Little Treasures

 

  This past summer, I had the chance to spend time with my granddaughters by the lake. It was a beautiful summer day, and I watched them play along the shore. My granddaughter was ecstatic to find little shells along the beach. One by one, she brought me one and said, "Look how beautiful this one is!" She admired each one as she laid them out. "I know so many good things I can do with these!"  

  Later, my daughter joined us.  She came up to me and asked, "Did you tell her she could take all those shells home?"

 "Yes, I did."

  "Mom, what am I going to do with them? Most of them are broken."

  "I know, but they're her little treasures."

  Sometimes appreciating the little treasures and graces in our lives is hard. Grace can take us by surprise. A small moment of peace, joy, hope, or love can add so much to our day if we let it. This past week has been challenging. I handed God my prayers with an open hand and a tear-stained face, and said, "God, you are a God of mighty miracles. If it is Your Will, I could really use one."

  I didn't receive the miracle I longed for; instead, I received small moments of peace, hope, and love. What was I to do with these little treasures? Hold on to them tightly, and never forget that God sees me, hears me, and loves me in this moment. Even though I feel like a small, broken shell, God holds me tight and says, "Stay close and trust me. I'm really good at fixing broken things. Wait until you see what I have planned for you!"

-Susan

  

Be Merciful

 

  Today is All Souls Day, a perfect opportunity to put into practice the Gospel reading we heard yesterday. "Blessed are those who are merciful; they shall be shown mercy." Let us pray for souls undergoing purification in Purgatory. 

  To be merciful is to respond compassionately to another's suffering. The souls in Purgatory eagerly await being united with God forever. They ache to be with Him, and each moment deepens that ache. Our prayers and sacrifices can significantly aid these souls in ways we may not even know.

  Today is a great day to pray for a soul, and so is tomorrow and the day after that, too! Let's start a new trend that everyone in heaven will be talking about-Prayers for Purgatory! Be bold, be merciful, and help a soul in need. Today is your opportunity to hold open the doors of heaven. Don't wait another minute. Do it!

-Susan

I Want To Be Like Them!

 

  I am often surprised when teaching a group of Catholic children and adults by the response I get when I ask, "How many of you are working on becoming saints?" If I'm lucky, I'll get one or two hands raised. My next question is simple: "Why not?"  How many of you want to live with Jesus in heaven? If you want to live with Jesus in heaven, you must strive to live a holy life here on earth. Don't be afraid to become the person you were created to be. You were made to become a saint.

  Today, we honor those men and women who lived faith-filled lives with courage. They come from all walks of life and from all over the world! What a blessing to have so many inspiring people to look up to. I was just thinking about some of the great saints of the 20th century and how they must have inspired one another. Saint Faustina (1905-1939) and Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941), both from Poland, inspired St. John Paul II (1920-2005), also from Poland. St. John Paul II met the holy priest in Italy whom we all know and love as St. Pio(1887-1968). St. John Paul II had several encounters with St. Theresa of Calcutta (1910-1997). The list goes on and on from here!

  Do you want to be a saint but aren't sure where to start? I've got some great ideas. Start by letting your desire be known to Mary and the Holy Spirit. Start becoming more familiar with Scripture (read just a few passages a day!). Attend Mass and receive the sacraments. Spend time talking with Jesus every day! Be inspired by others who live holy lives. Jesus doesn't expect us to figure this out on our own. He has gathered the best to help us!

  Let today be a day of inspiration, love, and gratitude for those who love you from heaven and are eager to share their love and insights! Today is a beautiful day; be sure to celebrate it!

-Susan

Faithful To The End

 

   Recently, my daughter and I were watching the morning news. One of the stories was titled "Frozen yogurt is back." They showed a line that wrapped around a city block, with people waiting to buy the tasty treat.  My daughter and I looked at each other and said, "When did eating frozen yogurt go out of style? And why is this national news?" We live in a world where everyone follows the latest trend, but I wonder why people are always searching for something new. What is wrong with sticking with something for the long haul? Is being a good disciple difficult because we can't fully commit to God's Plan in His timing?

  I was thinking about this while praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. God promised to send a Savior into the world almost immediately after Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. The Savior didn't come after a week, a month, or a year of praying. Jesus didn't come until thousands of years later. Who can wait that long for a prayer to be answered? Only someone fully committed to God. We must be persistent, humble, and faithful in our prayers. 

  The world had to wait thousands of years for Mary to be born before her Son could be conceived. Elizabeth and Zachariah waited decades before their son, John, was conceived, and decades more before he announced the Messiah's coming. Simeon waited decades in the Temple to encounter the promised Messiah. Mary and Joseph prayed for days after Jesus was lost to them before He was found in the Temple. In each of these circumstances, it would have been easier if people had known when and how their prayers would be answered.

  Faithfulness is not a trend; it is a way of life. Some days are easy and joyful, while others are heart-wrenching and difficult. Trust isn't about standing in line and waiting to be rewarded with a treat. Trust means loving God and whatever He wills, because His way is always good. His ways will bring the grace and circumstances sufficient to make you a saint and allow His kingdom to reign. Faithfulness is timeless. Forget the trends; stay true and be in it for the long haul.

-Susan

(Additionally: Thank you for all your prayers for Pope Leo! Praise God for healing Him!)

United In Prayer

 

  I'm sure most of us were surprised by Pope Leo's XIV announcement of a lung nodule, surgery, and cancer diagnosis.  I want to encourage everyone to keep praying for his recovery. Cancer battles can vary in intensity.  Even when you win the battle, it can take a lot out of you. I'm no stranger to cancer.  It has come after me, my husband, my mother, and several of my siblings.  Sadly, we didn't win all the battles. Without prayer, the battle is brutally lonely and exhausting. You need Jesus to walk this road with you, and you definitely need your family rallying around you.

  I remember attending World Youth Day with my daughter in 2005. Pope John Paul II had just passed, and Pope Benedict XVI was leading the Church. It was an incredible adventure to be on a pilgrimage with a million Catholics from around the world. It was heartwarming to hear the crowds chanting "Papa! Papa!" for Pope Benedict XVI. It really hit home. Yes, we are all one family, just as God has designed.

  I can't begin to imagine how difficult being the Pope must be. The tremendous responsibility of leading flocks from different nations, languages, and customs must be overwhelming. It is difficult for any family to agree on any subject, especially in today's world. Imagine the faith, patience, holiness, and prayers required to unite all 1.4 billion of us. Yet we are all united through the Pope, through prayer, and through Jesus Christ in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. I am so grateful for God's design to unite us all.

  Together, let's continue to pray for Pope Leo, seeking Mary's intercession. May God continue to strengthen him physically, mentally, and spiritually. May this one apostolic church lift up their Father in prayer so that he may continue to lead us beyond ourselves and beyond this world into the loving arms of Jesus.

-Susan

Fire Up!

 

  I was considering buying one of those small propane fire tables for my backyard patio. I shared the idea with my sons. They didn't like the idea at first.  "We already have a fire pit.  Why do you need that?"

  "Because I never go out to build a fire for myself. It's too much work. I just want something easy I can use when I feel like sitting outside at night." They shook their heads and talked me out of it. To my surprise, they bought it for me for my birthday a few weeks later. I love it! It's easy to use, and it has become a gathering spot at night for sitting and talking. I never would have guessed a small fire would lead to some wonderful conversations.

  As I reflected on the day's blessings, I realized it's the little things that bring us together. Mary knew this when she introduced all her children to the Rosary. Praying the Rosary is a beautiful way to begin a conversation with Mary, but why stop there? Invite the Holy Spirit, family, and friends to the table, too! The more the merrier!

  If friends and family can't join you, I have another fun idea I've been using lately. Before I begin the Rosary, I ask Mary to bring a saint with her. Many saints were deeply devoted to the Rosary, and their insights can enrich our meditation. I've found this new practice exciting and engaging as I reflect on how the Rosary shaped their lives. It's also a wonderful way to begin preparing for All Saints' Day!

  I hope this suggestion gets you fired up to keep celebrating Mary and the Holy Rosary this month!

-Susan

Hello October

 

  Fall has officially arrived! The days are shorter, the nights are cooler, and the leaves are beginning to change. Pumpkin-spice everything is everywhere, alongside fresh cider and doughnuts.  October is filled with sweet treats, which is why I find it fitting that it is dedicated to Mary and the Holy Rosary. Praying the Rosary with Mary turns every day into something special and memorable. Whether my spirit is high or down in the dumps, my moments with Mary enlighten me both personally and spiritually. Sometimes I feel like Elizabeth and think, "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" 

  I feel Mary smile and say, "Don't you know who you are? You are a child of the Most High God. I am always here for you." How incredibly blessed we all were in that moment on the cross when Jesus gave Mary to each of us.  Like John, you take Mary into your home, and it is so incredibly beautiful and life-changing; you have to share the truth of this blessing with everyone! Mary is always in our lives, whether we recognize her presence or not, but when you do, your whole life changes. Slowly, prayer by prayer, day by day, year by year, Mary reveals God's love. A love so personal and tender that God delights in its delivery through the hands of His Mother.

  This October, pick up your rosary beads in one hand and hold Mary's hand in the other. Heaven is closer than we imagine. The path to heaven is rhythmic, repetitive, and meditative, filled with moments that transform your thoughts, your heart, and your life. I would highly recommend diving into this sweet treat. Falling in love with Mary and the Rosary is an earthy adventure that lets small beads of wisdom reveal the majesty of God's love.

-Susan