; her husband is perfect; her kids are perfect; her vacations are always amazing; she seems to be so much holier than I am (this one, I feel, is more dangerous than we think)... and the list goes on. Is Comparison Crippling Your Calling? The Lord in His goodness has shown me that every time I compare myself or my life to someone else’s, I’m basically turning my back on all the beautiful gifts and talents He has bestowed upon me. I’ve come to realize that this is also one of the worst forms of wasting my time. Ask yourself if comparing yourself to someone else is getting you closer to where you want to be. We need to stay focused in our resolve to not allow comparison to get in the way or diminish our desire to serve the Lord in whatever capacity he’s calling us to. Another thing to consider is that when we fall into the comparison trap we put ourselves in great danger of being dragged down the dirty road of envy and jealousy. When we see the grace of God being fulfilled in one of our brothers or sisters in Christ, the right and ordered reaction is to rejoice! When we see something good, say so. Affirm it, encourage it, and most of all support it! Just as some people’s brokenness can keep them from giving a loving response to our failures, other people’s brokenness can also keep them from giving a loving response to our successes. The Cure for Comparison The practice of gratitude is one that can help us counteract comparison, jealousy, and envy. When we strive to live our lives with a grateful heart and spirit, we find that these dangerous things will have no room in our hearts and lives. It will serve us well never to worry or be envious of the gifts God has given to other people. Instead, we need to concentrate on those gifts He has graciously bestowed upon each of us individually. That way, we don’t waste time or, worse yet, risk falling into the trap of being so preoccupied with someone else’s life and gifts that we neglect and forget to use the ones we have been given. I love what Father Jacques Phillippe writes in one of his books, In the School of the Holy Spirit: God loves everyone with unique love, He wants to lead them all to perfection, but at the same time has very different paths for different people. This means that the frequency and characteristics of the inspirations of grace will differ from one person to another. We cannot force the Spirit, God is the master of His gifts. This means that God is the master of everything in our lives. And He makes no mistakes. So regardless of what your life looks like at this moment, you are never less valued or less loved than any woman who may “appear” to you to have been more blessed than you in different areas. It’s all about perspective. I am convinced that comparison in any shape or form is truly not from the Lord. Instead, I feel that it is the evil one who loves when we are trapped in the world of comparison. That way, he can manipulate us to be in constant competition with one another, forgetting that, as sons and daughters of the same Father, we are all in this together. Learning to Live Your Strengths Years back, I was introduced to a book that has really helped me understand how God has given all of us different gifts and talents for a reason: to serve Him and His people to the best of our abilities (not someone else’s ability). Living Your Strengths (Catholic Edition), by Albert Winseman, Don Clifton, and Curt Lisveld, will help you discover your God-given talents so you can best serve and inspire your community. This book will also show you how to concentrate on your strengths and not on your weaknesses. The book also comes with a strengths-finder evaluation. God is not looking for another Mother Teresa. He’s looking to use you, exactly where you are on your journey. But for this to happen, you need to get to know yourself better, discover what you are good at, what areas you thrive the most and so on. Let us pray that we will learn to keep the thief we call comparison as far away from us as possible. How do you avoid the trap of comparison on a daily basis? What practices have been helpful to you?   [bctt tweet="The Cure for Comparison #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. // 1 Timothy 6:12 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

When we are ready to give up hope, we must persevere. The Saints teach us this. Even the darkest night will not last, and it will—it must—give way to the glory of a new morning. The 20th century was filled with many dark nights, especially the horrors inflicted during the World Wars and thereafter. It is tempting to give up hope. The heart-struggle of the centuries begins to enter in, our heart cries out, “If God is good, then why would He allow such evil?” Abounding Grace Our Faith teaches us that everything God allows and permits is for our salvation and the salvation of the world. The Resurrection is proof that with and through God, beauty arises, even from the monstrousness of sin. We see this reality in many of the lives of the Saints, and in the lives of the men and women the Saints personally impacted. The 20th century, though filled with atrocities beyond comprehension, was filled with great beauty. “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). A Miracle Story A powerful example of Saint Paul’s words to the Romans is found in a miraculous story that started during the height of the Second World War. Three people—two of them declared Saints and the other, a Polish woman who celebrated her 100th birthday last year—were all united in the hope of Christ. Survivor Wanda Półtawska Wanda Półtawska was twenty years old when she was arrested in February 1941 for assisting in the Polish Resistance against the Nazi Regime. She was sent to Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, north of Berlin. During her time in the camp, Wanda was victim to medical experimentation by the Nazis. Doctors cut into the legs of the victims and injected bacteria into the muscles and bones of the prisoners. Close to death, Wanda barely survived, and was saved by her friend Krysia who pulled her out of a heap of corpses. Wanda was twenty-four years old. A Holy Friendship Determined to live the remainder of her life as a healer, Wanda became a doctor of psychiatry and ministered to camp survivors, especially children who had been abused. During that time, as she sought her own healing, Wanda and her husband became close friends with a young bishop of Kraków, Karol Wojtyła—the future Pope Saint John Paul II. The Półtawskas’ friendship with Bishop Wojtyła deepened and they would be a source of inspiration for many of his teachings, especially those on marriage and love, including Theology of the Body. Wanda was among the founders of the Institute of Theology of the Family at the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Krakow (Pontifical University of John Paul II) as well as a lecturer in pastoral medicine at the John Paul II Institute of Rome. Where Two or Three are Gathered Their friendship culminated in a miraculous story of healing and involved another friendship: the friendship between Bishop Wojtyła and Saint Padre Pio. We see here the power and necessity of holy friendships and of intercession, the reality of the Communion of Saints. Mother to four young children, Wanda was diagnosed with cancer in 1962. The doctors told her that though her prognosis was terminal, they would try their best to remove the cancer. Heartbroken and struggling to persevere, Wanda told her dear friend Karol about her disease. “Resignation is contrary to God’s will,” replied Karol. Immediately upon hearing the news, Bishop Karol wrote to a priest who had touched his own life, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Karol had met Padre Pio in the summer of 1947 when he traveled to San Giovanni Rotondo, attending Mass and going to confession with him. The Power of Intercession “Venerable Father,” wrote Karol, “I ask for your prayers for a certain mother of four young girls, who lives in Krakow, Poland (during the last war she spent five years in a German concentration camp), and now her health and even her life are in great danger due to cancer. Pray that God, through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin, has mercy on her and her family. Most obligated in Christ, Karol Wojtyla.” “To this one it is not possible to say no!" was Padre Pio’s response. The holy priest began to pray. The answer to his intercession was discovered as the surgeons went to remove the cancer from Wanda: nothing was there. The cancer was gone. Miraculously. Encounter of Grace Five years later, Wanda traveled to San Giovanni Rotondo and attended Padre Pio’s Mass. After Mass she, along with other pilgrims, went into the sacristy to meet the man who had interceded for her. She had never met him before. He walked up to her, looked deeply into her eyes, and said, “Now are you all right?” Wanda’s is one of the miracles that led to Saint Padre Pio’s canonization. Women of Beauty, Women of Healing These three lives, intertwined in friendship, holiness, and intercession by God’s grace teach us that within the horrors of suffering and pain, beauty can rise. Through God’s Merciful Love, there is hope, there is healing. We are called, dear sisters, to cultivate strong, holy friendships that are centered on Christ. We are called to intercede for one another. Lord, give us the grace to be holy in the face of evil and suffering. Let us be women of beauty and healing.   [bctt tweet="Saint Pio and the Miracle of Wanda Półtawska #BISblog //" username="findphilothea"]

I am a repeat Facebook deleter. Since I was allowed to have my first Facebook account as a teenager, I have deleted it multiple times. Now, there are days that I am still tempted to remove myself from the social media platform, but then I am reminded of the benefits it provides. The Roses and Thorns of Social Media Facebook has brought me to tears by friends sharing about vulnerable challenges they are working through in their life yet continuing to place their trust in God (things like infertility, miscarriages, depression, cancer diagnoses, etc.). It’s a great place to find out about local events like our library’s story time for kids, concerts in the park, farmer’s markets, and food truck festivals! I also love it for the ways it helps me to take a peek into the lives of my sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews who live a state away! Seeing them in person is always better, but it brightens my day to see my family enjoying the amusement park I grew up going to as a kid, or even seeing them eating popsicles in their backyards! At the same time, the use of social media can be isolating and destructive. We must be vigilant lest we fall into the internet becoming our primary means of socialization and, as Pope Francis says, become “social hermits.” It can be destructive to ourselves by enabling us to so easily compare our lives to others. It can be destructive to our neighbor if we use our online perusing to be a source of gossip or fail to be respectful in our comments or posts. Direction from Dorothy Day The internet allows for anonymity, and this anonymity can be the fuel one needs to make nasty comments online (or maybe honest comments, but made without prudence and charity). There are countless virtual “fights” between people who have never met each other before. This lack of personal encounter makes it easy to cross the line from respect into mockery. Without knowing the background of the brothers and sisters we engage with online, it is crucial to tread lightly. Lead with patience and openness. Give it a few hours or even a couple of days before firing off a post at lightning bolt speed, creating a word storm potentially wreaking havoc. If that comment is still burning inside of you after allowing an appropriate amount of time to pass, pray about how you can offer your opinion with a merciful heart and words inspired by the Holy Spirit. As Dorothy Day said: Everything a baptized person does every day should be directly or indirectly related to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. These Works of Mercy are our guide to help us serve our neighbor both spiritually and physically. They can also be our roadmap for growing in relationship with others beyond the facade of our screens. Corporal Works of Mercy The Corporal Works of Mercy call us to tend to the basic needs of our neighbor. The Catechism states that these works include feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, burying the dead, and giving alms to the poor. Here are some concrete ways to live out these acts of charity and justice! Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, and Give Alms to the Poor Have you recently seen one of the friends you follow post on social media about serving at a local food shelter or pantry? Consider reaching out to them to find out how you can volunteer your time in the same way. Maybe you could create a Facebook event where you invite others to donate needed items and bring them to your house so that you could drop them off at the pantry or go together for an afternoon of volunteering. Another option is setting up a Meal Train for a friend in need and sharing it (with their permission) on social media! Sheltering the Homeless Similar to the first point, look up nearby homeless shelters and set up a time to go serve and invite some of your friends on social media to join. Or ask your parish if they could create an event on Facebook that you could share on your wall, inviting others into. Another option would be to find a homeless shelter that you would like others to donate to in place of a birthday gift. Visiting the Sick and Burying the Dead Have you seen one of your friends post online about an illness or death in their family? Give them a call to see how they’re doing or write them a note letting them know you are praying for them. Visiting the Imprisoned Around Christmas time, use your Facebook search under “Events” to see if there is somewhere that you can buy and donate gifts for children whose parent/s are incarcerated. Angel Tree is a great place to start. Spiritual Works of Mercy The Spiritual Works of Mercy call us to meet our neighbor’s spiritual needs. “Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently” (CCC 2447). Instructing and Advising People are often asking for guidance on social media. When it comes to those looking for direction, say a prayer for the person you are reaching out to before answering. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say. Consoling and Comforting Instead of just typing, “I’m sorry,” and hitting “send” to the person you see in your life who is going through a hard time, send them a handwritten note via snail mail to let them know you are praying for them and ask them if there is anything you can do to help. Forgiving and Bearing Wrongs Patiently There are many times in our lives when we may feel wronged. Sometimes through the words we read on one of our social media accounts. The next time you find yourself stewing by a comment online, take a moment to pray for patience. As mentioned earlier, hit pause and refrain from posting a reply until at least a few hours have passed. Then go before the Lord and ask Him if he wants you to respond, and if he does, then ask Him how. Which work of mercy has you excited to serve?   [bctt tweet="Why I Still Have Facebook // Social Media + The Works of Mercy #BISblog //" via="no"]

I had just spent another night sleepily clutching my Bible when I woke up in a rush, unsure if it was the next day or just a few hours later. I grabbed my phone with a sigh: 4:32 a.m. The recent tumults of life had caused me to grow overly fond of mentally and physically holding on to the Word of God in some desperate attempt to make sense of it all. In the span of the two years of COVID, I had graduated undergrad, moved across the country for work, came back home to my small-town, went through a break-up, began my Master’s program, and started therapy and medication for my mental health. It wasn’t one thing over another that had caused this wave of fear, but it was as if the perfect storm of it all that had finally gotten to me. And I guess with it meant no sleep. The Soul as a Sea There may come a time in your life when the state of your soul feels like a great sea. And just like your soul, the sea has many ebbs and flows. Somedays, you may feel your soul is a deep, bottomless sea, full of undiscovered, endless depth. Others, your soul feels like a full sea of life and abundance. There may be days when you experience a roaring and rushing sea within you, moving a mile a minute; there may be weeks when your soul takes the form of a storming sea of fear, confusion, and danger. Whatever the state of your soul, it can be difficult to discern your way through that sea, through the current state of your own covenant with God. But there is hope and encouragement in Jesus Christ who asks not only to know our souls, but to move in and walk on the sea of our souls. Our Lives’ Swells After rinsing my face, I had hastily said the Litany of Trust to clear my head and hopefully put myself back to sleep. Mediating on what I had just prayed; however, I got stuck on the words, “That You give me the strength I need for what is asked, Jesus, I trust in You.” I remember saying to Jesus soon after, "Lord, I don’t know how I am going to be able to get through this all, how to make my soul strong enough, but I trust in You." The swells and tides of daily life can get brutal. We can question everything, even ourselves, and if we will have the strength to make it past this storm. When changes occur, when experiencing loss, whether it is feeling truly lost in the world, or some form of internal or external suffering, all of life’s twists and turns can leave you feeling nothing close to strong or stable. Only unsure where to go next, scared of what is to come, and unable to breathe. In those times of questioning God’s presence, promise, and providence in my life, I couldn’t lean on my own navigation to get out. I needed the guidance, support, strength, and grace from Saint Peter and the Lord himself at the helm to steer. Sails Being Set and the Captain My parish being dedicated to the first pope, Saint Peter has always been someone I looked to for advice, counsel, and especially inspiration. Simon Peter had a resilient heart and loving dedication to Christ that remind Scripture readers that no matter the failures and trails of yesterday, there can always be victory tomorrow. In the Matthean story of Jesus walking on the water to meet the disciples, Saint Peter exemplifies this internal experience of walking on the sea of your soul to meet Him. While the disciples are “being tossed about by the waves” and wind against them, Jesus notices their fear and “came toward them, walking on the sea” (see Matthew 14: 24-25). Then, invigorated by Jesus’ presence and power, Simon Peter decided in hope and courage to ask Him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). It is in Jesus’ simple calling to Peter to “Come”—not in the dying down of the waves, not the peace of the wind’s silence, but in the words and gaze of Christ—that allow Peter to set out of that boat and towards his Lord. But this doesn’t last. Peter took his eyes away from Jesus, “saw how [strong] the wind was,” and began to sink in fear (see Matthew 14: 30). The Lord Jesus saves him, as He does all of us, but in the stretching out of his guiding hand, Jesus calls Peter to more: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14: 31). Come on Peter, why did you doubt? I should be asking myself the same.     Our Soul’s Shores After the winds died down, Peter and the disciples praised Jesus and knew He was the Son of God; as His people, however, we should be able to know this Truth whether or not the storm has passed, amid our walking or sinking. How often do we find ourselves like Peter, doubting Jesus even when He is right there with us? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life no matter what our lives look like or the state of our soul, yet we doubt it at the very sight of the wave coming our way. We must learn how to praise and love Christ before, within, and after the storm, so He may come and dwell in our souls always. During the swells and tumults of life, it takes practice, patience, and grace to know that Jesus is with us amid it all, protecting us, and using this season of our lives to make us stronger going forward. We must learn how to proactively prepare for this, in order to make us stronger in Him before the sea can test us. Through prayer and reading Scripture as our map, we can spend time with Jesus and the Saints like Simon Peter, asking for help and encouragement no matter which way the boat may rock. Through the Sacraments, especially Adoration, we can meet the gaze of Christ and receive His grace and mercy necessary to quiet the storm and noises around us and hear Christ calling “Come.” And in praying the Litany of Trust and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, we can remember the ocean of mercy He opened for the whole world on the cross, and because of this, that we can trust Him in and with all things. In these times of doubt, pray for His voice to be stronger and for Saint Peter’s intercession, that we may have the strength and courage to walk on water, to face our storms trusting in Him more than anything else. Empowered by Saint Peter and the grace and mercy of Christ, there is always hope of finding our way out of the vast sea and walking into the peace of His living waters. Prince of the ocean’s peace, calm the waves within me. Saint Peter, who once walked the sea, lost in the deep, come and lead me. Amen.   [bctt tweet="Walking with Christ on Our Sea’s Swells and Shores #BISblog //" via="no"]   Liz Homick is a first-year graduate student pursuing her M.S. in Library and Information Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Liz strives in her daily life to share her love of Christ with every person she meets, or at least make them smile or laugh along the way. When she isn’t writing or studying to be a profession guardian of books, her friends and family can usually find her listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz’s podcasts, reading thirty books at once, or singing Disney songs on repeat. WANT TO DEEPEN YOUR PRAYER? Get ready to be radically changed by the Lord and His presence. Be drawn into intimacy with the Lord by way of weekly videos, a community within the Blessed is She app, and invitations into reading scripture in a whole new way. BEGIN THE WELL: ABIDE

No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. // Luke 16:13 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper