Open The Door Please

 

  My children and I often disagree over politics, religion, and social norms. Our dinner conversations span from spirited debates to heated arguments, sometimes leading to premature departures from the table. We all hold firm beliefs and strive to be right. Yet, the challenge of truly considering another viewpoint remains. This challenge came to mind as I delved into the Gospel of John this past week. I found myself pondering why the Pharisees could not embrace Jesus' teachings.

 It's true that there are numerous reasons why the Pharisees couldn't embrace Jesus's teachings. However, today, I want to steer my thoughts in a different direction. I found myself contemplating how many times in my life I was so convinced of my correctness that I failed to perceive the voice of God.

 Jesus extends an invitation to each of us to partake in the feast of spiritual growth. But have I, in my arrogance, left the table prematurely when God challenged my beliefs to be more inclusive, loving, or forgiving? Have I reached a point where I believe I know enough, and thus, ceased my quest for deeper truths?  This week, I will ask God to heal my narrow-mindedness and open my heart, mind, and ears to those divine truths that I struggle to perceive, hear, and accept. Lord, I don't need to be right all the time, but I yearn to be on the right path that leads me to you.

-Susan  

Why Must This Be?

 

   I had an interesting conversation with a gentleman today.  He was telling me about a past experience with one of his children; at the time, the doctors thought the child had a very serious condition with a poor prognosis.  He told me he went home and cried for hours.  He said he had asked God why this was happening to him.  He didn’t smoke or drink, and he was always kind to people.  Why was this happening to him?

  I think that is a very natural response to a stressful life event.  Shouldn’t bad things only happen to bad people?  The answer, of course, is no.  Unfortunately, agonizing events can happen to anyone for so many different reasons. And even though we know God is all-loving, most of us, at one time or another, have blamed God when things went wrong. 

  Pain, like anger, can be overwhelming and difficult to experience alone. But that may be the point we often overlook. We are not alone. God is very present in our most difficult moments. Not because He is testing or punishing us but rather because He loves us so dearly and wants to help us. The difficult decision we need to make is: Can we trust God instead of blaming Him?

  Perhaps if we turned to God each day with the small annoyances of the day, we could develop a holy habit of relying upon God. Then, when we find ourselves faced with really difficult situations, we will give Him our pain and trust God to navigate the storm for us.  We may find ourselves on an unknown shore, but we will never be alone.

  Fortunately, the gentleman I spoke with today received a blessing instead of a tragedy. Let us pray this week for those who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves on an unexpected shore.  Let us pray they trust God who is all-loving, all-caring, and always at our side.

-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

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

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