United In Prayer

 

  I'm sure most of us were surprised by Pope Leo's XIV announcement of a lung nodule, surgery, and cancer diagnosis.  I want to encourage everyone to keep praying for his recovery. Cancer battles can vary in intensity.  Even when you win the battle, it can take a lot out of you. I'm no stranger to cancer.  It has come after me, my husband, my mother, and several of my siblings.  Sadly, we didn't win all the battles. Without prayer, the battle is brutally lonely and exhausting. You need Jesus to walk this road with you, and you definitely need your family rallying around you.

  I remember attending World Youth Day with my daughter in 2005. Pope John Paul II had just passed, and Pope Benedict XVI was leading the Church. It was an incredible adventure to be on a pilgrimage with a million Catholics from around the world. It was heartwarming to hear the crowds chanting "Papa! Papa!" for Pope Benedict XVI. It really hit home. Yes, we are all one family, just as God has designed.

  I can't begin to imagine how difficult being the Pope must be. The tremendous responsibility of leading flocks from different nations, languages, and customs must be overwhelming. It is difficult for any family to agree on any subject, especially in today's world. Imagine the faith, patience, holiness, and prayers required to unite all 1.4 billion of us. Yet we are all united through the Pope, through prayer, and through Jesus Christ in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. I am so grateful for God's design to unite us all.

  Together, let's continue to pray for Pope Leo, seeking Mary's intercession. May God continue to strengthen him physically, mentally, and spiritually. May this one apostolic church lift up their Father in prayer so that he may continue to lead us beyond ourselves and beyond this world into the loving arms of Jesus.

-Susan

Fire Up!

 

  I was considering buying one of those small propane fire tables for my backyard patio. I shared the idea with my sons. They didn't like the idea at first.  "We already have a fire pit.  Why do you need that?"

  "Because I never go out to build a fire for myself. It's too much work. I just want something easy I can use when I feel like sitting outside at night." They shook their heads and talked me out of it. To my surprise, they bought it for me for my birthday a few weeks later. I love it! It's easy to use, and it has become a gathering spot at night for sitting and talking. I never would have guessed a small fire would lead to some wonderful conversations.

  As I reflected on the day's blessings, I realized it's the little things that bring us together. Mary knew this when she introduced all her children to the Rosary. Praying the Rosary is a beautiful way to begin a conversation with Mary, but why stop there? Invite the Holy Spirit, family, and friends to the table, too! The more the merrier!

  If friends and family can't join you, I have another fun idea I've been using lately. Before I begin the Rosary, I ask Mary to bring a saint with her. Many saints were deeply devoted to the Rosary, and their insights can enrich our meditation. I've found this new practice exciting and engaging as I reflect on how the Rosary shaped their lives. It's also a wonderful way to begin preparing for All Saints' Day!

  I hope this suggestion gets you fired up to keep celebrating Mary and the Holy Rosary this month!

-Susan

Hello October

 

  Fall has officially arrived! The days are shorter, the nights are cooler, and the leaves are beginning to change. Pumpkin-spice everything is everywhere, alongside fresh cider and doughnuts.  October is filled with sweet treats, which is why I find it fitting that it is dedicated to Mary and the Holy Rosary. Praying the Rosary with Mary turns every day into something special and memorable. Whether my spirit is high or down in the dumps, my moments with Mary enlighten me both personally and spiritually. Sometimes I feel like Elizabeth and think, "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" 

  I feel Mary smile and say, "Don't you know who you are? You are a child of the Most High God. I am always here for you." How incredibly blessed we all were in that moment on the cross when Jesus gave Mary to each of us.  Like John, you take Mary into your home, and it is so incredibly beautiful and life-changing; you have to share the truth of this blessing with everyone! Mary is always in our lives, whether we recognize her presence or not, but when you do, your whole life changes. Slowly, prayer by prayer, day by day, year by year, Mary reveals God's love. A love so personal and tender that God delights in its delivery through the hands of His Mother.

  This October, pick up your rosary beads in one hand and hold Mary's hand in the other. Heaven is closer than we imagine. The path to heaven is rhythmic, repetitive, and meditative, filled with moments that transform your thoughts, your heart, and your life. I would highly recommend diving into this sweet treat. Falling in love with Mary and the Rosary is an earthy adventure that lets small beads of wisdom reveal the majesty of God's love.

-Susan