Faithful To The End

 

   Recently, my daughter and I were watching the morning news. One of the stories was titled "Frozen yogurt is back." They showed a line that wrapped around a city block, with people waiting to buy the tasty treat.  My daughter and I looked at each other and said, "When did eating frozen yogurt go out of style? And why is this national news?" We live in a world where everyone follows the latest trend, but I wonder why people are always searching for something new. What is wrong with sticking with something for the long haul? Is being a good disciple difficult because we can't fully commit to God's Plan in His timing?

  I was thinking about this while praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. God promised to send a Savior into the world almost immediately after Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. The Savior didn't come after a week, a month, or a year of praying. Jesus didn't come until thousands of years later. Who can wait that long for a prayer to be answered? Only someone fully committed to God. We must be persistent, humble, and faithful in our prayers. 

  The world had to wait thousands of years for Mary to be born before her Son could be conceived. Elizabeth and Zachariah waited decades before their son, John, was conceived, and decades more before he announced the Messiah's coming. Simeon waited decades in the Temple to encounter the promised Messiah. Mary and Joseph prayed for days after Jesus was lost to them before He was found in the Temple. In each of these circumstances, it would have been easier if people had known when and how their prayers would be answered.

  Faithfulness is not a trend; it is a way of life. Some days are easy and joyful, while others are heart-wrenching and difficult. Trust isn't about standing in line and waiting to be rewarded with a treat. Trust means loving God and whatever He wills, because His way is always good. His ways will bring the grace and circumstances sufficient to make you a saint and allow His kingdom to reign. Faithfulness is timeless. Forget the trends; stay true and be in it for the long haul.

-Susan

(Additionally: Thank you for all your prayers for Pope Leo! Praise God for healing Him!)

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

Let His Light Shine

 

    I was at peace as I neared the end of my daily walk when it happened. My watch's messaging app went off. I made the mistake of reading it. The message instantly annoyed me. The path I was walking seemed to darken as I tried to manage my feelings and decide how to respond. I took a breath, said a prayer, and tried to relax and think clearly. As I looked up, I saw a bright light shining through the window. It was a clarifying moment—a sign to guide me. Follow His light. Peace will return. I walked forward, my eyes fixed on His Light.

  Small annoyances can rob us of our peace if we let them. Prayer is the best way to handle these moments. I have heard some say they don't like to bother God with little problems. I don't feel that way. If something is bothering me, I talk it over with God.  Left to my own thoughts, I often make small problems even bigger because I tend to overthink things.  I need help letting go of my anger.  I need God.  I need to slow down and allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. 

  After praying about my little situation, I reminded myself that the world can deliver both good and bad messages on my watch, but the Lord is always good.  He is my Deliverer. He is always watching over me, and if I raise my eyes, I will see His light. His light can overcome any of my dark moments.

-Susan

Keep Focused

 

  I have been blessed to travel a little in my lifetime. Letting my eyes drink in so many of God's beautiful creations inspires me to praise Him for His many gifts and reminds me of my littleness in this big world. Sunday Mass is always essential. Catholic churches come in many sizes and architectural styles. The Mass, however, is universally the same. Wherever I am, I know that during the Mass, I am at home. I love the Mass! What saddens me, though, are the distractions I sometimes encounter before the Mass.

  I am grateful for parishes with active ministries serving the community's needs. It is wonderful, but I would prefer to give these programs my full attention after Mass. I am also happy that those in the pews have close relationships with one another, but let's celebrate those friendships after Mass. Like many of you, I have a busy life. I long to spend sacred moments with the Lord away from earthly distractions. I want to stay focused on praising God, but I am weak, and my senses can be easily distracted.  I need your help to stay focused.

  The Mass is the highest form of prayer.  The Mass is a sacred time when we join our prayers with Jesus to praise and worship God the Father. Participating in the holy Mass is the most important part of our lives.  The Mass is not meant to be casual or entertaining. It is sacred time spent praising God's goodness. I am embarrassed to admit that I can let distracting thoughts interfere with the sacredness of the moment.

  I realize I need help.  Personally, I need to prepare for Mass.  I need to prepare my heart to hear God's words and receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  I need to be open to the gentle guidance of my guardian angel, who leads me to worship as in heaven.  I need to unite myself with Mary so that I may imitate her disposition and receive all the graces the Lord has prepared for me. Preparing for Mass is important to me. When I walk through the church doors and enter the sanctuary, I want to focus on the Lord. 

  I realize some of you prayer warriors don't let anything distract you. I truly admire that. But it's possible that, like me, others are being distracted as well. Help me stay focused on the sacrifice of the Mass until the final blessing and dismissal. Then we can go out together to serve the Lord, the community, and one another.

-Susan

That's A Tough Question

 

  My granddaughter loves to read.  I recently bought her a "Would You Rather" book.  The book is filled with statements that make you choose between two good things or two bad things.  Generally, the Would You Rather statements are more fun when shared with someone. For example:  Would you rather spend one day in the past or one day in the future? Would you rather have the gift of prophecy or the gift of healing?  Would you rather eat a bowl of worms or a cup of dirt? As you can see, some decisions are easier to make than others.

  We face a similar question every day of our lives.  Would you rather live for this world or for heaven?  Although the answer to this question should be obvious to Christians, I wonder whether it is easier to answer than to live it out. Let's face it, most of us are not living saintly lives.  For some reason, the pull of this world is stronger than it should be. Oddly, we spend more time making our lives comfortable than preparing for eternity. It's easier to let others live their own lives than to share the truth of the Gospels with them. How do we live for God rather than for ourselves?

  Although the pull of gravity is strong here on Earth, it is no match for the word "yes" given to the Holy Spirit. Let's begin our day by asking the Holy Spirit to replace one worldly habit with a saintly one. Ask the Holy Spirit to present you with a "Would You Rather" question and see where the conversation leads. You may be surprised by what you learn.

-Susan