Gospel Thoughts Today: Heavenly Gifts

Seven years ago my first grandson came into the world. I can hardly believe how this day changed my life forever. I can only describe it as a heavenly gift . . . a blessing I prayed I would be alive to witness from the moment my first daughter got married! Same prayer when my second daughter was married.  Now I am the "Mimi" of four little angels. I was meant to be a grandma and loving every minute of it . . . heavenly gifts for which I am eternally grateful. Proof of a Loving Father.

In today's Gospel (John 3:7B-15), Jesus asks us to truly believe He is with us despite His human presence:

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him,
‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

In Volume Five, Jesus shows us the "caol áit" (this means 'thin veil' in Gaelic . . . thanks to Father Darragh for the beautiful reference) between heaven and earth and how staying united to Him gives you the strength to combat any obstacle:

"Brothers and sisters in the world, please allow Me to fill your heart with heavenly gifts. There is no reason for you to live apart from My Kingdom. If you wish it, you can live your life on earth joined to us in heaven. You must practice living in faith, it is true, but like anything else, faith becomes a habit when you practice it, so much so that soon you do not even know you are exerting yourself. That is what I wish for you now and I am going to assist you by rewarding your tiniest acts of faith with supernatural gifts of faith. In this way you will only need a small bit to begin your union with heaven. What benefits can be gained by union with heaven? You will no longer have as many gaps in your peace. You will view all of your life as transient and valuable. Whether you suffer pain or experience joy, it will all be the same to you, as long as you are united to Me and to heaven."

Lay apostles, how have you been touched by this apostolate of Jesus Christ the Returning King? If you have been involved for a while, I'm sure you have read and reread the Volumes. If you are a newbie, I'm thrilled for you to begin your journey getting to know Jesus, Our Lady and all the saints you are about to meet. Since I made the commitment to live the rest of my life as a lay apostle, God has showered me with graces and blessings. Yes, there are many wonderful blessings in my life. But He has gifted me with the fortitude I need to stay focused on getting to heaven despite earthly "interruptions" in my peace. Pull out a Volume if you have one and start reading. Or, click on a link to the right of this blog post. All the Volumes and Heaven Speaks booklets are free to download. Today is the day to make a change. Go ahead, do it now.

Thank you, Lord, for so many heavenly gifts in my life. Although some were meant to teach me a lesson, I am forever grateful for every one of them.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Reentering Safety

We all "reenter" something in some way . . . Disneyworld rides we love; the workforce after a leave of absence; our Catholic faith when we have been away. Whatever it is we are reentering, it is because we are reinvigorated to renew what was once loved or enjoyed. As Christians, our faith life waxes and wanes over time by something or another causing us to divert from the path Christ laid out for us. The beauty of our Merciful God is He will always be waiting for us to reenter His Loving Arms. Always.

Today's Gospel (John 3:1-8) helps us understand the path to heaven:

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him,
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”


In the July 1, 2008 Monthly Message from Jesus, He confirms His Love for us . . . always:

"My heart never stops loving and not for a moment does My heart stop craving love in return. I crave love from you, My dear apostle. You love Me, I know. You serve Me with steadiness, I know. ‘What is it that Jesus wants from Me that I am not giving’, you ask. I will tell you. I want you to show Me that you understand My love for you by trusting Me. I am hurt when you do not trust Me. Look at your time of service. Would you agree that I have provided you with everything you need to see to your part in My plan? Would you agree that I have given you consolation when you were afraid? Have I not guided you when you were unsure? What have I withheld from you? You are growing in holiness and I am answering your prayers for your loved ones with heavenly prudence and steadiness. The part you are called to play in My plan is important and I need your service but I would never ask you to serve to the detriment of your holiness. If you are not increasing in holiness, My dear apostle, it is because you are not allowing Me to direct you. Perhaps you are increasing but not as quickly as you would like. That is another matter altogether. It is for Me to decide how quickly to advance you. It is for you to cooperate. I am speaking today so that I can urge you forward. My apostles must be willing to benefit from the guidance I am sending. You must sit in silence with Me each day, asking Me where you can improve in holiness. What habits are you holding on to that you need to relinquish? What new habits should replace them? Apostles, it is not to stand still that you are called, but to move forward in holiness. This advance is necessary for these times or I would not be calling you to it so seriously. I am looking for you to change. I want you to grow. Many of you are saintly now, walking closely with Me in each day. I rejoice in you, it is true. You know that I do. And yet, I allow you to remain on earth, to work, yes, but also to become even holier. One of the ways you can become holy in a short time is by trusting Me in everything. A small child does not worry about one meal shortly after she has been fed another. She trusts her parents to provide for her, particularly if she has never gone hungry. You, dear apostles, have never been without My providence so there is no reason for you to fear. You can trust Me. I have proved this to you many times. I desire that you serve in joy and confidence and only through trusting Me will that be possible. Return My great love for you by trusting Me in everything."

Lay apostles, have you done a spiritual check lately? Are you participating in a local church community or in a rescue mission such as Direction for Our Times? If not, maybe it's time to reenter . . . reengage. We are all so needed, not only to support our churches but each other on this journey to eternity!

Thank you, Lord, for loving me through all the good, bad and ugly. I pray I show others the same forgiveness!

God bless,
Bonnie

Important Reminders

I used to watch my grandson Colton three days a week for the first 2 years of his life. I remember watching in amazement how quickly he grew, learning something new every day. When he was in my care, we read, crawled around the house, played with the toy choo choo train, and practiced saying words. From the time he began identifying people by name (Mama was his first), I tried to teach him to call me "Grammie." Well, all the repetitive teaching started to pay off. At first, he started making the "g" sound when he saw me. Then my daughter Whitney had made a book for Colt with pictures of all his family. She said they got to my picture holding him and he repeatedly said the "g" sound over and over!  I was thrilled. Eventually "Grammie" became "Mimi" months later (which I absolutely adore hearing my four grandkids say!). Just as repetitive teaching helps our children to grow and learn new things, so does reading Sacred Scripture, the Volumes, and all of the messages Our Lord has graciously provided through saints and prophets. If you make spiritual reading a daily practice, soon you begin to live the messages to the best of your ability.

Today's Gospel (John 21:1-14) shows Jesus giving a third reminder to His beloved disciples . . . He is always around:

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, she beautifully describes it may take multiple attempts to get it right, but give yourself a break and do better next time:

"There is a story about a hole in the road. A child steps into the hole repeatedly until, after many consequences, he learns to walk around the hole, and finally begins taking another street and avoiding it altogether. Well, this is how it is for us at times. Which one of us can say that we have not repeated a mistake? The God we love understands that it can take repeated lessons until we learn. If Jesus accepts us with such readiness, can it be right that we judge ourselves harshly? We are called to emulate Him. He is tolerant of us. Dear apostles, let us accept our humanity and our flaws in the same way that Jesus accepts them."

Lay apostles, the time I spend trying to "get it right" requires steadfastness, consistency, and small investments every day. I used to be so hard on myself when I failed. Now, I try to be as forgiving of myself and others like Jesus. Not easy, but so necessary.

Thank you, Lord, for all the repetitive teaching You provide me. Sorry, it takes a few more reminders at times, but with Your patience and love, the lessons do come to me eventually!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Choosing Christ

Easter was a wonderful day. I treasure celebrating the Risen Christ with our beautiful family. This is a time of new hope. But it's also time to begin making choices with Jesus in mind. Ask yourself a few questions the next time you are in a quandary. Am I responding with humility or ego? Is my decision based on what I want or what's best for Christ's sake? It's so easy to get caught up in the muck of this world. Choosing Christ's way isn't always easy, but it's the only option we must allow ourselves.

In today's Gospel (Luke 24:35-48), Jesus still has a little convincing to do:

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

In Volume Five, St. Thomas the Apostle encourages us to believe even when we may be doubting:

"I had the greatest of faith on earth, truly, but when you live on earth, and you are following Jesus, there are times when you are asked to believe what is inconceivable to the limitations of human thinking. It is at that time that you must turn joyfully to heaven and say, 'Jesus, I trust in you, I believe in you, and I will follow you.' Those simple words should be said all day long. There will come times when you will feel your faith wavering. This is perfectly normal, dear followers. You may expect to confront doubts at some time during your service. This should not affect your service in any way. Say those words and cry out to me, Thomas, and I will console you and comfort you while I simultaneously turn to the Throne and pray, interceding for you until the time of challenge has passed."

Lay apostles, there are things I don't like . . . for example, uncomfortable situations or people with ulterior motives. But I'm calmer now, more prayerful. And, most importantly, I trust in Jesus! Every once in a while my ire will get stirred up, but I am quick to let it go. Living life completely trusting Christ is so much more peaceful . . . even easier. As much as I wish I had read the Volumes at a young age, I do have the ability to make sure my girls and grandchildren read them and do their best to live the messages. My prayer is our grandchildren will know Jesus as my daughters do. Just yesterday when I picked up my grandson from his faith formation class, he was so excited to tell me they spent 5 minutes in the new Adoration Chapel! God answering my prayers in real time! I am so grateful.

Thank you, Lord, for placing the Volumes in my life to pass on to my children and grandchildren. I trust You will see to their salvation.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: How Do I Honor Christ?

After reading the Gospel this morning, the word "honor" pervaded my thoughts. Honor means to regard with great respect; to fulfill (an obligation) or keep (an agreement). I know God doesn't have a problem fulfilling His part of the covenant with us. It's my human countenance that loses focus at times, allowing the world to dictate my ability to remain peaceful. My thoughts can quickly deteriorate, depending on the conflict ensuing. When I begin to "go there" in my head, the internal battle usually arises, causing me to feel unsettled. I know I am not respecting Christ and all He has done to lead me to where I am today. So, how do I honor Him in these circumstances?  I honor Him by accepting His Mercy, even when I feel I don't deserve it. I honor Him by giving up more and more of my free will in exchange for an eternity with Him.

The Gospel today (John 4:43-54) teaches us not to ignore the graces He shows us on a daily basis:

At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified
that a prophet has no honor in his native place. When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast.

Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine.
Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe." The royal official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus said to him, "You may go; your son will live." The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, "The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon." The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live," and he and his whole household came to believe. Now this was the second sign Jesus did
when he came to Galilee from Judea.

In Anne's book Staying in Place, she wisely reminds us of the honor Our Lord grants His Children:

"What is a sacrament? According to our Catechism, a sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward, invisible grace (St. Augustine). What is grace? Grace is a gift from God. We do not earn a gift. We cannot purchase one. It has to be given and the joy of receiving a gift is two-fold. One, we enjoy the gift itself, particularly if we need it and if it has practical application. Two, we are heartened and consoled that the Giver has contemplated us favorably, in love and earnest desire for connection. When someone earnestly desires connection with us and His motives are selfless, then we cannot help but be touched.

Our God is not a God of limitations and the only thing He is unwilling to interfere with is the action of our free will. If we insist on rejection of God and the family of God, then God will honor our choice."

Lay apostles, think about how you honor God today. Is it through a kind word or smile? Visiting Him in Adoration? Showing patience with a loved one? Whatever it is, make the effort and remember it's a two-way street. God always honors us . . . let's give Him the same in return!

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me honor goes both ways. Help me to honor You in all I do.

God bless,
Bonnie