Motherly Love

 

    As a mother, I find it ridiculous to state the obvious to my children. “Close the door so we don’t get bugs in the house. Pick up after yourself.  If a box is empty, don’t put it back in the cupboard.”  It seems silly that I would have to say these things repeatedly.

  Throughout history, there have been many Marian apparitions. Some have been private, and others are accompanied by miracles. Over and over, Mary has requested that we turn away from sin and love her Son. She wants the best for us. Mary, I'm sorry we haven't been good listeners.  It seems silly you would have to keep asking us to love God.

  Being holy isn't easy, but it is possible if we listen to Mary's gentle words of wisdom. I think if we were really honest with ourselves, we could all love God better than what we are doing right now.  Personally, I know I could do better. I need to close the door of temptations so I don't let sin in my house. I need to start picking up after myself. And I shouldn't keep my rosary hidden in a drawer or shelf. I should hold it in my hands and let Mary pull me as close to Jesus as possible.

-Susan

Come Holy Spirit

 

  It's a truly awe-inspiring coincidence that Pentecost falls in May this year, a time when we celebrate the profound connection between the Holy Spirit and Mary.  The Holy Spirit is not just active, but truly alive in the souls that hold Mary in their hearts. As St. Lois De Montfort beautifully articulates, 'When the Holy Spirit finds Mary in a soul, He flies to it.'  What better way to honor this connection than by praying the Rosary, allowing Mary to share her deep love of the Holy Spirit with you.

  Today is a very special day to acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in yourself, the Church, and throughout the world. I was recently facilitating a Confirmation retreat. I encouraged the teens to pray to the Holy Spirit.  Praying to the Holy Spirit is not just a Confirmation thing or a Pentecost thing. Pray to the Holy Spirit every day. The Holy Spirit is the Divine person living inside of you.  Talk to Him.  Listen to Him.  Allow the Holy Spirit to inspire and transform you to be a disciple of Christ!

  The Holy Spirit is my closest friend.  He knows my thoughts, my fears, and my weaknesses, and he's okay with them because He knows that I can rely on His courage, wisdom, and understanding. I am a simple soul, but He guides me to deeper waters and enlightens me little by little. He constantly calls me to be more holy when my actions are disappointing. He heals me, comforts me, and opens my eyes to see clearly. Yes, he is indeed my best friend, and he would happily be yours as well. Just give Him a call.

-Susan

Bucket List Moment

 

    Last night, I checked off a bucket list item: I saw the Northern Lights!  They were so beautiful and unexpected. My kids and I were so excited to see them from our yard.  We then jumped into the car and drove to the country for a better view.  We zigzagged down one road to another until we pulled off the side of the road near a large farm.  We jumped out of the car, ran through the field, and gasped as the heavenly lights captivated us!  The sight didn't last forever, but witnessing that was a thrill!

  I thanked God for such an incredible night! As I thought about this fun adventure, I couldn't overlook a lesson hidden in the details. My life in Christ has also been quite a beautiful, unexpected adventure.  Following the Light of Christ has taken me down unexpected roads and places I did not intend to go. The journey is an incredible rush when I allow the Holy Spirit to be in the driver's seat!

  This week, we celebrate Jesus' Ascension into heaven. Jesus announces that He is sending each disciple on a mission. Go out and share the joy of the Gospel! Here is our chance to fill God's bucket list.  Tell everyone the Good News! Let every man, woman, and child give their heart to God and love one another. Don't delay. Jump into that mission! That would indeed be a beautiful sight for God and the whole world! 

-Susan

Leave the Details To Mary

 

  A few months ago, my sister-in-law surprised me with an incredible gift!  She had traveled to Mexico City to visit family.  She texted me, saying, "We will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Do you want to FaceTime when I get there?"

  "YES!!" I replied. I was so excited! I had always dreamed of going to the Basilica. Although I was sitting on my couch at home, my sister-in-law reached out and brought me next to her side as we marveled at the cathedral's beauty. Tears flowed down my face as she approached the tilma of St. Juan Diego with Mary's miraculous image.  Mary is so beautiful!

  I have read books and articles on the miraculous image.  The world is still discovering all the magnificent details of this image of Mary that could not have been made by human hands. Scientists can't explain it, but no explanation is needed for those who love Mary. That is how Mary intercedes in her children's lives. She calls us to come close to the heart of Jesus and then arranges all the unseen details of our lives to help our faith bloom. Her love is imprinted on the threads of our lives just as it miraculously appeared on St. Juan's tilma! Listen to Mary, and you will hear Jesus' heart beating for you.

 May is the month we honor our heavenly mother. I suggest that you share her love with others. My sister-in-law reached out and allowed me to walk alongside her journey with Mary. I felt truly blessed to share this moment with them. So please, as you walk with Mary this month, invite someone to come with you. Don't worry about the details--Mary will take care of everything!

-Susan