Joyful Noise

My grandson has so many noises.  Sweet baby noises to this grammie's ears.  He has his "I'm breastfeeding and happy" noise; he has his "my diaper needs to be changed NOW" noise; and the noise I love the most, the little sighs when he is snug in my arms fast asleep. In the moment, I can't imagine anything more joyful.


In todays Responsorial Psalm (Ps 66:8-9), the psalmist proclaims: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Bless our God, you peoples, loudly sound his praise; He has given life to our souls, and has not let our feet slip.

There is so much to be joyful about, lay apostles.  We have been chosen to be part of this rescue mission!  That alone is enough to sustain, even when joy has temporarily escaped.  

In Volume One, our Blessed Mother lovingly speaks of participating in God’s heavenly plan:

"How great is our God, that He spends such time leading His children back to Him. He is patient and good and you must also be patient and good. Look up to heaven with gratitude and joy today because your God has chosen you to implement His heavenly plan. The angels and saints stand ready to assist you in your needs. You must never be afraid, little ones. We will never leave you."

Heading home next week will be rough.  I can't imagine waking up without seeing my beautiful grandson every morning. But life is like that. Instead of focusing on the sorrow, I know crying out to God with joy will contribute to His heavenly plan and my role in this beautiful apostolate.

Thank you, Lord, for calling me to be a part of this mission. And especially for all the joyful noise You have brought into my life.

God bless,

Bonnie

Be a Fighter

I think I missed my calling in life.  I should have been a female boxer.  Every time I see a woman boxing on TV or in the movies, I wish I had been brave enough when I was younger.  To fearlessly walk into the ring and give your all for something you believe in despite the outcome inspires me. A broken nose . . . not so inspiring.  Probably why I'm a nurse and not a boxer. Think I'll stick to sparring with my punching bag in the garage for now. There is a song by Christina Aguilera I have downloaded as one of my ringtones.  When my phone bellows these words from the song Fighter, I am energized:

Makes me that much stronger

Makes me work a little bit harder

It makes me that much wiser

So thanks for making me a fighter

Made me learn a little bit faster

Made my skin a little bit thicker

Makes me that much smarter

So thanks for making me a fighter

This song also summons to mind life as a follower of Christ. And, it fits perfectly with todays first reading (1Peter 5:5b-14):

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.

In Volume One, Jesus shows us that if we fight for Him, He will fight for us . . . if we allow Him to:

"I want to point out that souls, while being disobedient in matters of faith, are obedient to the impulses and cravings of their bodies. Your bodies are making slaves of you, dear chosen souls. It must not continue. You must bring your bodies under submission so that your soul will be freed to contemplate matters of faith. Do you want to be with Me? I am here for you. But you must clear the path for Me. You must listen for Me. To do that, dear chosen souls, you must free yourselves from these attachments that hold you under submission. I am with you and will fight these battles for you, if only you will let Me. This is what it means to be My follower. You need worry over nothing. I will fight your battles for you and bring others to heaven through you. I can place the most beautiful, heavenly thoughts in your souls if only you will let Me. How I stand by, little soul, ready to bring you closer. Say “yes” to Me and we will begin our journey in earnest."

Today, lay apostles, become a fighter for Christ.  Don't be afraid to step out into the ring to defend Him.  Proclaim the Good News whenever the opportunity arises, especially within your own family. Never fear, Jesus is always near!

Thank you, Lord, for making me a fighter.  I will fight for You until the end of time!

God bless,

Bonnie

Pieces of Me

Changing diapers on baby boys requires skill and agility of which my daughter and son-in-law acquired before they even left the hospital.  Having all girls myself, the process seemed quite complicated at first.  After a few diaper changes, I got it down.  My grandson has taken it very easy on me . . . until last night.  As I was changing him, his "bottom end" began sputtering.  He was crying and kicking and having, as my daughter calls it, a poop explosion.  I'm grabbing diapers and wipes trying to keep up with it all.  It is going everywhere.  Just when I thought he was done and had a clean diaper under him, guess what I forgot about?  The line of fire!  It started spraying everywhere. On his face, on my shirt (which later I discovered was decorated with a few brown spots!), and on the changing table.  That's when I called in the experts.  My daughter (laughing of course) swooped in and came to my aid!


After he was all cleaned up and in a fresh sleeper, I brought him out and held him as he slept peacefully on my lap.  I am trying to take in as much of him as I can before I head back home. Looking at his beautiful little face, I see so much of my daughter when she was an infant. A family trait from my mother's side is a crooked pinky finger.  We noticed it right after he was born.  I have it.  My daughter's have it.  And now my grandson.  A little piece of me.


As my grandson has pieces of me, we are blessed with the presence of our Father and His Son. In todays Gospel (John 6:30-35) Jesus is speaking to a crowd who ask Him for a sign so they can believe in Him.  With patience, He replies:

"Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."

So they said to Jesus, "Sir, give us this bread always."  Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

In Anne a lay apostle’s book Climbing the Mountain, she encourages us to recognize and accept Christ’s presence:

“If we begin our climb up the mountain of holiness each day, we will be accepting that Christ is within us. At the top of this mountain is unity with Jesus, yes, and that unity is a guaranteed thing if we desire it. The higher we climb, the more we labor for holiness and for the Kingdom on the path that He has marked out for us, and the more we honor Jesus within our souls. Truly, the lay apostle has been given assurance that if that apostle works for Jesus, Jesus will care for all of his needs, including the conversion of the apostle’s family. We need no further encouragement or promise. The only peace is found with Jesus. Paradise is a place. Heaven is vibrant with activity and joy and we will all get there. Work for Jesus, my friends, and we will bring as many souls home to our Father as we possibly can.”

Lay apostles, no matter where you are today, ask Jesus for the graces you need to believe in Him fully.  He is the bread which will always satisfy your hunger.


Thank you, Lord, for the patience You demonstrated so long ago and which You continue to show me on a daily basis.  I am blessed to be a piece of You!


God bless,
Bonnie

Sacrificial Love

The newborn experience from the grandparent point of view is extraordinary.  From the new parent point of view . . . joyful, exhausting, amazing, confusing. My grandson has managed to get his days and nights mixed up, which is pretty typical for the first few weeks to month.  Last night I offered to stay up with him so my daughter and husband could get a little sleep. As I began singing favorite lull-a-byes, my mind drifted to Jesus.  Being a follower of Christ is exactly like becoming a new parent . . . at times it is joyful, exhausting, amazing and confusing.  But we continue to persevere out of love.  Love for the infant He has blessed us with and love for Him.  Would you deny an infant love and comfort because you were sleep deprived?  Because he changed the life you knew before his arrival? Of course not. Children require our love, attention and sacrifice 24/7. Our Father in heaven is the expert in sacrificial love. He gave His only Son for our salvation.  Yes, that means you, me, my grandson, my children . . . every human on this earth.  Lay apostles, remember God the Father's sacrifice every time you look at your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or anyone you come in contact with.  Remember, actions speak louder than words.

In today’s Gospel (John 6:22-29), Jesus speaks to those who followed Him for the wrong reasons:

“Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal."

So they said to him, "What can we do to accomplish the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."

In the October 2009 Monthly Message, Jesus teaches us about sacrifice:

“ . . . Please, do not count the sacrifices when you consider your service. Do not count the loss of worldly respect. Count only the souls who are comforted and consoled. Count the repentance and healing of so many who have been restored to unity with heaven. Count the humility that I have bestowed on you, dear apostle, since you began to learn about true holiness. I am your King. I can give you anything. I choose to give you peace and holiness. I choose to make of you a resolute servant. Accept My will in your life and you will then be able to accept all of the graces heaven has stored up for you."

Comforting and consoling.  Sacrificial love.  Read from the Bible daily and you will understand what the one true Role Model desires of us. We need not look elsewhere.

Thank you, Lord, for showing me how to persevere when sacrifice is difficult.

God bless,
Bonnie

Change is . . . Good

It never fails.  Just when I think I have everything figured out, change occurs.  Some being undesirable changes in my book . . . at first glance.  But upon closer examination, the Lord's plan slowly reveals itself.  And, slow is not a word in my vocabulary.  When reality is altered, I want to know why and what my next move is immediately. Good thing God has a lot of patience with me.  Over and over, He gently teaches me to slow down and trust He is in control of everything.  If I consciously make the effort to view all things through His eyes, His plan will continue to flourish.

In today's first reading (Acts 5:34-42) a respected Pharisee from the Sanhedrin warns his fellow children of Israel that harming the apostles would be a grave mistake.

. . . For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God. 

Smart man and smart advice.  Do you see the brilliance in the quote above?  Makes me think about what our country (USA) is going through right now.  As a matter of fact, the entire world.  Humans are making decisions without God in the equation and ultimately these decisions fail.  Every time.  This not only applies to our country, but to each of us in our daily lives.  Make decisions with God in mind and you will triumph over any situation.

In Anne a lay apostle's book The Mist of Mercy, she paints a clear picture of how to see things through the eyes of Christ:

“What is it that the enemy seeks to spoil? Quite often the answer will be peace, be it peace in the home, the workplace, or the world at large. Or the enemy could seek to destroy a relationship that is necessary for God’s plan to advance. Remember that the enemy is the destroyer of peace. We must always work to establish and maintain peace. I try to look at situations in two ways. I consider first, what is it that the enemy would like me to do? How is the devil setting me up? Then I consider what decision or response would please Jesus most. What does Jesus want me to do? Therein lay both the struggle and the opportunity for holiness. The soul groans. Humanity objects. Growth pains are evident. There are times when we say, “Lord, it’s too hard.” At times we fail. But if we can learn to identify and distinguish between the Lord’s way and the enemy’s way, we are at least in the game. We must be prepared for battle by being smaller, meeker, and more humble than God’s enemy. Our Leader was meek and humble of heart, after all. Forgiveness was a way of life for Jesus. He remained calm, even when falsely arrested. It is He whom we seek to follow.”

Beautiful, right?  So often we overlook the small things.  Today lay apostles, take a situation and look at it as Anne does above.  Is your plan of action from God or the destroyer of peace?  

Thank you, Lord, for opportunities to see change from Your perspective.  It actually makes a bump in the road a "whoopie ride!"  

God bless,

Bonnie

* A whoopie ride is a term my dad used when my sisters and I were young, and I continued on with my girls.  It means stepping on the gas when you see a bump in the road causing the car to feel like a roller coaster ride.  In no way do I recommend this to anyone . . . ;-)

Where the Wind Blows

Last night comforting my grandson while my daughter jumped in the shower, I began singing the lullaby Rock A Bye Baby.  It has been a long time since that song crossed my lips.  Cradling him in my arms as I sang, he stared peacefully at me the entire time (yes, a little heaven on earth!).  Christ's presence enveloped me as I gazed back at this baby boy. Love flooded my heart and everything in the world was right and perfect. As tears ran down my cheeks, I wondered how anyone could deny God.  Deny what His Son endured for our sins.


In today's Gospel (John 3:7b-15), Jesus is trying to help Nicodemus understand what He is all about.  He describes believing without seeing perfectly:

“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 Volume Four, Jesus again helps those who struggle with belief in Him:

“The temporary peace offered by the world numbs your pain for a time, leading you to believe you have found the object of your search. Then that feeling wears off and you begin to search again, always looking for that thing which can only be found in Me. Shall I minister to you? Would you like Me to infuse your soul with courage and joy? Dear one, that is what I do for My true followers. They do not escape life’s difficulties. They have a steadiness that sets them apart from those who do not follow Me and who do not take advantage of heaven’s gifts. I want to share these gifts. On this day I want you to tell Me all day long that you believe in Me. You may not feel this. You may have a difficult time even forming the words. But in your heart, all of this day, tell Me this. I can then give you graces that will help your disbelief. We will begin to shift the stubborn doubts sowed by the father of lies. You have nothing to lose. You have tried many other remedies for your discontent. Some of you have abused your bodies in an attempt to quiet the cries of your soul. I want you to think of Me as another remedy for any difficult symptoms you are experiencing. If I do not keep My promise, to grant you peace and joy, then you may continue your search. But you must give Me a chance and to do that you must spend time in silence with Me.”

Today, lay apostles, if situations arise where you feel unrest, go to Jesus for your solutions, not the world.  He is right beside you, ALWAYS!

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me of Your presence through the eyes of my grandson.  You are so good to me!

God bless,
Bonnie

Lead Me To The Light

Secrets.  Poor choices.  Lies.  All things which draw us into darkness where no one can see who we really are, warts and all.  If we show somebody our dark side, how do we know they won't run for the hills?  We don't.  It takes an act of bravery to speak the truth.  Especially when the risk involved could cost a relationship.  One of the bravest women I know told her husband about an affair, albeit a one time occurrence. She is not the kind of woman to have an affair.  It was completely out of character.  Her husband was very distraught, and it did some damage.  But, admitting her mistake in the light of day opened his eyes.  Believe it or not, the relationship took a positive turn. How many people really admit this sort of thing?  A minuscule number, I presume.  I would rather live in the light of truth than in the darkness of lies.  And, my friend has taught me more about truth and bravery than she'll ever know.

Today’s Gospel (John 3:16-21) affirms the importance of stepping out of darkness into the light:

And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

In Volume Four, Jesus is ready to heal our darkened souls:

“You are living in a time that is infected by darkness. It is no surprise that some of you will also be infected. I am calm about this but I seek to remedy your spiritual illness now. You must turn it over to Me. You must be humble while I minister to you and replace your weakness with spiritual strength. Look toward heaven. I am here. I am the light that you must walk toward. Now, at this time, do not look away. Keep your eyes focused on Me and begin your ascent. You will be given such assistance that you will clearly understand that your Savior is working and the origin of your healing is divine.”

Thank you, Lord, for lessons in bravery.  Those lessons rarely occur when expected, but always right on time.  

God bless,

Bonnie

A Moments Notice

My prayers go out to all those affected by the tornados in the midwest.  Such devastation and recovery require an abundance of faith. Faith to see past the difficulties and loss knowing God has a plan for each one of us.  Each journey is filled with hardships.  Do we shut down and blame God for our losses or offer our suffering to Him and for Him?  He can create miracles out of desperation.  Be bold in your faith and He will lead you.

The first reading today (Monday) from Acts 4:23-31 teaches us to never fear consequences of speaking the Truth:

And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

In the October 2006 Monthly Message, Jesus comforts us when it seems all is lost:

"My children, I am with you. Your God, your Creator, speaks this message in so many ways. In every daybreak you must hear My voice saying, ‘I am with you.’ When tempted toward despair because of crosses and hardships, you must hear My whisper saying, ‘I am with you.’ When you look at the work you must do and find it overwhelming, allow me to move you gently into it with perfect assurance that ‘I am with you.’ Dearest apostles, so brave, I am with you. I do not tell you that you will be overcome. I do not tell you that you have been given work that is impossible for you to complete. Those messages do not come from Me. Instead, I tell you that you will persevere and ultimately triumph. Our mission of mercy does not falter, even though the steps of my little apostles sometimes falter. This mission pushes through the world with a steadiness that defies all attempts against it. My apostles experience fear at times. This is not a problem for Me or this mission. Fear is to be expected. Bring your fear to Me and explain to Me exactly what threatens you. If you do this, I can remove your fear."

Lay apostles, fear nothing.  Easier said than done, right?  As strong as my faith is, fear does creep in once in a while.  Situations I face seem overwhelming when I try to figure out my path alone, without Christ.  But when I let Him in to calm my fear, life takes on new meaning.  I realize I can only do what I am capable of doing.  The rest I leave up to Him.

Thank you, Lord, for calming my fears when situations become more than I think I can handle.  Please help me to always keep You by my side no matter what challenges I face.

God bless,

Bonnie

A New Life

With Easter comes new life.  And new life comes with responsibilities. How can we deepen our faith if we don't nurture and care for it on a daily basis as we do our children?  Just as a child is a precious gift from God, so is belief in Him. Neglect only leads to dire circumstances.  

Today's Gospel (Luke 24:13-35) finds two disciples walking along the road discussing all that had occurred over the past few days.  Jesus appears walking along side of them, asking what they were so intently debating.  The disciples don't recognize Jesus.  Their eyes could not distinguish His presence until Jesus removed the veil:

And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.

In Volume Three the Blessed Mother is speaking to priests, but the message applies to all of us:

"Better you say to a soul, 'Follow the path of righteousness.' In the event you have been wronged, look clearly at what happened. Be assured God is displeased with the wrong levied against you. It was not God’s will that you be injured. But God will judge your offender. The offender will not escape divine justice and the offense will not remain hidden. There are no successful lies or deceits in heaven, my children. God will heal even the most grievous of wounds and injuries. Believe this. If you do not believe this, dear souls, how on earth can you convey this gift of healing to others? You cannot. It would be impossible. So you must obtain this gift of faith before you can share it. To obtain it, you must spend time with Jesus. There is no other way. You cannot give what you do not have."

As I gaze into the eyes of my first grandson, I am overwhelmed with love for Jesus.  This beautiful baby boy reminds me to love and cherish my gift of faith.  To nurture it as my grandson will be nurtured by my daughter and her husband.  

Thank you, Lord, for the precious gift of my first grandchild.  This new life has strengthened me to new heights!

God bless,

Bonnie

He is Risen!

Happy Easter, lay apostles!  Lent passed quickly this year, didn't it?  Forty days of sacrificing, working on virtues and fasting.  At times, I didn't exactly stay on track.  But, as Jesus has said to Anne a lay apostle in Volume One:

“You are learning. Do you see now what practice does for My little one? This is how a true follower responds to My love. You are learning because you are practicing. I am here. I love you. And I will never leave you. We will work together today, like every day, and you will serve Me well.”

Let's bring all we've accomplished during Lent into the rest of 2012.  Why wouldn't you?  Jesus is right by our side!

Have a blessed Easter day!  I know I will as my daughter is in labor!!!  Please pray for a safe delivery and the health of my daughter and grandson.  

God bless,

Bonnie

Holy Saturday

Dear Lay Apostles,

With the end of Lent upon us, I pray you see things through the eyes of our Risen Lord and know all your sacrifices give glory to His Name.  I still await the arrival of my first grandson!  Praying he is an Easter baby!!  

The Epistle today says it all:

Epistle

Rom 6:3-11

Brothers and sisters:

Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.

For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as being dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.

Holy Saturday was a special day for Anne and Direction for Our Times a few years ago:

Rome and the Personal Messages for Pope John Paul II

In January 2004, Anne recorded a series of twelve personal messages for Pope John Paul II. Per our Lord’s instructions, Anne asked Jim Gilboy to deliver them to the Holy Father. Jim agreed, although he had no viable connection to Rome at this time. Soon, though, a series of connections emerged and opened a path to Rome enabling Jim and a small group to meet at the Vatican with a Cardinal, a long-time friend of Pope John Paul II.

On Holy Saturday, April 10, 2004, the group met with the Cardinal and presented what is now Volumes One through Four of the series entitled Direction for Our Times as given to Anne, a lay apostle. Jim and the group explained that Anne received twelve personal messages for the Holy Father which they carried in a sealed envelope. The Cardinal asked many questions about Anne and her obedience to her bishop and the Church. The Cardinal was given the following message which Anne received before they left for Rome:

Jesus: April 5, 2004

“I would ask My servants to present these words as words from heaven. I have a great mission that I wish to accomplish through these messages and I have attached graces that are unimaginable to human minds. Those who read them will understand if they have been called to participate in this heavenly project. Ask Me for guidance in this matter and guidance will be available to every person who pays attention to My will. Good and holy children of God, understand that these times are not like other times. These messages are not like other messages. I am trying to save many souls at this time. Do not think this can be done in the future. It must be done now. I ask that you treat this work according to My heavenly request for urgency. Your reward will be no small thing, even though I know you serve from love, not personal interest. Feel My graces flow through these words to your soul. Feel My truth as I convey it to you. All is well, as I am directing all, but I need many ‘yes’ answers at this time.”

The Cardinal agreed to take the twelve personal messages to the Holy Father the next day at their brunch on Easter Sunday. The Cardinal kept a copy of the four Volumes as well as Anne’s personal journal. The Cardinal directed Jim Gilboy to take a copy of the Volumes to (then) Cardinal Ratzinger’s office, which he did. On Easter Sunday, the group was privileged to sit on the same platform as the altar for Easter Sunday Mass. After Mass, they saw the Cardinal moving toward his van to attend brunch with the Holy Father. The sisters accompanying him carried the sealed envelope containing the personal messages for Pope John Paul II.

Have a blessed Easter.  He is RISEN!!!!

God bless,

Bonnie

Good Friday

Reading the Gospel today, I was reminded of a conversation with a few fellow lay apostles after a prayer group meeting years ago.  The conversation turned to praying the Rosary. One of the women said she struggled praying the Sorrowful Mysteries. It was too difficult to get through.  Being fairly new at praying the Rosary back then, I was surprised to hear her say that.  For me, the Sorrowful Mysteries are what I prayed and pray most often.  Living through Christ's Passion delivers me to the foot of the cross every time.  This is where I feel the closest to Him.

The Gospel of the Passion (John 18:1-19:42) is brutal.  And when the end is near, Jesus offers His Life for us . . . the ultimate sacrifice:

After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I thirst." There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

In the January 2010 Monthly Message, Jesus puts meaning to the word sacrifice: 

“Consider for a moment what would have happened if I had rejected the cross and went on to preach. What would have remained after My life? Consider the absence of the Passion in the faith life that exists today. How can we preach the Gospel if we are unwilling to accept the crosses which inevitably accompany it? No, dearest friends. In order to accurately represent the Kingdom of God to others, we have to be willing to sacrifice, even to death in some cases.”


Now lay apostles we await the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  I pray Lent has been a time of truly understanding what Christ did for you and me so long ago.  I know I will carry the solitude and prayer I practiced this Lent long into the Easter season.  


Thank you, Lord, for sacrificing so much for me and Your patience as I continue to learn how to climb the mountain of holiness toward You. 


God bless,
Bonnie

Holy Thursday

I cannot begin to discuss Holy Thursday without first mentioning the question my daughter asked today.  "Is Holy Thursday a Holy Day of Obligation?"  When I told her no, a huge sigh escaped her lips.  Grant it, she is 39 weeks and 6 days pregnant and was relieved she could miss Mass tonight.  Now, those of us who know her well realize what happens at Holy Thursday Mass is something unthinkable to my darling daughter.  It's the Mass where feet are washed as Jesus washed the apostles feet at the Last Supper.  The thought of it alone is enough to invoke gagging noises.  Let's just say she is not a foot person.  (Sorry sweetie, you know I couldn't resist!).

The beauty of today's Gospel (John 13:1-15) and the washing of the feet was significant for the apostles in comprehending their role after Jesus' death.  Jesus needed them to visually see and experience what true discipleship dictates . . .  serving one another.

So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."

In Anne a lay apostle’s book, Serving in Clarity, she affirms our service to the Kingdom is not without effort.  It requires blood, sweat and tears: 

"There is a line we have drawn in our heads and the line represents our 'this far and no further' mark. In this time, in this apostolate, we are called to gently step beyond that line as Christ draws us. This is not a glory-filled, noisy charge made amongst cheering multitudes. On the contrary, this is a weary 'one step further for Christ' increase. This is a sometimes tear-filled, sometimes nearly broken, and usually fear-filled 'YES' to the Lord that draws us past our intended limit of service. Such fear! Such trepidation! But Jesus will not see us perish and it can be stated that there are times when the act of clinging to this truth is the only means of buoyancy we possess."

Today lay apostles, find a way to increase your service to the Kingdom of God.  While it may not be washing another's feet, it could be as simple as a smile, a kind gesture or patience when there is none to be found.  

Thank you, Lord, for showing me how to cross the line into greater service for You and Your Kingdom.  I will withstand anything for You!

God bless,

Bonnie 

I Have Set My Face Like Flint . . .

As my daughter's due date approaches this week, her main concern before giving birth was getting to Confession.  Her determination was impressive!  I was also in need of Reconciliation, so last night we made our way to St. Lawrence. I haven't been in a confessional since I was in high school.  In my parish it's face to face.  As I stood in line trying to remember all I wanted to confess, there was a certain sin which I just did not want to say out loud.  The more I tried to debate with myself on how to take the sting out, the more I felt God assuring me it was ok.  Stepping into the small room, I was hoping the bright light directly above dimmed when the door closed.  Of course it didn't.  For an instant it felt like a scene from one of those movies where the good guy is being interrogated with a bright light shining in his face.  But then the calming voice of the priest greeted me.  I felt instantly at ease.  The words flowed out of my mouth effortlessly.  The thing is, as much as we feel remorse for poor choices, our beautiful priests aren't hearing anything they haven't heard before.  

After last night, I couldn't help but chuckle at the timing of today’s first reading (Is 50: 4-9a). I must practice setting my face like flint.  Not always easy to do, though so necessary as a Christian.  

The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?

In Anne a lay apostle's book, Climbing the Mountain, she shows us the importance of Confession:

"The fourth duty of the lay apostle is monthly Confession. This used to be the old pastoral rule of thumb. When you asked a priest, “Look, I’m serious about Christian holiness. How often should I go to Confession?” the standard spiritual advice was, “About once a month.” Why? Does that mean we fall in to mortal sin once a month? No, not necessarily. It means we want to meet the Divine Physician once a month. We want to enter what St. Augustine called “the medicine box” once a month and be healed. And at least once a month, we want to get graces specifically to assist us in our particular areas of sin and weakness. Maybe it’s regarding the sins we’ve been battling for the last 20 to 30 years—we’ve all got types of sins that seem to hang on to us, habits of sin that are so difficult to break. That’s what the grace of the confessional is for. Not only are your sins forgiven, but you get graces that are specific to overcoming your particular sins. That is why there is a monthly sacramental call for this extraordinary opportunity of reconciling and healing grace."

Thank you, Lord, for leading me to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  I always feel 10 pounds lighter with a clean slate!  


God bless,
Bonnie

The April 2012 Monthly Message is here!

On the first of every month, our Lord gives Anne a new message about His call to service:

"Dear apostles, I urge you to spend time with Me. The companionship you choose affects you and affects your outlook and behavior. Perhaps you believe that you can spend time with worldly pursuits and with worldly companionship and still maintain your interior life. Perhaps this is true. And perhaps it is not true. Please look at your life honestly and determine whether or not you are spending enough time with Me. If you are spending time resting in concepts that are eternal, your mind and heart will be in harmony. You will become less influenced by events and you will become less distracted. You will trust more and understand that heaven is advancing its interests through many means. You will, if you are spending time with Me, develop a keen interest in the Spirit that is moving the Church forward into a new time of fidelity and purity. Yes, renewal will become a reality in your heart and you will watch all change with hope and confidence. Dearest apostles, I am your reality. I am your King. If you will give Me time and attention, I will transform your life into a source of light for others. This is My plan for you. Be assured that whatever your suffering, whatever your condition today, I can renew you. I want to give you courage and strength. I want you to understand the Spirit moving through the Church and into the world. I want this very much. Allow Me, please, to have a companion in you and you will become one who rejoices in God every day, even if you are suffering. I am with you, dear apostles. I am watching closely as you move through your life. Be close to Me and all will be well."

Boy, does Jesus speak to us individually or what?  We are so blessed to be a part of this apostolate!

God bless,

Bonnie