Gospel Thoughts Today: Clean Gardens, No Weeds!

Anyone who knows me well, knows I am a Kelly Clarkson fan. I have loved her music since she appeared on the first season of American Idol. Actually, I got to know every lyric to every song on her second album, Breakaway, when my youngest daughter went through a tough high school breakup years ago. The minute she would get in the car, the request was to blast Kelly. Eventually, all she had to do on emotional days was get in the car and say, "It's a Kelly day." I knew exactly what to do! Hence, when reading today's Gospel and saw the word "weeds," immediately my mind connected with a Kelly song called Sober. Here are a few of the lyrics:

I don't know

This could break my heart or save me

Nothing's real

Until you let go completely

So here I go with all my thoughts I've been saving

So here I go with all my fears weighing on me

Three months and I'm still sober

Picked all my weeds but kept the flowers

But I know it's never really over

A line above (Picked all my weeds but kept the flowers) describes exactly what we, as Christians, try to achieve every day . . . clean gardens, no weeds. Alas, as Kelly belts out above, it's never really over. We must remain alert and ready for battle every day we are on this earth, adorning ourselves with the armor of Jesus Christ and the Gospels. The Truth. Thank God I enjoy picking weeds . . . I have plenty to keep me busy!

I love the parable in today's Gospel (Matthew 13:36-43). An important reminder to sow good seeds:

Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." He said in reply, "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear."

In the Monthly Message from March 1, 2007, Jesus calms us by assuring He is by our side always:

"Be at peace in the place where you are spiritually and understand that I am ministering to you constantly there. Be also at peace that you must labour for holiness, moving constantly forward in virtue. I am with you. I take your willingness to serve and your willingness to become holier and truly I flow great things into your soul and into the world. I ask that each apostle find quiet during this time, allowing silence to prune the weeds that spring up in each day’s activity. We work together on your soul, as I have said, and I, Jesus, expect that there is work to be done. If I did not expect that your soul needed work, I would say that you had advanced far enough and I would take you to heaven. When you see the condition of your soul and you correctly identify that there is work to be done and projects to undertake, rejoice. Compare your soul to My soul and you will see a glimpse of the completion of this project. You must say, ‘Truly, I trust that Jesus will get me there if I follow Him.’ I will not abandon the project of your holiness. Neither should you. The personal holiness of each apostle is given my greatest attention because each project in the world flows from this project in individual souls. Do you understand? Are you at peace with this? I need you to become holier each day so that I can become more present in the world each day. If you are new to the walk to holiness, rejoice. You are welcome and you will flourish. If you have been walking toward holiness for many years, rejoice. You are valued and you are making progress. Through you, I renew the world. Rejoice. My plan for you and for the world is well underway."

Lay apostles, is it time for a little gardening in your soul today? Every time I'm in Adoration, I am acutely aware I have a little weeding to do. It's not always easy to admit where I am getting it wrong, but doing so allows Jesus to move His Plan forward through me. Take a little silent time today. Even just a few minutes. Ask Christ to help you become holier so He can "become more present in the world each day."

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to keep my spiritual armor on at all times. When I seem to have forgotten to strap it on, gently remind me, ok? Oh! And thank You for the role Kelly Clarkson has played in our lives!

God bless,

Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Representing Jesus on Earth

Reusing a post from 4 years ago . . . the meaning continues to be as  relevant to me today as it was back then:

I tensed a bit as I watched the clock on our rental car this morning. 9:06am. Mass was to began at 9:15am. The GPS on my iPhone said the Church was right there, across the street from where we stopped so Jay could run into a convenience store and ask for directions (yes, he actually did . . . he is such a manly man!).  As I stared at the empty lot in front of me, which, by the way, we drove back and forth in front of several times before stopping, I figured this was not the church for us today. Last night I had researched all the Catholic Churches in Schaumburg, and we decided the 9:15am Mass would give us time afterward for a full day of exploring the area. Jay climbed back into the car and with positivity in his voice and asked, "what's our next option!" The church we were looking for was about 15 minutes away. So St. Marcelline's it was for the 10:45am service. As Jay and I walked into the church, I told him there was some reason Jesus rerouted us here. There was some message we needed to hear today or some people we needed to meet. First of all, the church was not your typical Catholic Church layout. The altar was surrounded (360 degrees) by pews and chairs.

Father Hal walked around greeting his parishioners with a smile and a handshake as Father Paul prepared to celebrate the Mass. I wasn't quite sure about the casual openness of the church, but when it came time for the sermon, WOW! Fr. Paul gave his sermon walking around and around that circle. It was incredible. As Father and the Eucharistic Ministers prepared for Communion, a song I have never heard began called "Christ Has No Body Now But Yours (Text: St. Teresa of Avila. Adapted by Steven C. Warner)." Here are the lyrics which brought me to tears:

Refrain:
Christ has no body now but yours, no hand but yours. Here on this earth, yours is the work, to serve with the joy of compassion.

Verse 1: No hands but yours to heal the wounded world, no hands but yours to soothe all its suff'ring, no touch but yours to bind the broken hope of the people of God.

Verse 2: No eyes but yours to see as Christ would see, to find the lost, to gaze with compassion; no eyes but yours to glimpse the holy joy of the city of God.

Verse 3: No feet but yours to journey with the poor, to walk this world with mercy and justice. Yours are the steps to build a lasting peace for the children of God.

Verse 4: Through ev'ry gift, give back to those in need: As Christ has blessed, so now be his blessing, with ev'ry gift a benediction be to the people of God.

OH MY GOODNESS!!! The clarity Jesus gave me through this song was very specific. Not that this was news to me . . . but the way He showed me the goal of my existence on this earth was profound.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 13:31-35), Jesus communicates with the crowd in words they could understand:

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”

He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:

I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she asks us to take a look at ourselves and question if what we are doing is nurturing holiness or our ego:

"Some search constantly for evidence of unholiness in others. I think this might be their way of trying to fuel or protect their superiority or obtaining value for themselves in an unhealthy way. Superiority is something that requires constant feeding, like an addiction. Just as a cigarette smoker needs a nicotine fix periodically, a superiority addict needs to look down on someone periodically. Anyone will do. Those around this type of addict will suffer the most but if the superiority addict must go outside of his inner circle, he is happy to do that. Reading the daily newspaper can work for him in a pinch, but one addicted to superiority will eventually find himself searching for reasons to condemn even the holiest souls. This should make our skin crawl with revulsion. Really. It should. I suspect that what is happening is that it is easier to snatch affirmation in small unhealthy doses this way than to actually look within, meet the eyes of Christ and take whatever affirmation we merit in truth while accepting the growth challenges that Jesus puts before us. I often wonder if these people think they are going to get into heaven by citing the unholiness of others rather than standing on their own holiness. Do they think Jesus will ask them to regale Him with stories about the darkness of the times and the sins committed by those around them? Jesus Christ knows the sins of others and instantly factors in all mitigating and aggravating circumstances in each life. The life we will be accounting for is our own. Jesus knew the law but He was not rigid because He applied it with love and mercy. Remember that the characteristics of the Trinity include gentleness, kindness, generosity of heart, truthfulness, eagerness to serve, prudence, and humility. Where do we find these things in the behavior of the Pharisees? Where do we find these things authentically in the behavior of the superiority addicts around us? Look at Jesus in this incident. He, in one situation, exhibits all of the above characteristics. Truly, the smallest bit of contemplation on the earthly actions of Jesus Christ will take the apostle far back into the study of the place that is the divine will."

Lay apostles, I am in awe today of the grace of being rerouted to a different church that morning 4 years ago. He knew what I needed to hear and He got me to where I could hear it, as He has done today. His message continues to be loud and clear . . . nurture holiness by being My Body, My Hands, My Eyes on earth!

Thank you, Lord, for St. Marcelline Catholic Church, for Fr. Paul and Fr. Hal, for the beautiful message You chose for me to hear.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: How Deep Is Your Love?

One of the 70's most iconic movies (disco, anyone?) can be identified by the title of this blog post. Who didn't love John Travolta as Vinny Barbarino in Welcome Back Kotter? So when he made it to the big screen in Saturday Night Fever, well, it was a must see at the time. This song, sung by the Bee Gees, was one of my favorites and came to mind after reading today's Gospel. Listening to the words now, in 2018, they have a whole new meaning for me. Especially these lines:

I believe in you

You know the door to my very soul

You're the light in my deepest darkest hour

You're my saviour when I fall

And you may not think

I care for you

When you know down inside

That I really do

And it's me you need to show

How Deep Is Your Love

The thing is, Jesus knows us and loves us so deeply, it's extremely difficult to comprehend at times. He is there for us when we fall, when we are happy, when we are scared, and when we are trying to cope. Stop running away from Him, especially when you feel surrounded by darkness. This is the time to draw closer to Him through prayer and intimate conversation. Tell Him anything and everything. He will show you how deep His love truly is.

Today's Gospel (Matthew 13:18-23) encourages us to know Christ well, creating a strong base on which to grow:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

In Volume Ten, Jesus says exactly what I needed to hear today:

"My dearest little serving souls, how I love you. You serve so diligently and do not realize at all how grateful is your Jesus. My gratitude could flow over you in such a way that you would experience it in your humanity. But if that were to happen, the merit from your service might be decreased. So I keep that to Myself and place it in the most special place in heaven, your place. It will be here waiting for you when you arrive. All of your crosses, each one, obtain merit for your soul and salvation for others. The more unpleasant the cross, the more merit and salvation obtained. You do not see Me, but you believe in Me. I do not speak these words to you, but you know that these are My words. Children, I am working silently in your beautiful souls all through each day, all through each night. The gratitude is there in My presence. The gratitude is there in your peace. The gratitude is there in the quietness of your soul. You are not restless and unhappy like souls wandering without Me. You are learning not to harbor unnecessary fears."

Lay apostles, the minute my cross becomes too heavy, my tendency is to look toward humanity instead of Jesus. But I am learning and the time lapse is getting shorter and shorter. Now is the time to hold on tightly to His Hand. Trust He is working out things to be most beneficial to you in the long run. Please pray for me, Jay and all lay apostles. Pray we each stand strong and tall when the spiritual muscles we have been preparing are put to use!

Thank you, Lord, for whatever the lessons are You are trying to teach when crosses become heavy. Help me to have a joyful and thankful heart at all times.

God bless,

Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Amazing Storytellers

Jay is an amazing storyteller. And boy does he know how to lay them out perfectly. One time I will never forget is when visiting a friend of mine and his wife in Tampa a few years ago who didn't really know Jay very well.  Jay began his story, keeping the husband captivated, literally on the edge of his seat, until the "big reveal" arrived. It was hilarious! Our friend loved every minute of it! Me, on the other hand . . . well, let's just say my grandson Colton thinks I make pretty good monster truck sounds! I can write about anything, but don't have the talent my husband possesses!  I can imagine listening to Jesus, the Greatest Storyteller ever with His Parables, was captivating . . . mesmerizing. Sitting on the hill or at the shore, hanging on to every word He spoke . . . must have been riveting. In the end, it's all about what you take away from the storyteller. It's developing a relationship of mutual love and respect for each other. It's creating a bond of trust and support. It's listening and hearing the message within the story.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 13:10-17), I don't know about you, but I don't want to be one of the people in Isaiah's prophecy . . . my eyes are open and the volume in my ears turned up:

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?”

He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them.

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

In Volume Seven, St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us to keep our eyes and ears open to hear what God asks of us:

"Friends, you must keep your eyes open and remain alert. Your faith, your God, is being attacked. There is nothing more precious than your faith. Nothing. Through your faith you will inherit your eternity. Man can take everything from you in this world and it will mean nothing because quickly you will leave this world and truly begin to live forever in heaven. You will
not mourn the loss of your earthly possessions. You will count them as nothings. What you will be most interested in is your response to the loss of your earthly possessions. If you respond in bitterness to God, you will be disappointed. What will give you joy is your faithfulness to God. Stay alert. In situations where your God is being attacked, you must respond. We will help you. You should not respond in anger, although you may be angered. If you are prayerful, you will know exactly what our Lord wishes you to do. We are involved in a spiritual  war, dear brothers and sisters, and you are the soldiers. There is no choice involved, in the sense that the situation will deteriorate even further. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you will be engaged in the war. Jesus requires your help now and you do not want to disappoint Him. If you believe anything at all, believe that statement. You will not want to disappoint Jesus."

Lay apostles, I love reading the Gospel every day. The parables become etched in my brain. And although my capacity to memorize bible verses is not exactly stellar, I do remember the stories and their meanings. As a lay apostle, the Volumes bring the bible to life for me. Hearing the words of Jesus in the Monthly Messages make the stories richer. Reading Anne's writing makes it clear. Pick up a Volume or read a Monthly Message today. The graces are waiting for you . . . just be alert to His Call!

Thank you, Lord, for choosing me to be a lay apostle. Continue to help me focus on seeing You and listening for Your Direction.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Humility in Service

Jay and I have been blessed to be a part of a client's end of life process with her and her husband. Seven weeks ago, she learned her cancer treatments failed and new tumors were forming in her lungs. Her pain had become uncontrollable, so we stepped in upon their request. After a week of going back and forth to her oncologist's office, trying to get her an appointment with a pain specialist who was booked and couldn't get her in until the following Monday, they ended up taking her to hospice. Her faith is incredibly strong and secure. She was ready to go if it was God's will.  Well, as I had seen with my own mother, her pain was controlled and she was getting better! A week after being admitted to hospice, they were telling her/her husband it was time to check out. Her response . . . check out as in heaven or check out of hospice! Well, it is now 5 weeks since she has been in her home, with a constant flow of visitors, holding her prayer group meetings in her living room, and feeling blessed God has given her this extra time with her husband and friends. She is in her seventies, but has always had the energy of a 30-year-old and dying is not slowing her down . . . until recently. 

For the last 2 weeks, every time we have scheduled to see her, her husband has asked that we postpone our visits because she has other people coming over or she wasn't feeling well. So here is where today's Gospel made me think of this particular circumstance . . . we gladly stepped in to help them (she does not have children), they embraced us as their family spending many hours to help with all aspects of their lives, and (remember this is my thought process!) they didn't have time to see us? Honestly, it miffed me a little. As always, talking it out with my husband (forever the optimist), made me realize it is NOT ABOUT ME! They are not my family members, have their own lives, and though they love us and we them, it's about her journey toward eternity. It's about my service to her and her husband, with no expectations of anything in return. Not always an easy lesson, but such an important life skill to shoot for!

In today's Gospel (Matthew 20: 20-28), Jesus gives His disciples a lesson in humility:

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.”

He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

In the February 2011 Monthly Message, Jesus clarifies the importance of our uniqueness:

“Truly, I know that there are times when you wonder why I have placed you where I have placed you. I hope, dear apostles, that these times are brief. I hope that you will spend less time wondering why you are serving in a given role and more time wondering how to serve more completely in the role given to you. You see, comparisons to others will never bear fruit. You are unique. The work I have for you is unique and you must beware of the habit of dragging your vocation behind you as though it were something so heavy that it destroyed your joy.”

Serving others without wanting to be served in return is not always the easiest of Jesus' requests! Occasionally, I do want relationships to be reciprocal. But when they are not, I pray for a servant's heart. I pray for Christ to take away the desire to be needed/loved in return. I pray the Litany of Humility, something I need to get back in the habit of reading every day. Today, lay apostles, serve someone with no anticipation of anything in return. Bring Jesus to those in need of His Love without any strings attached. Not in the mood to serve today? Ask Him for the graces to make the first move!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me what true service to others looks like. Please send me the graces to follow in Your footsteps and serve without ceasing.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: We Are Family

At my mother's 70th birthday party (late 90s), the DJ played a song I will always remember as a shining moment when I think of her. The song was "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge. Having all my sisters present, we grabbed my mother and started dancing to this wonderfully upbeat song. Once we were up dancing, having a good time, our friends and family began to join us.

We are family

I got all my sisters with me

We are family

Get up everybody and sing

We are family

I got all my sisters with me

We are family

Get up everybody and sing

We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether related by blood or circumstances, we must not forget the lesson in today's Gospel (Matthew 12:46-50) . . . through Christ, we are family:

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

In Volume Ten, Jesus vividly describes His love for His Family:

"Consider how important each soul is to Me. Consider Me, Jesus, in the form of My humanity. As I suffered anguish in the Garden, I was tempted with every form of temptation. Let us say that the enemy offered Me every soul on earth but one. For stepping away from the chance of saving this one soul, I could escape the cross. Add to the consideration that this one soul might reject Me and be lost anyway. Would I be tempted? Would you? Now consider that this one soul was yours. What do you think I would say? I assure you, My beloved, I said NO. Do not hold back from Me, little servants. Do not sidestep the Divine Will. Your family needs you and I need you."

Lay apostles, we must treat others with the love and mercy Christ shows us. Even when we reject Him, He continues to have hope for our souls. So why wouldn't we give others the same? Christ was rejected often, and ultimately, died for even those who did the rejecting. So today, look past the rejection and see before you a child of God. Makes it a little easier to accept when looking through the eyes of Jesus.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of family. Despite all the dysfunction, I am so blessed to have people to love and who love me.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: No Complaining Allowed!

Teenage girls. Boy oh boy did my three drive me nuts every once in a while during their adolescence. Getting them to set the table for dinner, let alone clear the table or do the dishes was torture. So I created a list rotating between the three tasks. But when the "clearer" didn't do her job quick enough, the dishwasher wandered off, usually gabbing on the phone with girlfriends. Then came the complaining from the setter. She did her job on time so why were the other two able to slack off? I would then proceed to one of the bedrooms blaring some hip-hop song and calmly remind the clearer to get moving so the dishwasher could do her job. Then by the third reminder, I wasn't so calm. As soon as a certain tone would come out of my mouth, I'd get the dirty look and the "ok, mom!" irritated growl. Suffice to say my girls all survived adolescence! Two of them are now mothers themselves . . . I pray the Good Lord allows me to live long enough to witness my grandchildren's teenage years! I think they will appreciate me just a little more!

In today's Gospel (Matthew 12:1-8), the Pharisees just couldn't stop complaining:

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath." He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath."

In Volume One, Jesus asks us to put duty over feelings:

“I want My children to have spiritual discipline. This means you practice your faith regardless of how you feel. There is far too much time spent on feelings today. Duty is more important. My children of the world think that their duties should be suspended if their feelings change. This is not the case, My children. On the contrary, you must complete your duties despite feelings of fatigue, boredom, and restlessness. The enemy uses these feelings to persuade people that they should not serve their loved ones. The world encourages this and does not hold people responsible when they shirk their duties or become lax or lazy. Indeed, even in work My children complain and think they should be given liberty. They begrudge doing their duty in every area of their lives. Only in their personal entertainment do they stop complaining, and that is being taken to excess. Children, this is not the way I intended for you to live. Your duty is holy and in it you will find your path to holiness. When you are unsure about what I want you to do at a given moment, look for your duty. Does it lie with your children, your job, your family, your home, your work? Everyone has a duty and in it you will find the path to your salvation. I want you to have discipline now. Decide, through prayer and conversation with Me, what spiritual practices you need to adopt. Then you must be disciplined about these practices.”

Lay apostles, simple tasks such as washing the dishes or mowing the yard are not exactly entertainment. But we must strive to complete our tasks on time with love and with no complaints. Each of us has a duty in life. Figure out what yours are and ask Christ for a heaping dose of motivation to accomplish them.

Thank you, Lord, for helping me survive teenage girls without pulling out all my hair! Please help my daughters to respond with love when their children reach that wonderful time in their lives when shirking duties/complaining is an everyday occurrence.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts: Childlike or Childish - What's the Difference?

A full bright moon on a clear starry night still enchants me. Yellow flowers of any type fill me with joy. Kisses and hugs from our grandbabies is a little piece of heaven on earth. I love singing my favorite songs cranked up as loud as I can tolerate (not quite the volume I blared when I was 18!). Yes, I can be childlike finding beauty, wonder, and excitement all around me. Doesn't God ask this of us? To enjoy and love all He has created? But some confuse childlike with childish. The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of childlike is as follows: resembling, suggesting, or appropriate to a child or childhood; especially: marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness (childlike delight). And the definition of childish: marked by or suggestive of immaturity and lack of poise (a childish spiteful remark). Two very different definitions. One bringing you closer to God while the other pulls you further away.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 11:25-27), Jesus informs us of the benefits of childlike behavior:

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

In Volume Four, Jesus the King clearly paints a picture of what childlike behavior looks like:

“In this time of change, you must walk in the light with determination. Children do not often fear because they rely on their parents for everything. When they face a problem, they run to their parents and place the problem with their parents, running off again to continue with their childlike pursuits. Take heed, dear ones. This is what we ask of you at this time. And we ask this for your own peace. This is the way to proceed during this time of change and transition. Soon, it will come naturally to you and you will have no need to remind yourself each day. I have asked My children to practice their faith and by that I mean continued acts of trust when trust would seem difficult and there is a temptation toward fear and distress. You must say, “I have given this to my Father in heaven. God wants to protect me so I will take full advantage of my Parentage and allow Him to do so. In this way, I am mentally liberated and can do the work my Father wills for me in freedom. My concentration should be on each task that is placed in front of me, never worrying about the past, never worrying about the future.”

Lay apostles, if you have lost all innocence and struggle understanding how to become childlike in the eyes of God, go outside tonight and marvel at the moon, a sunset, a smile from a loved one, anything. Thank Him for the beauty He surrounds us with on earth. Thank Him for His protection, His mercy and great love of all creation. Make it a daily habit. All of the sudden you will begin fearing less and praying more. And marveling at the sunshine a yellow flower can create on a cloudy day . . .

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me how to be childlike again. You have surrounded me with so much love and beauty!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts: An Interesting Confession

In a previous post, I discussed the Confession app I use to "track" my sins. It also allows me to set a reminder for when my monthly Confession is due (as lay apostles, we commit to monthly Confession). A few months ago, as Jay and I stood in Fr. Stan's line at our church, I pulled out my Confession app to review what I needed to confess. I learned something very valuable that day . . . if you click on a sin (and you can click on it several times if you commit the same sin over and over . . . for example, gossiping), there is no erasing if clicked on accident. Well, I accidentally clicked on "Have I caused serious injury or death by criminal neglect?" I panicked and tried to delete it. Soon it jumped to "2" on the number of times committed. I silently showed Jay what I had done. With a grin, he quietly asked if he needed to sleep with one eye open from now on. As the repenter before me walked out and Fr. Stan's smiling face greeted me, I closed the door behind me and told him I had to tell him something before we started. He had a serious look on his face as he asked what was on my mind. I confessed the above sins . . . and then explained the mishap. He burst into laughter as I began, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned . . ." The beauty of this Sacrament, when we are truly sorry for what we have done, is the grace the Lord bestows to go back into the world more knowledgeable and keenly aware of our own behavior.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 11:20-24), Jesus asks for our repentance:

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum:

Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.

For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

In the booklet Heaven Speaks to Prisoners, St. Francis of Assisi encourages us, despite our sins, to have a repentant heart:

"So perhaps you are stuck at that first road sign. You see a sign that says repentance this way, but you do not feel it. This is where the beauty of Jesus becomes clear. You can ask Jesus for even this. Tell Jesus that you want to be sorry but you do not feel sorry. Ask Jesus to give you sorrow for your sins. Ask Him to give you a spirit of repentance. Jesus will do this. He will do everything. Look up to Him and acknowledge Him as your King, your Saviour, and your Creator. He will do the rest. Do you see that with Jesus, you cannot fail? You simply cannot fail."

Lay apostles, how are we repentant for our sins? Do we feel the victim with no need to repent for retaliation? Do we hurt others because we have been hurt?  My friends, a sin is a sin. If we don't have it in us to apologize or visit the Sacrament of Confession, as St. Francis says above, "ask Jesus to give you sorrow for your sins." The more we ask for graces to climb the mountain to holiness, the easier repentance becomes.

Thank you, Lord, for all the graces bestowed on me through the Sacrament of Confession. There is not a better feeling in the world than walking out of there knowing I am right with You!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Bring it On

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman called "Bring it On." After reading today's Gospel (Matthew 10:16-23), this song immediately came to mind! If you haven't heard it before, here are the lyrics:

I didn't come lookin' for trouble

And I don't want to fight needlessly

But I'm not gonna hide in a bubble

If trouble comes for me

I can feel my heart beating faster

I can tell something's coming down

But if it's gonna make me grow stronger then'

Bring it on

Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow

Bring it on

Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong

Bring it on

Now, maybe you're thinkin' I'm crazy

And maybe I need to explain some things

'Cause I know I've got an enemy waiting

Who wants to bring me pain

But what he never seems to remember

What he means for evil God works for good

So I will not retreat or surrender

Bring it on

Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow

Bring it on

Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong

Bring it on

Now, I don't want to sound like some hero

'Cause it's God alone that my hope is in

But I'm not gonna run from the very things

That would drive me closer to Him

So bring it on

Bring it on

Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow

Bring it on

Let the trouble come, let it make me fall on the One who's strong

Bring it on

Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow

Bring it on

Let me be made weak so I'll know the strength of the One who's strong

Bring it on

Bring it on

Now, after reading the lyrics, read the Gospel. I promise the lyric "Bring it On" will be stuck in your head:

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men,  for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book The Mist of Mercy, she recommends we expect the storms in life, and learn to lean on Christ:

"During periods of duress, it is important that we be very gentle with ourselves. We must not condemn ourselves or judge ourselves more harshly than the Lord judges us. The enemy delights when we think, poor me. I’m not holy enough. Surely the Lord should cast me out of the family. Surely the Lord can do without the service of one who fails as I have just failed. We will all fail. We will at times lose patience with others. We will also, at times, mistakenly take the bait from the enemy and be drawn into upset and disorder. There are times when we will be the cause of the upset and disorder. But to beat ourselves up over failures is to prolong the enemy’s influence. Jesus has no need of perfect apostles or He would have created some. He needs us, in all of our imperfection. And He needs us to be humble so we must rejoice when we experience our humanity. If nothing else, mistakes remind us that Christ is King and we are not. Remember, too, that Jesus allows attacks. The devil has no power that Christ does not allow him. Jesus allows us to experience spiritual warfare so that we can grow in holiness and trust. With regard to spiritual warfare, my spiritual director often says, 'Expect it. Count on it. See it coming.' We must expect resistance and become adept at weathering storms. It is terrifically helpful to have humility. Ask God for humility each day as without it you will be vulnerable. It is a standing joke in our family that a request to heaven for humility is usually answered within minutes. If you lack humility, my friends, you will inevitably land on your backside. In fairness, we all land like that at times. Our humanity guarantees it. Be assured though, that a lack of humility ensures a far more painful landing."

Lay apostles, what are the storms darkening your life right now? Is it finances? A rocky relationship? Stifling fear of the unknown? Whatever it is, think about the song lyrics above. Reread the quote from The Mist of Mercy above. Remember Christ is King and reigns above all. Try to see the storms through His Eyes . . . and trust He will bring us through anything the world can hurl at us. Anything! He is the Light. Follow Him out of the darkness. Ask Him to send the graces to see the Light.

Thank you, Lord, for leading me out of the storms and into Your Loving Arms!

God bless,
Bonnie

Patience IS a Virtue!

Patience used to be a tough one for me. Especially when it involved Jesus Christ the Returning King. There is nothing I enjoy more than leading others to Christ. As I have said many times, this apostolate (Direction for Our Times) drastically changed my life. I get so excited when people I meet want to know more about the mission. I love getting feedback. But, not everyone is ready for change. This is where my lack of patience would creep in. When handing out a Volume, I assumed others would devour it as I did the first time I laid eyes on it. Why wouldn't everyone want to feel like I feel? To truly understand how an intimate relationship with Christ can rock your world? I have heard Anne, a lay apostle, say many times to plant the seed and let Jesus take it from there. I struggled with this concept for quite a while, but over time, I began to understand the importance of this statement. I can't make people believe or desire a closer relationship with Jesus. Because if I could "make" them, it would be my time, not God's time. The valuable lesson here is to approach others with love and show them, by example, what living in the Light of Christ looks and feels like. Then, move on and hand out the next Volume.

Today's Gospel (Matthew 10:7-15) gives good advice when trying to shine the light of Christ on those in darkness pushing us away:

Jesus said to his Apostles: "As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."

In the Monthly Message of August 2008, Jesus instructs us to be vigilant in pursuing holiness:

“Ask yourself today and each day, ‘Where is God asking me to be holier today?’ Perhaps it is charity, perhaps patience, possibly trust, maybe you should practice concentrating on your holiness and refrain from examining the work needed in other souls. Oh, My dear apostles, if you could only see how desirable holiness is to heaven. If you could only see how beautiful you are when you are looking up to heaven with an honest desire to become holier. When you become distracted, My heart sighs. And yet I am patient with you. I know that My little ones want to serve Me. I know that My little ones struggle to absorb the truth about holiness. And that is why I am patient. I am patient because you are trying. Continue trying, dear apostles. Walk bravely into holiness. Be fearless in examining your condition. If you do so, I will surround you with love so that you do not become discouraged but emboldened.”

Lay apostles, be proactive for Christ. Live as an example to others. For what good does it bring when we say we love Jesus, but brutally judge; hand out a Volume and then use Christ's name in vain. Remember, all eyes are on us to determine if we live what we preach.

Thank you, Lord, for increasing my patience level when what I really want to do is speak out . . . say my truth!  I understand what You are trying to teach me . . . be as patient with others as You are with me!

God bless,
Bonnie

Be Extraordinary!

Ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things through Christ. Every one of us has the ability for greatness. It doesn't require wealth or education. It doesn't require social savvy or popularity. But it does require the commitment to God. We are capable of becoming extraordinary by following the path of Our Savior. It's not the easiest path to take, but the most gratifying in the end. Think you can't make a difference in this world? Give it a try . . . you will be surprised by what being a lay apostle of Jesus Christ the Returning King can accomplish.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 10:1-7), Jesus shows us the power of the Gospel can transform the ordinary:

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

In Volume One, our Blessed Mother explains that all it takes is a "yes" to her Son:

"Children, Jesus is trying to tell you gently that you must join Him now. Not later, but now. The time of darkness is mercifully near its end and Jesus is going to intervene in the world in an extraordinary fashion. You must be prepared and that is why we are sending you these messages. Do not ignore the prophets we send as an act of extended mercy. Can you imagine how you will feel if you have been warned but failed to respond? Can you ignore Jesus after He has shown you so much love? Can you continue, possibly, to turn your back on Him? Of course not. Because in your heart you know that Jesus is the Way, and you know that He calls you for the last time in this world. My children must obey their God and hasten to assist Him. Be on our side, dear child. Our side is the side of love. Our side is the side of obedience. Our side is the side of light, happiness, and service to others. There is no real choice for you. Your God cries out to you sharply and you must answer Him. I, your heavenly mother, will help you. We are doing everything. We need only your “yes” to unleash all manner of graces upon you. Your mother blesses you and helps you in every decision, including the decision to serve. Be at peace with your service to Christ, little one, as it is the only correct decision."

Lay apostles, how can you be extraordinary today? Whether it is caring for an elderly parent/friend, being a stay at home mom loving her children, or a devoted father working hard at his job to support his family, do it all for Our Savior. Offer it all to Him for His Glory. Remember even the tiniest act of love will spread ripples of peace and joy to those around you.

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to serve You within this apostolate. Thank you, Blessed Mother, for loving me so much I can actually feel your mantle of protection, even in the storms!

God bless,

Bonnie

Found: Lost Sheep!

It's a beautiful thing watching a young person discover the love of Christ. A memory from years ago comes to mind . . . when Jay or I mentioned going to Mass, or the Gospel, or even Jesus for that matter, the conversation changed very quickly with a particular young person in our life. It took a drastic move on Jesus' part to get her attention. But boy did He! We began to have conversations about Jesus and the Bible. One night we received a phone call on her way home from work. A comment she made blew us away . . . she said she pitied people who didn't know Christ! Lay apostles, this was just a small taste of heaven on earth. Change can occur right before our eyes. But we can't stop there. Loving evangelization is a continuous service to Our Lord, not something to quit/move on from once behaviors appear to be heading in the right direction. Keep your eyes open for those lost sheep . . . you never know the impact of your words may have on those who are searching for God.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 9:32-38), Jesus feels pity for those who are lost and searching in all the wrong places:

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, I found this quote absolutely perfect in describing what happens when we accept Jesus in our hearts:

"When one has rejected God’s mercy, there is the decision to be without God, and one’s loneliness brings one to bitterness. When one accepts God’s mercy and one is alone, that loneliness brings one to a longing for heaven and a pity and compassion for the plight of others who do not understand what they crave, that is, God."

Lay apostles, instead of becoming angry or irritated with those who criticize or judge us, find peace and solace knowing they are trying to fill the "God" hole with everything other than God. Have pity and compassion for those lost sheep. Jesus needs His lay apostles focused on loving rather than reacting.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me patience is a very important virtue! And, for allowing me to see little glimpses of Your Return through this mission, one soul at a time.

God bless,

Bonnie

Believe It or Not: Freedom in Christ!

Music has always been calming to me . . . during times of stress, sadness and joy.  After reading today's Gospel, it brought back a memory, clear as day, how a song on the radio opened my eyes just a little wider. As I was changing sheets on our bed one day, I popped on my bedside radio (set on a station playing 70s and 80s music). A song I hadn't heard in ages came on, "Believe It or Not" (sung by Joey Scarbury) from a TV series in the early 80s called The Greatest American Hero. I loved that show! But especially loved the theme song. As I started singing the lyrics (yes, I knew every word!), an overwhelming joy and peace came over me. This is my life now . . . this is the grace Jesus has given me for trying my best to serve in faith as a lay apostle while on this earth. Don't get me wrong, there are always going to be bumps in the road. But, as long as He is by my side, I am able to navigate through any difficulties placed on my path! Here are the wonderful lyrics I couldn't seem to get out of my head that morning (and, will be on repeat in my head today!):

Look at what's happened to me, 

I can't believe it myself. 

Suddenly I'm up on top of the world, 

It should've been somebody else. 

Believe it or not, 

I'm walking on air. 

I never thought I could feel so free-. 

Flying away on a wing and a prayer. 

Who could it be? 

Believe it or not it's just me. 

It's like a light of a new day-, 

It came from out of the blue. 

Breaking me out of the spell I was in, 

Making all of my wishes come true-. 

Believe it or not, 

I'm walking on air. 

I never thought I could feel so free-. 

Flying away on a wing and a prayer. 

Who could it be? 

Believe it or not it's just me.

Today's Gospel (Matthew 9:18-26) demonstrates the freedom we all can obtain when we truly believe:

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

In Volume One, Jesus assures us He will open our eyes if we only ask:

"These words I bring you are more Good News. I want you to share these words as you would share the Good News. If you prepare a great banquet, filled with the finest of foods, you do not sit down alone to sample and enjoy it. You invite friends and loved ones to share and celebrate together. In the same way, I want you to share My words. I will secure the necessary permissions and then you must obey the promptings I place in your heart. All will be seen to. I require only your obedience. I send these words to call humanity back to the light. I, your God, will move swiftly when the time is right. It is My will that souls be prepared. This is a great mercy of Mine and I would not have humanity treat it lightly. Be assured, dear souls, that I will triumph. My glorious plan is already beginning and if you ask Me, I will remove the blinders from your eyes and awaken your soul from its lassitude with My divine touch. Only ask Me. I call you now and wish to draw you with love into My plan. Respond to Me with all of your energy and love."

Lay apostles, Jesus has given us directions that will lead us to Him and an eternity in heaven. Pick up a Volume (or download for free to the right), randomly read a page, then contemplate on what Jesus wants you to hear.

Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much and leading me to this apostolate. I never thought I could feel so free!

God bless,
Bonnie