Out With The Old, Go Bold!

 

  Lent is only a few days away. Perfectly, Ash Wednesday is on Valentine's Day, a day we devote to those we love. Unfortunately, most people don't get excited for the season of Lent. Many of us feel thrown off guard as if it snuck up and yelled, "Surprise! It's Me, Lent!" Sometimes, a mild form of panic or dismay creeps in, asking, "What will you do? What are you giving up?" Fortunately, there are so many beautiful ways to grow closer to Christ. Please pray about it. Don't make this important decision on your own.

 I want to suggest going bold this year. Do something new. Choose something difficult. It's okay if we come up short. It doesn't mean we failed. It just means we have yet to perfect that particular attitude or action. It doesn't mean we should give up or settle for something more manageable. Sometimes, a failed attempt means we need to approach the challenge differently.

 Introspection can be challenging. Recognizing and confronting our shortcomings can be discouraging, but it shouldn't be. Remember, God is in love with you. Where we see weakness, God sees opportunities to grow. He takes great delight in helping us do more than we ever thought imaginable. We might think, "Oh, no, it's Lent again (big sigh). What am I going to do this year?"

 God, on the other hand, is revving up for the big season. God is bubbling with joy as He says, "It's Lent again! Let me show you what I know is possible this year! I Am so excited to grow closer to you!" 

-Susan

The Question

 

  I was looking for some inspiration before writing today. I individually threw out this question to my children. "Hey, I need an idea for my blog this week. Can you share any moments you have had with God lately?" 

 I received very similar responses. "No, nothing big going on lately."

 "I didn't say it had to be big. Can you tell me a moment you felt God was near to you?" Silence.

 My daughter said, "Mom, I just don't think I have as many special moments with God as you do."

 I replied, "I don't think that is true. I don't think I have more moments with God; I think I might have more awareness of God. I'm always looking for God's Presence in my life."

 So this is the question I leave you with this week. Do you think God is always active in your life? I honestly believe God cares about all the details of our lives. Big and little moments, He's there.

 As my children get older, I don't know everything about their lives. I only know the parts they share with me. I wonder if, on some level, we treat God that way as well. It is as if God is on a need-to-know basis rather than realizing He knows us better than we know ourselves. God is always active in our lives. The question isn't whether He is near but whether we allow Him to be close enough to feel His breath across our face as He whispers in our ears, "My child, I love you so very much."  

-Susan

How Clear Is Your Vision?

 

  This morning, I let my dog outside and looked across the backyard. There was something in the yard that looked unusual to me. I asked my daughter, "What is that in the yard?" 

 "Mom, that is just a fallen tree branch with shriveled-up leaves," she answered confidently, surprised at my confusion.

 "No, I don't think it is," I responded. I took my phone out of my back pocket, took a picture, and zoomed in on it. "Oh, you were right."

 "I know I was, " my daughter teased. "I don't know why you couldn't see it."

 Most of us can relate to not always seeing things accurately. This thought popped into my brain while preparing for tomorrow's readings. I imagined myself sitting in my usual pew at Mass. What did I see at Mass, and how much am I missing? How visible is God to me? Am I seeing the whole picture?

  How is this same Mass viewed from heaven? I imagine it is entirely different. From heaven, our understanding will be complete and our vision clear. God will be so visibly present in each moment. Imagine seeing the graces given to the Church and to each person present. Imagine seeing all the angels and saints surrounding the altar. Seeing the Lamb of God given to the Father just for you. Envision praising God with new boldness and love. 

  Tomorrow, I'm going to try to see the Mass differently. I know my vision will still be limited, but what if I allow God to enlighten my heart and soul so my mind can envision more than I currently see? And, I wonder if God will teasingly tell me, "I don't know why you couldn't see it?"  

-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

 

God's Stuff

 

  I received a wonderful little surprise just before Christmas. One of my children's friends came over with a gift for me. He had recently visited Poland and brought me a picture of St. John Paul II. He told me he had noticed the religious things around my house and thought I would like it. I was really touched by his thoughtfulness. Later, I showed my new souvenir to my other kids. I repeated the conversation and said, "Can you believe he noticed my religious pictures? He hasn't been to the house that many times."

 My children started laughing, "Mom, everyone notices your religious pictures. They are everywhere and in every room."

 "Well, no one has ever made a comment to me before," I added.

 My daughter, still laughing, said, "Yeah, one person even told me, "Wow, you have a lot of God stuff!"

  I took that as a total compliment. "Oh, I like the thought of living in a house with God's stuff!"

 Of course, I know that a house with God's stuff would not be a collection of things. It would be a house where people were loved unconditionally. A place of patience, forgiveness, and understanding. A home dedicated to hard work, sacrifice, and moments of peace and prayer. It would be the domestic church.

 God knows my little domestic church is far from perfect, but we do have moments of holiness. I wish there were more of them. It is definitely something to strive for in the new year. Could the challenge be a little smaller? Yes, but looking back at my life, I can see how my faith grew in challenging and complex moments. Perhaps God gave me this family because these individuals will help me become a saint, and in turn, I will help them. We're not perfect, but I look forward to filling my house with God's "stuff" as we continue the journey toward heaven.

-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                                                                  

Reflecting God's Love

 

    During the Christmas season, I enjoy watching a movie on the Nativity of Christ. Most of the films are well done. But I have to admit, I am often uncomfortable with how Mary can be portrayed. There is always something off about her character. I have even been known to say aloud, "Mary would never say that, or she would never have done that." I have even stopped watching movies because they do not do Mary justice. It may seem I'm claiming to be an expert on Mary, but I will admit I'm not. However, I do know Mary. She is the most wonderful, caring mother I have ever met, and I love her dearly.

 It is difficult for an actress to demonstrate Mary's most extraordinary qualities. Mary's humility, love for God, and obedience to His Will are unmatched. Her holiness is so beautiful because she magnifies God's love to all. When I sit with Mary, I feel God's love. Mary never comes between me and God; she always nudges me closer. The thought that Jesus would share His Mother with me is a blessing beyond comprehension. 

 This truly is a beautiful time of the year to reflect on the birth of our Savior, followed by such intimate feasts as the Feast of the Holy Family and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. May the love of the Christ child shine brightly in your lives. As we gaze at Jesus lying in the manger, do not overlook the loving gaze He gives Mary and Joseph.

-Susan