Saturday, January 25, 2025 Happy Saturday, friend! We are so excited to share with you what's coming up this week as we all prepare our hearts by praying with readings for Sunday, the day of rest with our Lord. Live Liturgically // This Week’s Feast Days Saturday, January 25  (today!)// Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle Sunday, January 26  // Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday, January 27  // Optional Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin Tuesday, January 28  //Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church Friday, January 31, 2025  // Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest Letter from the Editor //  Dear Sister,  In the Gospel for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Saint Luke tells us that he “decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you” (Luke 1:3). He acknowledges that others who were eyewitnesses, have already done so, but he felt called to share his perspective, to speak to people and share their part in the narrative, and to give us stories such as the nativity of Saint John the Baptist and the Annunciation. He saw that, following in the footsteps of Jesus, he was anointed to bring “glad tidings” (Luke 4:18). Luke’s traveling companion, Saint Paul, tells us in the Second Reading that each and every one of us is “necessary” to the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:22). Like Saint Luke, our telling of Christ’s story and our experience of Him in our own lives is important. At our Baptism, we were given the gift of prophecy to proclaim the truth of God’s love, and we were sent out like the apostles at our Confirmation. Our smallest acts of love can become mighty deeds that bring about the Lord’s healing in hearts that are wounded. Our tongues can interpret God’s message in a way no one else can proclaim it (see 1 Corinthians 12:28-30). Like the people returned from exile in First Reading from Nehemiah, there are people who have not heard the good news of God’s love, and the day you speak it to them will be “holy to our LORD” (Nehemiah 8:10). And as we do so, may the words of our mouths and the thoughts of our hearts find favor before the Lord (see Psalm 19:15). I am praying you know His love for you, dear sister. With You In Christ’s Body, Susanna Read the Readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time:  First Reading // Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm // Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15 Second Reading // 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Gospel // Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Prayer Practice // Ask the Lord to show you where He is calling you to speak the Gospel to others this week, both through your loving actions and charitable words.

January 24, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 3:13-19 Reflect on the Word//  “I’ll be happy if I’m just a companion.” A friend was relaying a conversation she’d had with her dad about sainthood. They were chatting about questions like “If you become a Saint, what will you be patron of?” and “What do you hope your story of sanctity entails?” when he pointed to the companions of the canonized Saints. I don’t remember which Saint specifically he was referring to, but that sort of illustrates the point, because he was articulating that, so long as he was in Heaven, it didn’t matter if people remembered his name. Unnamed companions are celebrating with Jesus just as much as Saints with churches named for them, as are all of the holy men and women we may never know the names of until we (hopefully) arrive ourselves. “Jesus went up to the mountain and summoned those whom He wanted and they came to Him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles” (Mark 3:13-14). Scripture says that He appointed Twelve, but leaves open the possibility that there were other disciples “whom he wanted” up on the mountain as well.  And perhaps it’s my own wounds of feeling unchosen and unworthy, but that thought stirs other questions in my heart.  Does the selection of the Twelve for their particular mission make the others gathered any less valuable in His eyes? Does not being selected for that job opening, ending the relationship that would surely lead to marriage, or accidentally being forgotten when playdate schedules were made indicate anything about the love God has for me or the plans He has in store?  And as I find myself getting swept up in that spiral of questions, memories, and woundedness, a calm presence places a hand on my shoulder and stills the chaos.  Of course not, dear heart. Another person’s success, mission, vocation, anything, does not affect our value as beloved daughters of God. May we focus our sights on joining Jesus in Heaven, whether as a named Saint, a companion, or an unnamed disciple whom He wants dearly. Relate to the Lord // Share your desire to be chosen with the Lord in prayer today.

January 23, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Vincent, Deacon and Martyr (in USA); Optional Memorial of Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin (in USA) Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 7:3-12 Reflect on the Word //  My mom sat in her chair in the big theater hall in New York City, filled with thousands of people gathered to know Jesus better and to worship Him. As they began to pray, our Eucharistic Lord was brought out to a makeshift altar at the center of the hall and from there, a priest began to process the monstrance throughout the aisles. People stretched out their arms and tried to touch the monstrance where our Lord was held or the humeral veil that encompassed the priest’s hands as he held it.  During the time of the Eucharistic Procession, when our Lord passed by close to my mother, a woman who had previously been wheelchair bound, stood up and began to walk, praising the Lord for His miracle. My mother was stunned. She was never the same after that day when she witnessed the power of God in such a massive way and in such close proximity. When I remember my mom’s enthusiasm after this event,  I can understand better the large crowds that followed and gathered around our Lord. He had “cured many” (Mark 3:10), and perhaps many of those now pressing in on Jesus had been witnesses of those miracles or maybe they only heard about it through word of mouth. However, what is clear is that Jesus was the source of the crowds’ amazement and desire. The sick dared to press forward against the strong barricade of bodies in order to just touch Jesus—only a touch. Maybe even a glance from Him would be enough.  Is He enough for me? To touch Him, to extend my hand and run my fingers on the edges of His garment, would that be enough to heal me? To cleanse me? To change me? Yes. As I long and stretch out my hands to touch the Holy One, He comes to me. He stretches out His hand and heals me, tends to my wounds, and delivers me from all that has me bound. Another miracle. Another reason to follow Him, to tell others about Him, to bring Him praise. May we let Him astound us! Relate to the Lord // What miracles have you witnessed? What miracle do you need? Ask Jesus.

January 22, 2025 // Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (in USA) Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 3:1-6 Reflect on the Word //  Jesus, why did You come to the synagogue that day? You knew who would be there, what would happen. So many other times, You told those who followed You not to share Your true identity, not to tell of what they saw. At this moment, You took the stage. “They watched Jesus closely” (Mark 3:2). You knew they were watching Your every move. Sometimes I feel like everyone is watching me. The older I get, the more children and godchildren and friends I accumulate, the more I feel responsibility for my actions. I’m living my life as a Christian in an overwhelmingly secular world. Those who don’t follow Christ will look to me to see how Christians behave. The next generation looks to me to see how they should behave.  Jesus didn’t shy away from the pressure, the attention, the constant surveillance. He gave the Pharisees what they wanted. There is “a time to be silent, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). There is a time to blend in with the crowd or even to disappear, and a time to let our light shine brightly. Sometimes when we speak the truth in love, or when we choose to live our values to the fullest, those around us will turn their backs in disgust or outright malice. Sometimes our healing and joy, our message of hope and our abandonment to God’s will makes enemies of those who should love us. We are not alone in this. Jesus boldly went first and asks us to follow. He knew—because He was perfectly united to and listened to the Father—exactly what was required of Him to accomplish His work for the Kingdom. If we take time to pray with the Word and to listen, we will also know what part we are to play. And we need not be afraid because “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Relate to the Lord // On this Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, offer some prayer or penance for the precious intention.

January 21, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Hebrews 6:10-20  Reflect on the Word// “Can I pick you up a coffee on my way back from the bank?”  It was Friday, and my boss was being uncharacteristically amiable. After a week filled with angry emails and explosive outbursts, my heart stayed guarded to this kindness as I politely refused her offer. Even when she suggested tea instead (I’m not much of a coffee drinker), my no obstinately endured.  But as she turned to leave, I remembered how I had been praying for this woman’s brokenness and I heard Jesus whisper to my heart, I want to love you through her today. Let Me.  It was as if our Lord sought to offer me a small perk of grace and encouragement in the midst of what had become a rigorous and nerve-wracking sprint with no end in sight. Truth be told, I was losing momentum, or as the Letter to the Hebrews so aptly puts it, becoming “sluggish” (Hebrews 6:12).  The author of the Letter to the Hebrews, exhorts them (and us) to “demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end,” and to be “imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises” (Hebrews 6:11-12).   No doubt it can be grueling to live out the first part of this challenge, especially when we don’t have the strength or desire to stay eager through the trying circumstances in which we often find ourselves. But God always sees our work and “the love [we] have demonstrated for his name” (Hebrews 6:10).  When we are tempted to throw in the towel, He anchors us in the promises of His Son, Who bore the excruciating sufferings of the Cross in order to show us there is nothing we won’t face that He didn't face first. He paved the way for a Resurrection promise so that we might “hold fast to the hope that lies before us” (Hebrews 6:18).   Sister, it is in this hope that we can find renewed strength to keep going. But it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of caffeine along the way.       Relate to the Lord // How has grace been given to you lately? How can you extend grace to another today?

January 20, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr; Optional Memorial of Saint Sebastian, Martyr Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 2:18-22 Reflect on the Word//  Fairly set in my ways, I knew shifting to a new morning routine wouldn’t necessarily be easy. But I was willing to try. After all, a baby needs an adaptable mom. It became clear my morning routine of slow sips of coffee and a leisurely wake up wasn’t viable anymore. There was now a new baby, with lots of needs, first thing in the morning. She was new, and in some ways, so was I. And my old ways couldn’t fit into the newness of it all. I needed to make some room in my routines, or even build new ones all together, and not just try to squeeze old things into this new life as a new mom.  The usual ways, the familiar routines, the old wine is comfortable and what we’re used to, so making those changes isn’t always easy. New wine may taste different. New routines might require new methods. And why do something new when old is usual and expected, familiar and practiced? But the new wine and the old wineskins aren’t compatible, for the fermentation process would burst the old leather. The old wineskins are already stretched to their limit. They’ve held wine before, so the new wine, freshly fermented, would burst the seams because of the expanding gasses in this new wine. The new demands of wholehearted faith, and the new invitations to be with Jesus, require a flexibility and openness to what more the Lord has to offer.  When Jesus reminded His listeners (who surely knew already) that the new wine can’t go into the old wineskins (see Mark 2:22), it wasn’t because He was being legalistic or meticulous about a beverage. He was challenging us to consider that we might need to embrace Him in new ways, not just trying to shove Jesus into old routines or rhythms in our life. He calls each of us to continually open our hearts to receive something new from Him. Jesus isn’t an afterthought to be in the leftover parts of our heart. Jesus is the new wine, the Bridegroom, for Whom space must be made, and newness in our own life embraced. He wants to make our hearts new every single day. Relate to the Lord // What “old ways” do you need to let go of to make room for Jesus? 

January 19, 2025 // Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Dear Sister, I remember the first time I realized I was a new creation. I was sixteen years old at a conference and was invited by a presiding priest to call to mind my sins that had a suffocating grip over my life. Lying, drinking, fornicating, masturbation, gossip, and more came flooding to my mind in an instant. I was overwhelmed by the amount of sin brought in front of my mind.  The priest invited us to imagine where Jesus was in all of these instances. Quickly my memory discovered where He was—next to me as I lied to my parents, sitting with me as I cried on the bathroom floor out of guilt for my alcohol and drug consumption, within earshot as I gossiped about a friend, waiting for me with His hand outstretched as I chose another over Him. I cried mounds and mounds of tears as these memories flooded back into my mind; my breath caught in my chest as I saw Jesus in every single picture.  You were always there. Every tear that rolled down my cheeks was a tear for every sin I had committed for years and years and years, knowingly entering into these transgressions and never stopping to realize how much they hurt me, my relationships, and most importantly, my union with Christ. I went to Confession to tell the Lord of my sorrow and repentance and to receive His forgiveness. And I walked out a new creation. I was no longer a girl with great sin on her shoulders; I was a girl washed by the blood of Jesus. I’m so grateful that the sin in my life then and now is not what defines me. I’m so grateful that what I’ve done (or not done) and how I’ve hurt myself or others has been washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ. And the same is true for you, Sister.  We are made new by Jesus Christ’s saving power on the Cross, and we get to enter into that tangible truth every single time we receive His sacramental grace. God rejoices in you and in me. He is our Bridegroom, waiting like a patient Lover for us to put Him first, for us to love Him first, for us to look to Him first.  He was always there, and He always will be. Love, Jenna

Happy Saturday, friend! We are so excited to share with you what's coming up this week as we all prepare our hearts by praying with readings for Sunday, the day of rest with our Lord. Live Liturgically // This Week’s Feast Days Sunday, January 19  // Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday, January 20 // Optional Memorial of Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr; Optional Memorial of Saint Sebastian, Martyr Tuesday, January 21, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr Wednesday, January 22 // Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (in USA) Thursday, January 23 // Optional Memorial of Saint Vincent, Deacon and Martyr (in USA); Optional Memorial of Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin (in USA) Friday, January 24 // Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Saturday, January 25 // Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle Letter from the Editor //  Dear Sister,  This year the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time tells of the third of the traditional mysteries of the Epiphany, where Jesus as Messiah was manifested and “revealed his glory” (John 2:11). These mysteries are the visit of the magi, the baptism of Jesus by Saint John, and the miracle at the wedding at Cana. We can interpret the water turned to wine at the wedding at Cana as an affirmation of the goodness of the Sacrament of Matrimony, that grace can transform a man and woman into saints through their gifts of self to each other. Saint Paul reminds us that each person within the Church is called to “different forms of service but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:5). Whatever vocation we are called to, we can be confident that the Lord will give us the spiritual gifts we need to live out our call and join Him in Heaven. The prophet Isaiah offers us a deeper understanding of marriage, showing us that our human marriages are an image of a more perfect union for which we are destined: that of God with our individual souls. The Lord “delights in you” and “your Builder shall marry you”(Isaiah 62:4-5)—He wants to be closer to you than anyone. And “as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you” (Isaiah 62:5). This union with God is “the good wine” (John 2:10) the Lord saved for last in His plan of salvation, which we are called to announce “day after day” as we “sing to the LORD” and “bless his name” (Psalm 96:2). I am praying for you this week, dear sister.In the Bridegroom’s Love, Susanna Read the Readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time:  First Reading // Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm // Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10 Second Reading // 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Gospel // John 2:1-11 Prayer Practice // Meditate on Jesus’ love for you as Bridegroom this Sunday as you receive Holy Communion.

January 17, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Anthony, abbot Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 2:1-12 Reflect on the Word// “Do you know this airport well?” The timid question came from the friendly face next to mine, mere inches away as we braced against the jostling of the overcrowded train. She glanced quizzically at a terminal map on her phone screen. I smiled and nodded: “I’m from here.” Relief shone in her eyes. “How do I get to West Baggage Claim?”  I didn’t love crowds, and we were packed in like sardines. Normally I would hang back and let the sea of bodies surge again when it was time to disembark to avoid the even more frenzied chokepoint at the escalators. Today, however, I had a mission. I offered to lead the way, directing my new friend to “stay close” as we pressed through the crowd. At the top of the escalators I pointed her toward her destination and she expressed her immense gratitude. Though the crowds were overbearing, my heart that day was light and free.  It’s striking to imagine how engaging and charismatic Jesus must have been to attract such a crowd Himself—people voluntarily pressed against each other merely to hear His words (see Mark 2:2). They were packed in so tightly that it was easier for the paralytic’s friends to break through the roof than through a wall of people. Yet where others would simply give up and turn away, these friends were wholly undeterred. They allowed nothing to discourage them from getting to Jesus—for love of their friend and propelled by unquestioning faith in Him.  How often do we give up on prayer or turn back from pursuing Jesus at the slightest hint of resistance? How much are we willing to fight through discomfort and persevere to reach Him? It’s tempting to believe the lies that prioritizing time with Jesus might be selfish, take away from others, or even take away from those who need you. Yet it’s the opposite. Unapologetically making time for Jesus benefits everyone in your life because of what He can then do through you. And sometimes, when the resistance seems most overwhelming, the greatest breakthroughs and miracles await on the other side.  Relate to the Lord // Make time for Jesus today by staying a few extra minutes in prayer right now. 

January 16, 2024 // Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 1:40-45 Reflect on the Word// “Really? I can choose not to tell anyone else that I did this?” My spiritual director, a priest, knew me well and had discerned that my talking more about what I had just confessed would be self-sabotage, a way of not owning my rightful place as a beloved daughter of God. I’d just received the healing words of absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and was filled with joy at God’s forgiveness. I found ways to share my healing without returning to a place of shame and self-condemnation. We might find it strange that Jesus admonishes the newly healed leper sternly and sends him on his way with the warning not to tell, but to go and show himself to the priest (see Mark 1:41). Jesus knew how the leper’s telling might distract him from going to the priest and being rightly restored to his community through the offerings prescribed by Jewish law.  If he was not rightly restored, he would not be allowed to return to the synagogue to worship God. The Scriptures do not say whether the cleansed leper obeyed the second part of Jesus’ admonition, but they do tell us that because the leper told everyone,  Jesus was forced to move to the outskirts instead of traveling freely in the town as He had planned (see Mark 1:45). Did some people miss out on a healing they would have received if the leper had listened and kept quiet?  Sister, God desires for us to listen to His voice. Like the leper, we may never know the full consequences of our choices, but anything short of listening obedience puts us at risk for hardness of heart and missing out on the solace to be found only in Him. The more we listen and are quick to obey what we hear Him ask of us, the more we will find the rest in Him for which our hearts ache. Relate to the Lord // What is Jesus asking of you today? How will you obey?

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

January 14, 2025 // Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 1:21-28 Reflect on the Word//  I can still feel the breeze as it washed over me, coming off the Sea of Galilee. It was a spectacular, vivid day. The sun was brilliant and the sky blue. The water was troubled by wind enough to scatter white caps across the top and the waves pounded the rocky shore with a great, reassuring rhythm, its holy song of praise to the Creator. Capernaum. I was in Capernaum, sitting at the shore of Lake Gennesaret, that same sea upon which You walked, O Lord. I remember the smell of the sea, the ancient holy stones that remained where the synagogue once stood, knowing that You, Lord, had been in this very place. Did the sea reassure You, Lord, as it was reassuring me in that moment? Did You sit somewhere near here and admire Your Father’s creation as I did? And Peter’s house sat just behind me, so close to the sea. Of course, his home would be on the water, he was a fisherman after all. There You touched his mother and brought her back to fullness of health. Here, too, in Capernaum, that sniveling demon who had taken up residence in the soul of one of Your children, cried out at your approach, “Have you come to destroy me? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24) How he must have trembled in terror as You rebuked him and cast him out as so much flint. Lord, I know You too! I tremble at Your presence, too, not in fear but in awe—for Your glory is unspeakable and Your mercy without end. I know You, Lord. I know I am not worthy to approach You, yet You come to meet me, not to destroy me but to free me. I know You. You are justice and generosity and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Oh Jesus, when we are tempted to forget Who You are, break through to us with the truth. You are Friend, Teacher, Healer, and Lord. And every bit as alive and mighty as that olden day in Capernaum. Relate to the Lord // Think back on a time when you personally encountered Jesus. Allow grace and gratitude to wash over you. 

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.

Dear Sister, I hung up the phone and looked up at the sky.  Lord, help me, I interiorly said in my heart. I’m so sad. I don’t know what to do. I want to fix this and I don’t know how.  We can oftentimes articulate prayers with lofty words, saying them as if we’re far away from the One we’re speaking to. And yes, of course, God is on His throne in Heaven, and we haven’t yet entered into the eternal glory of His presence. But the God of the Universe entered into our human existence. He put on flesh. He understands humanity, not even just through creating us, but by becoming one of us. And through doing so, He opened the gates of Heaven for us. If you have ever had a moment where you don’t know what to say to the Creator and Author of all, I’ll offer you my favorite prayer: Jesus, help. Tell Him everything. You don’t have to say it eloquently with beautiful words. You just have to offer one thing: honesty. He wants your honesty. He wants your heart. He wants you. Today, give Him just that. Give Him your heart, your attention, your cries. He can handle it all. He made you, and He knows you better than you’ll ever know yourself.  Heaven is open. And it’s waiting for you. Love, Jenna  P.S. Our Lent Devotional, Under the Olive Tree, is available now for you. It is a beautiful invitation to sit with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane at the olive tree with Jesus, to hear His prayer, to lean on His Heart, and to console Him throughout this Lenten season.

Happy Saturday, friend! We are so excited to share with you what's coming up this week as we all prepare our hearts by praying with readings for Sunday, the day of rest with our Lord. Live Liturgically // This Week’s Feast Days Sunday, January 12  // Feast of The Baptism of the Lord Monday, January 13 // Optional Memorial of Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Monday of the First Week of Ordinary Time) Friday, January 17 // Memorial of Saint Anthony, abbot Letter from the Editor //  Dear Sister,  The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is the last day of the Christmas season in the liturgical calendar. (Though we will celebrate one more Christmas-related feast on February 2 of the Presentation of the Lord.) The Gospel for tomorrow tells us of another manifestation or epiphany of Jesus as the Messiah, showing us that the reason for God becoming a Man was so that we could be united with Him. After Jesus has been baptized by His cousin John, the Holy Spirit is seen in the form of a dove, and the Father speaks over Him, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). At our own sacramental Baptism—which is the one John promised Jesus would give us—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are also present, we become daughters of God, and He is well pleased to make His home within our souls. With the Psalmist, as children of God, we can “give to the LORD glory and praise” and enthrone Him “as king forever” in our hearts (Psalm 29:1, 10). For the Lord has fulfilled His promise yet again,  grasping us by the hand, forming us, and freeing us from the “confinement” of Original Sin (see Isaiah 42:6-7). And now through the help of grace, we can become one with His “chosen one,” receive the Holy Spirit and learn to be pleasing to the Lord (see Isaiah 42:1). Saint Peter proclaims that “whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:25). We can do this by listening for His majestic voice in our hearts, affirming our chosenness and guiding us on our way. I am praying for you this week, dear sister.In the Love of the Father, Susanna Read the Readings for the Baptism of the Lord:  First Reading // Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Psalm // Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 Second Reading // Acts 10:34-38 Gospel // Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 Prayer Practice // Sprinkle some Holy Water around your house today and recall the gift of your adoption as a daughter of God.

January 10, 2025 // Friday after Epiphany Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 5:12-16. Reflect on the Word //  I looked out the window, watching raindrops chase each other down the glass. Observing the Irish countryside, I pondered how the skies could be so gray, while the ground vibrantly wore a lush green color. In looking at my own heart, it made total sense.  I had spent the past year juggling both grief and hope. On one hand, I had a devastating recent family loss and an overwhelming, anxious transition out of college. On the other, I had new friendships growing, opportunities to travel, and a deeper prayer life than I ever had before. Every single day was filled with such a mix of both “gray” and “green.” It was those very clouds of my sadness and anxiety that the Lord was using most to grow new things, to love me, and to connect with me. As I shared honestly with Him how hard life felt to me, I was met with His companionship, His healing, and His joy. It didn’t ever change my circumstances, but time spent with Him in the “gray” always changed me into someone greener, more hopeful, and more at peace. In moments of suffering, our honesty is essential. We must extend our hearts to God, tender as we painfully ask why the Lord would allow such difficulty. Like the leper in Luke 5, we say boldly, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean” (Luke 5:12).  Maybe in your prayer, it sounds like, Lord, if You wish, You can heal this, or If You wish, You can ease my pain. And we ask in our hearts, quietly to ourselves, Does He? Does He wish to heal us? He does. He proves it with His presence. Without fail, the Lord extends His hand back to us. “I do will it. Be made clean,” He offers to us, just as He did in today’s Gospel (Luke 5:13). He may not heal us how and where we expect, but we can always trust Him at His word; He wills our good. May we remain open and eager to receive it from Him. Relate to the Lord // Share the “gray” and “green” parts of your heart with Jesus today in prayer. 

January 9, 2025 // Thursday after Epiphany Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 4:14-22 Reflect on the Word // I walked into the chapel that morning so drained physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I was trying so hard to give out of an empty cup this season. So, like the other mornings that week, I came in with heavy eyelids and a heart that just kept asking: How on on earth am I going to have the strength to give today? As our team prayed out loud that morning to care for the poor and weak around us, I heard the Lord say to me: You are the poor I am talking about.  In the midst of caring for the poor around me, I had lost sight that He wanted to come to my own poor heart as well. More than bringing the Gospel to students, leading Bible studies, making killer spreadsheets for the team, or leading incredible retreats, He wanted to bring me the Good News first. It is in this place and this place only that we can give to others. First, by receiving the Gospel in our own poverty, and then in great joy and fullness bringing the Good News to all others.  The glory of Jesus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy is in Him embracing that he has been anointed “to bring glad tidings to the poor” (Luke 4:18-20). His priority is to restore our places of poverty. He wants to bring each and every single one of us the joyful and rich Good News of the Gospel. What an unbelievable joy to know that we do not graduate from being poor, but to know that it is precisely in our poverty that Christ comes to bring His goodness, His strength, His anointing, and His love.  I have no doubt we will all be asked to bring the “glad tidings” of the Gospel to the poor in our vocations as spouses, mothers, daughters, sisters, teachers, leaders, or simply as good friends. But we cannot forget that we must first let the Lord bring the Good News to the poverty in our own hearts. This is His great joy and what He has been anointed from the beginning of time to do.  Relate to the Lord // Reread the Gospel today. What poverty in your heart do you need Jesus to touch?