DISALLUSIONED BY DEMONS?

 

 It's that time of year when walking down your neighborhood street can make you feel like you are in the middle of a horror story. As I take my daily walk praying the Rosary, I can't help but feel all those demons are trying to distract me. And to be honest, they have caught my eye. Some decorations are fun, but plenty are disturbing. I wonder if they realize how many families with children are in the neighborhood.

 As you might guess, I'm not into horror stories. I did, however, recently pick up a book about spiritual warfare. I was almost afraid to read it because exorcisms scare me. Still, I fear there are too many demons plaguing our society and families. I wanted to know how to protect my children and grandchildren. I wondered if I was strong enough for such a task.

 Fortunately, the book concentrates more on the interior life of those in our families. How can we help each other strive for holiness? What weapons should we use to fight the demons around us? Not surprisingly, many of the answers focused on the Eucharist and Mary. 'The Rosary is a powerful weapon against evil.'

 So, am I strong enough to fight the demons in the world? Not by myself. But I know who my Father is. I am a child of God. My soul is marked by the waters of Baptism. The Holy Spirit dwells in me, I am fortified by the body and blood of Christ, and I am consecrated to Mary. The battle is waging all around me and my family. It is my job to fight. With my Rosary in my hand, I'm ready to fight the good fight. Can I count on your help as well? 

-Susan

 

Praying For Peace

 

Diary of St. Faustina

Lord Jesus, 

 On behalf of all humanity, I want to say I am sorry.  You have asked us to love one another, and we have failed. Lord Jesus, have mercy upon us all. Give us the courage and wisdom to trust your words and promises. May the peace of Christ change our world.

-Susan

The Little Moments

 

  I wanted to continue highlighting Mary again this week by sharing my conversation with my granddaughter, Isabella. Isabella looked at my roses when she approached my Mary statue. She looked at Mary and said, "GG, Mary would like one of your roses."

 I smiled as I went to find my trimmers. I cut off a pretty rose from my bush and handed it to Isabella. Isabella placed the rose on top of Mary's head. "There, that looks pretty," she said. She spent the next few minutes playing around Mary. Then Isabella announced, "GG, did you know Mary is thinking about getting her haircut?"

 "No, I had no idea," I said, smiling.

 Now, I can neither confirm nor deny that Mary was thinking about getting her haircut because, to be honest, I was not privy to that conversation. I thought about it, though. How many times did I have conversations with my own mother about hairstyles? Talking about hair is a typical mother/daughter conversation.

 I'm sharing this story not only because it makes me smile every time I recall it but also to encourage everyone to talk with Mary. Don't wait until you are in a crisis. Spend little moments with her every day. Like all mothers, Mary wants you to share your life with her. And she wants to share her life with you. I want to encourage you to pick up your Rosary beads and share with Mary what is on your mind, and then as you pray the Rosary, listen to what is on Mary's mind.

-Susan 

 

Clear The Path

 

 My youngest granddaughter, Angelina, likes to say hi and hug my Mary statue whenever she goes by. She also only cares about being barefoot in the summer. I saw her wincing slightly as she tried to step on the mulch in front of Mary. "Do you want to put your shoes on first?" I asked her.

 "No. I can do it," Angelina answered.

 That evening, I remembered her difficulty getting close to Mary. I decided to make the path to Mary easier. I removed some stepping stones from a different part of my yard and placed them in front of Mary. My granddaughter was thrilled the next time she came over. She walked right up to Mary, "See, it doesn't hurt!" she exclaimed.

 As we celebrate Mary this month, consider your path to Mary. Are there any obstacles preventing you from drawing close to our heavenly Mother? I find the way to Mary is the shortest, quickest path to feeling closer to God. I will run to Mary, yelling, "Mother!" and she grabs my hand and pulls me close to the heart of Jesus.

 The path to Mary is always sweet. I encourage you to take whatever stepping stones are necessary to be by her side. Also, if you notice someone else struggling to be close to Mary, do whatever you can to encourage them. Mary should not be our own personal secret weapon. Mary is the weapon God chooses to step on the head of Satan. If we desire a world with less evil, then clear the path for Mary. Perhaps, once this is done, we will look at the world and exclaim with my Angelina, "See, it doesn't hurt anymore!"

 -Susan

Share the Rosary

 

This summer, I habitually prayed the Rosary with the Halo app as I walked my dog. I would put the volume on my phone just loud enough to hear while walking. I found it very peaceful. I could not step outside one rainy day, so I listened to the Rosary app while sitting on my couch. My dog just about had a fit. He heard the man's voice say, "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"  and he ran barking towards the front door. I couldn't believe it! Praying the Rosary had become a habit for my dog as well!

 Now I realize my dog probably doesn't know how to say the Rosary, but I tell this story to demonstrate how easy it is to pray the Rosary. It is repetitive and relaxing. It's like wearing an old warm sweater on a crisp Fall evening. It just feels good. The comforting rhythm of the Rosary wraps the love of Mary around you as she opens your heart and mind to embrace God's love.

 October is the month we honor Mary and the Rosary. I encourage you to spend more time with Mary this month. Some beautiful Fall days are coming, so why not share them with Mary. Invite a friend to join you. Sharing your love of the Rosary with someone else is a path worth taking.

-Susan