Step By Step

 Have you ever helped a baby learn how to walk?  Day after day you hold their hand until they are sturdy enough to let go.  Then you stand close to them with your arms extended ready to catch them if they lose their balance.  It’s not long after that, the tiny toddler begins to walk from room to room, trusting they are always safe. Often they are completely unaware of nearby dangers. 
 And so it is with us and our heavenly mother as well. Mary is ever at our side teaching us how to walk in faith.  Even when we lose our balance, Mary is ready to catch us and keep us safe.   We should therefore be very careful to stay as close to her as possible. We should follow in her footsteps because she will never lead us astray. Mary knows the best and safest paths to Jesus. She can guide us past the dangers of pride, jealousy, deceit, and worldly desires.  Step by step, we become the child of God we were created to be.   Hand in hand, Mary brings us closer and closer to God.

-Susan

How Beautiful!

Always stay close to this heavenly Mother, because she is the sea to be crossed to reach the shores of eternal splendor.
St. Pio

 This past summer I found myself a little early for work.  I was pleasantly surprised when  I didn’t hit any construction or traffic.  I wondered what I should do with my extra 15 minutes. I remembered seeing a church down the road and headed in that direction. The church had a long entrance with what I thought was a parking lot on both sides. I decided to turn to the right, and was so excited that I did. At the end of the parking lot was a beautiful Shrine to Mary!  It was the perfect place to say my rosary.  I almost felt giddy as I sat down to pray in front of Mary.   It was so special to spend this time with her! 
 The shrine reminded me of the times I had been in Italy. It seemed no matter where you walked, eventually you would come across a small shrine to Mary or a statue of Mary with flowers.  I loved that!  I loved running into my Mom all the time!  
  I have been back to the shrine several times.  It just feels like a little piece of heaven to me.  I wonder if one of the surprises of heaven will be, that heaven was in front of us the whole time, we just had to pray with Mary to see it. 

-Susan

Shhh...Be Quiet

   I happen to overhear a conversation between my daughter and my dog.  My daughter was trying to tell our dog that she wanted to do something special with him.  In the middle of her conversation, my dog ran to the window and started barking at a squirrel.  My daughter got close to him and tried to repeat her conversation, but my dog kept barking louder.  She tried a third time and my dog starting racing back and forth across the window ledge while barking nonstop.  Finally I heard my daughter just yell, "Hey could you just shut up for a minute?  I'm trying to tell you something important!"
  My daughter's words made me stop and think.  I wonder how many times God may have felt like saying that to me?  Sometimes I can get so easily distracted while praying. Sometimes I can get so focused on my plans, my disappointments, my list of prayer intentions that I forget to stop and listen.  I forget that God does have a voice, He does have a plan, and He is speaking to me.  I need to remember that I can't do God's Will if I don't know what it is.  I need to quiet my own thoughts and be reflective and open to God's voice in my life. I need to be still, let God draw close to me, and tell me some important things, too. I need to relax and stop barking about everything.

-Susan 

Chain Reaction

It

  I like this above quote by St. Francis Xavier Cabrini.  I feel that if the Rosary had a motto, it might be this.  Mary's greatest desire is to remind us of Christ's great love for each of us.  A rosary's simple design allows us to carry Jesus and Mary with us no matter where we may be. It is a symbol of faith, trust, and love. It mysteriously connects our lives to Jesus. It is a prayer that leads us to inner peace so that we may extend peace to the world through our words and actions.
  October is the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is celebrated on today, October 7th.  I would really like to encourage everyone to share the Rosary with at least one person this month.  We all know someone who is going through a difficult time.  Why not pray the Rosary with this person, or invite someone else to pray the rosary with you for that person in need. Peace and love in our lives can never be underestimated.  Life can wear us down, but each bead of the Rosary starts a chain reaction in our souls.  It stirs us to love, He who is love. It challenges us to love as Christ loves. As we pray each rosary, we change, and then we begin changing the lives of those around us. It's an incredible chain reaction.

-Susan

The Tunic (part 23)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)

  Livia did her best to smile as she walked with Cato inside.  She wondered if Mary, Martha, and Lazarus would still be willing to help them after seeing Cato draw his sword. She didn't even want to think what might have happened.  "Everyone,  I would like you to meet my husband Cato. Cato this is Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha."
  Lazarus quickly stepped forward.  "I apologize for our unannounced visit.  We mean no harm.  In fact, just the opposite, we would like to help you and your family."
  Cato quickly glanced at Livia.  "Cato," Livia began, "Cato this is the Lazarus.  The man Jesus raised from the dead.  They are close friends of Jesus. Cato....they want to help us.....they have a plan." Then very quietly Livia added, "They know everything.  I told them about the tunic."  Livia could see Cato's face turning red as he forced himself to control his anger.  "Cato, please don't be angry with me. They are very good people.  If you would just talk with them.  They could teach us so much about Jesus. They want us to be followers of Jesus with them."
  "Martha, why don't you and Mary talk with Livia and Remus outside for a bit. I think it would be best for Cato and I to speak in private."
  "Yes, of course.  We will just be outside."
  After everyone stepped outside Lazarus said, "Cato I realize it would be difficult to trust a complete stranger. Perhaps it would be better if you got to know me first.  Let's sit down and talk.  Please, ask me anything."
  Cato ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He didn't know why Livia would have put the whole family in danger.  This is not how he had expected things to go tonight.  He just wanted to get on the road.  He had no time for conversations.  Cato looked at Lazarus and sized him up.  He honestly did not look dangerous.  He seemed very calm.  Cato let out a big sigh.  He shook his head back and forth as if he was telling himself not to do this. Then the question he had wrestled with for weeks bursted out of him,  "Did you actually die?"
  Lazarus eyes widened and his lips tightened and he slowly nodded his head up and down.  "Cato let me try to explain what I experienced.  I do remember being very sick.  I remember having the fever for many days. I remember being very weak...and then.....I felt as if I was not physically connected to my body anymore.  I remember being in a place I had never seen before.  I wasn't in pain anymore.  I wasn't afraid. I just felt like I was waiting for someone.... I can't explain it, but I knew Jesus was coming.  He was going to meet with me soon.  I didn't feel anxious or scared.  I was totally at peace.  I had no concept of time.  I didn't even care. I was completely happy.  
  And then, I heard His voice, 'Lazarus come out!' A jolt of energy ran through me and suddenly I was conscious of my body again.  However, I was very confused.  For some reason, I was all wrapped up.  I couldn't understand why I was wrapped up. I didn't even know where I was.  Next I sensed a bright light filling the room. I tried to make sense of why my head, feet and hands were all bound up. Instinctively I just walked toward the sound of Jesus' voice. 
  I heard Jesus say, "Untie him and let him go." I had no idea why I was tied up. I felt someone pull the cloth from my head. The light was so bright I could not even focus at first, but I could hear.  
  I could hear so many familiar voices screaming and cheering, 'He's alive!  Lazarus is alive!'  Within seconds I could feel Mary and Martha's arms wrapped around me.  They were laughing and crying and praising God all at the same time.  I actually did not even understand what was happening at first.  I didn't know I had died. I didn't know I had been in the tomb for four days.  This crowd of family and friends which were gathered before me had witnessed my death, my burial, and my rising."
  Cato listened very intently.  "Why did He not save you before you died?"
  "Jesus wanted everyone to witness the glory of God! He wanted everyone to understand and believe that He was sent from God! No mere man could bring life back to a corpse. Jesus told Martha this, 'I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'  Jesus is God's Son!  Death has no hold on Him!  He, himself, has risen from the grave! I believe that with all my heart! Jesus is the risen Lord, the Messiah! He has asked us to share this good news with everyone!  This is my mission--our mission, we must tell the world about Jesus!"
  Cato was deeply moved listening to Lazarus.  He had heard this story from countless others, but never quite like this.  This was not just a story. This was a personal testimony of truth! Cato was beginning to understand why Livia was so trusting and then--Cato's heart sunk very low. "I am a terrible sinner.  I helped crucify Jesus.  I rolled dice to win His tunic.  I am not worthy of His promises."
  Lazarus smiled.  "None of us are worthy of His love or promises, but Jesus offers us His forgiveness so that we may continue to grow in love and share His love with others. Before they removed the wrappings from my head, I was blind to the miracle he was working in my life.  Now my eyes have been opened, my heart beats to the sound of His voice, and I will follow Him wherever He calls me to go.  You were blind to His love until you saw it reflected in your son and wife.  You, too, were a corpse, but now, He is calling you to a new life. I know this may be very dangerous for you, that's why we want to help.  We have a plan."
  Lazarus and Cato continued to talk for a long while.  Lazarus explained to Cato how they could hide in the cave at the back of their property until it was safe. Cato and Lazarus discussed a use of different signals which would alert Cato to any danger.  Lazarus promised he could bring them food and also that he would discuss getting Cato, Livia, and Remus baptized with Peter and John.
  Cato was feeling very hopeful with this new plan. He looked at Lazarus very seriously and asked, "Why would you do all this for us?"
  "Because we are brothers and sisters in Christ now.  God is our Father.  We are His children. We must love the way Jesus loves. If I demonstrate with my own actions how to love like Jesus, I hope to inspire you to do the same. Once you are baptized, you will receive His Holy Spirit. This powerful love of His Spirit will change you--if you allow it.  One by one we will inspire others to join us, to live in the Kingdom of God right here on earth.  A kingdom not of wealth or power, but a place where the love of God is visibly seen in the heart and mind and actions of all. I do not see you as a Roman soldier or a sinner, but as my brother in Christ."
  For a few moments both men remained silent.  Cato had never had someone unselfishly reach out to him like this before.  There was something so different about Lazarus.  His physical appearance did not boast of strength, but his words spoke volumes to his inner strength and trust in Jesus.  Cato was beginning to understand why Livia felt safe to confide their secret to this family of three.
  "Lazarus, I do not even understand everything that I am feeling right now, but I know something inside me has changed.  I am tired of the violence and turmoil in my life.  I have been longing for something different.  I knew something was missing in my life, but I didn't know what that something, or more accurately, that someone was.  I want to know Jesus.  I want to be a part of this kingdom you describe.  I want my son to have peace and love in his life.  I don't want him to reach for a sword as easily as I do." Cato quickly brushed away a tear of regret.  "I would very much like to accept your proposed plan.  I would like to learn how to love as Jesus does. I would be grateful if you could continue to teach me and my family."
  Lazarus smiled.  "Come on, let's go tell the women.  We can all help carry your belongings."
  Cato stepped outside and was greeted by Livia's gaze.  Cato looked deeply into those eyes he loved so much and reached out for her hand. "Livia, I have accepted Lazarus' generous plan.  Our lives are about to change forever.  Are you ready for this?"
  Livia threw her arms around Cato with delight. "Yes! I have everything packed!"
  That night Cato, Livia, and Remus walked away from their former lives in search of Jesus.  Cato found this new journey to be more rewarding than he had ever imagined.  After two years of hiding,  Cato, Livia and Remus were baptized.  It was a day of great joy for all of them. When Cato emerged from the water he tightened the belt around his tunic and remembered the tunic he had won that fateful day. Cato now realized what an incredible gift he was given. Through Jesus' death on the cross he was given a new life. A life of love, peace, forgiveness and eternal salvation. Filled with His Holy Spirit, Cato, Livia, and Remus spent the rest of their lives thanking and praising Jesus! 

-Susan
  

The Tunic (part 22)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)


  As Cato rode home he had a million thoughts competing for his attention.  He had already requested three days off from his superior officer.  The officer was reluctant at first, but Cato pleaded his son was in need of healing.  It wasn't the first time he had made this plea.  Everyone knew Cato's son had been in a fire.  Cato, however, never told any of his fellow soldiers that Remus had already been healed-- healed by Jesus.

   Cato had stopped at their home in Jerusalem. He left his soldier's uniform behind and changed into a garment he had bought from a Jewish man at the market. For a moment he wondered if he was making the right decision. It was crazy to think he would place his life and those that he loved most in danger.  It was even crazier to think that he had so much trust in a God he barely knew.

  Cato pushed his doubts aside as he wrapped up some blankets.  He wanted to give the impression that he was carrying his son in these as he rode away.  He didn't think anyone was watching him, but he didn't want to take any chances.  He began to ride in the opposite direction of Livia and Remus and circled back when he was far away.  He had been accustomed to taking a different path to them every time.  Their safety always weighted heavily on his mind. Cato wasn't exactly sure how to pray to Jesus.  He wasn't sure if it was the same as the Roman gods, but he begged Jesus to keep Livia and Remus safe. Over and over he prayed, "Please, Jesus, punish only me.  My sins are many, but please let them live.  Do not punish them for my sins."

  As Cato got close to the house, he noticed a group of people gathered outside.  His heart started racing.  "How did they find Livia and Remus already?  I had been so careful."  Instinctively , he grabbed for his sword.  He would do whatever was necessary for his family.  Again Cato prayed, "Please Jesus, punish only me.  Let my family live!" 

  When he was almost upon the crowd, Cato drew his sword. He was ready for a fight!

  Livia's eyes grew wide as Cato got close.  "Cato! N0! NO!  We're safe!  We're safe!"  She turned to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, "Go inside quick!  He doesn't know who you are!"  The three of them ran quickly inside before Cato had dismounted. Livia ran towards Cato, "Cato, please put your sword away!  We aren't in danger!  They are friends.  Mary and Martha are my friends.  Lazarus is their brother."

  Cato quickly assessed the situation digesting Livia's words. Friends. Safe. No danger. Cato looked around.  Remus was standing next to Livia.  Both were fine.  Cato cautiously put his sword back into its sheath.  He reached his arms out to Livia,  "You're ok?"

  "Yes, Cato.  We were just talking.  We are not in danger."

  Cato let out a big sigh of relief as he engulfed both Livia and Remus into his arms.  "I was so worried.  I thought...."

  "It's ok.  We're ok."  The three just stood there holding each other for a few minutes.  "Cato, I want you to meet Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  They are good people, Cato.  They won't hurt us. Although I'm sure you gave them a pretty good scare."  Livia raised her eyebrows and threw Cato a smile and squeezed his hand. "Come on, let me introduce you...we have something interesting to discuss with you."

  "Come on, Papa, you will like them.  They are very nice!"

  Cato let out another deep sigh.  "Are you absolutely sure they are not enemies Livia?"

  "I am absolutely sure they will not hurt us," declared Livia. "You know I would never put Remus in harms way." Livia was about to head towards the house when she changed her mind.  "Cato is everything okay for us to leave?  Is there anything I should know?"

  Cato looked around before answering in a very soft voice.  "Yes. We will leave today before anyone is aware of what we have planned."

  Livia lowered her voice as well,  "Do you have a definite plan for us?"

  "I don't have definite plans.  I have bought us some time.  We have at least three days before they will come looking for us.  We should be able to put some good distance between us and them.  We will have to find a good places to hide along the way.  I promise I will keep you both safe.  I will do whatever I have to do. I want to leave as soon as possible.  Can we just ask these people to leave?"

  Livia hesitated for a second.  "We could ask them to leave, Cato, but could you at least come meet them first.  There's something I want you to hear."

(to be continued...)

-Susan

  

The Tunic (part 21)

(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)


  Livia looked around.  Everything was ready if they were to depart tonight.  She was exhausted and anxious for Cato to return.  She wondered how angry Cato would be when he discovers that Livia had shared everything with Mary and Martha.  She would have to tell him . . .  eventually. . . and hopefully before Remus said anything.  She wondered if it was right to ask Remus to keep this a secret for a little bit?
  Livia headed outside to find Remus.  She decided to put all her worries on hold for a few minutes.  This may be the last chance they would have to just play openly in the fields.  Livia had no idea what their immediate future might look like. She quickly found Remus and challenged him to a race.  Remus loved running now, and he discovered he was actually a fast runner.  Watching his face light up with a big smile as he ran made Livia laugh with pleasure, too.  Losing a race to Remus felt wonderful!
  Livia had sat down for a minute to catch her breath when Remus shouted,"Look Mama! I think Martha and Mary are coming back!  It looks like someone else is with them, some man."
  Instinctively, Livia grabbed Remus' arm and pulled him close to her side. "Remus, please, let me handle this.  If I tell you to run, I want you to run as fast and as far as you can.  Try to find a good place to hide until Papa comes home."
  Remus was shocked, "What?  Why would I do that?"
  "Please Remus, you must do as I ask!  Stay right here.  I will go talk to them first." Livia released Remus' arm and slowly walked towards Mary, Martha, and the unidentified man with them.
  As Livia approached them, Mary began yelling, "Livia!  Oh, Livia! We are so glad you are still here!"  Both Mary and Martha were smiling as they approached slightly out of breath.  Livia remained silent and motionless.  She had no idea what to expect.  
  Livia was even more surprised when Martha reached out and grabbed her hand. "Livia, we want to help you! All of you! We ran home and told Lazarus everything! Oh, this is our brother, Lazarus."  Now that Lazarus was close, Livia could not help but notice the family resemblance.  Lazarus nodded his head and smiled.
  "Livia, I'm sorry we left without saying anything.  Martha and I knew we wanted to help you immediately, but we needed to discuss the details with Lazarus first. We know of a place not too far from here that you could stay.  It's nothing special-- it's actually very primitive.  It is a cave at the very far end of our property.  Many years ago, it was used by my relatives for herding.  It's been unused for a long time now. It is a bit difficult to find and very few people even know it exists."
  Livia was completely overwhelmed.  "You are not angry with us?"
  "No," said Mary and Martha in unison.
  "Livia, I'm sorry if we gave you that impression.  Your story was quite unexpected, but it is obvious that the Lord is working in your lives. I once heard Jesus tell his disciples that a healing that touched a person's heart and caused a transformation was by far more incredible than any physical healing," explained Martha.
  "Oh, yes, that's so true.  Remember sister when He said that heaven rejoices more over one sinner that repents, then ninety nine righteous people who do not need to repent!"
  Livia smiled at hearing those words. "There is so much I need to learn!"
  "And we can teach you if you stay close!  We could also help keep you safe and make sure that Remus always has food to eat," promised Mary.
  "I am so very grateful. I never would have imagined such generosity, but I will need to discuss this with Cato."
  "Of course you do.  Lazarus would like to discuss some things with Cato as well.  He wants to ensure our safety as well as your family's safety.  I think we need to let the men talk, and then we will be able to work out all the details."
  "Mary, are you sure you want to risk your own safety for us?" Livia asked.
  Mary smiled as if she new a secret. "Livia, the Lord is calling each of us to a new life.  We must leave our old ways behind. We must love one another the way Jesus taught us. So many times I heard Jesus preach about loving our neighbor. The world could know true peace if we just loved one another. That is how others will know we are disciples of Jesus--by our great love for one another."
  "Mama, I see Papa coming!" screamed Remus.
  Livia turned her attention to the road and saw Cato approaching. She felt both excited and scared as she wondered how she would explain things to Cato.

(to be continued...)

-Susan