The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Grace Hidden in June The Sacred Heart of Jesus is not just a beautiful devotion or a familiar image hanging on a wall. It is an invitation. In June especially, the Church places the Sacred Heart of Jesus before us with so much tenderness, almost as if to say, pay attention, there is grace here for you. Sometimes it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the practices, feasts, prayers, and traditions in the Church. But this is one of those moments where simplicity is best. Start here. Stay with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Ponder His love. Receive what He is offering. Why June matters The month of June has traditionally been dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. That matters more than we sometimes realize. God works in time. He meets us in seasons, feasts, solemnities, and rhythms. He uses the liturgical calendar not as a burden, but as a gift. There is something beautiful about realizing that the Church is already guiding us. We do not have to invent a spiritual life from scratch. We do not have to figure everything out by ourselves. The Church has already marked out these times of grace, and June is one of them. When the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus comes around, it is not random. It is a moment of abundance. A moment to be especially open. A moment to say yes to whatever Jesus wants to pour out. That is why prayers like a novena for the Sacred Heart can be so powerful. It is not about checking a box. It is about making ourselves receptive to the graces God clearly wants to give. A simple way to begin with the Sacred Heart of Jesus If you want one practical starting point, get an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Put one on your phone. Set one as your desktop wallpaper. Place one in your prayer corner. Hang one somewhere in your home where your eyes will land on it often. Then do something very simple. Spend five minutes looking at Him. Look at the heart He offers you. Notice that it is pierced. Notice that it is burning. Notice that He is not hiding His love or keeping it tucked away. He is showing it to you openly, intentionally, personally. So much is contained in this image: The wound, which reminds us that His love is costly and real. The fire, which speaks of divine love that is alive and active. The exposed heart, which reveals astonishing vulnerability. The offering, because He is not simply displaying His heart, He is giving it. Even this one practice can change the tone of prayer. It shifts devotion from vague ideas into a personal encounter. The gift of the Liturgical Calendar For many of us, the liturgical calendar is something we barely noticed for years. We believed in Jesus. We loved Him. We prayed in a straightforward and sincere way. But there was still so much more waiting to be received. That is the surprising thing. You can have a genuine faith and still discover that the Church is holding treasures you have not opened yet. Paying attention to feast days, daily Mass readings, saints, and monthly dedications can enrich faith in a profound way. Not because it makes life complicated, but because it gives shape and meaning to life with God. When we ignore these rhythms, it is easy to feel disconnected, scattered, or even spiritually orphaned. We can begin to feel as though we are wandering around trying to build a relationship with God on our own. But when we live in step with the Church, something changes. We remember that we belong. We remember that God is telling a bigger story. We begin to see that our life is not isolated, but woven into the life of heaven and the history of salvation. That is one reason devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus matters so much. It connects personal prayer to the life of the whole Church. It roots love in something ancient, living, and deeply communal. How the Church helps us hear God more clearly There are seasons in life when everything feels confusing. You pray, but feel listless. You want direction, but seem unable to find it. In those moments, it can help tremendously to simply notice what the Church is already saying. Notice the feast. Notice the saint of the day. Notice the month. Notice the readings. Notice the symbols and devotions the Church is placing before you. As you do, you begin to recognize that God is speaking all the time. Over time, a kind of shared language develops. Certain saints become familiar friends. Certain images begin to move your heart. Certain feasts come back around and meet you in exactly the place where you need grace. The spiritual life becomes more personal, not less. That is the beauty of living with the Church's calendar. It does not make faith colder or more mechanical. It makes it warmer, more intimate, and more rooted in reality. Look for the significant dates in your life One especially beautiful practice is to look up the important dates in your life and see what was happening in the liturgical calendar on those days. Start with dates like these: Your birthday Your baptism day Your First Communion Your Confirmation Your wedding day Days of major joy Days of grief or tragedy Then ask simple questions: What feast was the Church celebrating? Which saint was honored that day? Was there a Marian feast? What devotion or mystery was present? This can reveal so much. Sometimes you begin to see that certain saints have been quietly interceding for you all along. Sometimes a date of suffering suddenly appears in a different light because you discover who was with you in the Church's prayer that day. Sometimes joyful milestones take on even deeper meaning. Even details that seem random can become little signs of God's personal care. A year, a feast, a dedication, a hidden connection. Not every detail comes with an explanation, but many of them become reminders that your life is not accidental. God is present. He has been at work all along. The Sacred Heart of Jesus reveals how much He wants you One of the most powerful truths in devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is this: Jesus wants you more than you want Him. That can be hard to believe. Many people live with the quiet assumption that they are the one pursuing God while He remains somewhat distant. As if He will receive us if we come close enough, but He is not especially eager. As if intimacy with Him depends mostly on our striving. The Sacred Heart of Jesus completely overturns that idea. His heart is open. His heart is wounded. His heart is aflame. His heart is outside His body in so many sacred images, not concealed, but extended. It is as though He is saying, here is My love, here is My life, here is My very self, and I want you to receive it. That is not the posture of a distant Savior. That is the posture of Someone who longs for communion. Think of what an exposed heart means. It is tender. Sensitive. Vulnerable. Even physically, the image speaks loudly. A heart outside the body is utterly unguarded. And still Jesus offers it. He is not protecting Himself from us. He is giving Himself to us. His heart has always been open Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is often associated with later revelations in the life of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, and those revelations are a precious part of the Church's life. But the heart of Jesus was not opened for the first time in the seventeenth century. His heart has always been open. You can see it in the Gospel itself. You can see it in the pierced side of Christ. You can see it in the way He invited Thomas to come close to His wounds, not merely to inspect them, but to encounter mercy and believe. The invitation was never meant for one person alone. It is for all of us. Jesus does not recoil from our doubt, our hesitation, or our fear. He draws us near. The Sacred Heart of Jesus helps us understand that His love is not abstract. It is embodied, wounded, and offered. Why this devotion can feel so overwhelming in the best way There is something almost too intimate about the Sacred Heart of Jesus. That may be why this devotion moves people so deeply. To be shown someone's heart is already a vulnerable thing. To be shown the heart of Jesus is almost unbearable in its tenderness. It uncovers the lie that He is indifferent. It exposes the false belief that we are the only ones invested in the relationship. We are not the only ones reaching. He is reaching first. He desires union with us more than we can imagine. His love is not reluctant. It is not measured out sparingly. It is not available only after we prove ourselves. The Sacred Heart of Jesus shows us a love that overflows. Living as beloved children, not orphans There is a real difference between calling God Father and actually living like His beloved child. So often we carry ourselves like spiritual orphans. We feel alone, uncertain, and unclaimed. We believe in God's goodness, but we struggle to trust that it is personally directed toward us. This is where the Sacred Heart of Jesus becomes more than a devotion. It becomes a place of identity. In His heart, we learn who we are. We learn that we are wanted. We learn that we belong. We learn that His love is not theoretical, but directed toward our actual lives, histories, wounds, and hopes. The heart of Jesus is where belovedness becomes concrete. What to do this month If June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, then it helps to respond in a simple, intentional way. You do not need a complicated plan. You just need a willing heart. Try one or two of these practices Place an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home or prayer space. Use a Sacred Heart wallpaper on your phone or computer. Spend five quiet minutes each day looking at the image and speaking to Jesus honestly. Pray a novena to the Sacred Heart during this month. Look up the significant dates in your life and see how the Church's calendar intersects with your story. Ask Jesus to show you one lie you believe about His love, then ask Him for the truth. The goal is not to do everything. The goal is to receive. Ponder His heart Find an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that speaks to you and stay there for a while. Notice the pierced hand pointing toward the heart. Notice the rays. Notice the fire. Notice the wound. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what you are seeing. Do not rush past the mystery. Let yourself be surprised by it. Jesus is not just asking you to admire His heart. He is inviting you into it. That invitation has been there all along. The Church, in her wisdom, simply helps us notice it more clearly in June. And once you begin to notice, you may find that your whole life starts to look different. More connected. More purposeful. More loved. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is open to you. Receive what He is giving.

Welcome to a Season of Space Advent invites a strange and holy tension: we live in the now and the not yet. There is longing and preparation, waiting and hope. This year the invitation is simple and radical — make room for the One who wants to fill every hollow of our hearts. Why Make Space? When God gives a gift in Advent, sometimes it looks like an empty box. That emptiness is not absence but capacity — space to receive. If our lives are already full of noise, shopping lists, and to-do items, we miss the quiet in which God meets us. “What he's given us is space. It's capacity to be able to receive him.” Protecting that space means we can actually be filled — not with more tasks, but with the presence of God. The practice of making room is not about a minimalist aesthetic. It is about receiving spiritual nourishment: the Eucharist, contemplative prayer, and quiet attention. Practical Ways to Make Room This Advent Here are practical, gentle ways to create margins for prayer without turning your whole life upside down. Read the introduction first. The Advent devotional In Time (Living in the Now and Not Yet) opens with a powerful invitation. Reading the introduction before the season helps shape your attention.  Invite one friend. Personal invitations change everything. Asking someone to do a devotional with you makes them feel seen, and it anchors your own commitment. Protect a prayer space. Carve out a chair, a corner, or a bedside table where you consistently meet God. Small rituals — a candle, an image, holy water — help your body remember what your heart already knows.  Try daily mass. Even one extra week of Eucharistic presence can re-orient your life. The Eucharist is a meal; God sets a table daily for His children. If logistics feel impossible, start small and be resolutely determined. Use worshipful music to re-center. When you struggle to begin prayer, play contemplative worship or instrumental tracks that point your attention toward God rather than yourself. Set an alarm or rearrange your schedule. Small structural choices — an alarm, waking earlier, or shifting a routine — make space for consistent union with God. On Hardness and Growth Making room is often hard. Family dynamics, work, and fatigue make silence feel impossible. Yet hardness is not the same as wrong. Resistance trains and strengthens us. The spiritual life includes real discipline — but the discipline is always ordered to intimacy. “Just because it's hard doesn't mean that it's wrong.” When you intentionally step into the hard places of prayer, you discover that the deepest consolation often arrives in the middle of that struggle. The Eucharist, daily prayer, and repeated small acts of obedience form a pattern of receiving that becomes sweeter and more necessary over time. Look at Jesus The most practical spiritual direction is also the simplest: look at Jesus. When distraction and self-absorption threaten your time of prayer, return to His face. Use an image, a gospel passage, or even an imaginative scene where you meet Him. The saints across centuries have taught that gazing upon the Holy Face dissolves everything else. “Everything disappears when you're just looking at his face.” Gather, Grow, Go — A New Rhythm for the Member Community For 2026 a simple rhythm can help sustain your spiritual life beyond the season: Gather, Grow, Go. Gather — Meet in the BIS Member Community to pray and encourage one another. Grow — Study together (Lent, a summer mentorship, and Advent studies are natural anchors). Go — Take the insight and practices you receive and live them out in your local community. This rhythm encourages intentional pause between seasons: we intentionally practice together, then step out to share and embody what we received. Advent Resources and Invitations The Advent devotional In Time is a companion for this work of waiting and making space. If you need a starting point, the introduction contains an image and invitation that will shape your approach to the whole season. For men in your life, consider grabbing Feast — doing devotionals together builds bonds and shifts household rhythms. Final Encouragement This Advent is an invitation to be resolutely determined in small things: show up for prayer, open the empty box of space in your heart, and let God fill it. The point is not to add another item to your checklist but to create room for the greatest gift — God Himself. Begin with one small step today: tidy a corner, set an alarm, invite a friend, or simply place a crucifix where you will see it. Keep returning to His face. He is waiting to dine with you. Short Prayer Lord, help us make room this Advent. Give us courage to protect silence, grace to return when distracted, and joy to receive you when you come. Fill the empty spaces with your presence. Amen. For those preparing, consider reading the introduction to your Advent devotional and planning one concrete change that will help you keep that space all season long.

What if the very places you feel weakest are where God wants to reveal His greatest glory? That’s the invitation at the heart of John 9 and the driving question in our reflection for this week. In a short Bible study I did with my friend Beth, we sat with the story of the man born blind and found ourselves returning again and again to one truth: God doesn’t just tolerate our weakness — He chooses to work through it. In the most tender and surprising ways, the spots we try hardest to hide are often the exact places God wants to make something new. John 9 in a sentence In John 9 Jesus heals a man who was born blind, and the text makes it clear that the miracle is not about punishment or guilt but about revelation: "This man was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him." That line stopped us. Isn’t it tempting to think our struggles are mistakes, evidence of failure, or something to be fixed quickly and quietly? But this verse flips that script: the man’s blindness was the very place where God chose to display His power and mercy. That’s the kind of paradox that doesn’t fit human logic but fits the logic of the kingdom. The paradox of weakness: smallness that magnifies God We live in a culture that applauds competence, control, and polished appearances. In the spiritual life, we can easily carry the same checklist: be better, stop failing, get holy, clean up your life. And when that doesn’t happen, shame sneaks in. But John 9 and the reflection we shared with Blessed is She remind us of another economy — the economy of grace. There’s a beautiful and honest theology in admitting incompleteness: when we recognize and embrace our weakness, we make room for God to be big. As one of the things we said in the study, “the littler we become, the more we embrace our weakness, the bigger God can become.” It’s an invitation to trade perfectionism for humility and dependence. Weakness, then, is not failure to hide but fertile ground for God to do His best work. That changes how we pray about pain, disappointment, and the parts of ourselves we’d rather change overnight. God can heal or purify — but either way, He can be glorified through the journey. The image of clay: being recreated Verse 6 is simple but incredible: “As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with clay.” The physicality of that action is striking. In our conversation we couldn’t help but see the echo of creation — God forming man from dust and breathing life into him. Here, Jesus uses earth and spittle to form and recreate. The man who had never seen is touched and remade. That image of clay is a prayer. It’s a humble, intimate way of asking, “Lord, could You cover my heart with clay and recast it? Can You give me eyes to see?” The language of being remade is radical because it assumes God’s willingness to enter into our flesh, our mess, our story, and to shape us again. What would it look like to ask for that recreation in your daily life? Maybe it’s letting God anoint the very place you resist Him — an old habit, a wounded memory, a fear — and trusting that He’s not deterred by dirt or the fact that the work might be slow. Humility and spiritual blindness: who really sees? One of the most poignant moments in the chapter is the contrast between the healed man’s clarity and the religious leaders’ blindness. The disciples ask a blunt, human question: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” It’s a natural attempt to explain suffering with neat categories. But Jesus’ response and the life of the healed man challenge that tidy thinking. "I came that the blind might see and that those who can see become blind." When Jesus says this, He’s not only speaking about physical sight. He’s exposing a spiritual truth: those who think they already see — the proud, the self-assured — are often the ones who miss the kingdom. The Pharisees, so sure of their righteousness, miss the work of God in front of them. Meanwhile, the man who acknowledges his blindness receives sight. There’s a call here to humility: a gentle but firm reminder that we don’t know it all. If we can bring the honest, teachable posture of someone who says “I don’t know,” God can begin to enlighten us. That posture keeps us open to transformation instead of defensive about our identity or expertise. The healed man’s courage: don’t give up on what you experienced One of my favorite parts of the story is the man’s persistence. Even when pressured by authorities and questioned by those around him, he refuses to deny what happened to him. He’s been remade — his life has radically changed — and he won’t be bullied into pretending it didn’t. There’s a practical spiritual lesson here: an encounter with Jesus changes everything. When God reveals His work to you — whether that looks like clarity about a relationship, freedom from an addiction, an unexpected sense of peace, or a conviction to serve — hold on. Be brave enough to testify to what you’ve experienced, even when skepticism or fear shows up. It’s easy to shrink back, to conform to the crowd. But the healed man models a beautiful courage: an ability to say, “This happened to me, and it matters.” That kind of witness is contagious in the best way. It invites others into the truth of what God can do. Practical ways to welcome God’s work in your weakness So how do we live this reality out practically? How do we let God use our weakness rather than try to hide it or fix it alone? Here are a few ideas we discussed and lived through in prayer: Practice smallness in prayer. Start with honest words: “I don’t know. I’m afraid. I’m weak.” The spiritual life often begins with admitting our poverty before God. Ask for recreation specifically. Use the image of clay. Pray a short petition: “Lord, mold my heart. Make me new.” The concreteness of that image can make the prayer feel tangible. Be teachable. Surround yourself with people who can lovingly point out blind spots. Read Scripture with humility and curiosity rather than defensiveness. Hold to your testimony. When God moves, even quietly, name it. Write it down. Share it with a friend. Don’t let shame or fear silence the truth of your encounter. Practice gratitude for weakness. It sounds strange, but thanking God for places you’re tempted to resent can reframe them as space for grace. Resist the urge to explain everything. Not every difficulty needs a rational cause. Sometimes suffering is the soil where God’s glory grows. Reflection prompts Use these questions to sit with the story of the man born blind and the work God wants to do in you: What feels like my blindness or weakness right now? Where do I most want to cover up or fix things quickly? Have I experienced moments when God revealed His work through a hardship? What happened and how did it change me? How do I respond when others question my faith or my experience of God? Do I shrink back or hold to what I know is true? What would it look like to pray the clay-prayer for a specific part of my heart this week? A short prayer Lord, You meet us in our smallness. Where we are blind, reveal Your light. Where we are broken, shape us with Your hands. Give us the humility to admit our need and the courage to testify to Your mercy. Make us new, so that You might be glorified. Amen. Final thoughts and an invitation There’s a strange and beautiful mercy at work when God chooses our weakness as the place to be glorified. It’s not comfortable at first — it asks honesty, patience, and sometimes a willingness to be misunderstood. But it’s faithful. As we said in the Blessed is She conversation, following Jesus often means letting Him work through our suffering, not around it. If this reflection has stirred something in you — a desire for recreation, a longing to hold to the truth of what God has done, or a prayer for humility — I’d love for you to sit with it this week. Be small. Be teachable. Be brave enough to let God use the broken places in you to reveal His glory. Our weakest places may just be where God does His best work.

Join us for a virtual bible study on the Gospel of John! We'll be live every Tuesday at 1pm ET to discuss the chapters we'll read ahead of time. Here's the reading plan: Feel free to use our Abide in His Love Gospel of John Scripture Study as you dive into this beautiful Gospel either with us or with a friend!! Check out Week 1 of our virtual bible study and what everyone's takeaways were! The Voice That Stops Everything Imagine the scene: a man says, "Follow me," and the people around Him literally dropped everything. They left their nets, their boats, their routines. It's astonishing. What must His voice have sounded like? Compelling? Gentle? Full of authority and love? “For anyone and everyone who has ever said, ‘I don't know what the voice of God sounds like,’ I just want to invite you to take that to prayer.” That question — “What does follow me sound like?” — is an invitation. If you don't recognize His voice yet, ask. Pray: Lord, what does "Follow me" sound like for me? Over time, you may begin to notice a voice you had heard but hadn’t recognized. It will be unique to you. You’re not making it up. God can confirm it, and He will, if you keep asking with an open heart. Friendship with Jesus Is Possible — Even for You There's a misconception that deep, intimate friendship with Jesus is reserved for clergy, charismatic leaders, or super-spiritual people. That's not true. We are all called to friendship with Him. We were made to be children and friends of God. Yes, traditions, liturgies, and rituals — like the Mass — are important, but their purpose is to lead us deeper into relationship. They aren't ends in themselves. So how do you grow that friendship? A few places to start: Read the Word regularly. Let Scripture become the conversation notes of your friendship. Spend time at the Blessed Sacrament — even a few quiet minutes changes you. Learn what your "inner room" looks like: a place in your heart where you meet Him privately. These are not far-fetched ideas. They are simple, faithful practices that invite the Holy Spirit's whisperings into your life so the words you say in worship actually sink into your heart. The "Come and See" Invitation: Are You Listening? Another phrase that kept coming up for us was Jesus’ gentle invitation: "Come and see." When you’re discerning big decisions, ministry opportunities, or even small nudges in daily life, ask: is this a "come and see" from Him? “Are we hearing a come and see from him? Like is there more for us — particularly for you — in that thing?” Jesus desires deeper relationship with each of us. If you suspect His invitation but aren’t sure, take time to be receptive. Pray, sit with the question, and test it in small ways. The Lord often invites us gradually — enough to step forward, not so much that we run ahead. When we respond, we grow in intimacy and clarity. The Wedding at Cana: A Miracle That Begins Everything We also spent time reflecting on Jesus' first public miracle at the wedding in Cana. It’s easy to skim that story, but there are layers that point straight to the heart of Jesus’ mission. First, consider the jars Jesus used: the large stone water jars used for Jewish ceremonial washings. These were for purifying people and objects. Jesus takes those jars — symbols of ritual cleansing — and transforms what’s inside. He fills them with water and turns that water into wine. It’s not a trivial detail. It’s a sign of something profound: He is redefining purification and fulfillment. His ministry will not abolish ritual but will bring its deepest meaning to completion. “Jesus did this, the first of his signs in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:11) Think about how the miracle functions: it reveals Jesus' glory and invites belief. When He begins His public ministry with this sign, He isn't trying to be dramatic for show. He’s revealing a reality: He is present; He provides; He turns the expected into something abundant. The miracle at Cana is the opening note of a symphony — it tells us, “This is who I am and what I will do.” When God Reveals Himself, Help Us Believe We can relate to the disciples. They spent intimate time with Jesus and witnessed signs, yet when trials came, they faltered. One betrayed Him; others abandoned Him in His hour. That honest reality is not a condemnation but a mirror for us. Even when we’ve seen God's faithfulness, fear and weakness can creep back in. So, when God reveals Himself to you — through a grace, a memory of His help, or a clear sign — pray this simple plea: Lord, help me to believe. Remembering past graces rewires our hearts toward trust. When prayer feels dry, remember a time He came through. Recount His promises, and you'll find the darkness begins to break. Mary’s "Do Whatever He Tells You": Humility at the Threshold At Cana, Mary’s role is quietly heroic. Some commentators suggest Jesus was effectively telling her, "If I begin now, the clock starts on my hour — the cross." It’s staggering to imagine that Mary, mother of Jesus, heard the implication: beginning His public ministry meant moving toward suffering and ultimately the cross. “Do whatever he tells you.” Her response? Trust. She doesn’t recoil. She tells the servants to do whatever Jesus says. As a mother watching her Son step into mission — knowing the suffering that path would bring — she still says, “Yes.” That humility and love point us to the heart of discipleship: saying yes even when the future is costly because you trust who He is. Nathaniel Under the Fig Tree: You Are Seen One of my favorite Gospel moments is Jesus calling Nathaniel over. Jesus tells him, "You will see heaven opened," and remembers seeing him under the fig tree. That image is tender: Jesus sees the private places of our hearts. He knows the times we thought we were alone. “He saw me when I thought I was alone.” The fig tree becomes symbolic of our secret rooms — where we sit with our honest questions, griefs, longings, and hopes. Jesus doesn't merely pass by; He calls us from there. He invites us to come into the open and promises that we will witness wonders. He’s saying, "I see you. Come, and I’ll show you more." That promise is wild and tender at the same time. Practical Ways to Tune Your Ear to Jesus If you want to be more attentive to the voice that changes everything, here are simple, practical practices we've found helpful: Ask a clarifying question: "Lord, what does 'Follow me' sound like for me today?" Keep a notebook of impressions and small confirmations. Practice the "come and see" test: When you sense an invitation, try it on for a week — a small step — and watch what happens. Remember His faithfulness: Make a list of past graces. When doubt or fear rises, read it to remind your heart of truth. Spend time in your inner room: Even five quiet minutes before the Blessed Sacrament or in Scripture can restore your capacity to hear. Follow Mary’s example: Offer obedience and trust, especially when clarity is partial and the future looks uncertain. These are not magic formulas. They are faithful practices that create muscles of discernment and trust. Over time, the voice that once seemed foreign becomes familiar. Conclusion: The Invitation Is Ongoing The invitation to "Follow me" hasn’t expired. It comes to you in different seasons, with different accents: a whisper in prayer, a tug toward service, a call to leave comfort for trust. And when you respond — even with small steps — you begin to see the pattern of His care: He reveals, He provides, He invites, and He sustains. So take a moment today. Ask Jesus, "What does 'Follow me' sound like for me?" Sit in the quiet. Remember a time He showed up for you. Let Mary teach you humility and trust. And if you want to go deeper with us, consider joining a scripture study — walking through the Gospel of John has a way of opening ears and hearts like nothing else. Friends, you can hear His voice. You can have a friendship with Jesus. These are not reserved for a few. They are invitations offered to you right now. Say yes. Come and see. We’d love to hear what you are discovering. Share your takeaways, experiences of hearing God, or moments when remembering His faithfulness strengthened you. Let's keep walking together. The Invitation That Changes Everything: Hearing "Follow Me" and the Start of a New Life

Over the next six weeks we’ll walk through John together, share what God is speaking to us, and practice imaginative prayer to help the Word become deeply personal. If you’re new to Scripture prayer, welcome. If you’re a study veteran, welcome home. This post captures everything we talked about in Part One and gives practical ways to bring the Gospel of John into your everyday life. Why the Gospel of John? John’s Gospel is different—intimate, poetic, and theologically rich. It’s often called the Gospel of the Beloved Disciple, the same voice that gives us Revelation. John dives into big themes quickly: the Word, the Light, the Spirit, and the invitation to relationship that Jesus offers to everyone. It’s not a slow build—it’s a deep plunge. That makes John perfect for both new believers and people who’ve walked with Jesus for years. When we say John is “different,” we mean it. He’s less focused on chronology and more on identity and meaning. Right from the start we get one of the most comforting lines in all of Scripture: the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This isn’t abstract theology—this is good news. Jesus has always been with the Father; he’s the Light that enters our darkness. Chapter 1: The Word, the Light, and the Spirit We spent a lot of time in John 1 because it’s dense with truth. Three things stood out: The Word (Logos): Jesus is the Word. In the beginning, He was with the Father and He was God. That means the same life that created the universe is near to you now. The Light: John tells us "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." This line is a promise: even in our hardest seasons, Christ’s light breaks through if we look for it and follow it. The Spirit: Early in the Gospel John introduces the Holy Spirit—he’s unpredictable like the wind and intimate like a friend. The Spirit is our advocate, given "without measure" so we can live as children of God. Those three truths—Word, Light, Spirit—are the scaffolding for everything else John will show us. They invite us to receive, follow, and be transformed. “Come and See” — An Invitation to Everyone One of John’s beautiful themes is invitation. The phrase "Come and see" shows up again and again as the hinge of evangelism. Philip tells Nathaniel, Jesus tells the two disciples who follow him, and later the woman at the well echoes this same posture. The whole Gospel moves by invitation, not coercion. “Come and see.” This simple phrase moved people from curiosity to encounter. It’s an invitation that’s not ashamed of real life — it expects questions, resistance, and also deep surprise. The posture is crucial: instead of assuming everyone is uninterested or guarded, what if we lived with a "come and see" heart toward everyone we meet? We shared real-life examples to illustrate this: the surprising hairdresser who was a devout Christian, and those awkward hiking moments where we wanted to start a faith conversation but didn’t know how. Both stories point to the same thing—assume openness, be courageous, and practice a posture of invitation rather than defense. Hearing God’s Voice: “Follow Me” The call of Jesus—“Follow me”—is startling in its simplicity and power. Imagine that voice: why did men drop nets, leave family, and follow? The call was compelling. It’s okay if you’re not sure what God’s voice sounds like yet. One practical prayer we recommended is to simply ask: “Lord, what does ‘follow me’ sound like for me?” Then pay attention. His voice often arrives through Scripture, prayer, the Eucharist, nature, and the faithful friends God places in our lives. Nicodemus, John the Baptist, and the Role of Witnesses We touched on Nicodemus — the cautious seeker who came by night — and John the Baptist, the bold witness who cried out in the wilderness. Both are essential figures for us: the seeker who represents honest questions and the witness who models unapologetic testimony. Nicodemus: He shows us that spiritual curiosity is welcome. He may be cautious, but that doesn’t disqualify him from a deep encounter with Jesus. John the Baptist: His life reminds us that sometimes God calls us to be loud and public witnesses. He doesn’t curate a comfortable image—he points straight to Christ. The Wedding at Cana: The First Sign Mary’s role in the wedding at Cana is a remarkable model of maternal faith and discipleship. This is Jesus’ first sign and it’s full of symbolic detail: he uses six stone jars—jars used for ritual washing—and turns water into wine. There are layers here about cleansing, sacramental imagery, and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. “Do whatever he tells you.” Mary’s line to the servants is a life hack. It’s practical spirituality. When she hears Jesus’ word, she moves from concern to trust, and instructs others to obey. The servants’ obedience leads to abundance. When Jesus reveals his glory, the disciples believed—yet even those closest to him still struggled at the hour of his passion. Seeing his signs helps our faith, but the work of believing is ongoing. Reclaiming John 3:16 and the Promise of Eternal Life John 3:16 often gets reduced to a bumper-sticker sentiment, but it’s the beating heart of the Gospel: God loved the world so much he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. We don’t water this down—the paradox of cross and life is the center of Christian hope. We also talked about the children’s question—“Are we mortal or immortal?”—and how the Gospel answers by promising that our bodies are temporal but our souls are destined for glory. John points us to a story that keeps going, beyond this life, into fullness with God. Practical Ways to Stay in the Word and Pray with Scripture We gave lots of practical tips during the study. These are the small habits that make Scripture living and memorable: Use an audio Bible: If you’re in the car or running errands, the Bible app and Ascension app have excellent audio narrations. Letting Scripture wash over you by ear is a simple, powerful practice. Journal your takeaways: Keep a notebook or notes app handy during the study. Write one sentence of what God said to you and one action step. Practice imaginative prayer: Place yourself in the Gospel scenes—notice smells, weather, people, and your emotions. Start small: “Who am I standing next to? What does the air feel like?” Invite a friend: You don’t have to do this alone. Bring a sister-in-law, a coworker, or a neighbor—say, “Come and see with me.” Lean into the sacraments: Reading Scripture should lead us to Eucharist and confession; both deepen what the Word has begun. How to Do Imaginative Prayer — A Mini Guide Here’s a short, practical way to enter imaginative prayer based on our guided meditation from the study: Begin with the sign of the cross and a simple breath prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit.” Read a short passage slowly (one or two verses). Let a single image stick in your mind—wine jars, a fig tree, a wedding table. Place yourself into the scene as a character—a servant, a guest, a disciple. Notice senses: sight, smell, touch, taste. Listen for a movement of the heart. What does Jesus say to you? How do you respond? End by thanking Jesus and asking for one grace to carry into the day. This practice is not mystical gymnastic; it’s simply a faithful way of letting the Word speak to your heart. Final Encouragements and Next Steps So where do you start? Pick one small thing: Download an audio Bible and listen during your commute. Try one imaginative prayer scene this week—maybe the Wedding at Cana. Text one friend and invite them to "come and see" John with you. Write one sentence after your prayer: “Today, Jesus asked me to ______.” We’ll read chapters 4–6 next week, same time, same place. Bring your takeaways, your questions, and one friend. Keep a journal and keep saying yes to the little invitations—“Do whatever he tells you.” Remember: the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. God is near. He’s calling you to “come and see.” We’re so glad you joined us. See you next week. Resources & Next Steps Here are a few practical resources and small next steps to help you stay in the Word this week. If you’d like, these items can be linked later for quick access. Download an audio Bible and listen during your commute or chores. Try the Ascension app for daily readings and meditations. Keep a simple journal: one sentence of what God said and one action step. Practice one imaginative prayer this week—start with the Wedding at Cana scene. Text a friend and invite them to “come and see” John with you this week. Small practices, repeated, build a life of prayer. Come back next week with your takeaways and one question to share. We’re so glad you’re on this journey.

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Hey there, friends! I’m so glad you’re here. Today, let’s dive into some deep thoughts about vulnerability, relationships, and the incredible mercy of God. Whether it’s your Lenten journey or just everyday life, there’s so much to unpack!  The Beauty of Vulnerability  Have you ever felt that sweet intimacy with the Lord? It’s like when everything seems lost, and suddenly, you see the bigger picture. I was reminded of how important it is to feel safe in our relationships. The key? Knowing that the other person won’t leave, no matter what. Think about it: when you can share your heart without fear of judgment, that’s where real connection happens. This past weekend, I had the joy of praying together with friends, and it hit me how vital it is to be vulnerable not just with each other but with God too. We often think prayer has to be about doing something or producing results, but sometimes, it’s simply about bringing our hearts to Him like we would to a friend.  Finding God in the Everyday Speaking of everyday moments, I had this funny experience during a massage. I was trying to be present with the Lord, and suddenly, I had this image of a duck. At first, I thought, “What does this mean?” But then it struck me: just like a duck appears calm on the surface while paddling furiously underneath, I often look relaxed while feeling anxious inside. The Lord was gently reminding me to be honest about what I’m feeling, and that’s what vulnerable prayer is all about. The Power of God’s Mercy Now, let’s talk about mercy, which is truly God’s greatest attribute. It’s crazy to think that His ability to recreate is greater than His ability to create! This means that no matter how much we mess up, His mercy is there to restore us. Have you ever thought about how restoration can be even better than the original? Just like an old car restored to a better version of itself, that’s what God does with us. Isn’t that a comforting thought? Staying with Him As we reflect on our relationships with God, I can’t help but ponder: will we stay with Him through it all? In moments of doubt, confusion, or fear, we have the choice to remain with Him. It’s easy to think about big moments of decision, but what about the small daily choices? Choosing Him over distractions like our phones or Netflix is where the real battle lies. And even when we falter, remember the stories of Peter and John. They deserted Jesus, yet they were reconciled through His mercy. God’s love is unwavering, and He invites us back, over and over again.  Living in the Light of His Love  This Lent, I’ve been challenged to do nothing—yes, you heard that right! It’s all about resting in His presence rather than trying to earn my way into His love. It’s a beautiful journey of being docile to His voice and responding to His invitations, even in the smallest moments.  So, let’s keep our hearts open to the little ways God shows up in our lives. Whether it’s a quick prayer at the chapel or a moment of quiet reflection, those are the moments that matter. We don’t always have to be doing something spectacular; sometimes just being present is enough.  Conclusion: You Belong Here As we wrap up, I want to encourage you to lean into the mercy of God. No matter where you are on your journey, know that you belong here. You are loved, and He invites you to stay with Him, to share your heart, and to experience the depth of His mercy. Let’s keep each other accountable to remain with Him through it all. If you’re looking for more resources to deepen your faith, check out Catholic Resources - Blessed Is She. And don’t forget to download the Blessed is She Study Guide to engage with friends on this journey! Thanks for joining me today. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to support one another in our walk with Christ!

Hey there! Today, we're diving deep into what it really means to fall in love with Jesus daily. It’s all about letting Him love you, and trust me, that simple act can change everything.   Falling in Love with Jesus Every Single Day Letting Him Love You Have you ever asked someone how to love Jesus, only to hear, "Oh, let Him love you"? That’s where it all begins! Instead of feeling like you need to know every step or have it all figured out, just pay attention to Him. Imagine looking at Him, really looking, especially in His suffering and death. It’s transformative. Life's Little Detours Speaking of transformation, have you ever noticed how life can throw us off course? I recently got pulled over for speeding (oops!). And let me tell you, it was a wake-up call. I realized that God often sends us little warnings, just like honks from other drivers. It’s all part of Him guiding us, saying, “Hey, maybe slow down a bit.” Road Rage and Reflection And can we talk about road rage for a second? Everyone seems so impatient on the roads these days. I mean, all those honks and the anger—what's that about? It’s like everyone needs to take a deep breath and just chill. We’re all just trying to get through life together, right? Driving Our Hearts In my prayer life, I had this revelation. I realized I was driving my heart like a set of oxen—constantly pushing and pulling, trying to get somewhere. But God gently reminded me, “You’re always driving your heart.” What if instead of controlling everything, I just let Him take the reins? The Third Way There’s this beautiful idea of a 'third way' in our spiritual journeys. Often, we think we have to either push through our feelings or shut them down. But what if we could just feel them with Jesus? It's so comforting to think we don’t have to do it alone. He invites us to just sit with Him, to feel it together. Encountering Jesus in Suffering Let’s be real: suffering is part of life. But the beauty lies in how we encounter Jesus in that suffering. When we truly look at Him on the cross, we see love in its purest form. It’s not just about the hard times; it’s about recognizing that in those moments, we are not alone. He is with us, inviting us to stay present with Him. The Garden of Our Souls Everything in this world points us back to the Lord. We began in a garden, and we’re going home to one. The Greek and Hebrew words for paradise mean garden, which is such a beautiful reminder of how God connects with us. Our souls are like gardens, needing care and attention to grow. Living the Gospel Daily And here’s the thing: the good news of Jesus isn’t just for the beginning of our faith journey. It’s for every single day. It’s not about maturing to a point where we think we’ve outgrown the gospel; it’s about falling in love with Jesus over and over again. Inviting Others to Encounter Jesus At Blessed is She, our mission is to invite women to encounter Jesus. We want to share the joy of knowing Him deeply and personally. Whether through prayer, community, or resources, we’re here to help you grow in that relationship. Join Us on This Journey We’re all in this together! Consider subscribing to our daily devotions for a little boost of inspiration. Plus, check out our free resources to help you along the way. Remember, you belong here. Let’s keep falling in love with Jesus, one day at a time.

Have you ever felt like no one gets you? Like you’re stuck behind a wall, unable to let anyone in? It’s not just you. There are so many out there who struggle with trust, vulnerability, and the fear of betrayal. It’s a common experience, rooted in childhood wounds and painful relationships that can leave us feeling isolated. But here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t want to fix you just to be done with you. He reveals to heal. The Journey of Vulnerability Think about it. Many of us build walls to protect ourselves because of past hurts. We might never have truly opened up to anyone, and as a result, we don’t even know what betrayal feels like. This can lead to a life where we shut down our emotions and become adults who never let anyone in. But what if we could change that? What if we could allow Jesus to reveal those hidden parts of ourselves so that He can heal them? Trusting Again Trust is a tricky thing. Some people find it easy to trust, while others are naturally guarded. The key is understanding that trusting doesn't mean being naive. It means being open to the possibility of love and connection, even when there’s a risk of being hurt. It’s about finding a balance between vulnerability and self-protection. In the podcast, we discussed the importance of relationships and how they shape our understanding of trust. If we’ve been let down in the past, we might hesitate to let anyone in again. But remember, healing often starts with being honest about our wounds. It’s about letting Jesus into those places where we’ve been hurt. Healing Through Connection One of the most beautiful things about Jesus is His willingness to bear our burdens. He understands our pain and wants to help us heal. As we navigate our relationships, it’s essential to remember that healing is not just about fixing problems; it’s about restoring our hearts and reconnecting with our true selves. Dealing with Betrayal Betrayal can come in many forms, whether it’s from friends, family, or even ourselves. It’s important to recognize that feeling betrayed by someone close to us hurts more than if it came from a stranger. This is because those intimate relationships carry weight. They are where we put our trust, and when that trust is broken, it can cut deep. In talking about betrayal, we also touched on the idea that sometimes, we need to let go of past hurts to move forward. It’s not easy, but the more we hold onto those feelings, the more they can control our lives. Letting Jesus in means allowing Him to help us process these feelings and ultimately heal from them. Seeking Healing So, how do we seek healing? One practical step is to engage in the Sacrament of Confession. It’s a beautiful opportunity to lay our burdens down and experience God's mercy. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this post on How to Go to Confession + an Examination of Conscience for Women - Blessed Is She for guidance. For a deeper exploration of our conscience and the struggles we face, I recommend checking out SpiritualDirection.com. It’s a great resource to help navigate those tricky emotions and find healing. Finding Freedom What we often forget is that Jesus cares about our healing more than we do. He wants us to be whole, free, and in communion with Him. This can mean confronting uncomfortable truths about our past and allowing His love to wash over those wounds. Sometimes, this takes time, and that’s okay. Healing is a journey, not a race. As we dive deeper into our healing journeys, let’s remember that we are not alone. There are communities and resources available to help us along the way. For those struggling with issues like pornography, consider joining Arise, a program designed to help women break free from unwanted habits and find healing. The Journey Continues In closing, it’s essential to recognize that our struggles, betrayals, and wounds do not define us. They are part of our story, but they don’t have to dictate our future. Jesus invites us into a relationship where we can be vulnerable, heal, and grow. Healing is a process, and it often begins with a simple step: letting go of the fear of being hurt and allowing ourselves to be loved. Remember, you belong here, and you are not alone on this journey. Let’s continue to support one another, share our stories, and encourage healing in our lives. Together, we can find the strength to open our hearts and let Jesus in.

Emotional pain is often the deepest sufferings we can experience. It may be even more profound than any physical ailment. When we find ourselves in moments of intense suffering, those moments when we realize we don't have control over our circumstances. We think we do, but then reality hits: we need our Father's help. Hi, friends! We're so glad you’re here, especially during this Lenten season. Today, we want to dive into the conversation about suffering, its purpose, and how we can find strength through it. We're excited to be joined by our dear friend Megan Hjelmstad, who has so much wisdom to share on this topic. The Depth of Emotional Pain Recently, I was reflecting on a podcast episode where a guest shared something really profound: emotional pain is the deepest kind of suffering. It's easy to overlook the agony that Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane. We often jump straight to the Stations of the Cross without fully entering into the anguish He felt. But if we really understood the depth of His emotional suffering, it would change our lives. Megan shares how her own spiritual journey has taken her deeper into understanding this suffering. Everything Jesus did was out of love for us, and His agony was a reflection of the Father's heart breaking for us. It’s amazing to think about how our suffering can unite us with His passion and ultimately lead us to redemption. Understanding Spiritual Exercises During our conversations, Megan also introduces us to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. These exercises are a series of meditations designed to deepen our relationship with God. They can be done in a retreat format or integrated into daily life over several months. This practice has been transformative for her, allowing her to pray more deeply and intentionally, even amidst the chaos of life as a mom of three teenagers. Living with Chronic Suffering Megan’s journey also includes living with chronic suffering. She emphasizes the importance of creating a prayer space at home, especially when physical challenges make it harder to attend Mass or participate in group prayers. Her routine includes daily prayers and intentions, which have become anchors for her amidst the storms of life. She mentions a beautiful practice called the Seven Sisters Apostolate, where a group of women dedicates a holy hour each week for a particular priest. This practice has not only nurtured her spiritual life but also helps her to focus her intentions on others, transforming her suffering into something redemptive. Offering Our Suffering One of the most powerful insights we discussed is the idea of offering our suffering for the sake of others. When we experience pain—be it emotional, physical, or spiritual—we can choose to unite it with Christ’s suffering. This act of offering becomes a form of intercessory prayer. It’s a way to transform our anguish into something beautiful and purposeful. Megan has established a routine where she offers her daily suffering for different intentions, including her family, friends, and priests. This practice not only helps her cope but also fosters a sense of community and connection with others who may be suffering. Practical Steps to Embrace Suffering So, what can we do when we’re in the thick of suffering? Here are a few practical steps: Acknowledge Your Pain: Be honest with yourself and with God about what you're feeling. It’s okay to say, “I’m scared” or “I’m hurting.” Turn to Prayer: Just as Jesus did in His anguish, we can turn our gaze toward the Father. Simple prayers like “Lord, help me” can open the door to His grace. Offer It Up: Consider offering your suffering for someone else. This can transform your pain into a source of grace for others. The Role of Community It’s also essential to reach out to others. Just like Jesus asked His friends to pray with Him in the garden, we too need to lean on our community. Sharing our burdens with friends or family can lighten our load and remind us that we are not alone in our suffering. As Megan beautifully stated, “When we are in our anguish, suffering itself is truly evil, but when we unite it to Christ, it becomes filled with His love and presence.” By accepting our sufferings and offering them to God, we allow Him to work through us and bring about redemption. Conclusion: The Gift of Suffering Ultimately, suffering is a part of the human experience, and while it’s difficult, it can lead to profound spiritual growth. As we enter deeper into Lent, let’s remember that our sufferings are not in vain. They can be redemptive and transformative, both for ourselves and for others. If you’re looking for more guidance on this journey, I highly recommend checking out Megan's book, Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering. It’s a beautiful resource for anyone wanting to embrace their suffering and find meaning in it. Thank you for joining us in this conversation today. Remember, you are not alone in your suffering. God is with you, and He is working all things for your good. Let’s continue to lift each other up in prayer and support one another on this journey of faith.

Today Beth and Jenna chat about what it looks like to be honest in prayer. What happens when you’ve changed but nothing around has? What do you do when your perspective shifts, but your circumstances remain the same? Beth and I often reminisce about a special day in the Garden of Gethsemane while on pilgrimage in Israel. It was such a delightful experience, filled with laughter and joy, a stark contrast to the solemnity of the place.  As we walked through the olive grove—still preserved and breathtaking—I couldn’t help but think about how the location held so much history. It’s amazing to think that a stone’s throw away was where the disciples were, and yet they missed such a pivotal moment. It makes me wonder, how often do we miss the significant moments in our own lives? Prayer: A Deep and Honest Relationship In our quest for a deeper relationship with God, we often find ourselves grappling with honesty in prayer. It’s easy to slip into a routine of prayer agendas—lists of what we want or need. But what if we flipped the script? What if prayer was less about asking and more about being? Sometimes, we need to be brutally honest with ourselves and with God. I’ve found that walking into prayer can feel like an escape, but I’ve learned that I must confront the chaos of my life first. Only then can I find that peace. This vulnerability can feel daunting, but it’s necessary. We have to be open about our struggles, our joys, and everything in between. Embracing Vulnerability It’s a simple starting point to tell God how we feel, but it opens the door to deeper conversation. From there, we can explore feelings that we hadn’t even acknowledged before. Maybe we're sad about a friendship or frustrated with work. Starting with honesty allows us to peel back the layers and get to the core. But let’s not forget the lighter moments too! God wants to hear about our joys as much as our struggles. “Today was fantastic because…” can be just as powerful. Gratitude is a crucial part of our relationship with Him. The Power of Prayer and Community One of my favorite things about prayer is that it doesn’t have to be done alone. We can lean on our community. I often think about how my relationships with friends mirror my relationship with God. If I have friends who know me deeply, it helps me feel more comfortable being honest with God. But I also realize that not everyone has that support system. So how can we foster that? By encouraging one another to share our hearts, to press in deeper. It’s essential to cultivate those relationships, whether through small groups, spiritual advisors, or even just good friends who are willing to listen. Connecting with God in Everyday Life We can also find God in the simple moments, like enjoying a cup of coffee on a balcony or taking a walk. It doesn’t have to be grand; it just needs to be genuine. The more we invite Him into our lives, the more we’ll feel His presence. Final Thoughts In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to compartmentalize our lives. But God desires an honest relationship with us. He wants us to bring all of ourselves—our worries, our joys, and our mundane moments—into our conversations with Him. Remember, it’s not about having the perfect prayer agenda; it’s about being real and authentic. As we continue this journey, let’s embrace vulnerability and openness with God, knowing that He loves us no matter what. We love to use prayer journals in prayer to help us in this posture of honesty. And if you’re looking for more resources to deepen your faith, check out our Catholic Resources for helpful guides. Let’s keep encouraging each other to pray, to be honest, and to grow in our relationship with the Lord. Together, we can navigate the beautiful and sometimes messy journey of faith. Until next time, let’s keep seeking Him in all that we do!

Today Beth and I explore the concept of being hungry for God. You know that deep yearning for His presence and His Word that often gets overshadowed by the chaos of daily life? Yeah, let's unpack that together. The Weight of Fasting Beth shares about her three day fast that she's been doing before entering into this podcast episode and how it's been different this time than any time before, inspiring hunger for the Word. Have you ever felt that? The physical hunger reminding you of your spiritual hunger? It’s like every pang in my stomach is a nudge from the Holy Spirit, saying, “Hey, remember to feast on the Word!” And you know what? That’s exactly what I’ve been doing. Rediscovering the Hunger As she reflects on the fasting journey, she shares how often we numb ourselves with distractions. We fill our lives with comfort and forget the beauty of spiritual hunger. It’s easy to get caught up in daily routines and lose sight of the grandness of God. But fasting helps clear away that clutter, allowing us to reconnect with our desire for Him. It's like when we fast, we create space to truly feel that hunger and seek out the Lord. It’s a reminder that we can’t thrive in isolation. Just like olive trees need each other to bear fruit, we need community to grow in our faith. So, let’s not hesitate to invite friends into our spiritual journeys, whether that’s sharing a holy hour or just checking in on each other’s prayer lives. The Power of Prayer and Fasting We share about a sermon we recently heard that emphasized the power of prayer and fasting. It’s not just about abstaining from food; it’s about preparing for a move of God. Just like Anna and Simeon waited in the temple, we too can prepare our hearts for His promises. This Lent, let’s enter into that preparation with intention and expectation. Remember, Jesus didn’t just fast for the sake of it; He did it to prepare for what was to come. And that’s what we’re called to do too! When we fast, we’re not just giving something up; we’re making room for something greater. Let’s take this time to deepen our relationship with Him through prayer and the Word. Inviting Others Into Our Journey As we continue this Lenten season, we encourage you to think about how you can invite others into your journey. Maybe it’s starting a small group to discuss scripture or simply sharing your experiences with friends. Let’s cross-pollinate, just like those olive trees, and help each other thrive! Conclusion So here’s to becoming hungry for the Lord. Let’s embrace this season of fasting and prayer, allowing our hunger to lead us to feast on His Word. As we draw closer to Him, may we find that we are understood, cherished, and protected by our loving Father. Let’s keep each other accountable and continue seeking His presence together. And hey, if you’re looking for more resources to help you in this journey, check out our Free Resources and don’t forget to subscribe to Blessed is She’s Daily Devotions for daily encouragement!

Hey there, friends! Lent is upon us, and what a beautiful time it is to dive deeper into our relationship with Jesus. This season invites us to reflect on our lives, to find ways to grow closer to Him, and to truly embrace the journey together. It’s not about the programs we follow or the resolutions we make—it’s about you and me, living in union with Christ. The Heart of the Matter You know, for a long time, I’ve been saying, “I want a heart that burns for you.” But today, I realized I want a heart that rests in Him. It’s about finding that peace and comfort in His presence, knowing that it’s not all on us to figure everything out. Our lives change and transform through Jesus, and it’s our witness that draws others to Him. Beginning Again As we step into this season, many of us are thinking about what to give up or what new practices to take on. It can feel overwhelming, right? But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be. Instead of stressing about what we should do, let’s focus on what the Lord wants from us. Sometimes it’s just about the posture of our hearts. Are we trying to do things for Him, or are we allowing Him to work through us? Letting Go of Control I’ve had my share of struggles with resolutions, especially during Lent. I often feel like I have to do it all perfectly, and when I don’t, I get frustrated. But what if we approached this season differently? What if we just let Jesus take the reins? I’ve been praying, “Lord, what do you want me to do this Lent?” It’s a heart of surrender, allowing Him to prune us and guide us. Resting Under the Olive Tree Imagine being like an olive tree in the garden of your soul, where Jesus is the Gardener. He knows what needs to be pruned and how to help us grow. We don’t have to have all the answers or a 40-day plan. Instead, we can rest in His love, trusting that He is doing the work in us. This Lent, I’m excited to simply be with Him, to let the Gardener tend to my heart. Evangelization Starts with Us As we navigate through Lent, let’s remember that evangelization isn’t about programs or initiatives; it’s about you and me living authentically for Christ. Our lives, transformed by His love, are the best witness we can offer to the world. Together, we can create a ripple effect, drawing others closer to Him. Resources to Guide Us If you’re looking for ways to deepen your prayer life this Lent, I encourage you to check out some amazing resources. Whether it's through daily reflections, group studies, or simply spending quiet moments with the Lord, there’s something for everyone. You can find resources like this study guide to help you dive deeper into your faith journey. Join Our Community We’d love for you to join our Blessed is She community, where we walk together through this Lenten season. You can subscribe to our daily devotions for inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey! Conclusion: A Season of Growth As we embark on this Lenten journey, let’s embrace the opportunity to grow in faith and love. Let’s remember that it’s not about what we give up, but about what we gain in our relationship with Jesus. May our hearts burn and rest in Him as we walk this path together, trusting that He will lead us to a place of abundant life. Let’s pray for each other as we step into this sacred time. You belong here, and together, we can experience the power of His love this Lent.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like if Jesus was speaking at a church tonight? Would you make the effort to be there? That’s the essence of Eucharistic Adoration—recognizing that Jesus, in His true presence, is worthy of our time and devotion. So, let’s dive into the who, what, where, when, why, and how of this beautiful practice! Who is the Focus of Eucharistic Adoration? The heart of Eucharistic Adoration is Jesus Christ. He is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine. This isn’t just a belief; it’s a reality that many, even outside the Catholic faith, may not fully grasp. We often hear that the Eucharist is the best-kept secret in the Catholic Church. But it shouldn’t be! Jesus promised to be with us always, and He fulfills that promise through the Eucharist. What Are We Doing in Adoration? During Eucharistic Adoration, we spend time with Jesus, who remains present to us in the Eucharist. He doesn’t just visit and leave; He stays with us. This is a chance to engage in a personal relationship with Him, to adore Him, and to acknowledge His presence. It’s about sitting with Him, sharing our hearts, and simply being in His company. Where Can We Adore? You can find Jesus in any Catholic Church around the world. Look for the tabernacle with a lit red candle—it signifies His presence. You don’t need a special chapel; any church will do. Many also have dedicated Adoration Chapels where the Eucharist is exposed in a monstrance, allowing us to see Him more clearly. When Can We Go? The beauty of Eucharistic Adoration is its accessibility. You can go any time the church is open. Some places even offer 24-hour Adoration! If you ever find yourself in a situation where the church is closed, remember, even sitting in your car and talking to Jesus through the window can be a powerful experience. How Do We Engage in Adoration? Engaging in Adoration can be as simple as showing up and sitting in silence. It’s important to take a moment to settle in and greet the Lord, just as you would with a friend. You might want to bring a Bible, a journal, or even just your thoughts. The key is to talk to Him from your heart—share your day, your joys, your struggles, or even the mundane details of life. He wants to hear it all! We even have a helpful booklet (or free PDF) on How to Make a Holy Hour to take with you as a guide to your Holy Hour: Why Should We Adore? The question really is, why wouldn’t you? If Jesus is truly present and waiting for you, wouldn’t you want to spend time with Him? He’s worthy of our gaze, our time, and our love. Even if it’s just for five minutes, those moments matter. Jesus desires a relationship with us, and Adoration is one of the most profound ways to cultivate that relationship. Let’s Make Time for Adoration Our invitation to you is: when will you make time for Adoration? Whether it’s a quick visit to your parish on your way home or a planned holy hour, every moment spent with Jesus is a gift. Remember, He’s waiting for you with open arms. Let's embrace this beautiful opportunity to be in His presence! For more resources on Eucharistic Adoration and spiritual growth, check out Blessed is She's Free Resources. If you want to dive deeper into your faith, don’t forget to subscribe to our daily devotions for inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. See you in the Eucharist! THE GREATEST GIFT In this study on the Eucharist, we explore the truth that Jesus is the answer to your every need. Join us as we explore John chapter 6 to learn how the reality of the Holy Eucharist applies to our lives. Discover what a gift He is. GET THE GIFT STUDY

Finding Your Path: A Journey to Faith and Vocation The journey of faith can be a winding path filled with unexpected turns, moments of clarity, and profound revelations. In this special bonus episode from the Gathering Place, we’ll explore the inspiring story of Sister Maria Fatima, who shares her experiences of discovering her vocation and the importance of faith in everyday life. Join us as we dive into her heartfelt narrative and the lessons learned along the way. A Prophetic Comment It all began in high school with a friend who turned to Sister Maria Fatima and remarked, "Dude, you are totally gonna be a nun someday." Initially taken aback, she dismissed the comment. Yet, years later, she found herself in the habit, reflecting on that prophetic moment. It’s amazing how life can surprise us, isn’t it? A Journey of Conversion Sister Maria Fatima’s journey to becoming a sister began in earnest during her senior year of high school. Raised in a Catholic family, she attended CCD but lacked a personal relationship with Jesus. It wasn’t until her sister's influence and a retreat experience that she began to understand the importance of this relationship. This awakening led her to daily Mass and regular confession, setting her on the path to discern her vocation. A Rainy Day Revelation One pivotal moment occurred on a rainy afternoon when a canceled tennis practice allowed her to attend Mass. During that Mass, she had an encounter with the Holy Spirit that prompted her to go to confession. It was here that she wrestled with her identity and relationships, leading to a profound realization about her vocation. The Challenge of Discernment Initially resistant to the idea of becoming a nun, Sister Maria Fatima found herself grappling with her calling. Despite her internal struggles, the thought of a religious vocation lingered. She entered college, where the challenges of faith became more pronounced, leading her to experience a period of spiritual dryness. Returning to the Source As her college journey continued, Sister Maria Fatima recognized that her unhappiness stemmed from distancing herself from God. A turning point came during a conversation with her sister about religious life. Encouraged by a friend to attend a retreat with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, she took a leap of faith. A Heartfelt Decision Upon attending the retreat, Sister Maria Fatima experienced immense peace and joy, confirming her calling. In her heart, she knew that this was where she belonged. After a week of prayerful reflection, she decided to pursue her vocation, ultimately entering the convent just months later. The Role of Family Support Sharing her journey with her family was not without challenges. Her mother, initially uncertain, eventually became one of her greatest supporters. Sister Maria Fatima beautifully illustrated how God transforms hearts and families when they open themselves to His grace, resulting in a powerful testimony of faith. The Beauty of Confession Throughout our conversation, the sacrament of confession emerged as a significant theme. Sister Maria Fatima emphasized the importance of this sacrament in her own journey, noting that it serves as a powerful means of receiving God’s mercy and grace. The way she articulated her love for confession reminds us that it’s a beautiful opportunity for healing and growth. Overcoming Fear and Shame Many people shy away from confession due to fear or shame, but Sister Maria Fatima encourages us to embrace it instead. She pointed out that confession is a chance to reconcile with God and heal our relationship with Him. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to be perfect to approach God; He desires our honesty and humility. Finding Joy in the Journey As Sister Maria Fatima shared her stories, it became clear that joy is woven throughout her journey. From the small moments of delight with friends to the profound encounters with God, each experience has contributed to her understanding of faith and vocation. She reminded us that God meets us in our mess and desires to transform our lives. Conclusion: Embracing Our Vocation In closing, Sister Maria Fatima’s journey serves as a testament to the beauty of faith and the importance of listening to God’s call. Whether we are discerning a religious vocation or navigating our everyday lives, we are reminded of the power of prayer, community, and the sacraments in guiding us along our path. May we all seek to embrace our unique vocations with open hearts and trust in God’s plan for our lives. Grab our Examination of Conscience for Women >>>

In a world where the vastness of the universe can seem overwhelming and our individual lives insignificant, it's easy to lose sight of the profound truth that the God who created the cosmos is the same God who bled and died for us on the cross. This Lent, let us rediscover the power and beauty of the precious blood of Jesus—the blood that washes away our sins and restores our dignity as children of the Almighty. The Vastness of God's Creation The enormity of the universe can make us feel tiny and unimportant. Imagine if the Milky Way were as big as the United States; our entire solar system would be no larger than the tip of a finger, and the sun is a microscopic red blood cell.  This cosmic vastness can trigger an existential crisis, making us question the significance of our lives and struggles. It raises a profound question: How could a divine creator, responsible for such an immense and splendid universe, pay attention to us individually? In this light, the impact of Jesus' sacrifice takes on a deep, transformative meaning. The God Who Bled for Us The God who crafted the cosmos with infinite might chose to embrace humanity's fragility, enduring the cross's agony for our redemption. This divine being, who ignited the stars, shed his blood to cleanse and reconcile us to Himself.  Amidst creation's grandeur, Jesus' sacrifice declares our worth. We are so cherished by the Sovereign that He faced a cruel death for our salvation. Poet Jessica Powers captures this profound truth: "the warm blood stilled and silenced her—the very blood of God, shed in the ultimate act of love. Paying Attention to the Precious Blood As we accompany Jesus on his path to crucifixion, let's focus intently on the profound significance of his blood. Through Scripture, art, and our meditations, we should dwell on the intricate details of Christ's passion and demise, truly absorbing the depth of his selfless love into our hearts. Let's contemplate the sorrow in Mary's gaze as she observes her son stumble with the cross, the chilling sound of nails being driven into his skin, and his last struggling breaths. We should not overlook these holy instances. Let the solemnity and splendor of these events move us to sense the presence of the living God. Responding with Worship and Devotion In the face of God's immense creation and the deep love demonstrated by Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, our natural response should be one of total worship and commitment. We ought to bow down in humility before the Almighty, acknowledging how small we are in the face of his greatness, and offer up everything we have and are to him. Let the cleansing power of Christ's blood, which washes away all our sins, inspire us to love him with the same boundless fervor that he has shown us. And in the vastness of the universe, may we find our true value and purpose in the endless love of the God who endured suffering for our sake.

There is a profound truth that many of us struggle to fully embrace: God's love for us is so deep and personal that our love actually moves His heart. This realization can transform our relationship with the Lord and how we approach life's joys and trials. A Heart Like Butter In her reflections, Beth shares a powerful image that the Lord has given her—the heart of the Blessed Mother. She sees Mary's Immaculate Heart as being like "butter"—soft, , receptive, and open to being pierced without any resistance. This is in contrast to Beth's own heart, which she describes as having been like "chicken"wire"—guarded, closed off, and springing back whenever she tried to open it to the Lord. As Beth has prayed for a heart like the Blessed Mother's, she has found that she has become less easily offended and more open to whatever God wants to do in her life, whether it brings joy or pain. There is a beautiful vulnerability in having a heart that is soft and yielding before the Lord, ready to receive whatever He desires to do. The Lord's Tender Heart This image of a heart like butter has also helped Beth to appreciate and value her own sensitive heart, which she once tried to harden and protect. She has come to see her sensitivity as a superpower rather than a weakness. Similarly, Jenna reflects on how the Sacred Heart of Jesus is like an "open"flame"—always burning with love, ready to light up even the darkest places of our hearts. Both women recognize that the tender, receptive hearts of Jesus and Mary are not signs of weakness but of great strength and holiness. They invite us to approach the Lord without fear, knowing that He longs for us to come to Him and allow Him to pour out His love and care. Love That Moves God's Heart In a powerful testimony, Beth shares how the Lord has revealed to her that her love actually moves His heart. She recounts a profound experience during a silent retreat, where she felt invited to reach out and touch the wounded heart of Jesus. In that moment, she encountered the Lord's deep desire for her love and trust, and she was overwhelmed by the realization that her love means something to Him. This revelation has transformed Beth's relationship with God, shifting her from a place of suspicion and self-protection to one of expectant trust. She now approaches the Lord with the confidence that He cares deeply about the details of her life and longs to provide for her in tangible ways. Allowing God to Care Beth and Jenna acknowledge that it can be challenging to truly believe that God cares about our lives' small, everyday concerns. We often struggle to let Him prove His care, either because we don't think we deserve it or because we're afraid to be vulnerable and trust Him. However, as they have each shared examples of how the Lord has shown His care in practical, personal ways, they have found their hearts opening up to receive His love and provision more fully. This is a journey of learning to let go of our self-reliance and allow God to care for us in the way that only He can. Conclusion The truth that our love moves God's heart is a profound and life-changing revelation. As we cultivate hearts that are soft and receptive before the Lord, we open ourselves up to experiencing His tender care in deeper ways. May we all grow in the confidence that the God of the universe is intimately concerned with the details of our lives and longs to pour out His love upon us, if only we will lift our gaze to behold the beauty of His Sacred Heart.