Can You Picture It?

 

 This past week I was sharing some picture books with my grandchildren. The books had a place in the back of the book to put a picture of the child. Then and each page has the face cut out, so you can imagine yourself in the story. We had a lot of fun with the different scenarios and switching the picture in the back with other family members.

 Although this may seem like child's play, it could benefit adults. Imagine if you were the face of one of the apostles, one of the lepers, or one of the Pharisees. What if we pictured ourselves as the parish priest, the neighbor next door, or the coworker everyone avoids. It's often easier to judge others when we aren't wearing their shoes. This week, try to see the world from someone else's point of view. You may discover there are details that you have never noticed before. It may bring new clarity to Jesus's command to love your neighbor as yourself.

-Susan

  

The Joy of the Holy Spirit

 

After John had baptized Jesus, he saw "the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him" (Matt 2:16). John must have been overwhelmed with joy to actually see the Holy Spirit. My grandson was baptized recently. Although none of us saw a dove during the ceremony, my grandson had the biggest smile on his face after the waters of Baptism were poured on his head. His smile generated joy in all of us present. We did not see the Holy Spirit, but we definitely felt His Presence.

 Many of us do not remember our Baptism because of our young age. It's okay that we don't recall when we received the gift of the Holy Spirit, but it's not okay to forget that we have received the Holy Spirit. How often do you speak to the Holy Spirit? How often do you listen to His voice?

 I remember how happy and excited I was to baptize each of my children into the Catholic faith, and this feeling has only grown stronger. As I watch my children baptize their children, I know the gift of the Holy Spirit given to me is just going to keep growing in all their lives. I would like to know if my parents and grandparents had any idea that their gift of the Holy Spirit would grow past their lives. The blessing of the Holy Spirit is so incredible we can not even comprehend it. I don't mind that I can't fully understand the Holy Spirit. I would hate for the Holy Spirit to be limited by me and my understanding. I am much happier knowing that the work the Holy Spirit has begun in me can become a seed in someone else.

 I'm looking forward to watching the Holy Spirit "renew the face of the earth." I hope you are as well.

-Susan 

The Epiphany

 

 The wise men followed a star to find the newborn King! Only a few details are given about these men from the East. Yet their faith story is told every Christmas season. Imagine feeling so strongly about one sign from God--a star. These courageous men sought Jesus and then laid down their gifts before Him. They were not blessed to hear Jesus speak of God's Kingdom and did not witness Jesus performing a miracle. Yet, they were moved to acknowledge His Presence in their life.

 Could our own faith be as courageous? We have heard the words Jesus preached. We know of His mighty miracles. Do we also see the signs God has shared with us? The search for the newborn King is different from a story of the past. It is an ongoing story of the present. It is our story. The search and discovery of Jesus is a lifetime adventure. We must never stop searching for Him. He is present in our lives and waits for us to discover Him. Our story is even more incredible because our conversations with the Holy Family are not a one-time event. We have the privilege of conversing with the Holy Family whenever and wherever we choose.

 We don't know much about these wise men, but I wonder if they have heard our stories and asked about us. Would they be amazed at our tenacity to honor the King? I hope so. I really do.

-Susan  

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

 

 May we begin this new year embracing our Holy Mother. As we pause to honor Mary holding the Christ child in her arms, let us be reminded that she holds each of us just as tenderly. May we open our arms up to Mary so that she may place Christ into our lives. Happy New Year!

-Susan

Merry Christmas!

  The angels wake you from your sleep." Christ is born! Come see Him!"

 This is the moment for which you have prepared. You quickly get out of bed and look for" the child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." As you kneel to adore the newborn King, His love permeates your heart. The miracle of Christmas is present before your eyes.

 As you pray, you hear the voice of Jesus, "I am always. I am always in this sacred space within your heart. Please don't walk away and leave me in this manger. Pick me up and carry me wherever you go. We do not have to stay at this stage of infancy. We can grow together! The miracle is not just my birth. The miracle is that you were born to be with me for all eternity!"

 Joyful tears of love stream down your face. You smile as you look at the christ Child and say. "I am blessed to be so loved by God!"

 Merry Christmas!

-Susan

  

The Lord Is Coming!

 You kneel before the altar, and your eyes peer into the stable. Animals mill in and out, looking for water to drink after grazing in the fields. There is nothing to suggest the Savior will soon be born and placed in that same manger. The Lord is coming, and life continues as if this doesn't change everything. 

 One of the sheep catches your eye. He just keeps walking back and forth without any real purpose. There is a loosely woven strand of evergreens around the sheep's neck with a simple cross dangling like an animal's ID tag. Your eyebrows raise a little, and you think, "At least that one is trying." As you stare intently at this sheep, you notice something. The sheep's eyes are so familiar to you. Stunned, you suddenly realize you are staring into your own eyes. You are the sheep.

 Your mind allows you some freedom in this prayer. You have been trying to prepare for Christmas, but has it been enough? Are you just preparing for the Christmas party, or are you preparing for the Christ Child to be born? What have you done to intentionally prepare for Christ? Oddly, you notice the watch on the sheep's left front leg. Why is the sheep wearing a watch, you wonder? The sheep looks at you and wanders over to the manger. You realize there is still time to prepare more intentionally. There is still time. The Lord is coming, and you want it to change everything, especially you.

-Susan

The Invitation of Joy

 

  In the silence, you quiet your mind as your hand reaches into your sweater pocket. Instantly, your fingers wrap themselves around the beads which connect you with heaven. The Joyful Mysteries are even more beautiful during Advent. Love, trust, and joy weave into your heart and thoughts as you meditate on those who were the first to adore and embrace Jesus. As you finish the last mystery, a Christmas song begins to play in your mind, and you can't resist singing to Mary, "Could I hold the baby? Will He smile at me?" Inwardly, you see Mary smile as she nods and says, "Yes."

 You carry Mary's promise as you enter the Church for Mass. Then, as the priest holds up the host for consecration, you hear Mary's voice again, "Yes. It's your turn to hold my precious child."

 As you walk towards the altar, your heart beats with joy. Reverently, you bow before Christ and then hold out your hand. It's your turn to hold the baby. But not just in your hands but with every cell in your body. Joy circulates through you. You know that at this moment, you are blessed beyond measure, beyond anything you deserve. Nothing in this world compares to God's love. 

 -Susan