Monday, November 18, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: He Promises and I Believe Him!

In the Volumes (and as He does in the Bible), Jesus promises if we commit ourselves to Him, He will see to the conversion of our loved ones. This is a promise I hold Him to. When I find myself wishing a loved one would make choices with Christ in mind, I pray.  As quickly as I can, I turn the worry over to Jesus.  By doing this, I have literally seen miracles occur.  Some a little slower than I wanted, and some immediately where I could hardly contain my joy. His timing, not mine. I have learned a very important lesson He repeats over and over . . . Trust Me . . . Believe in Me . . . I am with you. I fall more in love with every Gospel I read, every Volume/DFOT book quoted on my blog. I know He is seeing to the conversion of my loved ones. My grandchildren are learning to know and love Jesus as much as I do . . . a huge credit to their mommies!  My role is to reinforce the love of Christ in my words and actions, not only with my grandchildren but to all those I am in contact with. Begin at home.

In the Gospel today (Luke 18:35-43), Jesus showers grace upon a believer:

As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she encourages us to share our love of Christ with our children (and grandchildren!):

"Do we want our children to live in the truth, which is that they have experienced some suffering but also many blessings and gifts? Let us not transmit to our children that they are entitled to greater wealth or privilege than others. This would be untrue. If our children have been blessed with steady shelter, sustenance and safety, then we expect them to flourish, assuming we parents are pouring love and formation into them which promotes Christian growth, and we expect them to then go out into the world and help others."

Lay apostles, are you worried about the salvation of your children? Grandchildren? Spouse? If you are, commit your life to Christ.  Live His words. Then hand over the heaviness of this cross to Him. Live by example.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me Your promise to convert my loved ones.  I am blown away how quickly You answer my prayers at times!

God bless,
Bonnie



Friday, November 15, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: The Truth Will Set You Free

The voter fraud being uncovered across the U.S. is not only unlawful but shines a light on the depths people will go to in order to be right . . . what I believe is a consequence of the lack of God in our schools and families. And . . . participation awards. True followers of Christ desire the truth . . . not their own version of the truth, or, whatever makes them feel better about themselves. We win and we lose. Period. Lying, cheating and stealing only serves to obtain temporary satisfaction. Following Christ leads to eternal satisfaction. We all will die. We all will face the Truth one day. Practice now . . . the Truth will set you free.

In today's Gospel (Luke 17:26-37), Jesus lays it on the line . . . we can be here today, gone tomorrow. It's time to shift our perspective:

Jesus said to his disciples: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise one in the field must not return to what was left behind. Remember the wife of Lot. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left." They said to him in reply, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather."

In Anne a lay apostle's book Suspended in Mystery, she reminds us that Jesus is there to walk the sometimes difficult path to truth with us:

"We must rejoice in the truth that Jesus Christ is the friend who always gives good advice. He is the friend who, when he speaks, says things we may not want to hear but will recognize as truth. Jesus is like the friend who says ‘easy decisions, hard life. Hard decisions, easy life’. Jesus will keep us on the path to realize the most from the potentials we chose righteously. He will work with us to protect us, the people around us, and the Father’s will for the whole world. We might walk away from time with Jesus in the eucharist a little humbled, a little embarrassed about arrogant behavior, or with penitence for relationship mistakes. this is good. this is the friend we need. Jesus does not hype fear to manipulate us. He helps us to face fear and choose courage. He does not prompt us to select the easy way but instead the way of integrity and of the biggest possible plan for our time here. He helps us to gain a burning desire for his will and a single-minded purpose in protecting the potentials that we chose with him.

When we course-correct in an ongoing way, with God, we do not have to look back on tragic wrong decisions or patterns of behavior that killed the hope of the good things coming fully into being during our time on earth."

Lay apostles, are you ready to face the Truth? Are you living your life with the end goal of an eternity with Jesus? We are all imperfect. But today we can try to do a little better than we did yesterday. It's never too late to speak the truth, no matter how difficult it may be to hear or say. It's time.

Thank you, Lord, for all the opportunities to speak Your Truth. Help me to lean in the right direction accepting that the truth will uncover the real me, the ultimate goal in this life.

God bless,
Bonnie

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Rejected? You are in Good Company!

Rejection . . . I bet every person on this earth could conjure up at least a dozen occurrences . . . just within the last year (even the last week in some cases!). It sucks; it hurts; it diminishes self-esteem; it causes one to question their own intentions/feelings/decisions. So, how do we deal with the insecurities created by rejection? Seek to understand as my husband always says (not always easy!). And then you have a decision to make . . . move on with the intention of forgiving the offender, or, fall into the role of playing the victim. What did Jesus do when He was rejected? He continued on His Mission. He knew His Heavenly Father needed Him to complete the task at hand . . . save all of God's children from an eternity of darkness. We have a task at hand lay apostles. To bring the Light of Christ to a very dark world. We are His Hands, His Feet, His Heart on this earth until He returns. So, how are you going to handle rejection today? Before you answer, read the Gospel and excerpt from Anne's book Serving in Clarity below. You will see you are in Good Company.

Today's Gospel (Luke 17:20-25) teaches us to continue our climb up the mountain of holiness by keeping the end goal in sight . . . an eternity with Christ:

Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Serving in Clarity, she reminds us who is behind the rejection and it surely isn't Jesus:

"Remember that Jesus had the complete truth. He was the Truth then and He is the Truth now, and yet, from this position of power Jesus was and is gentle and kind. We, His followers, are called to proceed similarly. We must speak the truth in kindness and gentleness, remembering always that we do not hold ourselves above anyone. I have observed some misguided apostles proceeding in great superiority to those around them. They are arrogant and give reprimands to others freely, as though they themselves had no spiritual work to do. This is wrong and it saddens Christ. The recipient of this kind of treatment feels rejection and condemnation, two things that do not come from Christ, but from His enemy. I hear the voices of these same people shouting, “But souls are condemned. There are souls in hell.” This is true, but the souls in hell are there because they choose hell, not because God rejects them or condemns them. God is good and gives all people an opportunity to repent. We must be humble, as Jesus was humble, and bring a spirit of loving truth to others. If we do this, souls will recognize God’s mercy in us and they will return to Him, not from fear, but from love and because they have been welcomed."

Lay apostles, when the ugly head of rejection creeps up on you, look it in the face and say "I Trust In You Jesus!" "I'll take this one on the chin for You God!" Every one of us reacts with emotions generated from our past. It's how we choose to change and grow in humility that will shine His Light. You never know . . . you just might be the example someone needed to experience and see today.

Thank you, Lord, for the grace of letting rejection float over my head to the best of my ability, not causing too much hurt. And, please help me to get over it a little faster, ok?

God bless,
Bonnie


Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

To be healed. It can mean many things . . . a cure for a disease/health problem; anger turned to peace; a control freak becoming open-minded; calmness instead of anxiety because traffic is flowing easily, to name a few. But are we grateful for each and every healing we receive, no matter how big or small? I know I have some work to do here.

I am thankful for many things . . . too numerous to name. Jesus has healed me in ways I never imagined possible. He has opened my eyes like never before. I will never take one second for granted (easier said than done at times!). I will thank Him for everything, even in situations that seem disastrous at the moment. He is always waiting with open arms to comfort us when we are sad and celebrate with us when we are happy. Living with Him as my constant companion has given me a peace I never knew in my earlier years, and will never live without until the day I am Face to face with Him.

Today's Gospel (Luke 17:11-19) reminds me to praise Him in thanksgiving for everything:

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

In Volume Four, Jesus the King reminds us He is always present no matter where we are or what we do:

"Brothers and sisters, it is this prayer, this attitude of humble and meek acceptance that makes great saints. I will show you. Study Me as your guide. Study My life. Read about My life in scripture and you will see My humble and meek approach to souls. Did souls scorn Me for such a countenance? No, My brothers and sisters. Good and holy souls saw that I carried heaven within Me and were drawn to Me. Good and holy souls, souls hungry for the Spirit of God, followed Me from town to town and waited for Me so that they could be close to Me. It will be the same for you. Souls will be drawn to you in their hunger because they will sense that you carry the only bread that can fill them to satisfaction. I am using you, dear ones, to spread Me. I want to be felt in every room, every car, every place where even one soul rests in loneliness and spiritual deprivation. You will enter and I will be there. I will fill the room, the car, the place, and souls who hunger for God will feel My presence and give thanks. So do not curse hardship. Do not blame God for the pains and sorrows in this world. It is through your acceptance of these things that you will find your soul illuminated with the light of the next world."

Lay apostles, thank Him for the good, the bad and the ugly. When life seems to take a turn for the worse, remember, it only seems worse. Jesus has a plan.  Trust Him. And, most of all, thank Him.

Thank you, Lord, for the love You found me worthy of with Jay. And, for the love of my girls, sons-in-law, grandchildren, mother-in-law, family, and friends!

God bless,
Bonnie

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Orderly Disorder

Disorderly environments spark the organizer in me. Almost eight years ago, I had flown to DC to spend a month with my oldest daughter (pregnant with my first grandchild when I arrived) and her husband.  While we awaited the arrival of my beautiful grandson, Mal needed help organizing and getting rid of clutter in their tiny condo.  Perfect job for me!  We began with the kitchen and did something I think my son-in-law has finally forgiven me for (hopefully!).  There were 50 million (ok, maybe not 50 million!) wine glasses from visits to wineries around Virginia (with tastings, you usually get to keep the glasses).  Well, considering there were two of them in the house, I figured 50 wine glasses were taking up too much space in their already crowded kitchen cabinets. So, got it down to maybe 15, boxed the extras and placed it by the front door for a donation pickup. Kevin agreed to get rid of them . . . albeit reluctantly. I think he caved because he is a gentleman and, most importantly, I am his mother-in-law! By the time our grandson was born, a lot of elbow grease went into preparing the house for this tiny human being who required a lot of extras . . . diapers, clothes, crib, swing, stroller, etc.  I know Mal and Kev were as thankful for the help as I was in providing it. Just my small contribution in fulfilling my heavenly obligation to serve others joyfully!

Today's Gospel (Luke 17:7-10) teaches us to perform our heavenly obligations . . . no complaining allowed:

Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’?

Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, she encourages us to identify heavenly obligations vs. earthly temptations and respond accordingly:

"It is so important to identify our ‘stuff ’ and not put it on someone else. If someone attacks us without merit, it could be their struggle that prompts the attack. We have to learn to identify our fears and insecurities and how these fears and insecurities affect our heavenly obligation, which is to love. Clearly, if someone we love speaks we must listen and examine their observations but there are times when the enemy tempts those around us against us and there are times when the enemy tempts us against those around us. To simplify, Jesus will always shine a light of compassion and truth on the people in our lives. The enemy will always shine a light of suspicion and anger on the people in our lives. As Christ followers, we must look at the people in our lives in truth, with compassion. We can judge objective wrongs as wrongs and still view those acting out those wrongs with compassion. We can say, 'Ah, yes, it is pain and vulnerability that prompts these bad actions against me.' Viewed in this way, we can avoid bitterness and condemnation, even as we deal with the effects of the wounds inflicted by others. We, committed to Christ and plugged into His constant healing graces, can stop the destruction from spreading and even push back at it by returning love for hostility."

Lay apostles, love and serve unconditionally . . . even when the task at hand may be met with protest. Before judging the "wine glasses" are just that, wine glasses, seek to understand the actions or motivations, and by all means, respond with love.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to continue to focus on my heavenly obligation to love and serve others.  Please help those whom I serve to see Your Light!

God bless,
Bonnie


Monday, November 11, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Down the Right Path

We can all laugh about it now, but when my girls were teens, it sometimes infuriated them. I'm talking about my response when they wanted to go somewhere with friends, attend an event, or stay out later than curfew.  When my answer was no, it usually didn't stop there. After a few times of "pleaaaasssseee, Mom," they would say it. "(Insert name of friend)'s mom said she could do it!"  My response every time, "Well I'm not (friend)'s mom!"  They were not too happy and knew it was a losing battle at that point. As adults, my daughters now understand I was protecting them, trying to prevent mischievous activity before it began. They got away with some things . . . things I didn't find out about until bridal showers with some of those high school friends in attendance!  All we can do is pray we are teaching our children to uphold Christ-like morals. As hard as we try to guide them down the right path, life happens. Understand we are all sinners . . . our children included.

In today's Gospel (Luke 17:1-6), Jesus shows us by the mere fact we live on this earth we are destined to sin. Let's just try not to take others with us:

Jesus said to his disciples, "Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,' you should forgive him." And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."

In Volume One, the Blessed Mother assures us despite our mischievous past, we are forgiven if we ask:

"We must help souls to realize that it is time to come back to Jesus now. Time is short. There is no other way to say that. I want all souls to convert in the silence of their hearts and Jesus and I will lead them by the hand. No harm shall come upon them if they turn to us in their hearts. My heart is soft and forgiving. Like any good mother, I forget the mistakes of my children almost immediately. I can help poor sinners to forgive themselves and seek the forgiveness of my Son, a forgiveness that heals and strengthens. Sinners must not be afraid. They must simply close their eyes and say, ‘God, I have made mistakes. I’m sorry. I am Your child, though, and seek to be united to You.’ My child, all of heaven weeps for joy when even one soul makes this act of humility and love. How we rush in to assist this soul, and protect him from the attacks of the evil one. We nurture and guide this soul until he is back walking the path to Christ with confidence. Don’t be afraid, dear souls. You will find no recriminations. Only love."

Lay apostles, pray the words Our Lady gives us in the quote above. Ask it with a sincere heart and you will be amazed at the graces which will flow in abundance. Evaluate your circumstances and if you are behaving in a manner that could lead others to sin, stop. You can do it. Begin by asking Christ for forgiveness, then lead by example.

Thank you, Lord, for the ability to step back and assess my behavior in addition to those around me observing it. Help me to continue healing and growing stronger being united to You always.

God bless,
Bonnie


Thursday, November 7, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Along With Blessings Come Crosses

Despite the chaos in the world, my life is blessed.  Saying "yes" to Jesus comes with a ton of graces for which I am forever grateful.  But it also comes with its share of crosses. The violence incited by left-leaning Democrats is beyond my comprehension. To lie, cheat, steal and harass seems to be their mantra. How did it come to this? My theory has two parts . . . lack of God in families and schools being one. The second? Participation awards. In my younger years, we learned about winning and losing. We bettered ourselves instead of feeling we were owed. We worked harder (and still do!) to achieve our dreams. My father was living proof. He became handicapped in his teens, but he never let it slow him down. He was a worker bee and a successful entrepreneur while he and my mom were raising four daughters. He never felt sorry for himself . . . I swear if someone would have made the comment when I was young about having a handicapped father, I would have been thoroughly confused by the comment!

My friends, there are so many lost sheep in this country, and Jesus is asking us to stay focused on Him so we can guide our lost brothers and sisters home.

In today's Gospel (Luke 15:1-10), Jesus asks us to assist Him in gathering all His sheep:

The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’  In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Transforming Grace, her analogy is spot on when dealing with our lost brothers and sisters:

"We study once the again the relationship between Jesus and the good thief. The good thief must have railed against his sentence of death and the cruelty that meted it out to him. Yet through his sentence he was raised aloft with Christ and he was able to console Christ in a moment of exquisite temptation to despair. Would that each prisoner understand how uniquely placed he is to minister in the smallest of ways to those around him. Would that we, suffering from the place of our prisons of sickness and pain, understand how uniquely our crosses position us to help others suffering the same adversities. The beauty of the good thief shines out of scripture in flashing lights to those looking for validation, despite the inevitable guilt that comes to us from our fallen natures. Apostles, we must work hard to comfort others, despite our condition of sinfulness. We must accelerate our daily ministries, in our homes and in the world, despite the realization of our sinfulness and failure. Serve on, soldiers of the renewal. Do not be an obstacle to Christ. Truly, Jesus craves relationship with all and Jesus has never been more willing to accept the crumbs from the table of those who reject Him."

Lay apostles, how can we combat the disarray occurring in our country/lives today? If we each remember our blessings while carrying our crosses, a little more love pours from our hearts, leading the lost sheep to a place of comfort. Hard to do in the political climate we are experiencing, but the only way to peace.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing blessings and crosses in my life. I am finally understanding how this all works and the importance of doing my part in bringing everyone to You!

God bless,
Bonnie

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Self-Examination

The truth can be devastating. It can also set us free. Admitting our poor choices takes too much effort, so excuses usually suffice. It sugar coats the reality we live day to day. The problem is, it will all catch up to us at some point. As Christians, we are called to speak the Truth . . . so why do we continue to make ourselves appear happier, smarter, more powerful, richer, etc. than we really are? Excuses. Facing the reality of who we are and what we have become could mean we are just like every other human being . . . flawed. Yes, I am imperfect. But every day I try my best to overcome my flaws and do it a little better than I did the day before. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I fail. Each day God gives me on this earth is an opportunity to become holier through self-examination drawing closer to Him. After all, I will meet God Face to face someday. And, there will be no excuses allowed.

In today's Gospel (Luke 14:15-24) Jesus, in so many words, asks us to STOP making excuses and focus on God:

One of those at table with Jesus said to him, "Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God." He replied to him, "A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, 'Come, everything is now ready.' But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, 'I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.' And another said, 'I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.' And another said, 'I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.' The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.' The servant reported, 'Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.' The master then ordered the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.'"

In Anne a lay apostle's book Transforming Grace, she provides an excellent formula for self-examination:

"For example, I was afraid and then I did this _____. I was addicted and then I did this _____. I felt rejected and then I did this _____. I was hungry and then I did this ____. I was assaulted and then I did this ____. I was un-parented, rudderless, confused and then I did this ____. I did not take responsibility for my strong emotions and then I did this _____. I stopped self-examining and then I began to behave this way _____.

To be clear, this is not to make excuses for ourselves. This formula helps us to gain self–awareness.

Each person can adapt this but the practice is one which ensures an experience of mercy. One can hardly condemn oneself when one sees that our human weaknesses and our inclinations toward sin are understandable given our wounds. And if one practices understanding others in this way, also, one will be compassionate to others."

Lay apostles, is there someone or something you make excuses for? Do you make excuses for yourself so you appear to be better than others . . . better than you actually are? Think about it. And, the next time you are about to utter an untruth, remember there will be no excuses on judgment day.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me that no matter how imperfect I am, You see the real me with such love and compassion!

God bless,
Bonnie