Throughout history we see that Jesus has many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few cross-bearers. It is our natural inclination to desire His consolation, but few of us are willing to suffer His tribulation.
Continue reading “Being a Cross-bearer”
As I respond to God’s call, I’m given the grace to accomplish what needs to be done and I can let go of the rest. During this Easter season, these words from St. John Eudes resonate with me:
Continue reading “Letting Go of the Unnecessary”
As we complete our Lenten journey, the importance of our spiritual well-being is fresh on our minds and of highest priority. It reminds us that death is certain; life is short and vanishes like smoke. We must fix our minds on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and eternal things.
Continue reading “Patience Is The Call”
As we’ve seen during our journey through Lent, it is easy for us to lose focus and be distracted by the unimportant or the urgent of what is at hand. In this Easter season, we are reminded through Christ’s Resurrection that we are constantly given opportunities for rebirth, new life, and new beginnings.
Continue reading “Drawn To What Matters”
Do I recognize the miracles in my life?
As we live Authentically Yours, as God’s beloved, we are confident God’s Mercy Endures Forever: let us be His Light. As we have journeyed through Lent and an intensified Holy Week, I hope your heart is rejoicing and full of light in the fact that God’s mercy endures forever. He is risen! He has risen, indeed! Alleluia! I hope your faith has been strengthened and your heart has been lovingly pruned and purified so it is bursting with love. Christ suffered greatly to grant us access to eternal life. The time is now for us to mature spiritually and Be His Light in the world.
Continue reading “Easter Sunday: Jesus’ Resurrection! He is Risen!”
How do I honor my family and friends that have died?
On Holy Saturday, we are in a time of sadness and loneliness as Jesus lies in the tomb. However, while we are in this day of waiting and watching, we are comforted in the knowledge that Jesus will rise from the dead on Easter Sunday, securing our eternal salvation and conquering death by the sacrifice of His life. Jesus, the spotless, pure Lamb of God, paid the penalty for our sins by this sacrifice, conquering death both spiritually and physically. We are assured that we now have the opportunity to join in eternal life with God after our earthly journey has been completed.
Continue reading “Day 46: Holy Saturday. Jesus in the Tomb “Do I forgive my enemies?
Good Friday is the most difficult day of the year. Jesus’ journey, which began with praise and adulation on Palm Sunday, now turns to the pain and sorrow of being falsely accused, condemned, mocked, tortured, abandoned by most of His followers, sentenced to death, crucified, and then dying and buried. I walk along this journey on Good Friday with Jesus through the Stations of the Cross and recognize the role that my sin played in Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
Continue reading “Day 45: Good Friday. Jesus’ Trial, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial “How have I offered myself in humble service to others?
We have spent the past 40 days of Lent renewing and reinvigorating our faith in preparation for Easter. The sacrifices and penances we have made have softened our hearts to be ready to enter the Easter Triduum — Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil — in which we commemorate the passion, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Easter Triduum allows us to walk in Jesus’s footsteps during His final hours on earth.
Continue reading “Day 44: Holy Thursday. Passover/Last Supper/Mandatum (Washing of the Apostles’ Feet)”Have I betrayed God?
It is hard to think about betrayal. We all want to believe we are loyal and true in our relationships. But there is confusion and difficulty when our hearts are involved. Relationships can be difficult and we need mercy and compassion to make them work.
Continue reading “Day 42: Tuesday of Holy Week. Jesus Visits the Mount of Olives/Judas Negotiates the Betrayal of Jesus “Do I live out my faith in service to others?
On this Monday of Holy Week, we follow Jesus after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem that we celebrated on Palm Sunday. Today, Jesus, along with his disciples, entered the Temple. Seeing the money changers in the Temple, Jesus overturned their tables and cleared the Temple. As related in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus stated “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves” (Luke 19:46). Part of the symbolism of Jesus’ actions that day demonstrates to us that faith is much more than outward religiosity that was taking place in the Temple; faith must bear spiritual fruit in the life, heart, and soul of each believer and be shared with others.
Continue reading “Day 41: Monday of Holy Week. Jesus Cleansing the Temple “
Smitten With Goodness 