Vacationing With God #8-National Shrine of Divine Mercy, Stockbridge MA.

 This past weekend we packed up the car and embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge MA. After consecrating myself to Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday,  I had a great desire to visit the shrine.  Perhaps it was the voice of mercy echoing in my thoughts, or my desire to thank St. Faustina, or the inspiring words of the Marian Fathers and Pope Francis that drew me to this spot. 

 There was an overwhelming sense of peace as we walked the grounds of the shrine. There was beauty everywhere.  We stepped out of the car and followed the footsteps of our loving Savior as we prayed beside the life size stations of the cross. This was a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for mass.

 After we entered through  the Holy Doors of Mercy, we enjoyed a beautiful mass, prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and received a blessing with a the relic of Saint Faustina. We prayed along side others who were on their own spiritual journeys. We were strangers, and yet we were brothers and sisters,  searching and longing for one thing- God's loving mercy. 

  Although the mercy of God can be felt everywhere, sometimes it is good for the soul to take a break from  everyday routines, and travel on a special path focused completely on Jesus.  I would like to encourage everyone during this Year of Mercy, to put aside some special time to contemplate the mercy of God and how to "be merciful as the Father is merciful."

Merciful Lord open our heats so that we may hear your voice,
Guide our steps, that we follow in your path, 
Use our hands as if they were your own,
And  let our thoughts be centered on you.
Please bless us with your loving mercy.

Check out this video of our trip to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy!

-Susan and Theresa

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Searching For God's Graces

  Pokemon Go has become an overnight sensation.  (This hot new app encourages the player to physically walk around their neighborhood looking and catching Pokemon.)  I haven't seen this many kids outside in my neighborhood in a long time.  I have to admit my kids have caught a few Pokemon in our house, our yard, and in our pool.  Were they always there and we just couldn't see them without this new app?  Of course this got me to thinking....
  What if there was an app that could detect God's graces.  Just imagine walking around your house and neighborhood and being able to see all the graces God has bestowed upon you.  Do you think you would be so amazed that you would continue looking everywhere for more grace?  I know my church, like many others, is a "Poke stop" where you can get free Poke balls, eggs, potions and other items. I noticed many kids hanging out in the parking lot to gather these free items.  And although I love to see more youth at church, I wish they would actually come inside the church.  I want to tell them that they could gain so many graces from God if they just spent that same amount of time in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  The graces received here are not just a fad, they are special gifts from God.  These graces can soften an unforgiving heart, heal a heart that is hurting, strengthen your faith and willingness to follow God, refresh a soul that is tired, enlighten someone who is confused, or fill your heart and mind with eternal bliss.
  Imagine how different life might be if we actually could "see" God pouring His Divine love into our soul. Do you think there would be a long reconciliation line because everyone was talking about all the graces they had captured when talking with the priest?  Would people be piling into the church  so that they could reach the next spiritual level?  And would we all fall to our knees and praise God endlessly if we actually saw the graces He bestowed upon us during Holy Communion?
  I don't know about you, but I am setting out for my own quest.  I will be searching for the grace of God in the people I meet and the places I go.  I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised throughout the day, and I hope I run into you doing the same!

May God fill you with His abundant graces!

-Susan

Love Your Neighbors

  Carmen drove with her daughter, Mattie,  across town to visit her mother.  It was her  Mom's 77th birthday today.  Her brother, Raymond was also coming in for the celebration.  Besides her failing eye sight, Irene, was in good shape for her age and was still very comfortable living in the house where she had raised her family.  Carmen had tried very hard to convince her Mom to move when her father passed away fours years ago, but Irene was not interested in leaving her home.  "This is where I belong, I love it here," she remembered her mother saying.  As Carmen turned down the street, she felt a little uncomfortable.  The houses seemed a little more run down then when she had grown up here.  Of course, Carmen lived in a very large house just over an hour away.  Her house was probably too big for her husband and Mattie, but it was very beautiful and in a well known neighborhood.
  As Carmen pulled into the driveway she saw her mother sitting on the front porch with a pitcher of lemonade next to her.  Carmen smiled as she remembered how many times her friends would all come over and hang out on the front porch.  Those were good times, but people just didn't really do that any more.
  "Hello Birthday girl!" Carmen shouted as she got out of the car and walked towards the front porch.
  "Grandma!" shouted Mattie as she ran to give her a hug.
  "Oh, I'm so happy to see you both!  How was the traffic?  Raymond called and said he was running a little late," Irene said.
  "When isn't he running late?" Carmen replied with a laugh.
  "Mattie will you do me a favor?  There is a big plate of homemade cookies on the kitchen table, could you please bring them out for us to enjoy."
  "Sure Grandma," said Mattie before running inside.  Mattie came back with the plate and one cookie already in her mouth.  "I was hoping you would have baked some cookies.  Yours are the best!"
  "Mom you didn't have to go to that fuss.  I could have picked some up on the way."
  "Well it's my birthday and I wanted to celebrate with everyone," Irene stated with a smile.
  Just then a man walking down the sidewalk yelled, "Good morning Irene.  Looks like you have company today."
  "I do.  Carlos come on over and meet my daughter and granddaughter."
  As Carlos walked up, Carmen couldn't help but notice his wrinkled t-shirt, his out-dated pants and old tennis shoes.  "Hello.  It's nice to meet you both," Carlos said with a friendly smile.
  Carmen nodded and returned the smile.
  "Carlos did you know today is my birthday?  Please sit down and have one of my famous home-made cookies and some lemonade," Irene said.  Carlos chatted for a few minutes with the girls as he enjoyed the refreshments.
  "Irene is it okay if Mariana comes over for an hour after school on Wednesday?  I have an appointment again.  I promise it won't be more than an hour."
  "Oh sure," answered Irene.  "Mariana is always welcomed.  And don't rush to get back here,  I don't have any plans."
  "Thank you, Irene.  Someday I will repay you."
  "Please, you do enough for me already."
  "Hi Irene!" said a young woman pushing a stroller.
  "Belinda come meet my Carmen," yelled Irene.  Carmen took a quick note of Belinda's numerous tattoos and piercings as she came up to the porch.  "Here have some cookies and help yourself to some lemonade.  This is my Carmen and her beautiful daughter Mattie."
  "Hi!  Your mom brags about you all the time," revealed Belinda.  "You sure are lucky to have a mom that loves you so much.  I never really knew my mom.  She left when I was little.  That's why I like talking with Irene.  She knows so much about raising kids.  She gives great advice."
  Carmen did her best to smile and make small talk with Carlos and Belinda, but she was obviously a bit uncomfortable.  She was about to excuse herself when she heard a loud motorcycle coming down the street.  The man tooted his horn and waved as he went by.
  "Who was that Grandma?" asked Mattie.
  "Oh, that's Lee, he lives a couple houses over," Irene said nonchalantly.
  After a few more minutes, Carlos and Belinda said their good-byes and continued their walk. Sissy waited until they were out of ear shot before she said, "Mom, I'm not sure this is such a good neighborhood for you anymore."
  "What do you mean?  I have lots of friends here."
  "I know, Mom, but your eyesight isn't what it used to be.  I don't think your seeing the whole situation here.  Do you know Belinda has more tattoos and piercings then anyone I know, and that Carlos looks like a hobo?  Why are you watching his daughter? I feel like he is taking advantage of you.  And Lee just totally scares me."
  Irene was silent for a moment.  Then she said, "Carmen, I'll tell you what I see.  Carlos is a man who is completely devoted to his wife and daughter.  His wife has been sick for the past six months and he has to take her back and forth to the doctors.  I can't see Belinda's piercings but I see how much she loves her little boy. She doesn't want to make the mistakes her mom made.  She stops by everyday to ask me questions, because she wants to learn how to be a good mom.  And Lee shovels my driveway in the winter and rakes my leaves in the fall.  I see a man who is very generous and kind. And I look at you and I see someone who is a wonderful mother and daughter.  And I am very proud of you, but I'm wondering if you forgot something I taught you...to see Jesus in every person you meet.  It's such a simple thing, but it seems to make all the difference in this world...and the one to come."
  Carmen leaned over and kissed her mother on the forehead.  "I love you Mom, you still are the smartest person I know.  I think tonight I will pray to inherit your eyesight."

-Susan

My Shepherd

  

  Lizzie and her family entered church and sat in the usual pew.  As she sat down, Lizzie looked at her children and remembered simpler times, when her children were much younger.  But now, difficult decisions lay ahead of her.  Her problem weighed heavy on her mind.  She had suffered mentally and emotionally for weeks now, and the stress was becoming too much to bear.  Before mass began, she prayed the same prayer once again, "Please Jesus, help me handle this situation.  I really can't take it anymore.  I feel like I am losing myself."  Her eyes remained closed as she swept a tear that had successfully escaped.
  Mass began and the familiar hymns lifted her spirit.  She listened to the readings and insightful homily and wished the mass would not end today.  Everything seemed to make sense inside these walls.  Unfortunately, not everyone outside these walls was interested in living the gospel message.  Just before Communion, Lizzie found herself with her eyes fixed on the crucifix.  She closed her eyes once again and prayed her earlier prayer.
  As she closed her eyes, she envisioned Jesus on the cross.  Then the cross became a staff, and she heard Jesus call her name.  Mentally she followed Jesus as they climbed a path winding up the side of a mountain.  "Where are we going?" she asked.
  Jesus just smiled and said, "You'll see."
  Lizzie loved following Jesus.  Being close to Him just felt so right.  Her problems seemed to fade the higher they climbed, and all she could think about was the path they were on and where it would lead. Before long they had reached the top of a small summit and Jesus took out a picnic blanket and spread it on the ground.  He invited Lizzie to sit down and she was thrilled to see Mary had come to join them.  The three of them sat and enjoyed some bread and wine.  Lizzie felt completely at peace and soaked up the love she felt radiating from Jesus and Mary.  She could have stayed in that moment forever.
  Then Jesus said, "I want you to continue this journey.  I will meet you at the top."
  Lizzie looked around. "What path am I supposed to take?"
  Jesus smiled and said, "The path on higher ground, of course.   You already knew that.  You just needed to be strengthened for the journey."
  "Please, Jesus, don't leave me.  I get so confused when I am by myself."
  "Lizzie, you are never alone.  We are always with you."  I saw Jesus smile at me and then-
  "Mom, it's our turn for Communion," Lizzie's son whispered as he place his hand on her shoulder.
  Lizzie opened her eyes and proceeded down the aisle with her eyes fixed on the crucifix.  Just before she received Communion, Lizzie prayed once more, "You are my Shepherd.  Reside in me and I will follow wherever you shall lead me."
  The Eucharistic minister looked at Lizzie and said, "The Body of Christ."
  With all of her heart, mind, and soul, Lizzie said, "Amen."

-Susan

Just Try

"I don't think I can do it." Leena said as she sat down with her arms around her legs and her head buried in her lap.
  "I'd like you to try," said the man.
  "I can't.  You don't understand the pain I've been through.  It hurts too much." Leena confessed as tears streamed down her cheek.
  "I know you've been hurt.  I want to help you."
  "Do you really think what happened was fair?  Do you think I deserved to be treated like that?"
  "What happened was wrong.  It can't be undone.  But I want it to stop hurting you."
  "I'm not you.  I can't forgive people like that.  They don't deserve my forgiveness."
  "I never said they deserved it.  I want to help you heal."
  Leena looked up for a minute and wiped the stream of tears that could not be stopped.  "How is forgiving them going to help me heal?  It's not going to take away my pain."
  "I can't argue that you've been deeply hurt.  But if you open your heart to forgiveness,  I can pour my love and grace in you, so you can begin to heal."
  "I don't think I can ever be healed."
  "Trust me, Leena.  It may take time, and it may not be easy,  but my grace is sufficient."
  "Jesus, of course, I trust you.  I just... I don't know how I could ever forgive...."  Leena sat for a long time next to Jesus. Patiently, Jesus sat right next to her.  Then Jesus heard a very tiny voice say, "Please open my heart to forgiveness.  Please help me.  I can't do this on my own."
  "Leena, that was all I needed to hear to get started.  I only need the smallest 'yes' to begin."
  "I might need to take this very slow, though.  It's not going to be easy for me."
  "I'll be with you with each moment."
  "I love you, Jesus.  Thank you for helping me. Please stay close to me."
  "I love you, too.  Just keep trusting me. 'Behold, I make all things new.'"

-Susan

Having faith

    In conversations about my faith with my non-religious friends, I often get the question "How can you really believe in all that 'God stuff' when there is no proof?" This question is a tough one to answer. How do we really know what is not scientifically proven? The answer to that is having faith. God loves each and everyone of us, whether we acknowlege it or not. Sometimes it may feel like there is not a single person on our side- but God always is. He will love us unconditionally for all eternity, we just need to have faith and know that He is with us always. Having faith in something we cannot see can be hard at times. That is why we need prayer in our lives- to strengthen our faith and relationship with God. With a little guidance through prayer, you will begin to see what God has in store for you, and having faith in that will change your life forever.

-Theresa

Rosary Meditation; Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the garden

  "Jesus came to a place named Gethsemane, and he said to  the disciples , " Sit here while I pray.". He took with him Peter, James, and John and began to be troubled and distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch.". After returning to find the disciples asleep, Jesus said, "Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.  The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."

I sometimes wonder what might have happened if the apostles had stayed awake. I'm sure they would have heard the crowd with swords and clubs who had been sent to arrest Jesus. I mean it had to have been a decent size crowd. Surely they would have heard them coming.

How often have you been too tired or too distracted to spend time with Jesus in prayer?  Heed Jesus' words keep watch and pray that you will not undergo the test.  The Evil one is quite clever.  He will distract you with all sorts of activities so that you forget to pray. Don't fall into his trap, because evil and selfishness will surround you and you will never see it coming.  Ask Mary to help you put Christ above all else in your life.

II.  Scourging at the Pillar

"Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas and had Jesus scourged."  The guards were close enough to Jesus while they scourged Him, that they were splattered with His blood.  It's hard to understand this scene.  The guards watched Jesus bleed and suffer and then laughed.  Who could do this?  Maybe we need to look only as far as a mirror's reflection.  Have you ever betrayed someone?  Cut someone deeply with your words or actions and then watched them suffer and cry?  Is it easier to whip and wound others with lies, prejudices, and intolerance then offer acceptance, understanding, or forgiveness?

Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.

III.  Crowning of Thorns

"The soldiers led Jesus away inside the palace.  They clothed Him in purple and weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on Him.  They began to salute Him with "Hail King of the Jews!" and kept striking His head with a reed and spitting on Him."

Mystics tell us, that had Jesus not been crucified, He would have died from the piercing of one of the thorns in His head.  A thorn is something that wounds, annoys, or causes discomfort.  It is a source of continual irritation or suffering.  How do we treat each other and those around us?  On our last day, will Jesus smile and call us"friend" or will He pull a thorn from His Sacred Head?  Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.

IV.  Carrying of the Cross

The crowds gathered down the streets watching Jesus carry His heavy cross.  They were not attracted by His love, His words, or His Plan of salvation.  They watched as Evil tried to destroy Good.  Why is it easier to sit and be a spectator then to "fight the good fight"? Don't let evil prevail.  Pick up your cross and when you have the strength help someone carry their's as well.  Pray for the Kingdom of God to reign over the evil in this world.  Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.

V.  The Crucifixion

Around the cross stood several groups of people.  Who would you say most resembles yourself?  Our Mother Mary who always remained faithful.  Who spent her whole life praying  and accepting  God's Will even though it would cause her tremendous pain. Or are you like the faithful disciples John and Mary Magdalen, never abandoning your Lord even when your friends have?  Are you like the criminal on the cross who will not recognize the Savior until your life is about to end? Or perhaps like the other criminal who was more interested in miracles and his earthly life, then the salvation of his soul?  Are you like the Roman soldiers who took a chance gambling over possessions rather then notice that God was in their midst?  Are you like the soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross because they listened to the will of men over the Will of God?  Are you like some who just stood and watched wanting to be part of the drama for the sake of attention and pretense?  Or those who watched from far away because they were afraid that others would know that Jesus was their Lord and Savior?  Or are you like the Roman soldier, who only after piercing the heart of Jesus, recognized  that truly this man was the Son of God?  Take a look at which group of people you find yourself standing next to.  Now take a look at Jesus suffering on the cross.  I mean really  look at Him.  Now decide where you would like to be standing and ask Mary to help you.  Please, watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.

*Quotes taken from the Gospel of Mark