Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

 

 

   Have you ever been on a long hike, and suddenly, the path opens up to a magnificent lake?  Standing next to a lake can be a beautiful experience.  You can be awestruck at its size, the calmness of the water, the birds flying over it, or the wildlife growing all around it. This lake is like the Holy Trinity, a vast and beautiful mystery. Standing near the water is wonderful, but entering the lake takes your experience to a new level. Now, the water surrounds you completely.  You are no longer admiring the lake; you can feel, taste, and hear the water as you immerse yourself deeper. And your perspective completely changes. 

 On today's feast day of the Most Holy Trinity, don't just admire the beauty and mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Dive right in. Immerse yourself in the love of the Holy Trinity.  Let the depths of God's love reveal a truth you cannot understand from the shoreline, and allow the Holy Trinity to enlighten and change you.  Live fully in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Holy Trinity. You can indeed feel God's love by simply standing near Him, but let His love draw you in deeper, for the mysteries beneath the surface are life-changing.  Swim deeply with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and experience how They move together with you. 

  And although you will never reach the bottom of the lake, just trying will be the thrill of a lifetime.   Once you enter the waters, you will never want to leave. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and dive right in to embark on this joyous journey of spiritual growth!

-Susan

I Love You , Holy Spirit!

 

  Today, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles! What an incredible moment that must have been. Even though it was extraordinary, I hope today isn't the only day you celebrate the Presence of the Holy Spirit. I often hear people say, "I forget to pray to the Holy Spirit, or I would rather just pray to Jesus." I love praying to Jesus, too, but let me share some thoughts on why you shouldn't forget about the Holy Spirit. He is much more than just a Pentecost or Confirmation idea. The Holy Spirit is not a separate entity from Jesus; rather, He is part of the Trinity, the three persons in one God. Each person of the Trinity —the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit —has a unique role in our lives.

  The Holy Spirit is God. He is the divine Presence within us. God is not out there somewhere; He is so close that He touches our thoughts, dwells in our hearts, and opens our eyes to all the glories of God and the needs of our neighbors. The Holy Spirit amplifies the Word of God so that our ears hear and our thoughts extend beyond ourselves. The Holy Spirit helps us contemplate God and teaches us how to love one another. More than that, the Holy Spirit assists us in becoming holy. He empowers us to overcome our weaknesses, grow in faith, and become more like Christ.

  We cannot see the Holy Spirit, but we feel Him moving within us. Similarly, we cannot see the Kingdom, yet it exists, and the Spirit calls us to live in this Kingdom and embrace the love that pours from its foundation. The Holy Spirit is the invisible movement of God within us. There is no one closer to us than the Holy Spirit. He hears our every sigh, encourages all our dreams, and strengthens us to carry our crosses. Pray that this powerful fire of God burns brightly within you and that the embers of His fire draw others close to experience His Love through you.

-Susan

  

Thank God!

 

  A few days ago, I turned on the morning news while drinking my coffee. After finishing my coffee, I went about my day, addressing various tasks. I had forgotten to shut the TV off, and I happened to walk into the room an hour or so later. A different talk show was on, and the guest was encouraging everyone to ask for signs from the universe to help manage their life. Signs from the universe, what is she talking about?

  I didn’t know if she thought stars and planets cared about her problems and could help her, or if she was just trying to discuss God without actually mentioning His name.  Either way, I was annoyed, so I shut the television off.   I wondered why it is so difficult for people to say, “I believe in God, the Creator? I believe that God cares deeply for me.  I pray to God because I know He is listening to me, and I am listening to Him as well." Our love for God should not be kept a secret. 

 This week, I would like us to all be bold. Each day, find a way to let others know how grateful you are for God’s love. Find ways to express gratitude or praise to God in your daily conversations with others. Don’t leave people wondering if God is essential to you; leave them knowing that God is everything to you!

-Susan

Moments With Mary

 

  I  often share my everyday moments of turning to Mary for help. I can't imagine my life without her by my side. I honestly think the world would be better if everyone entrusted themselves to Mary's care.  But today, I want to emphasize that our relationship with Mary is not one-sided. Just as she is there for us, we can also be there for her. 

 Every parent worries about their child.  I've taken my little worries and my big ones to Mary.  Wrapped up in my own distress, I have even mistakenly told Mary that she was so lucky to have the child Jesus. Instantly, I am reminded that my children are her children, and she has many more children to guide. Truly, Mary knows the pain of motherhood. 

 This week, let's come together in prayer. Ask Mary what troubles her heart, and if you could pray with her for that intention. Allow Mary to use our collective prayers for something beyond our reach or understanding. Place your hand in hers as she prays the Rosary. Let her know that at this moment, we are here for her, just as she has been for us. Together, let's help her guide someone else back to our Lord.  

-Susan

 

Moments With Mary

 

  I sat alone with the darkness all around me.  My thoughts weighed heavily on my mind and heart.  Too many questions with answers out of my control.  I couldn't fix this situation. These cards weren't dealt to me, but to someone else.  The results, however, would impact everyone.  

  All I could do was pray.  The waters of doubt and "what ifs" rose higher. I needed help. I turned towards the only window open to me. With my tear-stained eyes closed, I took in a deep breath of fresh air. A soft breeze touched my face as I exhaled.  I opened my eyes, and a small smile began to form. There in the moonlight was Mary.  Some would say she was just a statue, but my heart would never believe that. My mother is always there for me.  I felt her presence and her love.  I was not alone, and this darkness would not overcome me. 

  Together, we continued to pray. Our prayer ended with her loving arms embracing me as  I whispered, " Praise be to God! I  trust you, Lord. Amen."

-Susan

Moments Wth Mary And The New Pope!

 

  I, along with the rest of the world, am very excited to welcome Pope Leo XIV as the new successor of St. Peter!  I loved that the white smoke captivated the whole world, and everyone wondered who would be the next Pope for the Catholic Church. Our faith in the risen Christ is personal and intimate, and yet it is also universal.  Moments such as these allow us to experience and share our faith with others around the world. I had tears in my eyes standing less than a foot from my television and praying the Hail Mary with the new Pope and everyone worldwide! And even though I was not in St. Peter's Square, it was an incredible moment!

 This joyful moment of meeting our new Holy Father filled me with hope. I am eager to learn what our new Holy Father will teach us during this Jubilee Year of Hope and the personal insights he will share from his journey with Christ. Since Pope Leo XIV began his papacy by leading us in praying the Hail Mary, I believe he will lead us to Christ through Mary, which is my favorite path. I am excited for the journey ahead under his guidance.

 I would also like to take this moment to express my profound gratitude to God for the gift of Pope Francis. I will never forget his special Jubilee Year of Mercy and his tireless efforts to include everyone in Jesus' gospel of love.

 Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms out there, from all walks of life and corners of the world! I hope you all have a blessed day celebrating your earthly mother and our beautiful Mother in Heaven!

-Susan  

Moments With Mary

 

  Happy May, everyone! May is the month we turn our eyes toward our heavenly Mother, Mary. Mary is so important in my life that I sometimes forget that many do not have a close personal relationship with her and don't even realize how much sweeter life can be when you reach out to Mary asking for her guidance and intercession. Let's celebrate the joy of a personal connection with Mary this month and inspire others to draw near to her.

 Recently, my daughter shared an experience she had with a friend. During their conversation, the friend was trying to remember a word. He said, "You know those necklaces some people wear with the beads and the cross?"

 My daughter laughed.  "You mean a rosary?'  She stretched out her hands in both directions, exclaiming, "I could probably reach out and touch a rosary in whatever room I am in my house."  She spun around and spotted one of my rosaries on the table. "It's not a necklace; the Rosary is a prayer.  My Mom's favorite."

 I laughed when she told me this story.  I do have several rosaries in different rooms in my house.  I like to pray everywhere, so that makes sense to me.  I know  I can call  Mary day or night; she is by my side. Mary is never too busy for me, and I hope my days are never too busy for Mary.

 This month, I challenge you to make room for Mary. Remember, the Rosary isn't a necklace or a keepsake; it is a powerful prayer that calls the Mother of God to your side.  Enjoy talking and learning from her.  She has so much she wants to share with you.

-Susan