Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

 

 

   Have you ever been on a long hike, and suddenly, the path opens up to a magnificent lake?  Standing next to a lake can be a beautiful experience.  You can be awestruck at its size, the calmness of the water, the birds flying over it, or the wildlife growing all around it. This lake is like the Holy Trinity, a vast and beautiful mystery. Standing near the water is wonderful, but entering the lake takes your experience to a new level. Now, the water surrounds you completely.  You are no longer admiring the lake; you can feel, taste, and hear the water as you immerse yourself deeper. And your perspective completely changes. 

 On today's feast day of the Most Holy Trinity, don't just admire the beauty and mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Dive right in. Immerse yourself in the love of the Holy Trinity.  Let the depths of God's love reveal a truth you cannot understand from the shoreline, and allow the Holy Trinity to enlighten and change you.  Live fully in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Holy Trinity. You can indeed feel God's love by simply standing near Him, but let His love draw you in deeper, for the mysteries beneath the surface are life-changing.  Swim deeply with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and experience how They move together with you. 

  And although you will never reach the bottom of the lake, just trying will be the thrill of a lifetime.   Once you enter the waters, you will never want to leave. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and dive right in to embark on this joyous journey of spiritual growth!

-Susan

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

 

 

  Here is some sound advice as we begin the New Year.

"There are two things I want you to do-keep close to Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist and stay close to His Mother.  With those two loves, you will always have the light to see what is right and what is wrong."

-Mother Angelica 

Jesus Is My King!

 

  I was never one of those girls who thought they were a princess.  I am more of the let's roll your sleeves up and get to work kind of a girl.  Most days, I feel like a servant caring for everyone else's needs.  It's not glamorous, but it is the place I am called to be.  It is where I find my heart.

 My heart belongs to a King who sees everything differently. He searches for the lost, blesses the meek, heals the brokenhearted, and opens eyes and ears to the truth.  This King demands mercy and forgiveness of all his followers. And He shows us what true love really is.

 My King is not a part of a fairy tale, but there will be a happily ever after for all who choose His Kingdom.  My King calls me, and He is calling you. Let us spend each day running full speed towards his Kingdom.  The good news is that he is looking for a princess. He wants servants!

-Susan

Happy All Saints Day!

 

 

 Being a part of our large, loving family is a blessing I cherish! We are fortunate that God's saintly children intercede for us and guide our lives. God's love surrounds us, not just in the inspiring people we meet on earth but also in the inspiring souls from all times and places! Today, let's revel in the joy of conversing and celebrating with our heavenly family. May their stories light our path to heaven and highlight the joy of being home with the Father.

-Susan

That's A Lot Of Celebrating!

 

   Sometimes, people focus on all the "rules" of Catholicism, and they might overlook how much Catholics like celebrating.  Sure, Lent was a long forty days of reflection, fasting, and repenting, but since Easter, we have been doing a lot of praising!  We just can't stop talking about God's incredible love for us! We have rejoiced in Jesus' Resurrection, joyously celebrated God's Mercy,  Jesus' Ascension into heaven, reveled in the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, marveled at the mystery of the Holy Trinity, cherished Jesus' Presence in the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and turned our gaze upon the most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary!  That's a lot of celebrating!

 I love being Catholic! I love that we joyously reflect on God's goodness. Trying to become holy is not dull. It is, in fact, enlightening.  Holy people have rich, vibrant lives filled with God's peace and love. So, if you looking for a life filled with fun, excitement, and celebrations, open your heart to the truths of your Catholic faith and let the fun begin! 

-Susan

An Epiphany You Can Trust

 

  One night in early December, I walked my dog through the neighborhood. I absolutely fell in love with this manger scene. It was so beautiful. I made a habit of walking by it, especially at night. Awkwardly, I would stop and stare and wonder.

 Everyone in that scene had traveled far and trusted God with each step. The birthplace of Christ was a surprise to everyone. No one knew the game plan. As each door was closed in his face, Joseph trusted that God would leave one door open. Mary followed Joseph to a stable, trusting that her son's birth would occur as God had intended. Three men dropped everything, trusting this star would lead them to the newborn King.

 Even today, the path to Jesus can surprise and challenge us. Jesus calls us to come closer. However, our feet will not have to travel great distances; instead, it is a journey for our hearts. God has placed signs and symbols and people to light the path. We only need to allow our trust in God to open our eyes to realize He is standing beside us. Come adore the newborn King. The angels are still singing, Christ's Light is just as bright, and we only need to trust that God will direct all our steps. Go ahead, trust God. This has always been His Plan for you. 

-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

Last Moments

 

 Just before the end of their days, the leaves burst into brilliant colors. After revealing their inner beauty, they fall gracefully to the ground. The tree silently waits for a new beginning.

 In our last moments, will we experience a burst of color as we reveal our inner beauty to the Creator? No longer green, our growing season as a disciple of Christ has ended. Our roots and family branches wait to be buried in the earth’s soil as our soul is exposed before our God. Will our true colors be that of faithfulness and love?

  Let us pray that God’s mercy allows us to be purified for The Kingdom in that moment. Let us also pray for those in the process of purification. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. 

-Susan

Strive For Holiness

 

 Today is All Saints Day! It is a beautiful feast day where we celebrate with all those people who led lives dedicated to God. Their life stories are incredible. If you are looking for a good read whose main character is a compassionate, courageous, selfless, evil-fighting warrior, open a book on any one of the saints and be amazed. 

 Although we are all called to be saints, I wonder how many of us actually think it’s obtainable? Is it like the lottery? I could do so many good things if I won, but the odds are against me. I’m not even going to buy a ticket. But I’m here to tell you that you should do everything possible to strive for holiness and sainthood. 

 First, the odds are entirely in your favor because God wants you to become a saint. He desires that so much that He is willing to shower you with graces upon graces to make it happen. Day or night, God is there for you. He gives His own body to strengthen us. We have His playbook that has thousands of His own personal thoughts and helpful hints. And He gave us each other. We can help each other to become saints! Come on, people, let’s do this! Set your sights higher than the lottery. Everyone call upon your favorite saint, and let’s join them in doing so many good things!

 -Susan

The Epiphany

 

 The wise men followed a star to find the newborn King! Only a few details are given about these men from the East. Yet their faith story is told every Christmas season. Imagine feeling so strongly about one sign from God--a star. These courageous men sought Jesus and then laid down their gifts before Him. They were not blessed to hear Jesus speak of God's Kingdom and did not witness Jesus performing a miracle. Yet, they were moved to acknowledge His Presence in their life.

 Could our own faith be as courageous? We have heard the words Jesus preached. We know of His mighty miracles. Do we also see the signs God has shared with us? The search for the newborn King is different from a story of the past. It is an ongoing story of the present. It is our story. The search and discovery of Jesus is a lifetime adventure. We must never stop searching for Him. He is present in our lives and waits for us to discover Him. Our story is even more incredible because our conversations with the Holy Family are not a one-time event. We have the privilege of conversing with the Holy Family whenever and wherever we choose.

 We don't know much about these wise men, but I wonder if they have heard our stories and asked about us. Would they be amazed at our tenacity to honor the King? I hope so. I really do.

-Susan  

Happy All Saints and All Souls Day!

 

 There is a legend that someone in heaven is thinking about you when a cardinal comes to visit you. Many believe it is a departed loved one. Personally, I like this legend. It is comforting that the angels and saints in heaven want to be near us.  

 I don’t believe that love has spatial limits. Love is powerful when shared. Heaven can feel the earth’s love, and the world can feel heaven’s love. We are in communion with one another. The body of Christ is made up of the faithful in heaven, in purgatory, and on earth. 

 I like this legend because every time I see a cardinal, I remember those who have gone before me. I remember the love we share. I offer up a prayer for the souls in purgatory, and I wonder about heaven and feeling the embrace of God. So whether the cardinal coincidentally sat outside my window or was inspired by heaven makes no difference to me. That little bird broke into my day and reminded me of the promise of heaven. A promise of love offered to me by an all-loving God. So yes, I smile when I see that beautiful cardinal because I know that the mystical body of Christ is no legend, it is true. The fact that I am allowed to be a part of it is beyond amazing and worth celebrating! I wish great happiness to the saints in heaven and the souls in purgatory. I look forward to the day we will all celebrate together in heaven. 

-Susan

Pentecost!

 

  "There appeared to them tongues of fire. The Spirit came and rested on each one of them." It was personal. One-on-one. And they began to speak in different languages as the Spirit enabled them. 

 The Holy Spirit isn't looking for a one size fits all experience. The Holy Spirit is looking for a very personal one-on-one relationship. The Holy Spirit wants to be connected to each of us. We must recognize that we are not flying solo through life. Jesus promised he would be with us, and He is. He gives us His body in the Eucharist and His Spirit in Baptism. Jesus pours His divine love into us. So why don't we always feel Spirit-filled?

 Perhaps it's just because we are better at looking outward rather than inward. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. Sure we would like to see tongues of fire and feel powerful winds when we pray, but the outward signs are the exception and not the norm. The inward signs should help us recognize the Holy Spirit. The burning in your heart to pray, help, and speak out. A sudden moment of inspiration or clarity that changes everything. The ability to love and forgive through your pain. The strength and courage it takes to fight loneliness, injustice, and loss come from the Holy Spirit. 

The apostles did not walk around with tongues of fire over their heads throughout their ministry. That outward sign changed them once and forever. Once they recognized the power of the Holy Spirit, the inward movements changed them and the world. And so it is with us. The sacraments are the outward signs that invite us into a deeper, closer relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit is as powerful to us today as 2000 years ago. Each of us can change the face of the earth. How? Turn inward. Pray to the Holy Spirit. Close your eyes and see things the Holy Spirit wants you to see and let Him change you.

-Susan

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

 

"The world being unworthy to receive the Son of God
directly from the hands of the Father,
He gave His Son to Mary
for the world to receive Him from her."
St.Augustine

  Being a mom is an incredible and often times overwhelming experience.  Most days, my children call me “Mom.”  When they need a special favor, I suddenly become “Mommy” again.  When annoyed with me, they refer to me as “Mother.”  When my kids were still in school, I was known as Theresa’s Mom or Maria’s Mom, etc.   All these variations mean the same thing—I  am forever bonded with my children in a way no one else will ever be.  

  I wonder how incredible it must have been for Mary the first time Jesus said, “Ma-Ma.”  Imagine the joy she may have felt when someone would point to her and say, “That’s Jesus’ Mom!”  I imagine it would make Mary smile. 

  Over the centuries, the Church has given Mary many titles.  Today we celebrate Mary, Mother of God.  It is a title unique to Mary for all Eternity.  I believe it is a very loving gesture to begin each year honoring the special bond between Mary and Jesus.  Today let us join our many voices as we collectively point towards Mary and say, “Look, that’s Jesus’ Mom!”  I imagine that Jesus’ smile will be as big as Mary’s!

-Susan

  

All Souls Day

 Life does not end with the death of the body;
the soul enters eternity
and continues to exist forever.
-Scott Hahn

 

  Today let us pray for all souls who have departed earth, but especially for the souls going through purification. Let us implore the mercy of God to hasten this process so that they may enjoy the eternal happiness of heaven.  These souls are depending upon our prayers.  Let us not keep them waiting. Praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for them would be a beautiful way to celebrate this special day.

-Susan

P.S.  Don't keep All Souls Day a secret.  Talk about it with others and invite them to pray with you. One day you may be the one who benefits from their prayers.

Celebrate the Feast of All Saints Day!

  

  My three-year-old granddaughter and I decided to do some baking. While I was looking at the recipe she said, “Don’t look at those letters they won't tell you anything."

  I smiled and said, “These are the instructions. Someone else has already figured out how to make it. If I follow the instructions, I know it is going to turn out great."

  There is always an easy and a hard way to do things. We can forge our own path or walk along a path that others have found successful. Have you ever tried to follow the life of a saint?  Many saints had lives that were filled with obstacles. Their faithfulness and trust in God was amazing. We can definitely learn from their insights. The path of holiness is challenging but not impossible. The world is great at selling a worldly point of view, but God does not share this same view. Learning to view life from the saints who saw things more clearly can help correct our own nearsightedness. The saints can act as inspiring trail guides helping us to avoid obstacles that impede our own journey. 

 We all want things to turn out great. We want the beatific vision--the heavenly feast. How can we be assured we are doing it right? What recipe should we follow? There is no one correct recipe to follow. The saints can be likened to master chefs that have left their secret recipes  for us to imitate. God has never left us alone to figure this out. The Holy Trinity is as active in our lives as we are willing to allow. The saints stand as powerful intercessors cheering us on, teaching us, and encouraging us to choose the path of holiness. 

 Today is All Saints Day. Do yourself a favor after Mass and invite a Saint to dinner today. Celebrate their lives! Be bold and ask them to bring one of their tried and true recipes to try. 

-Susan

All Souls Day-Purgatory Challenge

 

  I know Covid-19 has messed up a lot of our plans this year, but it can't touch this ministry.  Praying for the holy souls in Purgatory is a very important ministry.  We can never underestimate how important our prayers are for those undergoing the purification process.  A prayer, a small sacrifice, having a Mass said, or an act of love will be like a tall glass of water for someone who is thirsting for God.  Please join me in this Purgatory Challenge--let's empty Purgatory!  
Pray for a deceased love one or pray for someone who has no one to pray for them. Through the mercy of God, our prayers and sacrifices can become more and do more than we could ever imagine. 

-Susan

In Search of the Newborn King

  This past weekend we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. I'm always amazed when I hear this story.  These men traveled so far in search of baby Jesus. They were guided by a single star, a sign from heaven.  I wonder if they had ever felt lost or questioned if they were on the right path?
  Have you ever wondered if you were on the right path? I have to admit, I have had plenty of those moments in my life. I'm sure if I had a bird's eye view of my life's journey so far, I would see that I have veered right and left quite a bit, and there were plenty of times I kept going in circles. It's frustrating because I desire to take the most direct route to Jesus, but apparently lots of little things seem to distract and confuse me. I look for signs from heaven, too, but I am not always wise enough to recognize them.  Sometimes I wonder how will I find the newborn King?
  Fortunately, I have discovered the best way to find Him is to kneel down, open my heart, and call His name. No matter how lost I may be, Jesus hears my voice and comes to me. I am completely amazed with God's love. I am nothing but a grain of sand in a vast desert, yet He picks me up and wraps me in His love, as if I were the only grain of sand. I do not have frankincense, gold, or myrrh to offer. Instead I offer Jesus my trust, my heart, and my will.  Amazingly, these gifts are enough to make the little baby Jesus smile.

-Susan

Divine Mercy Sunday

   How beautiful it is to continue celebrating the Easter season with the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday.  Jesus told St. Faustina that the blood and water that flowed forth when His Sacred Heart are represented by a pale and red ray. "These two rays issued forth from the depths of My tender mercy when my agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross."  Jesus encourages us to "dwell in the shelter" of these two rays. I would like to suggest that everyone  have a Divine Mercy Image of Jesus in their homes so that we all may receive the abundant graces Jesus desires to grant us.
  I get excited whenever I think of the feast of Divine Mercy.  After Jesus conquers sin and death so that we may enjoy Eternal Life with Him, He continues to demonstrate His great love for each of us by showering us with His Mercy.  Listen to these beautiful words Jesus uses when talking with St. Faustina about The Feast of Divine Mercy:
   I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who
   approach the fount of My mercy.

   On that day are opened all the divine floodgates through
   which graces flow.

  My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or angel, 
  will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity.

   Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the 
   Fount of My Mercy.

  I would like to encourage everyone to bask in God's amazing love.  Let His Divine Mercy fill your very being and then share this with the rest of the world.  Have a blessed day everyone!

-Susan

(quotes were from the "Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul" by St. Faustina.)

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

-Susan

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! We hope the Risen Lord Jesus fills your heart with Joy! 




God Bless,
Theresa and Susan