The Best "I Love You" On the Planet

 

  A friend asked me if I had plans for Valentine's Day. I replied, "I'm going to Mass."

  She shrugged and said, "Yeah, I'm not doing anything special either."

  She looked genuinely confused when I said, "Oh, I think I have really special plans." I thought about this later that day. When did worshiping God become just an ordinary activity? I love God, and I love the Mass! An opportunity to catch a glimpse of heaven at the altar of my home church is truly incredible! As I gaze at the large crucifix hanging on the wall, I am filled with love. I am moved not by the love in my heart, but by the love in Christ's heart. He knows all my sins and flaws, and yet He chose to die for me. Knowing I would stumble many times along the way, He still calls me to come closer.

  Jesus looks directly into my soul and says, "I want you to have the very best of Me." Like a child begging for candy, I hold my empty hands stretched out toward Him. The Lord then gives me everything--His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity!  This pure gift of love has no rivals.  Nothing even comes close. It is the best "I love you" on the planet! And in my opinion, it is the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day. I can't think of anything more special!

-Susan

Walking Towards Heaven

 

  Paulina knew she had tried hard to "fight the good fight."  Was she perfect?  Of course not.  She did her best to listen to the Lord's voice when making decisions.  She could clearly hear His voice right now. He was calling her.  A small smile appeared as she took her first step.  As she slowly walked toward heaven, she fixed her eyes on the Lord.

  The path was straight and narrow, but many others were on the same path with numerous familiar faces around her. The music softly touched her ears, seeming to amplify the Lord's call at the same time. She was almost there. The glories of heaven surrounded her.  

  Paulina trembled slightly as she took her last step forward. Reverently, she bowed before the Lord, then fixed her eyes entirely on Him. This was the moment she had prepared for, and she was ready. She reached out her hands, eager to embrace Him. Then the sweetest words were spoken to her, "The Body of Christ."

  Paulina let her heart, mind, and soul speak at the same time, "Amen!"

-Susan

IT"S TIME!

 

  Generally, I tend to sit in the same area at church. In front of me sits a family with two very young children. Each week when it’s time for Holy Communion, the grandmother looks at her grandchildren and audibly says, “ Come on, it’s time to see Jesus!” It makes me smile every time.

 This grandma’s faith is beautiful!  Without using any theological terms or confusing verbiage, Grandma teaches her grandchildren that Holy Communion isn’t something we receive, but rather someone.  Jesus is truly present body, blood, soul, and divinity.

 Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus waits for each one of us at the altar? I wonder if Holy Communion would be different for each of us if someone took our hand, pulled us out of our seats, and said, “Come on, it’s time to see Jesus!” Go ahead, let your heart run down the aisle to be near Him! See whose smile is bigger, yours or His?

-Susan

Getting To The Heart Of The Story

 

   

  Helen entered the kitchen as a loud discussion ended between her daughter and fourteen-year-old granddaughter. Her daughter, red in the face, exclaimed, "As long as you live in my house, you are going." She quickly brushed past Helen.  Fourteen-year-old Brooke defiantly sulked in her chair.  She barely noticed Helen sitting down at the table.

 "Brooke, could you pass the sugar my way?"  Without speaking or even looking, Brooke slid the sugar to her grandma.  Helen took a spoonful of sugar and stirred it in her coffee.  She looked at her granddaughter and then said, "You know, there was a time I didn't want to go to church either,"

 "Did your mom make you go, too?"

 "Yes, she did. I even told her I wouldn't go once I moved out."

 Surprised, Brooke turned toward her grandma and said, "What did she say to that?"

 "Nothing, but I saw her eyes fill up with tears.  I knew I had hurt her.  I felt bad. Then, about a week later, she told me this story.  She said her mother gave her a beautiful glass heart when she was young. Her mother said it was priceless because she had poured all her love into it. A few months later, my grandma died.  At first, my mother just placed the heart on a shelf, and from time to time, she looked at it and thought of her mother.

 Then, one day, my mother became very sick, and the doctors thought she would die.  She felt so lost that she picked up the heart from the shelf and placed it in her pocket.  It wasn't until she carried that heart with her every day that she began to feel the waves of love throughout her whole being.  That love strengthened her, guided her, and comforted her.  She began viewing her circumstances differently.  She viewed others differently.  She carried that heart with her all her days."

 "Did she die?" Brooke asked.

 "No.  To everyone's surprise, my mother got better. She always claimed that love healed her."

 "Her mother's love healed her?" Brooke asked.

 "No.  My mother said her whole life changed one day at Mass. After receiving Holy Communion, she realized that if she could feel her mother's love from this crystal heart in her pocket, how much more love could there be in the host she had just consumed. She told me before that day she had faith, but it was just something nice to look at occasionally.  It wasn't until she opened her heart to Jesus in the Eucharist that she started living her faith.  As I said, her whole life changed.  Love healed her."

 "Wow, that's quite a story, Grandma," Brooke said.

 "Yes.  After my mother told me this story, she slid that crystal heart over to me.  I had tears in my eyes this time as I placed it in my pocket. The next time I went to Mass, I asked Jesus to let me feel his love, too.  My whole life changed."  Helen reached into her pocket and slid the heart over to Brooke. "Brooke, Love can heal you, too. I would love it if this was your story, too."

 With tears in her eyes, Brooke placed the heart in her pocket.  She kissed her grandma on the forehead and said. "I'm going to go get ready for church, Grandma.  Tell Mom to wait for me."

-Susan

 

Having a Moment

 

  As I approached the altar, I heard a voice, “Who do you say I am?”

  I answered, “You are my Lord and Savior. The Son of the living God.”

  “Do you believe this is my flesh for the life of the world?”

  “ Yes, I do! Amen. “

  The sacrad host was placed in my hand. I am not important, yet God Almighty allows me to hold his heart in my hands." Lord Jesus, I am amazed that you have allowed me to stand in Your presence and join my small heart with Your great love."

  Jesus smiled and said, “My dear child, I made your heart like mine. It, too, is capable of merciful love. Let me nourish your heart to love without judgment, prejudice, or jealousy. If you allow me to enter, I can do great things even with a small heart. “

  “Jesus, I trust you and open my heart completely to you. Transform me, Jesus. You are the Son of the living God.  Nothing is impossible for You. Nothing.”

  As I returned to my pew, I felt an indescribable change in my heart. It was filling with the sweet divine love of Jesus. I am so blessed to receive the body and blood of Christ.

-Susan

Stay Hungry

 

 My daughter told me a cute story I thought I would share. She had gone to Mass that day, and after receiving Holy Communion, my five-year-old granddaughter was pouting and giving my daughter a look. My daughter whispered, "What's wrong?"

 My granddaughter answered, "It must be nice that they gave you something to eat. I didn't get anything."

 "Are you hungry?" my daughter asked.

 "Yes, I am!" my granddaughter replied.

 After Mass, my daughter got my granddaughter a snack and explained that she was receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus. This made quite an impression on my granddaughter because she excitedly told me later that day, "Did you know my Mom received Jesus' body and blood today?"

 I wanted to share this story because sometimes we take the Eucharist for granted. The Eucharist is such an incredible gift!  We may no longer allow our childhood wonder to amaze us. We forget to approach the altar hungry for our Lord. It is easy to fill our stomachs and intellect, but our soul is starving to be reunited with Jesus. We allow our bodies and minds to voice their needs, yet we are deaf to the cries of our souls.

 I want to offer some advice. Listen to the inner voice of your soul. It is crying out for love. A love that cannot be found on earth. A love so strong that it destroyed death and opened the doors of heaven wide open. Allow your soul to hunger for the Lord and beg the Father to give you this day, your daily bread.

-Susan

 

My King

 

  I remember traveling in Germany down the romantic road. It is a road scattered with castles and picturesque Bavarian towns. It was fun to imagine what life would be like inside the castle walls. Where did the king and queen spend most of their time? I wondered if the fortress-like walls around the kingdom made the people feel safe or trapped.

 I have only met one King in my lifetime. He is the King of heaven and earth. He is my Savior. He is Jesus the Nazarene. He rules without any walls, inviting all to His Kingdom. I may visit Him any day my heart desires. I know where He lives and dines, for I hear His voice calling me to the supper of the Lamb. 

 I know I am unworthy to draw so close to my King, yet He embraces me, cleansing my heart to receive Him. I bow before my good and loving King as He bestows graces upon me that I do not deserve but so desperately need. I am free to love him or leave Him, which seems absurd. This all-knowing, all-loving King is preparing a place for me. A place more magnificent than I could ever imagine, and all I need to do is love Him. Honestly, why would loving Him even be hard?

-Susan

Jumpimg for Joy

 

 My children and grandchildren love to jump on our trampoline. They can do flips and toe touches and all sorts of acrobatics. My granddaughter will chant, “Come on, GG, jump higher like everyone else!”

   I always smile and say, “It’s better for my body if I do smaller jumps. I’m not as young as you.”   Our bodies have limitations, especially as we age, but what about the Body of Christ? Do we willingly or unwillingly limit what the body of Christ can do in our lives?

  I love the Eucharist! I know my life wouldn’t be the same without it. But I wonder if it could be even more than I have allowed it to be? Receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus is foremost in my mind during Mass. Can I honestly say that the Eucharist is foremost in my thoughts for the rest of the week? My faith is my backbone, my heart, and often my thoughts. I repeatedly feel, however, that Jesus wants all of me and not just part of me. 

  Perhaps it’s not only my granddaughter who wants me to jump higher. I think it would make Jesus happier if I didn’t worry so much about my fears and shortcomings and relied entirely on the strength of His Body. With my arms stretched out to heaven and willing to do His Will, I  could reach heights I never thought possible. The Body of Christ isn’t just for Sundays; it is for every minute of every day afterward. After receiving the Eucharist, we should bend our knees and jump for joy because it is the Body of Christ; if we allow it, that will catapult us toward eternal happiness. 

-Susan

You Are There: Holy Thursday

 "Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them saying, 'This is my body, which will be given for you, do this in memory of me.'  And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.'' Luke 22:19-20

  No need to take a fictional glimpse today because we have the honor and privilege of participating in the breaking of the bread at every Mass!  I hope you can follow Jesus to Holy Thursday Mass today. If you have the chance, try to include these two passages of scripture in your prayers today:

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him." (John 6:58) 

"And it happened that while he (Jesus) was with them at the table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.  With that, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight."  (Luke 24:30-31. The disciples encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus.) 

Pray that your eyes, too, may be opened to the living Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

-Susan

Home Sweet Home

 This week many of us were able to return to Sunday Mass at our home parishes!  As I entered into the church, I was greeted with, “Good morning!  Welcome home!”  Believe me it felt good to be back!  Although I truly appreciated all the masses available on social media during our time of quarantine, I really missed receiving our Lord in the Eucharist.  I needed to see and touch Him once again.  I needed His healing graces.  I needed His Divine Love to reside in me.  
 A very familiar saying is “Home is where your heart is.”  The Eucharist is all heart. One small host contains more love than we can ever imagine.  One human heart needs His Love more than we can truly understand. One heart, no matter where it is in the world, can be united with Christ through the Eucharist. The thought that Jesus infuses our hearts with His Love is beyond amazing!  We should definitely let everyone know it--all the way to the ends of the earth!

-Susan

Matters of the Heart

Neva slowly climbed the steps to the front entrance of the church.  She remembered the days when her steps were lighter and her heart was filled with love and joy. Unfortunately, her heart had to work so much harder now to pump life into her body.  She carried with her a pain that had eroded an area of the muscle in her heart. 
  Neva slid into her usual pew and prepared her heart for the celebration of the mass.  Like every week, she listened intently to the readings and the priest's homily.  She was completely unaware what was about to occur.  As the priest held up the consecrated host at the alter, Neva saw Jesus standing behind the priest.  He held out his hand and asked her to draw near. Without hesitation, Neva drew closer.
  "My Lord, I have a pain in my heart that I can no longer carry.  I have tried to leave it behind, but it is so deeply imbedded in me, that I have failed in my attempts.  Lord, will you please heal me?"
  Jesus smiled and said, "Give me your pain, dear child, and I will restore your heart with my own."  Jesus placed one of the consecrated hosts from the alter unto Neva's hand.  With tears streaming down her face, Neva released her pain and then placed the host into her mouth.
  Within minutes her heart began to change. She took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled.  It was gone.  That heavy feeling was gone.  She touched her heart as her brain began to process the change. The Lord's peace and love began to declutter her thoughts.  Her eyes could clearly see those around her. Her ears listened to the new rhythm of her heart.  She was healed! She was healed!  Filled with joy, Neva praised God every day that followed for this loving act of mercy.

-Susan

It's a Good Day

 "It's a good Catholic day," I overheard a woman say in the hospital bed adjacent to my relative.  The curtain between the bed was not completely closed nor was it a good sound barrier.
  I couldn't help but respond, "Every day is a good day to be Catholic!"  The patient and the Eucharistic minister both smiled at me.
  "Oh, would the two of you like to receive Communion, too?"
  "Absolutely!" I said.

  After we received Communion, I thought about how blessed we are to be Catholic.  The love of Jesus is needed everywhere, especially at the side of a hospital bed. How fortunate we are that during our more difficult moments, Jesus draws close to us, reminds of His love, and helps us to heal.  How lost we would be without His Eucharistic love!  Thank you, Jesus, for letting us know that you are always with us.

-Susan

Less is More

  Funny how the world is always telling us we need more.  Jesus tells us we need less.  We need to empty ourselves of the foolishness of this world, so that He may fill our hearts completely.  This weekend spend some quality time preparing for the Eucharist in prayer.  Try to mentally imagine all that your heart holds dear.  One by one remove each thought.  Do not be afraid.  The Lord will refill and magnify your heart with all that is pleasing to Him, and then fill you with whatever you were lacking.  We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Only a God who loves with no bounds could be this generous!

-Susan

Bursting With Joy

  I remember being in line for Communion when Theresa was just a toddler.  As she watched me receive the Holy Eucharist, she would  reach her hands out as well, and then immediately begin crying when she was not able to receive the host.  She, of course, would continue to cry all the way back to our seats.  My husband would give me the look--the please make her stop look.  All I could do was hold her close and think, "Why wasn't everyone else crying out to receive the Eucharist?"  
  The living God stands before us at the alter waiting to enter into our hearts and lives, where is our excitement?  Do yourself a favor this week, as you walk towards the alter, allow your heart to blissfully expand with each step you take. Yes, we want to be reverent, but that doesn't mean we can't be bursting with pure joy as well. Go ahead and smile--God is totally in love with you!

-Susan
  

First Holy Communion

  Today, at my parish, the second grade class will be making their First Holy Communion.  I thought it might be fun to think about our own First Communion. Can you remember how you felt?  (I was so excited!)  There are moments in our lives that change us forever.  This is one of those moments. Think for a minute how different your life would be if you were not incredibly blessed with the body and blood of Jesus.  I really can't imagine my life without the gift of the Eucharist.  I think I would be lost. I'm sure I will spend the rest of my life and all my days in Eternity thanking Jesus for loving me so much in the Eucharist!

-Susan

Are You Coming For Supper?

         Today is Holy Thursday and I hope to see all of you gathered around the Eucharistic table.  Today we celebrate the new and everlasting covenant.  I am amazed every time I think about this holy night.  God, our Father, wants to be intimately united with each of us, so that will be intimately united with Him.  Is there anything more beautiful than the Holy Eucharist?  Has anyone ever said, "I love you with all my heart" better than this?
  We are going to celebrate at Supper tonight.  Our Father has so much to share with us.  He needs to personally talk with each of us.  There is so much we don't understand.  Please don't ignore this dinner invitation, Dad really wants you to be there.  It's more important than you could ever imagine.

-Susan

Don't Leave Home Unprepared

 We all piled into the car and headed for Sunday mass.  I wish I could say we all joyously sang hymns of praise as we drove, but that would not be an accurate description of this or any of our car rides to church.  It seems someone is always a little tired and crabby, or someone else didn't allow enough time to get ready, or two are fighting over a certain seat, etc, etc.  This week was no exception.  As the voices grew louder, I felt the need to remind everyone, "You all should be preparing your hearts to receive Jesus."
  "Ya, ya....I'll think about it," said a voice from the back seat.
  "Don't just think about it.  Actually do it.  Change your heart."

   We can't just change our hearts with a switch the way we would turn on the lights in a room.  Having a change of heart requires us to spend some one on one time with God in order to receive His Light.  Sometimes going to church is such a habit, that we may forget to prepare our hearts and minds to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
   Our encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist should never become common place.  It's not just something we do, it is a miraculous moment where we physically touch the Body of Christ, and He touches us.  His life and love become a part of our life and love.  Our blindness disappears as Christ opens our eyes to the splendor of the Father's love.  It is not enough to open our mouths to receive His Sacred Body, we must open the door to our heart as well. We need to remove whatever obstacles block the door, lay out the welcome mat, and allow the grace of God to transform us.  This is one of those heart to heart moments you don't want to miss, so take some time and be prepared.

-Susan

My Shepherd

  

  Lizzie and her family entered church and sat in the usual pew.  As she sat down, Lizzie looked at her children and remembered simpler times, when her children were much younger.  But now, difficult decisions lay ahead of her.  Her problem weighed heavy on her mind.  She had suffered mentally and emotionally for weeks now, and the stress was becoming too much to bear.  Before mass began, she prayed the same prayer once again, "Please Jesus, help me handle this situation.  I really can't take it anymore.  I feel like I am losing myself."  Her eyes remained closed as she swept a tear that had successfully escaped.
  Mass began and the familiar hymns lifted her spirit.  She listened to the readings and insightful homily and wished the mass would not end today.  Everything seemed to make sense inside these walls.  Unfortunately, not everyone outside these walls was interested in living the gospel message.  Just before Communion, Lizzie found herself with her eyes fixed on the crucifix.  She closed her eyes once again and prayed her earlier prayer.
  As she closed her eyes, she envisioned Jesus on the cross.  Then the cross became a staff, and she heard Jesus call her name.  Mentally she followed Jesus as they climbed a path winding up the side of a mountain.  "Where are we going?" she asked.
  Jesus just smiled and said, "You'll see."
  Lizzie loved following Jesus.  Being close to Him just felt so right.  Her problems seemed to fade the higher they climbed, and all she could think about was the path they were on and where it would lead. Before long they had reached the top of a small summit and Jesus took out a picnic blanket and spread it on the ground.  He invited Lizzie to sit down and she was thrilled to see Mary had come to join them.  The three of them sat and enjoyed some bread and wine.  Lizzie felt completely at peace and soaked up the love she felt radiating from Jesus and Mary.  She could have stayed in that moment forever.
  Then Jesus said, "I want you to continue this journey.  I will meet you at the top."
  Lizzie looked around. "What path am I supposed to take?"
  Jesus smiled and said, "The path on higher ground, of course.   You already knew that.  You just needed to be strengthened for the journey."
  "Please, Jesus, don't leave me.  I get so confused when I am by myself."
  "Lizzie, you are never alone.  We are always with you."  I saw Jesus smile at me and then-
  "Mom, it's our turn for Communion," Lizzie's son whispered as he place his hand on her shoulder.
  Lizzie opened her eyes and proceeded down the aisle with her eyes fixed on the crucifix.  Just before she received Communion, Lizzie prayed once more, "You are my Shepherd.  Reside in me and I will follow wherever you shall lead me."
  The Eucharistic minister looked at Lizzie and said, "The Body of Christ."
  With all of her heart, mind, and soul, Lizzie said, "Amen."

-Susan

The things we hear in church...

    Not surprising to anyone, I love the Sunday Mass!  The older I get, the more I fall in love with the mass.  I think it is absolutely beautiful and inspiring.  The music, the readings and gospel, the homily and all the wonderful prayers makes my heart desire the Eucharist even more.  This week I found myself very inspired as the priest began the Eucharistic prayers.  I was taken by a small, insistent voice of a three year old boy on the other side of the aisle.
  "Mom, why he say body?  Why he say blood?  I heard him.  He said body and blood."
  I did not get to hear his mother's response, because we as adults, know to quietly whisper answers to our children during mass. (I have to admit, though, I would have liked to hear his mother's response.)  I would like to extend a word of thanks to his mother.  Thank you for bringing your children to mass.  Often I hear the comment that parents think their children are too young to get anything out of mass. This little boy was obviously listening and wanting to understand.
   I think God speaks to each of us throughout our lives at whatever stage we are experiencing.  What father would wait for his children to become a certain age before he spoke with them?  And even though a small child may not be sitting still, his mind is still taking in all the sights and sounds around him.  How many times are we amazed (or sometimes embarrassed) because our children heard and understood something we said?
  This week I thought we could spend sometime answering this little boy's question.  Why is it so important that we celebrate Jesus sacrificing His Body and Blood for us?  What would you have told this little boy?  And then when you have given this some thought,   I would like to suggest you turn to your mother ask her the same question. "Mary, can you help me to come to a deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?"  Be ready to spend some quiet moments listening, learning and reflecting.  May the peace of Christ be with you this week.

-Susan

Believe