Amazing Catechists

Teaching and learning the faith together

An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah

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Shortly before leaving for my trip to Norway, I was approached by a leader of a women’s group at a local church.  She attended one of my book presentations, bought my latest book on the life of the Blessed Mother, and read it.   She asked if I would be interested in doing a Lenten retreat focusing on Mary’s perspective.  She titled the retreat – A Lenten Journey through Mary’s Eyes!  I loved the title and decided to accept the challenge.  I wrote most of the retreat while on vacation in Norway and finalized the details with the leaders from this group when I returned.

Mary’s perspective

The focus was Mary’s perspective on the Passion of Christ – a difficult journey for a mother to endure.  Yet, we all know that she was not just any mother – she was and is the Mother of God and most importantly, she is our Mother, too.

To prepare for this retreat, we decided to look at the Scriptural Stations of the Cross and the Sorrowful Mysteries of ALL the Rosaries.

If you’ve read my book, you know that there are different types of Rosaries and that each of these Rosaries have mysteries that focus on the life of Jesus and Mary.  I also introduced in my book the Scriptural Stations of the Cross.

Scriptural Stations of the Cross

As I prepared for this retreat, I was reminded of my visit to a beautiful cathedral in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The Cathedral of the Madeleine is a Catholic cathedral with a beautiful display of the Scriptural Stations of the Cross.

As we journey through this Season of Lent, I’d like to share with you the scriptural Stations of the Cross as displayed in the Cathedral in Salt Lake City.  I’ve also indicated, next to each station, the scripture that is related to that station.

I.     Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane – (Matthew 26: 36-46; Mark 14: 32-42; Luke 22: 39-46; John 18: 1-12)

II.   Jesus is betrayed by Judas – (Matthew 26: 14-16)

III.  Jesus is denied by Peter – (Luke 22: 54-62; Matthew 26: 69-75)

IV.   Jesus is judged by Pilate – (Mark 15: 15; Matthew 27: 24-26; John 18: 31-32; Luke23:24)

V.    Jesus is stripped and scourged – (Jon 19: 1)

VI.   Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns – (John 19: 2-3)

VII.  Jesus bears the cross – (John 19: 16-17)

VIII. Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene – (Mark 15: 21; Matthew 27: 32)

IX.    Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem – (Luke 23: 28-29)

X.      Jesus is crucified – (Matthew 27: 33-44)

XI.    Jesus promises His kingdom to the good thief – (Luke 23: 39-43)

XII.   Jesus speaks to His Mother and the disciple – (John 19: 25-17)

XIII.  Jesus dies on the cross – (Matthew 27: 45-54; Luke 23: 44-46)

XIV.   Jesus is placed in the tomb – (Matthew 27: 57-61)

Lent is truly a season of renewal.  May God continue to bless each of us as we draw closer to Him.

Seven Ways to Observe Advent with Children

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Photo by Stefan Schweihofer (2018) via Pixabay, CCO Creative Commons

Perhaps you too have had the experience of preparing for Christmas, only to realize that amongst the candy-making, the letter-writing, the present-purchasing, the tree-trimming, and more, you never got around to spiritual preparation, even though you really meant to this year.

If you would like to add a more reflective or penitential note to your family’s Advent observance, check out the seven ideas below to get you started.  Choose one (or two), gather what you will need, and start a new family tradition!

Jesse tree

The idea:

Recall salvation history.  Use ornaments decorated with symbols to represent the events and stories leading up to the birth of Jesus and hang them on a tree of some kind (the tree is so named after Jesse, father of King David–see Isaiah 11:1).

What you will need:   

  • You can order a kit.  Check out Etsy for some beautiful ones.
  • You can do it yourself…you need something to be the tree, something to make ornaments, and a Bible or knowledge of Bible stories.  I use a book that has reproducible ornaments.  Each year I photocopy one set of ornaments for each child.  I cut out a large Christmas tree shape from wrapping paper and tape it on the wall.  Each day (when all goes well), the kids color their ornaments while I read to them the passage from the Bible corresponding to the symbol they are coloring.  They then cut out their ornaments and tape them on the tree.
  • The tree can also be a bare branch set into a mason jar full of stones or sand, and the ornaments can be hung on it with loops of ribbon.

Advent stockings: good works

The idea:

The family does a spiritual or corporal work of mercy (or other charitable act) each day of advent.  For example, we might give away a piece of clothing; pray for an end to abortion; pray for our priests; call someone who might be lonely, etc.

You need:

  • Slips of paper listing the good works you will do (see the end of this post for ideas).
  • Something to put them in.  I have mini stockings with numbers on them, which we hang up.  Every evening I put a slip of paper in the next day’s stocking, choosing the activity based on what can fit into our family calendar.  But you could easily do the same with numbered envelopes or, if you are really adventurous, just put them all in a mason jar and see what you pull out!

Making soft Baby Jesus’ Bed

The idea:

Family members make sacrifices and do good acts throughout Advent.  For each one, they lay a piece of straw or hay in an empty manger, trying to get the bed as soft as possible before Baby Jesus will be born on Christmas morning.

You need:

  • Raffia, hay, straw, grass, or strips of yellow construction paper.
  • Some sort of manger.
  • Baby Jesus statue.

Advent wreath

The idea:

Four candles represent the four Sundays of Advent.  Three are purple to represent penance; the fourth is pink for Gaudete Sunday (the 3rd Sunday of Advent.  Gaudete means “joy,” and the priest will wear rose-colored vestments).  On the first Sunday of Advent, light the purple candle that is diagonal from the pink one.  Say a prayer of longing for Our Savior.  Every evening light this candle, accompanied by a prayer, and each successive Sunday light an additional candle.

You need:

  • An advent wreath/candle holder
  • Candles

Salvation history candle

The idea:

Similar to a Jesse tree but for the artistic.  You will draw on a large candle (about 2 feet tall) the scenes from salvation history, starting with Adam and Eve at the top and Baby Jesus at the bottom.  You will burn the candle throughout Advent.

You need:

  • A church-style large candle, 51% beeswax, about 2’ tall.  Can be found at stjudeshop.com
  • Drawing implements

Planned read-alouds

The idea:

Read advent and nativity books during Advent: either one story per day in a book of collected Advent stories or separate books.

You need:

  • A book with a collection of 22-28 Advent stories (here is the one we have); or
  • 22-28 picture books that are Advent-related, about saints whose feast day falls in Advent, or about salvation history.  If you choose this option, you might want to wrap them in wrapping paper and number them, opening up one on each day.

Piece-by-piece nativity set

The idea:

Rather than give a little piece of candy in an Advent calendar, each day brings another object or person to add to the nativity scene, starting with the stable/cave and ending with Baby Jesus.

You need:

  • You can buy a set online that has the requisite number of pieces; or
  • You can make one yourself out of felt, bringing out one piece each day; or
  • Your children make their own paper nativity set, coloring a piece every day using free printables online.

____________________

Resources:

Here is a list of good works you might use for your family’s Advent stockings.

  • Do something nice for someone in secret today.
  • Look around your room.  Is there anything you can give away to the poor?
  • Do an extra chore today.
  • Try hard to be cheerful in everything you do today.
  • Draw a picture of the nativity.
  • Read about a saint today.
  • Pray for your priest today.  Could you offer up a sacrifice for the Church today?
  • Pray for an end to abortion today and give away something to moms in need.
  • Pray for the deceased today.  Could you make a sacrifice for the souls in purgatory?
  • Pray for persecuted Christians today and learn about a country where they do not have freedom of religion.
  • Pray for people who do not know Jesus.  Is there something you could do extra as an offering for them?
  • Pray for your family today.  What can you do to help your family be more like the Holy Family?
  • Pray a Rosary today.
  • Pray the Chaplet of Divine mercy.
  • Do an examination of conscience tonight, and if possible, schedule Confession sometime soon.
  • Take a meal to someone in need.
  • Make a card to send to someone who lives far away.
  • Call or invite someone over who might be lonely.
  • Read the Nativity story from the Bible.
  • Make ornaments to send to the nursing home.
  • Do something for someone else that you normally don’t want to do (such as offer to play a game you know he likes).
  • Eat all of your food with a good attitude (even if you don’t like it) and be grateful you have it.
  • Sing a song to baby Jesus or make up a poem for Him.
  • Act out the nativity or part of the salvation story or do a puppet show.
  • Give money to the poor.  You may do an extra chore and give away any money you earn.
  • Bake something and give away half.
  • Write or draw a thank-you card for someone.
  • Make a gift for your priest or staff at your parish church.
  • Give away food to the food pantry.
  • Give away a piece of warm clothing.
  • Work on memorizing a Bible verse.
  • Go to morning Mass.
  • Give up something you like to do or eat today and offer it up as a prayer for someone in need.
  • Wrap up something you have and give it to someone.

 

Copyright 2018 Amanda Woodiel.  This post first appeared at www.inaplaceofgrace.com.

Why We Should Pray With Our Children From an Early Age

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Hi All!

This is my ten-minute discussion with Matt Swaim on the Son Rise Morning Show, today!

We cover why it’s important to pray with children from an early age, what they learn, and how to help our teens and young adults who have lost their faith. Just the simplest points are discussed, but we could go a lot deeper.

I’d love your comments, suggestions, and questions in the chat!

 

Here’s where you can order my book, “Heads Bowed: Prayers for Catholic School Days.”

I’m looking forward to your comments!

Blessings,

Lisa Mladinich

Follow me on Facebook!

Interview with Sonja Corbitt about her book “Just Rest” and much more!

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Oh boy, is this a POWERFUL conversation about the spiritual life with one of my all-time favorites, Sonja Corbitt!

Come with us and see your “desert” times in a whole new way that will prove to you that the Promised Land is closer than ever!

Click the book cover image to join me and Sonja, as we “get real” about our desert times!

 

SONJA CORBITT is the Bible Study Evangelista and creator of the LOVE the Word® Bible study method–and journal, called “the best modernization of lectio” by the Associate Publisher of Thomas Nelson Publishing.

A best-selling author and Telly Award-winning broadcaster, Sonja’s weekly radio and television shows, as well as a variety of other unique approaches to Scripture, create space for busy Christians to hear and experience God though the scriptures.

Through her Bible studies and books, one-on-one consultations, pilgrimages, retreats, television and radio shows, Sonja uses Scripture and a healing charism to lead others to deeper rest and healing.

Find Sonja at BibleStudyEvangelista.com

Get Sonja’s Book!  https://www.avemariapress.com/products/just-rest

Interview with Dr. Brant Pitre on His New Book!

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My Friends, Enjoy this delightful half-hour with Dr. Brant Pitre. We’re talking about his fantastic new book, “Introduction to the Spiritual Life: Walking the Path of Prayer with Jesus.”

Just click the book cover to watch my super-fun chat with Dr. Pitre!

I highly recommend this resource for individuals and groups.

It is truly accessible to anyone–from teens and RCIA candidates to those who are advanced in the spiritual life. 

Dr. Pitre presents the faith in easy steps, without skimping on the beauty, majesty, challenge, and joy of growing in the spiritual life.

You can order it in plenty of time for Christmas, here.

Pro-Tip: For 2022, form some accountability partnerships and go through this one short chapter at a time, discussing your learnings and then setting goals for your own growth!

Dr. Brant Pitre is Distinguished Research Professor of Scripture at the Augustine Institute, Graduate School of Theology. He earned his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized in the study of the New Testament and ancient Judaism. He is the author of the best-selling books, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist (Image, 2011), The Case for Jesus (Image, 2015), and Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary (Image, 2018). Dr. Pitre has also produced dozens of video and audio Bible studies, in which he explores the biblical foundations of Catholic faith and theology (available at BrantPitre.com). He currently lives in Louisiana with his wife Elizabeth and their five children.

With Jesus the Master Teacher

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Teachers Day has always been one full of surprises. It is so true even today, in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions and the “new normal,” into which each one of us is gradually getting immersed. Yesterday evening, as I was moving to the Chapel for community prayers of the Rosary, a small group of three young girls stopped me: “Please see our dance,” they said. “Oh! You are getting ready to surprise your teachers!” was all I could utter. Their faces brightened up.

Thirty minutes of prayer swiftly flew, and as I entered my office to log on to an online provincial vocation coordinators meet, a small group of four boys called to me: “Sister, please see our skit…”

Teaching today: an adventurous task

Teaching has always been a pleasant, adventurous and committing task. Today, in the midst of COVID-19, with online teaching, it has become even more adventurous and more and more teachers are getting the hang of it all. Teachers are very familiar with sending of links, screen sharing, making online classes alive and participative, etc. A word of praise and admiration goes to our younger generation, who are experts at modern technology. It is amazing to watch a teacher’s son/daughter flying in at the correct moment with the right click to assist mom/dad, while they are busy with their online classes.

Multiplicity of methods and styles of teaching

Throughout the course of the century, human beings have witnessed a variety of methods and styles of teaching. A peep into some of the significant books in the field of education, and to relevant methods of teaching imparted to those trained for teaching, will certainly arouse curiosity and wonder. There is so much available, by way of teaching styles and methods. There is much more still in the making…

Online or offline

No matter whether we are online or offline, the child is at the heart of all our teaching. Muriel Spark affirms, “The word ‘education’ comes from the root “e” from “ex” (out) and “duco” (I lead). It means “a leading out.” To me, education is a leading out of what is already there in the pupil’s soul. In this process of leading out, education becomes a dynamic process of interaction between the teachers: the one who teaches and the one who is taught.

Paulo Coelho has expressed it aptly:

A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.

In the midst of sharing and caring

The surge of COVID-19 has multiplied in our global human family genuine gestures of sharing and caring. An open online dialogue with a group of young college students from St. Andrew’s College, Bandra, and with those of Auxilium, Baroda Junior College, did bring to our notice how the family scenario has changed, all of a sudden, as a consequence of the pandemic. Youngsters are more and more tuned to see things from the perspective of their parents; they are alert to step in when their parents are under pressure. A good number of teachers are busy accompanying youngsters to face the “new normal,” at home.

A child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him. ~ Pablo Casals

Fixing our glance on Jesus the Teacher

With two groups of Catechism teachers, I had the joy of fixing our glance on Jesus the Teacher. Jesus always had his listeners at heart. He spoke to them making use of life situations: How can we not recall to mind Mark 12:41-44, the Widow’s Offering?

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on.

Jesus spoke to the people using stories: Surely you will remember the parable of the Growing Seed, in Mark 4:26-29.

He said, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.”

Jesus spoke to them asking questions and answering them: Certainly the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:36-37 is on the tip of your tongue, with that ever provoking question:

“Which if these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told them, “Go and do likewise.”

Time and again, Jesus spoke to the people referring to Scriptures: The classic text that comes to mind is Luke 4:16-21. Jesus affirmed,

“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Then we have Jesus’ friendly approach, in John 21:5-7:

Jesus called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”

When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”

As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

Finally, Jesus taught by his own love and life style. Matthew 12:9-13 informs us that,

Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.

Happy Teachers Day, our beloved Teachers!

Teaching is a vocation and a mission.

A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child. ~ Knights of Pythagoras

A woman truly knows when to bend down and listen to a child with her heart.

 

This article originally appeared in Indian Catholic Matters, on September 5, 2021

Three reasons to take a course with the LiveNotLukewarm community

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3 Reasons +1

  • One, content is delivered live and group discussion is encouraged but not required.
  • Two, materials are developed and delivered by Deanna and Deacon John, so we know what the answer ought to be!
  • Three, you will come away with a deeper knowledge of who Jesus is and how to live out his teachings.
  • Bonus reason: combined we have over 100 years’ experience.

A New Liturgical Year

A new liturgical year begins on Nov 28, 2021, with the start of Advent. At Sunday Masses, Cycle C will be used for the readings. FYI: there are 3 cycles, A, B, and C. The Gospel used in cycle C is Luke. Luke was written sometime between 80 and 90 AD, for Gentiles. The same person who wrote Luke wrote the Book of Acts, as a continuation of the Gospel. Luke is believed to have been an associate of Paul.

Much of the material of Luke comes from Mark and the Q source, with some material specific only to Luke. His Gospel includes an infancy narrative, uses many agrarian and fishing references and features many meals in his writings. We are excited to begin learning more about the Gospel of Luke with you!

Course Details

Beginning in October, Deanna & Deacon John at LiveNotLukewarm.com will offer a course on the Gospel of Luke. You have the option of Wednesday morning or evening. Sessions are offered live via Zoom and recorded so you can access it if you miss a session or want to watch it again. This link will provide more information and you can register for the course.

Grow in your faith at Inform, Engage, Inspire

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Are you a catechist or parent looking to be energized? Do you want to learn more about scripture? Are you a director of faith formation looking for something to offer to catechists or parents? I have an answer for you! Become a part of An Every Day Catholic: Inform, Engage, Inspire.

What is Inform, Engage, Inspire?

It is an online community of people interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. I have webinars which I offer live and then record to keep on the website. In my experience, people are searching for information and answers, stated in ways that are straightforward and easy to understand. My goal is to share the truth, beauty and goodness of Catholicism.

What kinds of topics do you cover?

Our past webinars include a series on Grace in the Catechism, scripture and saints; The Call to Abundance which explores the life Jesus offers us; Inspired for Freedom talks bout how to live out our Christian life. We also hosted a book study on What to say and How to say It by Brandon Vogt.

What is your next offering?

In August, we will begin a Bible study on the Book of Acts which I am very excited about. Acts has 28 chapters, which we will cover from Aug 5 to Sept.2. I have written a downloadable study guide which includes an overview of Acts and questions for discussion and personal reflection. Each evening we will meet using a Zoom link and I’ll give an overview of the chapters for the week and then discuss the questions. The point of the webinars is not just to listen to a lecture, but to engage with each other and ask questions.

What do participants need to do?

The best way to learn about God’s word is to read and study it. It will be helpful to read the chapters ahead of time, answer the questions and note any questions you have. If that’s not possible, come to the webinars anyway – you will still get something out of our time together.

Is there a cost for this?

Yes and no. The study guide is $7 and while optional will allow for greater participation. There is no charge for the webinars, though you can give a free-will offering at the end of the study.

What is your experience teaching Bible study?

I have served in parish ministry for over 40 years as a catechist, director of faith formation for children and adults, youth minister, prayer leader, retreat leader and stewardship director. I also have a master’s degree from Loyola University. I have always been involved in facilitating and teaching Bible study even when it wasn’t my job. I’ve published a study Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life with Our Sunday Visitor.

How can I sign up for the Acts study?  acts study

It’s pretty simple! Click on Study of the Book of Acts, enter your email address and you’ll receive all the information you need. You can also email me (Deanna) at dgbartalini(at)gmail(dot)com.

 

Looking for God? Now is the Time.

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We have all heard the warning about “living in the past.”  It’s not a wise thing to do.

I know that I often catch myself dwelling on this or that decision from years or even decades ago.  When this happens I find myself rehashing my reasons and rationales like some broken record.

There is no doubt that 20/20 hindsight can be a cruel partner, poking us every now and then.   Armed with the clarity of knowing results and consequences we torture ourselves wondering how we could not see the results of our actions or decisions way back when.

Not to be outdone, of course, are the ever-popular apprehensions about the future. After all, is not the future merely a blind curve teeming with unexpected traps and problems? Yet we rush  toward manholes and cliffs we will not see until it is too late.

Between the haunting past and the foreboding future, we have a ready-made plate of worries and ruminations at our disposal.  What we need to realize sooner better than later, however, is that God is neither in our rear-view mirror nor is He at the end of the blind curve that is our future.

Dwelling In The Past

There is a clear distinction between dwelling in the past as opposed to learning from the past.  The word “dwelling” means a home or where one resides or lives. It is not constructive, and it’s even destructive, to constantly live in the past.

Whether we constantly reflect on positive or negative memories and experiences, the mere fact that we keep re-visiting that past takes away from our focus on the present.  Spending all day thinking about my great high school experiences does little to improve my present situation.  Likewise, obsessing over the mistakes or poor choices I made in the past only tends to beat me down.

Of course there is nothing wrong with mentally glancing back at our past highlights or low points. The problem occurs when we dwell or entrench ourselves in a time which we cannot change now.  We gain nothing, and even retreat, when we define ourselves by our past, bad or good.  When we define ourselves by our past, we perpetuate that past far beyond its beneficial role in our lives.  The past should inform, and not define, our present and future.

Learning From The Past

God wants us to learn and grow toward our destiny with Him. But we cannot learn and grow if we wrap ourselves in our past.  Obsessing over past glory only invites complacency, presumption, stagnation, or even arrogance. Obsessing over past stumbles or hurts only brings  depression, resentment, regret, and even bitterness.  No matter how you look at it, the past that is obsessed over is a moral minefield most mortal humans cannot traverse safely.

We should use the past as a teacher for enhancing our future. The only thing worse than a mistake is a mistake one does not learn from and may even repeat.  Reflecting on past errors and taking steps to avoid those errors again is never a bad thing.  When we reflect on our past mistakes, we bring the wisdom of the past to our present.  When we dwell on the past, however, we drag our present to that past.

The Past is an Unhealthy Neighborhood

The past can be dangerous turf teeming with regret, remorse, resentment, revenge, bitterness, and ingratitude.  Armed with 20/20 hindsight, we see results and consequences that we could never have anticipated back then. Obsessing over what we should or could have done or what we did not do goes way past the productive stage.

Forgiving others or ourselves can be very difficult, if not impossible, for those wrapped in the past.  It is also practically impossible to appreciate the present if we are preoccupied with the past.  The devil wants us to sink in the past’s cesspool of vice and hopelessness.

Ultimately, those mired in the past cannot let go because they cannot trust in God’s mercy.

Leave The Future to God

Dwelling in the past is an invitation to be ungrateful for what we have and mistrustful of God’s Divine Mercy. At the same time, worrying about the future can be an invitation to be mistrustful of God’s Divine Providence.

While there is nothing wrong with glancing at our future and reflecting on our plans and hopes, this is very different from being anxious or even petrified of what that future will bring.  If the past is teeming with the potential for regret, then the future is overflowing with the potential for fear.

God wants us to learn from our past and plan for our future with joyful trust, acceptance, and gratitude for His many blessings. We are closest to God when we humbly ask for forgiveness for our stumbles and humbly embrace God’s Will for our lives.  Learn from your past and leave it to God.  Embrace your future and entrust it to God as well.

“Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” (Mt 6:34)

Find God in The Present

Fulton Sheen once observed that much of our unhappiness stems from excessive concentration in the past and extreme preoccupation with the future.  We cannot change the past.  We only have the potential to either simmer in it or learn from it.  Similarly, we cannot predict the future.  We only have the opportunity to become paralyzed before it or to embrace it by trusting in God.

God is found in our present moments.  He is present among the countless souls we daily encounter in great need for kindness, compassion, and love.  He is present in the wonders of nature that surround us each today.  Each moment is an opportunity to get closer to God in small and immense ways.  We can only relieve pain, loneliness, hopelessness, and sorrow in the present.  We can only reach out to wandering hands in search of a caring touch in the present.

Prayers about the past tend to apologize or hope. Prayers about the future tend to petition.  Prayers in the present, however, are the most opportune way to praise and thank the Creator.

Embrace each moment as an opportunity for salvation. Sanctify each moment with humble contentment and acceptance. Do not waste or tarnish each moment with apathy, or ingratitude.  Let God always be your answer to now.

2020  Gabriel Garnica

Follow that Star!

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In this Octave of Christmas, St. John the Apostle lovingly reminds us why we celebrated the birth of Jesus only five days ago: “…because your sins have been forgiven.” (1 John 2:12)  What a reason to celebrate!

St. John shows us a strong contrast between man’s covetousness for worldly enticements, which is governed by the devil, and the way revealed by the Father through our Messiah, Jesus. God gave us a Savior because we’ve all failed terribly, and as sinners, need to repent. Once we understand the role of Jesus in our broken world, we can truly rejoice at Christmas!

But alas, the day after we celebrated Christ’s birth, our love for the world drew many of us away from the love of God and back to the after-Christmas sales and return lines, still searching for that perfect gift. Even now, opened presents lie abandoned under the tree, waiting to be stripped of their tags and stashed into closets or cupboards – the “must-haves” we couldn’t live without. So, where is the gift we didn’t find under the tree?

The Holy Spirit gave us 365 days’ worth of priceless lessons, yet many of us missed the target again and continue to search. The infant Jesus has come! It’s still not too late to reflect on the year and ask our newborn Savior to take us deeper into the journey and help us find the peace we seek, for “…the world and its enticement are passing away.” (1 John 2:17)

Again the true meaning of Christmas struggled to reach far too many hearts. Let’s stretch farther to find those searching hearts and share with them the joy and peace we’ve found in the birth of Jesus who came to save us, and all together follow that shining star into the New Year!

Elizabeth

Blessed 2020!

Today’s Readings: https://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123019.cfm