Imitate Jesus

  Today I would just like to share a quote from St. Louis De Montfort's book "True Devotion to Mary":

  "The Lord did not will to come into the world at the age of a perfect man, independent of others, but like a poor little babe, dependent on the care and support of His holy Mother.  In order to glorify God His Father and to save men, He found no more perfect means, no shorter way to do it, than to submit to Himself in all things to the Blessed Virgin.  We imitate Jesus when we place ourselves in complete dependence on Mary."

  We follow in the footsteps of Jesus when we place ourselves in the arms of Mary. As I celebrate my anniversary of consecration to Mary, I would like to encourage everyone to consider consecrating themselves to Mary.  Let Mary carry you closer to the heart of Jesus.  You will find it to be one of the greatest decisions you will ever make.

-Susan
  

Angels Before Us

   
  Today I was thinking about my guardian angel.  I am so grateful for his constant companionship.  It got me thinking.......what if we could see everyone's guardian angels?  Would we act the same way?  Would we gossip about others if we could see the angels in our midst? Could we really mistreat one another?  Would we praise God more?  
  I think we often forget that we walk among the angels everyday. This week try to imagine everyone's guardian angel next to them and see how that changes your disposition.  Heaven is closer than you think.

-Susan

A Little Motherly Advice

  I'm one of those people who like to pray while they are driving.  I especially love praying in my car when I'm driving by myself.   I was praying the other day about a particular problem. I asked Mary for her guidance before I began the Rosary. My heart was feeling heavy that day and I really needed some advice from my Mom. Halfway through the Rosary, I was stopped behind a bus.  On the back of the bus read the words: 

"Live simply. Speak Kindly. Love Unconditionally."  

  I read the words several times.  I couldn't help but smile.  I was looking for an answer to my prayers, and there it was right in front of my eyes. This wonderful, motherly advice was exactly what I needed to hear.  Thank you, Mary!

-Susan

Celebrate! He's Alive!

  Most of us spent 40 days reflecting, praying, fasting, or making sacrifices in order to prepare for the celebration of Easter.  We are now in the Easter season and I was just wondering, "How have you been celebrating Jesus' victory over sin and death?"  Have you been hiding your faith behind closed doors as the apostle's first did?  Or have you gone out into the world and shared the Good News with others?  Do your best to let everyone know that Jesus is alive, because sadly, so many people live their lives as if He were dead.  
  Celebrate life!  The fact that Jesus died and rose, so that we could spend eternity with Him is just as amazing today as it was two thousand years ago! Rejoice in God's goodness and share the love of Christ with someone today!

-Susan

Wake Up!

  I wanted to share this moment from a recent vacation with everyone.  It's always fun to travel to a beautiful destination and appreciate the beauty of the world.  The ocean is one of my favorite places to be.  I can easily spend hours caught up in the wonder of God while I sit on the beach.
  The first day I returned home, I woke up and looked out my window and saw the ground covered with snow. My first thought was "Seriously?  It's April already shouldn't we be done with snow?"  I guess somedays it is very easy to feel blessed and some days we have to look a little harder for it.  God's blessings are all around us, but often we overlook all the small beautiful moments waiting for something spectacular to happen.  God's Presence is all around us.  Moment by moment, God is sharing His life with us.  If you are not noticing it, I would be happy to lend you my pair of "Son-glasses" so you can take another look.  His love is everywhere!

-Susan

Divine Mercy Sunday

  The message of Divine Mercy is simple and beautiful. Come to Jesus. He loves you and wants to cleanse you of all your sins. Place your trust in God and His mercy is yours. Over and over God calls us to Himself. There is no one who loves us more. He knows exactly who we are, and still He loves us. On Good Friday, Jesus allowed His beautiful, merciful heart to be pierced in order for the world to be healed. Each of us is in need of healing in one way or another. Today is our day to stand before Jesus and ask to be healed. All you need to do is say. “Jesus I trust in you.” Then open your heart and allow God to do the rest.

Have a blessed day!

-Susan

Could He Be? (Part 12)

(This fictional story based on the gospel narratives began on blog post 3-5-18.)

 In the days and weeks to come, Gil continued to heal. His injuries had been significant, but he waited each day for Bartosz to bring him news about Jesus. 

  Bartosz and Nicodemus had been spending a lot of time together discussing the implications of Jesus rising from the dead. His resurrection changed everything. Nicodemus had spoken personally with Peter and John. They shared with Nicodemus how they had found the tomb empty and how Jesus had appeared to them in the upper room. 

  Bartosz was amazed to hear that Jesus’ first words were, “Peace be with you.” No anger, no punishment, no scorn or humiliation—just peace. Bartosz thought about this a great deal. How many times had he treated people harshly for breaking even the smallest infractions of the law. If Jesus truly is God’s Son, then God’s love was so much more than Bartosz had ever imagined. Bartosz began to wonder if he had ever really conveyed God’s infinite love to others. Bartosz could feel his faith being challenged in a way he had never imagined.

   One afternoon Bartosz saw Gil praying in his room.  Bartosz silently waited for him to finish.  “Gil I was wondering if we could talk?” Bartosz asked.

  “Of course,” said Gil.

  “Gil do you remember the first day you had heard Jesus preaching at the synagogue?”

  “Yes.”

  Bartosz hesitated for a minute searching for the right words.  “Gil you asked me that day if you thought Jesus could be the Holy One of God?” Gil nodded.  “Well it has taken me some time to discover what you seemed to grasp so easily.  And…well… I have been giving this a lot of thought lately. I have reconsidered my answer. Gil, I do believe He is the Holy One of God!”

  “Bartosz this is great news!” answered Gil.

  Bartosz smiled.  “Yes, this is good news.  I desire to learn more about Jesus.  I want to become one of his followers!  Will you help me?”

  “Nothing would make me happier!” Gil exclaimed.

  “Peter and John have begun baptizing people.  I know it will be difficult for you to walk there, but if you lean on me, perhaps we could both present ourselves to be baptized.”

  Gil’s face lit up. “Yes!  Let’s not wait another day.  Let’s go right now!”  Bartosz grabbed Gil's outstretched hand and pulled him up.  Together, leaning on each other's strength, they began their new lives as baptized Christians.

-Susan

Could He Be? (Part 11)

(This fictional story based on the gospel narratives began on blog post 3-5-18.)

  Gil awoke late the next day to a loud noise.  He couldn't discern if someone was pounding on the door or if it was just his head still pounding.  Either way, he didn't care.  Nothing seemed to matter anymore.  He tried to go back to sleep, when suddenly he felt a hand on his arm.
  "Gil, Gil wake up," exclaimed Bartosz.
  "Please leave me alone," answered Gil.
  "Gil, there is talk all over town!"
  "I don't care anymore," groaned Gil.
  "Gil there are rumors that his body is gone!"
  "Who's body?" asked Gil.
  "Jesus!  The stone has been rolled away from the tomb! Angels were seen outside the tomb! A woman is declaring he is alive!"
  Gil opened his eyes and his heart began racing.  A smile spread across his face.  "Jesus is alive?  How could this be? Bartosz, please, go and find out if this is true! I have to know!"
  Bartosz agreed and quickly left to find out more.  Gil recalled again one of his favorite passages, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...." Gil closed his eyes and allowed his mind and heart to be filled with joy.  Jesus is alive!

(to be continued...)