August 8, 2026 // Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20  Reflect on the Word //  I checked the patient portal once again for the test results. Is it too late to start praying for healing? The tests were run, the data was collected, and all I could do now was simply wait for the notification from the doctor. Or at least that is all I was doing.  When friends and family members get sick, I am quick to pray. Time before the Blessed Sacrament, Rosaries, and offering little sufferings are all ways that engage intercessory prayer for those who need healing. Yet when faced with my own small medical mysteries, I have taken the role of the investigator rather than the prayer warrior. I search with the misguided expectation that if I only work hard enough I will find the elusive answers.  My lack of faith leads me into the AI rabbit hole to discover ways of healing myself, rather than surrendering my fears and worries to my Loving God and waiting with patience.  Like the disciples in today’s Gospel, I am a woman whose faith is still insufficient. Not insufficient to work the miracle, because miracles are from God (not us), but rather insufficient in fully trusting the Lord that His will is best. Unanswered prayers can so often lead to anger, resentment, and disappointment, so it can seem safer to leave the prayer request unspoken. If I pray for healing and it doesn’t come, will the disappointment spark a spiritual revolt? I know that in my imperfect faith, sometimes I don’t pray because I am not ready to surrender the outcome.  When faced with deep desires, we petition the Lord, and surrender with faith that He will hear us. This does not mean that we expect Him to grant each wish like a genie in a bottle. We give Him our petition confident in His love for each of us, knowing that His plan is always best. A prayer isn’t a wish waiting to be granted. It is a conversation.  Relate to the Lord // Have a conversation with Jesus today. What do you want to share with Him?

July 18, 2026 // Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time // Optional Memorial of Saint Camillus de Lellis, Priest [In the Dioceses of the United States] Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel for the Memorial of Saint Camillus de Lellis: John 15:9-17 Reflect on the Word //  I love You, Lord, but . . . The word but is a conjunction to set up contrasting thoughts, and too often it comes up in my conversations with the Lord.  I love You, but . . . I know Your will, but . . . I trust You, but . . . Whatever follows the word but is a contrasting thought:  I love You, but I really don’t want to do what You are asking me to do.  I know Your will, but I really want this other thing.  I trust You, but I grow impatient.  How would my prayer life look different if I simply put a period where I use the word but? I love you. I trust you. I believe you. No contrasting thoughts, just expressions of love, trust, faith.  Jesus’ words in the Gospel today sound so simple. He invites us to remain in His love and assures us that if we keep His commandments, we will remain in His love (see John 15:9-17). The greatest of these commandments, of course, is to love God with all our hearts, our minds, and our strength.   We remain in that love simply by loving Him with our entirety. When we find ourselves using the contrasting conjunction but in our prayer, it is a sign that we are struggling to love Him fully. We need to take that to deeper prayer, because it is likely that we are spiritually attached to something of this world that is preventing us from fully remaining in His love.  We all desire to remain in God’s love. Yet keeping His commandments in order to do so can be hard. The day-to-day temptations of life can press on us. Always remember that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is there waiting for each of us, allowing us to clear away the obstacles that keep us from receiving and remaining in God’s love.  Relate to the Lord // What is  your “but”? Journal about what’s keeping your from loving or trusting God.

June 27, 2026 // Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time // Optional Memorial of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:5-17 Reflect on the Word //  Unworthy. That is the word that resonated with me most in the season that led up to my Easter welcome into the Catholic Church. I came to the Catholic faith a little later in life, when I was in my early thirties. I had two little boys who had already been baptized into the faith, but for many years I thought I was fine keeping to my Protestant roots.  There was a hubris within me that for decades recognized that Jesus lived, suffered, and died for the salvation of my soul, and yet didn’t want to recognize the Church that He founded. I was happy to ignore the apostolic succession and honor instead the Protestant Christianity my parents had chosen for me. As an adult, I found myself free to choose the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic faith, and I felt unworthy of it all. But there was a paradox in this unworthiness.  Like the centurion in today’s Gospel, I could see and acknowledge my own unworthiness and still accept the gift of grace and life He offered.  We recall the centurion during each Mass when we recite our supplication: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”  Jesus brings the necessary healing, and we need humility to implore not just His grace, but to answer His invitation to encounter Him in the Eucharist. We are all unworthy. And yet it is this very recognition that gives space in our hearts for greater union with Him.  Our unworthiness is not because we are horrible people. There is no shame in our unworthiness. Our unworthiness is simply because He is so good. No level of human perfection could ever make us worthy of Him—of His sacrifice, of His love. His love is not earned by the worthy; it is freely given to the contrite of heart who seek unity with His divine will. It is given to the soul that cries out to be healed.  Relate to the Lord // Ask for the grace to receive the gift of His love. 

May 30, 2026 // Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 11:27-33 Reflect on the Word // My husband is a master conversationalist. We met in grade school, so I can accurately say that he has developed this gift for deep and meaningful conversation over many years of practice. I attribute it to his gift for making friends with other men who love to talk about meaningful things. Yes, he can chat about sports or movies, but he really comes into his own when talking about politics or social issues. He is naturally curious about the thoughts of others and unemotional about his viewpoints. I am happy to sit back quietly and witness his gift for encouraging people to get beyond the rhetoric or dichotomous thinking and into a deeper reflection on the true issues and complexity of the situations being discussed. Jesus’s words in today’s Gospel remind me very much of my husband’s style. He answers one question with another question. Jesus refuses to be baited into answering a question that He does not desire to answer at that moment. He knows the motivation of those who ask Him and recognizes the consequences of answering the question.  Jesus knows the intent of the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders who approach Him. They do so with accusation in their hearts. And after posing a counter question, Jesus rightly refuses to answer them. Everyone is not entitled to know everything, especially when it could be damaging for a situation or a relationship. And this is true for your life too. You can refuse to answer the questions of others. Not everyone is entitled to know everything about you and your life, your thoughts or your ideas. You can retain some privacy, even when engaged with a master conversationalist. The world generally does not appreciate the truth.  The Lord wants us to be free to process and know the truth, to bring our thoughts to Him. When it comes to the Lord, however, don’t refuse Him. He is worthy of our time and attention. He is always ready to talk, to listen, and to help us come to a deeper understanding of ourselves and of Who He is in our lives. Relate to the Lord // Spend some time in prayer today speaking to Jesus honestly from your heart. What do you want to share with Him? Listen for His loving response.

April 20, 2026 // Monday of the Third Week of Easter Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 6:22-29 Reflect on the Word // “Lord,  I cannot do this. Please do this for me.” Standing in the dimly lit little hotel room, I brushed my teeth as quietly as I could and hoped I wouldn’t wake the rest of the family. We had been traveling all day, and even with the time change to my advantage, my body ached for the bed. If I was lucky, I would get a decent six hours. Hopefully that would be enough to keep me alert for the long drive home the next day.  “Lord, I need you.” So often I have uttered, pleaded, cried out those words. I am weary, worn down, depleted. Sometimes I reach this state of distress because I have failed to take care of myself physically, but more often I cry out in desperation because I have been subsisting on the bread of this world. I have been carefully managing my exercise, sleep, and nutrition, but not nourishing my spiritual life. We are both flesh and spirit. Our bodies need to be treated gently sometimes and pushed at other times, but always our spirit needs the substance of eternal life. In today’s Gospel, Jesus commands the crowd not to work for food that perishes, but rather for the food of eternal life, which is a food only Jesus can give. And this bread is not something that we earn with our hard work. It was already given to us. We need not travel to far-off lands or seek some mystical experience at the end of a long pilgrimage. We need not earn it through countless Rosaries or hours reading Scripture, although those are wonderful practices. We simply need to seek Him with all our hearts. He is there for us in the Sacraments. Jesus is hidden in His Precious Body and Blood offered daily for us. Jesus is there at your parish church, patiently waiting for you to seek Him out, and He not only offers you the food—He is the food, giving you His very life. Relate to the Lord // Make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Ask Him if He’s calling you to commit to a weekly holy hour.

March 20, 2026 // Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 Reflect on the Word // The First Reading today sounds more like a recent description of high school drama, political division, or online banter than ancient Scripture. It is a familiar decree of division and a call to arms for evil, to attack those who are living a different life, aloof from the path of the wicked.  Evil abounds. Once your eyes are opened to it, you cannot help but see its influence each and every day. A young woman told me recently that she puts up little invisible barriers daily. Keeping her guard up and her eyes open prevents cruel words or insults from affecting her. She knows that the evil said and done around her cannot hurt her—unless she allows it. It is exhausting to be sure, but she remains vigilant, because when she doesn’t, it is too easy to collapse under the lies and attacks of others.  She is like the “just one” we read about today in the book of Wisdom, being beset by the wicked. Many of us are trying to live as a child of the Lord, living a life that is not like that of others—different are our ways. Our patience and gentleness is being tested by the wicked who have rejected God’s counsel. But knowledge and “the hidden counsels of God” (Wisdom 2:22) as we submit to the Holy Spirit will guide us from the assault. With the insight from today’s First Reading, we can recognize that our spiritual fortifications are strengthened by God’s grace, and we are able to continue to live in truth and light.  This takes time and intentionality in daily prayer to discern the best way to live as a child of the Lord. How often are your gentleness and patience tested in the face of cruel words or insults? How we respond to those seeking to upset us is a true test. And it is a test we prepare for by remaining vigilant. The more we understand about the reality of the spiritual battles around us, the easier it is to understand the hidden counsels of God which guide and protect us.  Relate to the Lord // Ask for the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel today as you face your spiritual battles. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle . . .

February 10, 2026 // Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 7:1-13 Reflect on the Word // A few years after my conversion, I was determined to have The Best Lent Ever. I was going all in. No caffeine, alcohol, or sweets. I was swapping my novels for spiritual reading, donating items daily, and even exercising more. The list was exhaustive, and just a few days into Lent I was exhausted. Caffeine withdrawal led me to be cranky and I was intolerable to be around.  In my determination to show my commitment to God, I had lost sight of what was important. Maybe I thought that if I just did everything right, I would be miserable enough to grow holier. In reality, the misery was leading me to be less virtuous and less loving to those in my care.  Reading the Gospel today, I am comforted by the words of Christ (see Mark 7:1-13). We should not be so overly concerned with the laws that we lose sight of the love that should inform our every action. Love, not legality, will lead us toward a closer union with the Lord. Sometimes that legality, the rules and promises we make to ourselves or others, can actually be a sort of spiritual attachment, keeping us focused on our own actions rather than on our Savior. There isn’t a checklist to follow that will result in holiness as the reward. The Lord desires our love—our very hearts, not more words, directions, traditions. He has given us Scripture and the Church to guide us as we conform our hearts to God’s will.    We are now just a few days into Lent. It is common to feel the weight of extreme promises and the self-chosen Lenten commitments that overwhelm. Maybe it is time for a heart check—is your heart in the right place? Are our Lenten commitments helping to clear the attachments as distractions away, or are they themselves keeping us distant from the Lord? Relate to the Lord // Take time in prayer for a heart check. How are your Lenten commitments leading you closer to Christ? If they’re not, consider what He may be asking of you instead.

January 5, 2026 // Memorial of St. John Neumann, Bishop Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: 1 John 3:22-4-6.  Reflect on the Word // Preserved lemons?  My daughter erupted in laughter as she took the jar out of the gift bag. The jar of cloudy liquid and softened lemons was the same shape as the candle her brother had ordered, but definitely not the right gift. I was the only one not laughing in the room, as I racked my brain in an attempt to remember the circumstances of that particular purchase. Bought online and picked up in store, he must have put the paper-wrapped item in the gift bag without checking. It wasn’t a gag gift; it was a mistake, and definitely not the gift she had asked for.  We don’t always get what we ask for. Sometimes it is human error, but sometimes it is because we aren’t asking for the right things. In the First Letter of Saint John today we read the words, “We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him” (1 John 3:22).   What happens when we don’t keep His commandments or do what pleases Him? While I strive for holiness, I often simply ask for what I think I need at the moment. Heal this, solve that—I don’t ask so much as plead when I feel overwhelmed. Drowning in my commitments, bills, or worries, my focus is less on His commandments and what pleases Him, than on what I think I need in order to escape the current situation. Rather than trying to fix it, what if I could recognize His presence with me in the struggle, practicing gratitude for that unity with Him and the opportunity to grow through it all?   God wants to walk the journey with us. A sure companion as we travel a road with twists and turns and hills and valleys, He wants to accompany us along the way. When we keep His commandments and fix our focus on what pleases Him, all we want is what He wants for us. When we are finally able to search our hearts, we discover that we desire unity to His will—not a solution according to our will.  Relate to the Lord // Have you felt disappointed? Tell Jesus about it and allow Him to comfort you.

November 26, 2025 // Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 21:12-19  Reflect on the Word //  Walking through the aisle of the plane I fix my eyes on the nearest exit. It is just what I do. When staying in a hotel, I make note of the emergency exits. In a dark parking lot, I try to back into the space nearest the lights. I even check the state department website for advisories before traveling internationally. Threat levels are always being evaluated. My dad calls it situational awareness—being aware of the space, the people, the dangers in a situation. Maybe some people do it naturally or maybe it is a learned behavior; as a psychologist I feel like I should know but I don’t. If you are someone who is always looking for the exit, today’s Gospel may be difficult to take. Jesus tells His disciples that they will suffer, be arrested, have to testify, and they should not prepare their defense ahead of time. He tells them honestly what will come next, but then assures them that they should not be looking for the exit when they witness to His Gospel. Trouble is coming, but He won’t abandon them. They will be called to testify and He will give them wisdom in speaking. This is a real challenge for me. I want to trust in the Lord, in His goodness and guidance, and I want to be overprepared as well. But there is a beautiful balance that is required. There is work to do—but that work entails knowing the Lord, cooperating with God’s grace, regularly repenting of sin, and growing in relationship with Him. Preparation looks different. Let Him be the guide; let Him give us the words and wisdom. When we prepare this way, we enter into our call to witness Christ’s love to the world differently than if we were going through life without the Lord. In the midst of the difficulty, do we focus on listening to the Lord or do we strive to escape? We don’t need to employ our exit strategy; we need to surrender to the Lord’s will for our life, step out with courage, and testify to the truth.   Relate to the Lord // How have you been looking for an escape? Share it with the Lord and focus on listening to Him. What does He say?

October 16, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Hedwig, Religious // Optional Memorial of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm Psalm 130:1-6 Reflect on the Word //  “Storage is full.” My heart dropped at the message covering my screen. I had just recorded the perfect video, finally, after a month full of attempts at recording. Previous sessions had been foiled by loud-talking teens, A/C units that kicked in unexpectedly, barking dogs, leaf blowers, garbage trucks, and even a firetruck—and now a storage issue. I felt as if I was never going to get the two-minute video finished before the deadline. Taking a deep breath, I shut it off, and walked away.  The next morning, I headed to Mass and stayed for Confession. I had been making this whole project more about me, and less about Him. Returning home, I swapped the academic background for a white wall, put on a simple black blouse, ditched the notes, spoke from the heart and trusted the Lord to give me the words. And in six minutes I was done.  The prayers of today’s Psalm are more of a goal for me rather than a statement of my daily approach. I desire to trust more deeply in the Lord, I want my soul to trust in His word, I long to exchange my impatience for attentive expectation of His arrival. But I still have a tendency to over-complicate things. My desire for perfection often means grasping tightly to over-control things, leaving little room for the Holy Spirit to operate. I plan, I perfect, but I often forget the most important ingredient—grace.   Everything we do as Catholics emanates from that place of grace. We receive grace in prayer and we open our receptivity when we are free from sin. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift given to us, and when frequented this gift helps us to live in closer unity with the Lord. His grace provides for us. If you haven’t been to Confession recently, I encourage you to do so this week. Make grace a priority, receive God’s mercy and love, and grow in your trust and docility to the Spirit.  Relate to the Lord // When will you go to Confession this week/month?  

September 17, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Virgin and Doctor of the Church // Optional Memorial of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm 111:1-6 Reflect on the Word // I grew up about 90 minutes from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. I remember visiting it once when I was a little girl. The Grand Canyon—averaging ten miles wide in most places and a mile deep—is more than just a giant hole in the ground. I sat near the edge, or as close as my parents would allow, legs crossed in the dirt. Looking out across the vast expanse, I couldn’t help but recognize both my smallness and a deep peace. My God created all of this. It was truly exquisite to behold. Now, my own family lives four to five hours from “The Big Hole in the Ground,” and I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never taken them to see it. Ten hours round-trip feels like a long time to drive just to snap a photo. But as a daughter of God, visiting the Grand Canyon is less about capturing a picture and more about witnessing one of His great works in creation. The psalmist reminds us of this today:  “How great are the works of the Lord! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights.” (Psalm 111:1-2) When we finally pause to take in the beauty around us, it becomes impossible to deny the greatness of the Lord’s handiwork. Not just in the iconic and majestic places, but in all of nature. We don’t have to travel across the country or the world to witness His exquisite works. Each sunrise and sunset, every flower blossom and mountain vista, every smile from a stranger, hug from a loved one, or song from a bird reflects the greatness of His creation. You and I are part of that exquisite work—created intentionally and beautifully for a purpose in this world. What we say and do, how we act and relate to one another, can be a reflection of His goodness. And we reflect His goodness best when we thank Him with all our hearts. Relate to the Lord // Notice the goodness of the Lord in the beauty of creation today.  

August 25, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Louis of France // Optional Memorial of Saint Joseph Calasanz, priest Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10 Reflect on the Word // My parents didn’t talk about God much while I was growing up. We said our prayers at night and before dinner, went to our neighborhood Protestant church each Sunday, and participated in the life of our congregation. Serving was simply expected, so Sundays were often much longer than just the one-hour service. I grew up exploring the old mission-style building that housed our Sunday school and fellowship hall, searching for secret passages and playing hide-and-seek. We baked cookies for the fellowship hour, and my parents volunteered in the choir, nursery, stewardship committee, and diaconate. My dad played racquetball with the pastor, and the congregation watched me grow up—even hosting a wedding shower for me. The church was truly an extension of our family. Saint Paul wrote in today’s First Reading, “Our Gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). The Gospel was lived out on those church grounds as we developed a heart for service by witnessing the faithful service of my parents. It was also lived out in our home, where my parents prayed quietly and lived their faith with humble conviction. Their faith, commitment to the Lord, and deep love for one another were evident to all—both within our little nuclear family and beyond. Now, in the twilight of her life, my mother often reflects on their legacy of faith, which has been passed down through the generations. Her reflection causes me to pause and ask: What will my legacy of faith be? As a writer and speaker, my proclamation of the Good News often comes through words—but if not empowered by the Holy Spirit, they are just that: words. Some of us find it easy to speak about the Lord and our faith, while others live it quietly, through consistent action and love. But all of us are invited to serve the living and true God each day in our own way, persevering and united in prayer. And the legacy we leave will be found in the hearts of those who witnessed our lives.  Relate to the Lord // Reflect with the Lord on what you want your legacy of faith to look like.  

July 25, 2025 // Feast of Saint James, Apostle Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28 Reflect on the Word //  I am a Mama Bear. I admit it. There have been numerous occasions when I have had to stand up for my kids to advocate on their behalf. However, there have also been times when my children have pleaded with me, “Please, Mom! Don’t get involved.” It is heartbreaking to watch your child stumble and even fail when you know that you could have helped. In the last few years, I have been discovering that there is a balance, which I haven’t yet mastered, of leading, guiding, facilitating, and encouraging, without taking over completely.  In the spiritual life, I also wish I could fix everything for them. If I could only wipe away every  little vice or imperfection that is keeping my child or children from growing closer to the Lord! And yet, I have my own imperfections that I can be so ignorant of when they are glaring me in the face.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the mother of James and John, “What do you wish?” This mother of Saints desires not just that they enter the Kingdom, but asks the Lord when He prompts her to share her wish with Him: “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom” (Matthew 20:21).  In this mother, I see another Mama Bear, desiring greatness for her sons. Had I been in the same circumstance, would I have asked the same thing? Or would I have simply been content to be in the presence of our Lord? Would I be focused on fixing things for others in the future, or would I have invited the Lord into a conversation that led to a deeper conversion within me? In the end, the Lord’s plans were greater for her sons than she could have possibly imagined.  Jesus asks us the same question that He asked the mother of James and John: “What do you wish?” And I ask that same question. While I can’t control much, I know that holiness is the only answer in my heart.  Relate to the Lord // Hear the Lord asking you today, “What do you wish?” How do you answer Him?

May 12, 2025 // Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter // Optional Memorial of Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs; Optional Memorial of Saint Pancras, Martyr Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Acts 11:1-18 Reflect on the Word //  The women’s faces looked at me with a mixture of expressions. The large hall allowed for them to sit at the big round tables together with their chairs all turned toward the podium. Half-drunk coffees and crumbs from breakfast lay forgotten when the women traded their napkins for ink pens poised to take notes. Their expressions were peaceful, thoughtful, or even anticipating. Taking a deep breath, I began to apply the concept I was explaining by sharing a story with an all-too-familiar opening: “So, the other day, I was talking with the Lord . . .” When Peter is confronted in the First Reading, he responds with confidence and tells his story explaining it to them step by step, starting with, “I was at prayer. . .” (Acts 11:4-5). What follows is a beautiful application of his prayer and confirmation that he was indeed on the right path. One can hear the excitement in Peter’s voice come through in his words, and feel the conversion of hearts in the listeners who give praise to God. A confrontation became an opportunity to come together and learn from Peter, to see how he was making his decisions and following the direction of the Lord.  Like Peter, we all have a story to share. Our stories are evolving and unfolding each moment and sometimes we aren't even aware. If we can just pause each day and take a moment to see the story of the Lord unfolding in our midst, we are able to come to a clearer understanding of it all. And that starts with prayer. That must be the beginning of each of our many stories.  Dear sister, every time we are confronted, we, too, have the opportunity to convert hearts to the truth through our stories. The First Reading today gives us a beautiful template for doing so. We answer the accusation step by step, proclaiming truth and giving evidence of a good and loving God. We share our excitement in His direction with honesty, trusting that He will convict them of the truth if we simply share our story step by step.  Relate to the Lord // What story would you tell starting with this prompt: “So, the other day, I was talking with the Lord . . .”? Tell a friend today.  

April 9, 2025 // Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 Reflect on the Word //  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The first I remember hearing of their story was at church camp as a youth. We sang a song about them, sitting around the campfire in the cool summer air, and as the fire transfixed us, we would almost make out their shapes in our imagination. They were a sort of spiritual superheroes calling us to a wild trust.  They survived a fire so hot that it melted the people who threw them into the flames. But their confidence in the Lord and trust in His eternal plan burned brighter.  "There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter,” they spoke to the king (Daniel 3:16).  Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we have no need to defend ourselves when we are doing the will of God, and yet I defend myself constantly. I take offense when no offense is intended, and snap back my retort almost automatically when I feel attacked. These three men were threatened. It wasn’t a threat to their pride or image—it was a threat to their life. With a choice to protect your earthly life or to protect your eternal life, which would you choose? I would love to say that I would respond that there is no need for me to defend myself, but I know that when left to my own devices, I would.  Because that is what I do every day. It is one of my imperfections. And I am fairly certain I am not alone.  We prefer to defend ourselves and our earthly pride rather than growing in humility and accepting the offense or letting go of the insult. Rather than growing in humility and holiness trusting that God has allowed the circumstance for some reason, we retaliate and fight. Oh, what a better path to turn directly to the Lord in these times, with the confidence that He can save us, if we only continue to be obedient to His commands.  Relate to the Lord // Pray for humility today. :)  

March 4, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Casimir Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 10:28-31 Reflect on the Word //  I was the first on both sides of the family to have children, which made it exciting for everyone. Everything my son did was new and thrilling, especially for the extended family, as he represented the start of a whole new generation. One day, when he was just a toddler, his aunt watched him share his treats with all the adoring adults. Before long, he had given them all away. Unfazed, he simply turned and moved on to play. He was willing to share something precious, giving it all away, holding nothing back for himself. His aunt marveled, saying, “He has no notion of scarcity.” I responded that he knew his needs would be met, so he didn’t feel the need to hold anything back. Sometimes, I know that instead of giving everything away in trust, I operate with a scarcity mentality, clinging to what I can while surrendering what I must. I like to keep a few things in reserve—just in case. It’s a way of maintaining a little control: I surrender to You, Lord—oh, but not that. That I can manage. Too often, I wait until I have no other option before I finally give something over to the Lord. Scripture tells us that when we give “for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel” (Mark 10:29), it will be repaid a hundredfold. The real question that keeps me in contemplation is this—where is my heart in the surrender? Am I truly giving up, or am I offering it to the Lord for His sake and the sake of the Gospel? When we hold back, we reveal our weakness in trust. It is trust that allows us to give completely, holding nothing back. How much more beautiful it would be to wake each day, not knowing what it will bring, and to surrender it all in blissful ignorance, trusting in the Lord. What a gift it is to love and trust like a child, fully relying on our Father, knowing that our needs will be met. Relate to the Lord // Where are you operating in a scarcity mindset? Ask the Lord to show you His provision.

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 1:14-20 Reflect on the Word //  One of my daughters absolutely delights in creative questions. One of her favorite questions relates to superpowers and which superpower we want to have. She always gives the same answer, but each time she asks me I try to throw her a new superpower as my response. Another great question in this game of inquiry could be, “What do you leave behind to follow the Lord?” I can picture myself standing at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, the small black pebbles under my feet as the cool water shifts them with each little wave. The disciples left their nets, there on the banks of the sea, and followed the Lord (see Mark 1:20). They just left them and followed Jesus. What do I need to leave behind? Facing that water, before I turn and walk towards the Lord, what am I holding on to? What am I clutching? My dreams, my plans, my desires. Can I just leave them next to the disciples’ nets and follow Jesus? Can I take some with me just in case? In case of what? In case I don't like the dreams, plans, or desires the Lord has for me. The Lord’s plans are superior to my own, and yet knowing this intellectually isn’t sufficient for me to let go of my own.  What is in your hands?  Dear sister, letting go of those nets that hold us back from living fully with the Lord—dreams,  control, pride, or whatever else you have in your hands—takes great trust. Do you trust the Lord enough to let go of whatever is keeping you at that shoreline, and turn to follow Jesus? Surrendering everything to Jesus is the only way to walk along the path with Him.  Relate to the Lord // What is in your hands that needs surrendering? Tell Jesus now.