What's In Your Wallet?

 

 "What's in your wallet?" has been a famous advertising slogan for Capital One. Recently I have been sharing my faith with a group of young students. We explored the theme of honesty. I asked them what they would do if they saw someone drop their wallet full of money. Needless to say, some answers were more correct than others. I then asked them what if it was one of their parents who lost their wallet? What do their parents keep in their wallets? Heads up, parents, your kids know the inside of your wallets pretty well. They knew approximately how much money you usually carry, your credit cards, pictures, gift cards, and driver's license. We talked about how losing these items could cause a lot of problems.

 As adults, we know losing our personal information can be a nightmare. There seem to be endless schemes in which people can dishonestly try to get our personal information. It's not only essential to protect our identities but also our identity in Christ. No one can steal our identity in Christ, but we can lose it through our own neglect, daily distractions, or sinful habits. We have to protect our faith. We can't just pull out the "faith card" in times of need. Our faith should keep all the other aspects of our identity in check. Can we honestly say our faith is the most prevalent way others identify us?

 Hopefully, if we saw someone drop their wallet, we would not hesitate to return it to them. But what if you saw a friend dropping their identity in Christ? Would you say anything? Perhaps this would be a great time to pull out the "faith card." Hand them a picture of Jesus and remind them they are loved beyond measure. What's in your wallet may be more important than you ever knew.  "

-Susan

Energize

 

 This past week I watched a concert on television. After a few songs, the band was interviewed. The band commented that "amazing energy" came from the crowd. They were so touched that people lined the streets hours ago to see them play. The camera panned the excited crowd while they played. Everyone was singing and dancing along. Reaching their hands out, hoping to get a handshake from one of the singers.

 I was watching this when suddenly, a thought came to mind. I wonder if Jesus ever feels the way the band did during Mass. But, of course, Jesus isn't performing. Instead, Jesus is inviting us to a celebration of love. So I thought I would throw out a few questions to ponder this week. How much energy do you bring to the Holy Mass each week? Do you wake up hours before Mass with anticipation and joy? Have you ever arrived early for Mass to be sure you get a good seat? Do we genuinely believe that Jesus is present at the Mass?

 This week bring all your energy to Mass. Jesus is in the house, and it's time to celebrate! You know the words to the songs. Let your voice join with those of the angels! Let your love for God pour out! Reach out your hands and say, "Amen," like you mean it when receiving the holy Body of Christ. What more incredible blessing could we receive than to be called to the Supper of the Lamb?

-Susan

 

Which Path?

 

  Have you ever wondered if you are on the right path? We are all bombarded with decisions. Sometimes the answer is not always obvious. How do we know if we are making the right decision? Take the question to God and ask for guidance. As you pray, ask God, "Will you be walking this path with me?" Next, be patient, silently listen for His answer, and allow Him to direct your next step. Whether the path is smooth or rocky is not nearly as important as who is by your side for the journey.

-Susan

  

Feast of the Nativity of Mary

God the Father gathered

all the waters together

and called them the seas...

He gathered all his graces together

and called them Mary.

St. Louis De Montfort

Keeping Balanced

 

"Everyone of us needs half an hour of prayer each day, except when we are busy-then we need an hour."
-St. Francis de Sales

  Being a mother of six children, I heard the following remark often. "I bet you're glad summer is ending, and all your kids will be back in school." My answer was always the same. I much prefer the leisurely days of summer. I hate all the different schedules, activities, and running around that comes with a new school season. I always feel a little off-balanced and tired. 

 I'm sure I'm not alone; feeling a little off-balanced some days. Keeping up with work schedules, school activities, emails, meal planning, grocery shopping, doctor appointments, etc., can sometimes be overwhelming. Often it seems like too much to do and not enough time. While praying, I  asked Jesus, "How did you handle this?" Imagine the demands Jesus must have felt every day in His ministry. The crowds surrounded Him, demanding healing and miracles. But, of course, Jesus answered my question almost immediately. He always found a quiet space to pray.

 No matter how busy our lives are, we must stay connected to God. Our body relies on many muscle groups to keep us physically balanced, and our spirit depends on the sacraments and prayer life to balance our lives. The graces we receive in prayer help us carry our loads, even if they are stacked too high. God doesn't want us to hit rock bottom, but if we do, He wants us to remember that a life based on prayer is the best foundation.  

-Susan