Honestly Does It Really Matter?

 

  My dog began hitting the front window and barking loudly. He ran back and forth, obviously upset about something. I got up to look, but my daughter said, "It's just a squirrel, Mom."

    I looked at my dog and said, "Fitz, I'm sorry, but I just can't get excited or recognize the threat of a little squirrel." As I returned to folding the laundry, I wondered what other little threats I did not take seriously. Almost instantly, one word came to mind--truth. I've been thinking about truth and honesty lately.

  We live in a time where bending the truth and spinning our own truths are so common that it seems the laws of physics have changed. What happens to society when truth becomes arbitrary? Jesus discovered firsthand that a mob mentality can influence grave injustice when people stop listening to the truth. Jesus said, "For this, I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

  This week, let's pray to hear God's voice. If we can't hear anything, ask God to clarify any truths that have our heads spinning. The world is good at shouting words, but as disciples of Jesus, we need to value honesty. God is still speaking to us daily, and we need to hear His words of everlasting life. Small lies may seem like a small threat until you find yourself echoing Pilate's question, "What is truth?"

-Susan

A Great Reminder

 

  My granddaughter was playing in my room this past week. She took my plush Jesus and Mary dolls and said, "These are my super agents!" She then went and built a fort in the corner of my room. "Even if it gets dark, I'll be safe."

  Jesus' words came to mind: "Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." My five-year-old granddaughter knew that she had nothing to fear as long as she remembered to carry Jesus and Mary with her. She has complete trust in Jesus.  Not only did she make me smile but she reminded me how easy preaching the Gospel can be. What may appear to be mere child's play is actually a great reminder. We should all invite Jesus and Mary to stay close throughout our day because no matter what the day holds for us, Jesus and Mary will keep us safe.

-Susan

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

  

  What a glorious day! Our blessed Mother enters through the gates of heaven, her soul as beautiful as the day she was created! All of heaven must have rejoiced as the sinless Mother of God approached the throne of the Almighty. Was all of heaven allowed to feel the Holy Trinity's immense love for Mary?

  I hope everyone makes the time to reflect on Mary's life and openness to God's Will. We are fortunate that Jesus chose to share His holy Mother with us. God lavishly loves us and gives us the very best—Mary. Let us show God how grateful we are for His gift by striving to be like our Mother Mary.

-Susan

Prayers Needed

    

 "Please pray for us!" has been a recurring plea this week. It has been a week of unsettling news for my family, with a few members in the hospital. Being a patient or a patient's family member is a challenging journey.  It's difficult to relinquish control, wait for tests, and ponder the path ahead. But prayer is our anchor, reminding us that the Lord is always with us. We're not alone, nor do we have to face this illness alone. Personal prayer is transformative, but what about intercessory prayer?  Do we really need it? Absolutely!

 Praying for one another is what our faith calls us to do.  We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. We want the Lord to be vividly present to our loved ones.  Often, we know from experience how much grace, love, and support are needed to get through difficult situations. The power of each person's prayer is immeasurable! Other people may pray for graces we didn't even realize we needed. We all have our favorite saints, and by asking others to pray for you, you may be surrounded by an army of saints! And sometimes, in our weakness, we need an army to pray for us.

 Never underestimate the help others can give you through their prayers or the difference your prayer can make. The Lord said, "When two or more are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." This week, let's gather together in prayer. Let's pray for ourselves and for each other.  We all need God's healing in one way or another.

 -Susan

Making a Claim

 

 I was speaking with my insurance guy recently. "So, how much is everything going up this year?"  I asked.  The man spent fifteen minutes detailing cost-cutting savings that I could take now but would increase my deductible should I have to make a claim.  The different possibilities made my head spin.  "Could you send me an email with this information?  I need to see it in black and white."

  "Of course," he replied.

  "You know, I'm afraid of what would even happen to my rates if I had to make a claim.  I pay a lot for insurance that I hope I never have to use."

  The man sighed and said, "You are looking at this the wrong way.  You need insurance to live.  You can't drive your car or secure any loans without insurance." As he continued to deliver his spiel, I had to admit he was a good salesperson.  He could talk the talk.

  Later that evening, while praying, his words came to mind.  "You're looking at this the wrong way."  Am I practicing my faith because I want to be "insured" that I have eternal life with God, or do I really believe the words of the Gospel—Is the Christian life a better way to live?  I tried to look at this question very honestly.  Am I just checking off boxes so I can obtain the promise of heaven?  There is definitely some truth to that.  I really do want to live in Eternity with the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary, and all the angels and saints. And although heaven is my goal, following the Commandments makes so much sense.  How different would our world be if everyone followed the Commandments?

  So, do I need the assurance that God is beside me daily and will guide me along the path?  I sure do! But I also need Him every day of my life. I love his friendship and love. I also love His circle of friends who inspire and teach me to be holy. The best part of Christianity is that I don't have to be afraid to make a claim. In fact, the more I claim to be a Christian, the more I am rewarded! 

-Susan

Rooted in Faith

 

  I had the opportunity to get away with my family to Aspen. The beauty of Aspen allowed me to thank God for this breathtaking world so many times. While we hiked the many trails, I became fascinated with the Aspen trees. I learned that the Aspen trees had an incredible root system that connected a group of Aspens, creating one organism.  

  I couldn't overlook the comparison of the Aspens to my own family.  When not vacationing together, we are often pulled in many different directions.  At times, it may appear we live busy, separate lives, yet we are always connected.  Our roots keep us connected. We are constantly nourished by the Spirit of God, allowing our faith to grow at different heights and seasons.  Similar to Aspens, the roots of our faith may lie dormant for many years before budding into something truly spectacular.  As a parent, I remind myself that everything happens according to God's timing. 

  I have been blessed to raise my children in the Catholic faith, and I look forward to witnessing how each of us will manifest God's love to others. Hiking through life with my family will be a fantastic adventure, no matter where we find ourselves. Sometimes, getting away allows God to show me something new, not just in this world but truths that have been right in front of me the whole time. 

-Susan

The Cliffhanger

 

  Last night, my daughter got home from summer camp. As we got caught up, I announced that I had finished the fourth season of The Chosen. "Did it end with a good cliffhanger?" my daughter asked.

  I chuckled and said, "I don't know if I would call it a cliffhanger because I know how the story ends, but it was excellent."

  My daughter laughed and said, "Well, obviously, you know what's going to happen."

  I thought about that conversation later.  Do I really know how the story ends? Of course, historically, I know what occurred to Jesus and the birth of the Church, but the story continues two thousand years later.  We are still trying to spread the Gospel to the ends of the world.  I'm still trying to share the Gospel, and I often wonder if when my time comes to an end, I will have done enough?  Will my life end with a cliffhanger, or will I succeed in the mission God has for my life?

-Susan