Gospel Thoughts Today: Faith in Truth

There was no one prouder of the fact I became a registered nurse than my mother. It was a career she dreamed of in her troubled childhood and never was able to achieve. She would brag to anyone who would listen. The most embarrassing was the policeman who pulled me over for speeding. When he came to the window to ask for my driver's license and registration, she leaned over me and told him I was an R.N. (she accentuated the letters . . . RRRRR NNNNN!). He looked at her, then looked at me. "Good for you. License and registration please." As humiliating as it was, I knew she meant well . . . until it involved her own health. My assessments and diagnoses were not satisfying most of the time and according to her, required the eyes of a doctor. The last year of her life was spent running around to every specialist in town. None of them had satisfying diagnoses either. Despite success in my nursing career, she lacked faith in my knowledge and ability to care for her. As difficult as it was, it did teach me to have complete faith in my daughters and the careers they have chosen. They all work hard and love what they do. Between the four of them, I'm pretty sure I have all my bases covered . . . politics, behavior analysis, photography, and aesthetics. Adding my husband Jay's dentistry/real estate background to the mix, well, let's just say the Lord has blessed me abundantly. I am a work in progress . . . learning to never lack faith in Him . . . the ultimate Truth.

Todays Gospel (Mark 6:1-6) demonstrates the disappointment when those closest lack faith in who you are:

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, she encourages us to acknowledge where we are lacking faith in the Truth:

"In heaven, it is all about love and all about Jesus. The Savior, Jesus Christ, is well and truly united to each soul, to the extent that when Jesus enters a room or an area in heaven, nobody remarks upon it because He never leaves any soul. There is constant unity with Christ in the soul. This is available to us here on earth. We are only separated by our lack of faith and lack of commitment to His will. If a soul commits himself to Jesus here on earth and embarks upward on the mountain path through the service Jesus has willed for the individual, that soul is united to Jesus. Jesus is welcome in that soul and Jesus begins to work through that soul in the unique way that only He could have intended and planned. Each soul has a purpose and the purpose has so many facets over the lifetime of service, or indeed over one day, that we cannot imagine the richness of His plan. But we trust in His plan and that is all that matters."

Lay apostles, I have read every one of the Volumes, Heaven Speaks booklets and all Anne's books. Jesus is very clear in directing us to face the Truth and proudly walk as soldiers in His army . . . an army of lay apostles who bring His Light not only to our loved ones but to every person we come in contact with. Believe His words, heed His warnings. Simply loving Him makes it so easy. Pull out a Volume today. Read one of His messages. Have faith.

Thank you, Lord, for strengthening my faith in You every day. I am so grateful for the love You give me and have surrounded me with. 

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: No Fear, Just Faith

As a child, I was afraid of what could be lurking under my bed when the lights went out at night. It began when my oldest sister got married (I was 8 years old). All of the sudden, I found myself in my own room, sans my little sister. Every night after hitting the light switch, I would make an Olympic-worthy leap into my bed, pull the covers up to my chin, then tuck the sheets around the sides of my body. I was fully protected from anything reaching up from under my bed to grab at me during the night. One night my father observed my impressive long jump and tuck. After complimenting me on my stupendous athletic ability, he asked why I was tucked in so tight. Hesitantly, I told him about the potential scary things under my bed. Then he laughingly told me that no one or no "thing" could get past him to hurt me. I could stop worrying because he would protect me no matter what.  My dad was big and strong . . . and he assured me he could wrestle any hairy-armed beast who even tried to get in my room if there even was such a thing. I remember feeling so much better. I trusted him and knew he loved me. I'm sure once in a while things scared me in the dark, but I knew if I screamed loud enough, I would be saved! Does this scenario sound familiar? No matter what fears we may possess, Christ is always there to wrestle those "monsters" away if we trust in Him and His Love for us!

Today's Gospel (Mark 5:21-43) shows that genuine belief in Jesus can heal any difficulty we may face:

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him and a large crowd followed him.

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said,“If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?”  Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,”  which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

In Volume One, Anne a lay apostle describes how despite any ordeal, solace can always be obtained by complete reliance on Christ:

"I love Jesus and during the most difficult times of Lent feel a nearly physical sense of realigning my will to His, despite the most horrid spiritual afflictions and angst. There is nothing else for me anymore. The world holds little solace. Often there is no comfort to be found anymore on this earth. No person can console me. Nothing. No food, no comfort. I am alone in a crowd, even of like-minded souls. It’s dreadful to experience but the fruit is a spiritual leading with your chin kind of feeling or stepping out into the darkness with faith. It does toughen you and I can see that now. I hate it, make no mistake. The people around me must benefit, though, from this proximity of mine to Christ. I am afraid that through the suffering I will be unable to complete my duties at times. But no, He gives me that. He sees to the details in the most remarkable of ways. I cannot fault Him, and as I say, there is nothing else but Him. I rely on Him for everything."

Lay apostles, what are you afraid of? Are you hesitant to completely rely on Jesus because His answer might not be what you want to hear? Or, His path for you may take you out of your comfort zone? Ok, I am going to be blunt . . . stop being scared of the hairy-armed monsters under your bed!!! First of all, they only exist in our mind because of our lack of trust in Jesus (I am being hypothetical here . . . I sure pray there are no such things!). Second, listen and believe in what He tells us in the Bible and the Volumes.  He is ALWAYS by our side to protect us. That doesn't mean we won't get hurt at times, or that terrible things won't happen to us. The beauty of faith in Christ is the healing we receive because of it, as the woman in the Gospel demonstrates. The time is now. Believe!

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me that I become afraid when I'm not trusting You fully. 

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Staying Clear of Chaos

I don't do chaos anymore. To the best of my ability, I don't let it enter my life. When it appears unexpectedly in the form of an attack, it's like shooting a BB gun at the hull of a cruise ship . . . doesn't even make a dent (thank you, Jay, for the great analogy!). But every once in while, multiple shots are fired instantaneously causing a sore spot. The initial impact stings, but the damage is minimal. As the pain diminishes, a bruise appears as a reminder of the incident. Eventually, it fades and is forgotten. How do we conduct ourselves when under spiritual attack? Well, I see two options. One, we can overreact, running around screaming our heads off, telling anyone who is willing to listen to the injustice of it all. Or, we can surround ourselves with heavenly armor. We can summon all of heaven . . . God, Jesus, Our Lady, saints, and angels to protect our souls from damage. We can pray the Rosary. We can ask loved ones to pray for us. And, most importantly, remain focused and prayerful. Evil will take advantage of every opportunity to draw you away from Christ. As lay apostles, we must demonstrate what Jesus and all of heaven have prepared us for in the Bible and Volumes . . . that His true followers are peaceful, calm, kind, loving and patient under any circumstances. Don't get caught up in the winds of chaos. Step into your spiritual armor and stay protected. Allow Christ to deal with those taking the shots. For sometimes what you thought would bruise is nothing more than a little red spot, disappearing within minutes.

In today's Gospel (Mark 5:1-20), Jesus clears the chaos quickly:

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory.

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she encourages us to leave the chaotic battles to Christ:

"It is my opinion that the enemy wants to draw us into conflict with each other and even though a person might be actively serving the enemy, it is not our business to do battle with him. Rather it is our business to do battle with ourselves, leaving Jesus Christ to do battle with the enemy, thus claiming or seeking to claim the soul. In terms of our brothers and sisters, meaning everyone in the world with us, no sins or behaviors, regardless of how bad, change this fact. If they are on earth, we must seek to bring them to the light through prayer and example and evangelization when possible and appropriate. I am in no way denying the call to protect and defend God’s truth in whatever way God asks us to do so. I am attempting to help us identify the real enemy."

Lay apostles, are you allowing others to create chaos in your life? Are you the chaos creator? There is nothing wrong with loving people from a distance. Set clear boundaries, and when attempts are made to step over those boundaries, bow out and let Jesus take over. We can't change anyone other than ourselves. Live a chaos-free life. Learn to assess where disruptions in joy and peace occur. Then make some changes. Christ is the only one we need to please.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to eliminate chaos from my life. And, for showing me how quickly prayer can change my attitude.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Strength in Weakness

"Don't mistake my kindness for weakness." Do you know who is responsible for that quote? Al Capone! This apostolate has definitely softened my demeanor. I have always tried to be kind, but in my younger days when kindness wasn't returned, I took it personally. And, I hate to admit this, I wasn't exactly a person who gave second chances. Everything was black and white to me. Either you are kind or unkind. Loving or unloving. Loyal or untrustworthy. Writing this makes me realize how completely superficial that sounds! I was a product of my environment growing up where I didn't trust anyone. As I have matured as a lay apostle over the years, Jesus has given me the gift of improved clarity. I see the layers where I had never noticed before. I understand people who treat me unkindly have other issues occurring and I just happen to be standing in close proximity to receive the hurt those issues have caused. To some, it may look like I am weak when I don't respond to negative behavior. Actually, the strength it takes to keep my mouth shut is much more difficult to master than the ease of lashing out (and I have not perfected this yet!). The humility that silence and smallness brings is what I strive for on a daily basis.  Some days I'm not even close, but most days I do pretty well. Remember, Our Lord rejoices in any attempts we make to emulate Him. 

In today's Gospel (Mark 4:26-34), Jesus teaches us how something powerful can come from something which seems weak:

Jesus said to the crowds: “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. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, she encourages us to be joyful even during the tough times:

"A farmer ploughing his field loves to reap what he has sown, yes, and this is good. He is getting it done. For us, I think we will rejoice when we can be like the farmer for whom one day is exactly like the next. He is as joyful turning over new ground as he is when taking in a harvest. It is about the movement, the service, regardless of what that movement or service is on any given day. That stated, there are times of natural joy. Now we must all pause. An apostle working hard for Jesus has to think for a moment. What time of natural joy is there? It all appears to be hard work. And yet, the joy is in that very hard work. The amount of straining necessary on a given day becomes irrelevant. There is joy both on the hard days and on the easier days. There is joy on the days when the harvest seems to be coming in and when the seeds are only being put down. There is joy on the days of hail storms and killing frosts as well as the days on which little work is necessary because the sun and warmth seem to be doing all that is necessary for the field assigned to this farmer. In this case, I think we are examining a very experienced farmer indeed. The seasons come and go and the work of the day is the work of the day. He spends no time wondering whether or not he should have been a farmer. He is a farmer and this is his field. He will farm until he dies and the challenges and discouragements of one day are allowed to melt into the joys and encouragements of another day with little or no excitement.  We need to be calm surveyors of our life during the off times lest the enemy lead us into rebellion and danger. During the times when we are off, down or ill, let us examine both the canvas as a whole and then our little place on it with certainty that without us something would be missing." 

Lay apostles, how will you respond to negativity today? Or, are you the one spewing the negativity? Either way, just today, practice humility. Return kindness for negativity. Love for hatred. Console the Sacred Heart of Jesus with your actions!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me how silence and smallness is a good thing! Please continue to put Your Heavenly Hands over my mouth when I am heading in the wrong direction!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: No Guessing Who Belongs

A great blog post from a few years ago, written by the love of my life, Jay Crandall! (Note: we are not NFL watchers anymore with their unpatriotic stances . . . but this is a great analogy for today's Gospel).

Every year, the NFL holds a draft for college athletes looking to move on and play professionally. Right there, on the day of the draft, the players are given their first pieces of clothing identifying them with their new team (typically a ball cap and a jersey). The day they show for training camp, they are given more gear, equipment, and workout clothes that definitively identify them as a member of that team. The team logo is on their jersey, on their helmet, on their socks, on their shirt, and under their pads . . . it is on everything. There is no guessing if the team considers them one of their own.

Now, these players also understand that they could be cut from the roster at any point. It could be during the season . . . it could be right before the first game of the season . . . it could be on the first day of practice. Regardless, at no point in their journey are they or anyone around them questioning if they are a member of that team.

In today's Gospel (Mark 16:15-18), Jesus asks His eleven apostles to go out and preach the Gospel to every creature. He goes on to say that those who believe in His name will easily be identified:

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

In the Monthly Message from August 2006, Jesus talks about the gifts that can only be received by Him:

"I send My apostles the grace necessary for a calm spirit. With this calm spirit, My followers will bring heavenly calm to a restless world that trembles with unease. Live your commitment to time spent in silent prayer and I will place these heavenly graces in your soul. Others will identify these graces in you because these gifts are contrary to the gifts offered by the world. This is another way that My apostles stand out." 

Lay apostles, can you be easily identified as a someone who follows Jesus Christ the Returning King? Do your actions speak louder than your words?

Thank you, Lord, for showing me the path I need to take in order to become more recognizable as one of Your followers. 

Humbly and Gratefully Yours,

Jay

Gospel Thoughts Today: The Time Is Now

There is a song written by Cee Lo Green and sung by Christina Aguilara called Make the World Move. The song has a fast tempo, and the words may get lost in all the theatrics of her performance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VUcO_f2H38). But when you slow it down and hear the message, it's beautiful:

Fight the darkness, sing the song

Move it Move it Move it Move it

If one smile could erase a frown

Imagine what two could do (turn it up)

And if one voice could change a heart

Imagine what two could do (turn it up hey)

The time is now

No time to wait

Turn up the love

Turn down the hate

Turn up the love

Turn down the hate (hey) . . . .

Basically, we have the graces, through Christ, to change the world. Our actions must speak louder than our words, lay apostles! It's never too late to begin loving instead of hating. To be tolerant instead of merciless. Let the Word of God take root within your soul . . . today.

In today's Gospel (Mark 4:1-20), does Jesus speak in parables to confuse, or to get us actively involved?

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.”

Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

In Volume Ten, Jesus reminds us to take action now:

"As I prepared My original apostles to begin My beautiful Church on earth, I now commission you to reclaim My beautiful Church. You have such great heavenly assistance. When I speak of My Church, I am speaking of the body of the Church, comprised of its people. You are to call them back to the safety of the family of God. I send you out as I sent out the first group. You are to speak freely of Me. If a soul rejects Me, hold no malice for that soul. Simply pray for them and move along, seeking out another. Often you are like a farmer sowing seeds. I, Myself, must reap the harvest. This should not concern you because to insist on reaping what you have sown in this instance is not appropriate. Sometimes God is needed to ignite the divine. Use My words, dear little apostles. Spread them everywhere. Keep your words limited and allow Me to claim the soul. You will soften the soul by loving the person. Your love and your example can predispose a soul so that I can find the opening I need. What joy is there in this work! How satisfying is a rescue mission when souls are saved. And they will be saved, do not fear. You will be successful, but only I can measure your success. You are successful now, are you not? You are following My will. You are working for the Kingdom."

Lay apostles, it never fails. The minute I try to take things into my own hands, chaos begins to whirl. I can get the whirling to stop much quicker these days . . . only by calling His Name for assistance. He needs us for this mission. Every one of us! How can we participate? Show love. Be a beacon of light in the dark. Give someone a Volume today. Discuss the Gospel and what it means to you. He wants our success and promises to give it by following Him!

Thank you, Lord, for challenges, and the peace and calm You provide when I ask for it. I know I don't always hear You right away, but thanks for Your persistence!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: We Are Many Parts

Recently at Mass, we sang one of my favorite songs, We Are Many Parts, written by Marty Haugen. Here are a few of the lyrics:

We are many parts, we are all one body,

and the gifts we have we are given to share.

May the Spirit of love make us on in deed;

one, the love that we share,

one, our hope in despair,

one, the cross that we bear.

Not only is the melody beautiful, but the words imply a unity only God can create between us when we live our lives for His Glory. We all have our crosses to bear. But knowing and accepting that suffering is just part of our journey toward Christ . . . toward eternity. It is critical we have the love and support of our family, friends and church community. Most importantly, we must BE the light we hope to see in the world. Live for Him, lay apostles, and everything becomes a little easier to bear.

In today's Gospel (Mark 3:31-35), Jesus demonstrates there are no favorites in the eyes of God:

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

In Volume One, Jesus challenges us to unity with Him, and shine His Light to others:

"Be an example of peace to your brothers and sisters so that they, too, may desire union with Me. That is the challenge to My followers. If you have a peaceful countenance, you reflect Me, your Savior. Others see this and desire it. ‘What is it about that person?’ they ask. If you are a follower, your holiness will shine from within you and that is what they will identify. Be at peace. Fear is not from Me and does not draw you closer to Me. You must strive for confidence in your God. I will be with you, even until the end of time. Your sufferings will console you greatly later when you join Me. You will never be sorry you suffered for your Jesus."

Lay apostles, there is so much pain and suffering occurring all over the world. How can you brighten up someone's day today? How can you spread the messages contained in the Volumes? Change a life for the better by offering hope. We are many parts, we are all one body.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me how to offer everything up to You, good and bad. Thank you for the graces bestowed upon me in times when hope and love are needed by those I love and come in contact with.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say

A few years ago when my oldest daughter was visiting, we began reminiscing about teenage years.  Never a dull moment with three girls! Of course, with me being the fourth female in the house, it seemed every week one of us experiencing our "monthly" visit from . . . well, you know what I mean. Someone was always a little cantankerous. Foul language was not permitted (although it would slip out once in a while with a defiant look on their faces!). But the slips of foul language didn't upset me like the phrase "I hate you." Mallorie and I laughed as she remembered my reaction when she hurled those horrible words at me the first time. She said my face got red, and in a raised voice (although she would say I was screaming!) said "I never want to hear that come out of your mouth again! You do not hate me, you love me. I am your mother!" She said my reaction to "I hate you" was the most intense reaction compared to anything she ever got in trouble for.  I know she didn't hate me. And I wanted her (and her sisters) to know we were not the kind of family who used the "hate" word. After all, hate is from the evil one. He wants nothing more than to draw you away from the love of God. I can't remember if Mal only said it that first time or used it when she really wanted to make me angry, but I know we all love each other and are as close as a mother and her daughters can be.  Remember, say what you mean. And, mean what you say.

In today's Gospel (Mark 3:22-30), Jesus warns us to be careful what we say:

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus,  “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables,  “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself,  that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided,  he cannot stand;  that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property  unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.  Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies  that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit  will never have forgiveness,  but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

In the Monthly Message of July 2005, Jesus requests we lead our youth directly to Him by our actions and words:

"Today I cry out to young people. Young souls are the cherished jewels in the Kingdom of God on earth. The formation of these souls must be treated with reverence. Each individual in the Kingdom bears a responsibility to young souls, even if it is simply through setting an example of Christian living. Dear children of God, you are accountable for the impact of your actions and each sin carries an impact, however unnoticeable. Search your life and you will discover where I am asking you to assist young people. Many children live in families lacking a parent. Perhaps I am asking you to share your Christianity with those children in order to be a role model. Dear souls, in most cases, young people learn how to be adults by watching others. So your life, the model of your living out your walk with Me, has impact. Your life can be something which a child can measure sin against. Think of a holy person you knew while you were growing up. Now remember back to a time when you saw others committing acts that were unholy. Did you not recognize that these acts would not be acceptable to this holy person? Sometimes it is simply speech. There are certain people near whom you will be careful about what you say. I am asking you to become one of those people. I want others to take note of your presence and know that Jesus should not be insulted. I want others to understand that your Church should not be unjustly vilified in your presence. In short, I want others to know that when you are present, I am present. They will then use you as the standard against which they measure their actions. You must stand for Me."

Lay apostles, carefully choose your words around our young people. Every once in a while, something comes out of my mouth which I regret immediately.  I am working on eradicating it from my vocabulary. How about you?

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to be careful with words. Help me to promote You with what I say, not evil's agenda.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: What Part Are You Going To Play?

Roles. We all have them. Christian, Catholic, Wife/husband, mother/father, daughter/son, sister/brother, aunt/uncle, friend, etc. We each have a unique role given to us by our Heavenly Father. As much as I would like to say I can do it all, I can't. But, I can do my part. It takes teamwork to bring about change. It takes action. It's about surrounding yourself with teammates running in the same direction . . . up the mountain of holiness, watching each other's backs. Christ sees our potential better than we do. So, how are you going to help carry out His Mission in the time you have remaining on this earth? What part are you going play? 

In today's Gospel (Mark 3:13-19) Jesus saw something special in each of the Twelve He chose, trusting in them to build His Church: 

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;  Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she speaks of our very important roles as men and women:

"Oh how heaven rejoices when men and women comply and submit to their roles in the family, supporting their spouses to the fullest extent. This beautiful exercising of the call of vocation brings so many graces to the world. St. Teresa of Avila once said, “If women were what they should be, men could be what they should be.” A holy woman will draw gentle leadership from her husband. When this occurs that woman will breathe a sigh of relief and get on with her own work instead of fighting for a dominant position in the family." 

Lay apostles, the role we play in showing others all the love and mercy of Our Lord is critical to this rescue mission. One of my roles is that of a writer, but more importantly, an example of His Love to all I reach through this blog. When you say "yes" to Jesus, hold on tight! He needs complete cooperation of His lay apostles, believing in His Words and His call to action. 

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me the importance of my role in this mission. I will do everything You ask me . . . but please ask loudly so I don't miss an opportunity!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: When Fear Controls Your Behavior

People who know me well, know I don't like surprises. I am a researcher by nature, and can find out just about anything with a little effort. I assess every situation I encounter with worst case/best case scenarios. It's a defense mechanism I have developed over the years. My brain automatically deciphers potential outcomes, good and bad. Although I look for the good, it doesn't take long for the warning sirens to go off when something doesn't feel right. If I find physical evidence of anything I suspect, well, let's just say it's hard to control the urge to confront the offender. Tough love has its place. Being a part of this apostolate has taught me to look past the offense to the wounded little boy or girl who is offending. To stop worrying about what others think or say about me. Jesus knows the truth, and fear doesn't come from Him. Fear causes people to act out of character when they let it overwhelm them. And can cause a little damage when allowed to fester. Once you allow evil in, it begins taking up residence if you let it. So, what am I afraid of? Other than swimming in the ocean with sharks, nothing. Worst case scenario on earth is you die . . . which in fact is the best case scenario when you are on track for heaven!

In todays Gospel (Mark 3:1-6), the Pharisees witness a miracle, yet fear prods them to plot against Jesus:

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

In Volume Four, Jesus the King gives us the answer to living without fear:

"My children, I am giving you the antidote for grief, for fear, and for anxiety. When you remain in the present, viewing the world with My eyes and from My viewpoint, you have little to concern yourselves with aside from serving Me and allowing Me to work through you. This is the answer to the ills and darkness of your modern world. It is something that requires practice, it is true. But, like any habit, it becomes something quite easy once you are accustomed to doing it. I want each soul to know Me. I can give you this knowledge of Me if you want it but you must allow Me to do so."

Lay apostles, think about a situation which made you angry or uncomfortable. Write it down. And then ponder why it was so upsetting. Worried about losing your job? Your spouse? Your life? Then, as Jesus says in the quote from Volume Four above, view everything through His Eyes. See the fear the enemy is swirling through your head and know, without a doubt, God is in control . . . and we must let Him have it!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me my fears are only my lack of focus on You. Help me to remain in constant communication with You in all matters, allowing You to lead me!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Whistle While You Work!

As the mother of three daughters and one granddaughter, I love the Disney princesses as much as the girls did (and still do!). After reading today's Gospel, this song from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs popped into my head:

A little nostalgia to put a smile on your face! Think about how joyful Snow White is while embarking on a big clean up project. Is she doing this alone? No. She has surrounded herself with others who share in the work (ok, so they are animals, but you get the picture!). Are we as joyful when faced with difficult tasks or decisions? Do we call for help/support from heaven or other likeminded Christians when we don't know where to begin? My answer is some of the time. But I am getting better. There is so much work to be done in this world for Our Savior, lay apostles. Jesus is thankful for even the smallest attempt toward putting Him first. So, whistle while you work, joyful knowing you are building God's Kingdom on earth.

Todays Gospel (Mark 2:23-28) shows us that we must always put Him first:

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

In Volume Four, Jesus the King asks us to do our own share of work for heaven, trusting Him to be responsible for His part:

"The process of My return has begun. You are the avenues through which these graces will flow. Open your hearts to Me now, little souls of the Kingdom. Watch in amazement how My Spirit flows through you. You need do nothing exceptional except be open to My will. I will do everything. When you feel pressure, it is because you are attempting to do My work for Me. Who could do the work of God? Certainly not a little learning soul who is attempting to find perfection in a very imperfect world. Let Me work through you. Let Me love you and support you as I make the necessary changes in your soul that will allow Me to flow through you uninhibited. All is well, My beloved children. You need worry over nothing."

Lay apostles, everyone is watching . . . our kids, our families, our friends, our acquaintances . . . to see if we live as we preach. When you introduce others to this apostolate, are you living proof Jesus' words govern your life? Take a look at how others perceive you, especially your own family. Do you act and react with the love and kindness of Christ? Something I am working on in 2018!

Thank you, Lord, for joy in my heart when working to build Your Kingdom. And thank you for the extra gentle shove when the joy is harder to come by!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Word Today: Fame

Fame . . . it can be the positive outcome of dedication to one's craft or it can be the unfortunate conclusion resulting from betrayal/abuse. If we ultimately achieve the "fame" we strive for, is the attention going to be used for good or for greed? Most celebrities these days, especially those with the biggest megaphones, have stepped beyond honing/sharing their craft (which I used to gladly pay to see) to freely trashing our country and a majority of American patriots. But there are those celebrities who turned to drugs and/or alcohol in order to calm themselves and escape the reality of Hollywood and their fame. Some to the point of death . . . John Belushi, Chris Farley, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson, to name a few. You know what I wonder when I see these talented people literally killing themselves/their fame with abuse of substances or abuse of our President/country? I wonder that if God was a part of their life, would things turn/have turned out differently if they did everything for His Glory? Famous people have the opportunity to impact so many, leading their followers to God. Instead, many demonstrate behaviors leading in the opposite direction. Think about the pressure Jesus was under. Talk about becoming famous! Yet despite the chaos, He continued on with His mission, knowing it would culminate in His Death. A death He didn't choose for Himself. A choice His "fans" made. Do you see the irony?

Today's Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) demonstrates how fast the news of good works can spread. And they killed Him because . . .  ?

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”  Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, the quote she shares from Father Raneiro Cantalamessa basically sums up the problem with our society:

"For almost twenty centuries, Christians have been awaiting the return of the Savior King. Even His own apostles thought they would live to see His return as He had promised. While we pray for His return as an article of faith, “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again,” we no longer truly anticipate Jesus’ return in our hearts, but consider it an event both remote and uncertain in time. Father Raneiro Cantalamessa, preacher to the Pontifical Household, in his homily on the Feast of Christ the King, said: 'A general atmosphere of impunity is established in today’s society, in which there are competitions to break the law, to corrupt and allow ourselves to be corrupted, with the justification that ‘everyone does it.’ Is not this, in a certain sense, the situation in which we all live? One after the other, the commandments of God are calmly broken, including the ones that say, ‘Thou shall not kill,’ ‘Thou shall not steal,’ ‘Thou shall not commit adultery,’ with the pretext that ‘everyone does it,’ that culture, progress and even human law now allow it. But God has never thought of abolishing the commandments or the Gospel, and this general feeling of security is no more than a fatal deception.'"

Lay apostles, who do you admire? They may be incredibly talented people within their field, but how do they conduct themselves in reality? Are they choosing drugs and alcohol or Christ? Are they using their fame to further His Kingdom or are they making it cool to live a Godless life? I used to give my oldest daughter a hard time about certain actors she refused to spend a dime on at the movie theater because of their liberal political views. I now fully understand and am in complete agreement with her!

Thank you, Lord, for continually showing me unless I'm doing everything for Your Glory, it is not worth doing.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: God's Love Flows Through Us

Happy New Year 2018! Hard to believe so much time has elapsed since my last post. Life has been busy as always, but amid the busyness, it has been wonderful, challenging, difficult and miraculous. This morning on a Lay Apostle Council conference call, Father Darragh read the message referenced below from Volume Two to our group. When we allow Christ to comfort us in times of need, our ability to cope strengthens . . . we begin to rely on prayer obtaining the confidence to act and react appropriately.

The power of prayer is real my friends . . . look at the election of the greatest President the US has ever seen. Despite constant attacks on him and his family, President Trump has persevered and accomplished, literally, more than any other US president EVER in his first year! This is a documented fact. He has brought God back to our nation. God IS mightier than those who oppose Him . . . we must never forget that. God's Love flows through us if we allow it to. And, we must give it freely . . . even to those who allow evil to reign in their lives. If we stop the flow of God's love and replace it with revenge, hatred, or bitterness, how will the recipient ever see the beauty of faith in our Mighty God? Let it begin with me!

Today's Gospel (Mark 1:7-11) makes one thing clear . . . God is in control:

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me.  I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.  I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.  On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.  And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

In Volume Two, Jesus beautifully illustrates the power within each of us when God is a constant in our day:

September 2, 2003: I want My children to be at peace. You know this, children, as I often say this to you. Today, I am going to teach you how to keep peace in your hearts at all times. My children, when a parent rocks a child and sings a soft lullaby, the child knows peace, so much so, that the child often closes his little eyes and falls effortlessly into a peaceful sleep. My children, I am holding you in My arms. I am rocking you gently. Many times throughout your day, I want you to stop what you are doing for a brief moment and close your eyes. I will momentarily soothe your soul with that very same gentleness and, if only for a moment, you will know the sleep of peace. You will be fully aware in your senses, of course, but your soul will rest in complete union with Me and your entire being will be restored and balanced. My children, this is how I intend to keep you at peace. You must fear nothing, not even death. Why would death frighten a soul who is destined for eternity with Me? You are merely coming home, My child, and the brief moments of death are an almost instantaneous transit time. No, do not fear death. That will distract you from life and We want no distractions from the completion of your earthly duties. My children, are you attempting to remain with Me throughout your day? Remember that you are practicing and trying to consider My presence and how I would speak. You are asking Me often what I would like you to do. This is the way, children. Do you see the changes I am making in your soul? Do you see the difference in how you view your brothers and sisters? You understand now that I am making these changes and that you can trust Me to keep My word. We are making progress, My child, and that pleases Me. This world will shift the smallest bit each time a soul moves closer to Me in trust. I want you to feel joy, My child. Your world is not at peace, but you must be. I am placing peace in your souls and the world is going to draw it from you, much the way an infant draws nourishment from her mother. That is why I am asking you to come to Me often in your day. As the world draws peace from you to quiet the terrible unrest, I will replace it in you. So do not worry or fret because the world takes your peace. It is for the world I give it, and I have an endless store with which to replenish you. Do you begin to see the depth of My plan? I need many souls to help Me and right now I do not have enough. So We must take My plea to the world so that all souls of good will may answer and assist Me. It is fair and just, My child, that each be given the opportunity to answer for themselves. I am asking and each soul must answer. In their soul, they know they are being asked to choose and they make the choice. I am God. I know all. I need souls. There is no hiding from Me. If a soul rejects Me now, it is finished. You cannot reject your God and claim heaven as your inheritance. Be at peace, My little one. Your God moves to right all wrongs."

Lay apostles, what are you going to do differently in 2018? For me, I will, to the best of my ability, write more; love unconditionally (yes, even those who allow evil and greed to reign in their lives); be a better wife, mother, Mimi, sister, aunt, and friend. I am so imperfect. But if I allow God to flow through me to others, His Divine Plan can continue to move forward in my life and the lives of those I love and come in contact with.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me of the power of prayer. Help me to come to You first . . . always!

God bless,
Bonnie