Thursday, June 27, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Replacing Anger

Triggers . . . I am convinced Jesus has been working on this hurdle with me since I first read Volume One back in 2006. After 12 years of being immersed in this mission, I am happy to say He may have finally broken through the barrier. Learning to replace anger with acceptance and love is hard work. The old me ran head first into issues, ready for a fight. I now choose to either walk away or try to remain calm/listen better. Jay and I try our best to achieve a peaceful existence both between us and in our home. So, last night when the Democrat debate was on TV, Jay chose to watch for a few minutes and I walked away! Anger replaced!

Todays Gospel (Matthew 7:21-29) is quite blunt . . . actions speak louder than words:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

In Volume One, Jesus reminds us how much we are needed for His Heavenly goals:

"How blessed are you that you have been called, indeed, and given these messages. Little child, you are a Christian because someone fulfilled their duty. Now you must fulfill your duty and call out to others in love and solicitude. Leave nothing undone that could bring a soul to Me. Let those of the world scoff at you, if they dare. The inhabitants of heaven commend you. If you hear My name spoken in ridicule or anger, turn away, praying to Me for the forgiveness of that person. Then, instead of your God being unwelcome and ridiculed in that situation, He will be honored. That, My child, is, in summary, what I am calling you to do. Be joyful. Be glad. You are My chosen one and My favor and Spirit rests upon you."

Lay apostles, do you perceive each threat or attempt to disrupt your peace by another a chance to rely on Christ? Or, do you blow up repeating old habits of reacting to triggers? Replace anger with love/understanding. So, if something triggers an old wound today, be calm and ask Jesus to send some graces to help you through it. He will never fail you.

Thank you, Lord, for the work You have done in my heart and soul. And, thanks for all Your Patience while I get there!

God bless,
Bonnie

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Dualistic Thinking

Anne a lay apostle talks about dualistic thinking. Justin Sofio, a young lay apostle working for the mission, wrote the following after Anne's talk at a prison:

"So many of the prisoners have had people label them as 'bad.' We watched a look of relief come over them as Anne explained the danger of dualistic thinking and how this is not what Jesus wants from us. Dualistic thinking is the idea that people are either all bad or all good. The truth is we each do bad things and we each do good things and we are all somewhere in the middle. It is inaccurate and unfair to label someone as all good or all bad."

What are you producing today, lay apostles? Good fruits of love and acceptance allowing us to grow closer to Christ? Or the bad fruit of judgment, hatred, and violence?

Today's Gospel (Matthew 7:15-20) asks us to look at the outcome of any situation and you will determine if it is good or bad very easily:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits, you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”

In Heaven Speaks About Addictions, St. Barnabas gives us a message about worshipping false gods (our addictions), fitting perfectly with today's Gospel:

"My dear friend, notice that Jesus calls you His apostle. He is asking you to serve Him. Do not make the mistake of thinking that He is talking to someone else. He is talking to you. There is work for you in the Kingdom. You have suffered, it is true. We all suffer during our time on earth. But Jesus can heal any wounds. You are trying to heal yourself. You are trying to make yourself feel better. But you cannot do this alone and the healing you are offering your body and soul is making you sicker. I have the true healing, the true peace. I am Barnabas and I want to help you too. It can be difficult to make a decision to step away from your addictions. I understand. The enemy convinces you that you need these things to be happy. And yet, you are not happy. Be honest with yourself for a moment and hear me. You are not at peace if you are attached to something so much that you need it unless it is God. I am referring generally to things that you are putting in your body, but any habit can become destructive if it takes you from your duties or separates you from purity or holiness. Some of these things are fine in moderation, perhaps, but in excess, they begin to take over. These things, these addictions, once they hold you, do not let you go until you make a firm decision to stop completely. Only then can heaven remove their power over you and free your soul. My friend, you object in your heart. You hold this addiction close to you and would like me to be wrong. This alone tells you that there is a problem. I am not wrong. I am looking from the heavenly perspective and I assure you, I am correct when I tell you that Jesus wants to free you.

Jesus wants you to view the world as He views the world. Only in this way will you serve Him as He needs you to serve. Only in this way will you see those around you with His eyes and correctly identify your role in their lives. If you have an addiction, you have acquired a bad thing, and that is tunnel vision. You see with the eyes of your addiction. You will serve, yes, but only in as much as it does not interfere with your addiction. Do you understand? The addiction begins to take the first place in your life, putting Jesus, and your vocation in the second. This tunnel vision gradually closes off the heavenly vision until, at the end, when the addiction rules you, you can see only it. You are then the servant to the addiction. The addiction is your master. And the addiction is not a benign master, seeking your welfare. The addiction is a cruel master eventually demanding everything from you. You will have to bring the addiction offerings of your dignity, your purity of intention, and perhaps even your membership in the Body of Christ.

Now, you say I am exaggerating. You cannot fool me because I know what you are thinking. I am one who understands addiction, having suffered from it myself. You are not unique when you suffer from an addiction. We end up the same way. Compare the master that is your addiction to Jesus Christ. Jesus seeks only your welfare and the welfare of those around you. He asks you to serve in dignity, in goodness, in company with all of the just on earth and the saints in heaven. You are surrounded by heavenly beings in the form of angels who will assist you in each moment and in every situation. Jesus sends you His Spirit, Who enlightens you and gives you courage and strength. Jesus has prepared a place for you here in heaven. I can go to this place and see it because it is here. We do not tell lies. We deal only in the truth. I would like you to sit silently before Christ now in this spirit of truth and let Jesus tell you if your addiction is a problem.

I want to tell you about the price you are paying to maintain this addiction as your friend. And that is how you view it, is it not? You think this addiction is a good thing for you, a consolation, and a compensation for the pain you have suffered. Let me state again, lest you have forgotten. Pain is a universal experience. Hurt is a universal experience. You are not alone in your pain and in your hurt. Do not think you are somehow entitled to this addiction because you have suffered more than others. This would be false, a lie, and remember that heaven does not deal in lies. So where there is only truth, we must speak with clarity. Everyone on earth has been hurt or will be hurt and has felt pain or will feel pain. That makes you like everyone else. You are not entitled to use this addiction to dull your pain. It is wrong, a sin. To say that you are in special need of this earthly balm is making an excuse. It is also preventing you from dealing with your pain. And what happens when people do not deal directly with their pain? The enemy turns the pain to bitterness. In souls who allow Jesus to help, pain becomes wisdom and compassion. Pain is used for great spiritual growth. Do not listen to those who tell you that your addiction is acceptable because you suffer. These people are leading you away from Christ through flawed thinking. This is the thinking that leads souls to hell. I am not saying that you are going to hell. I am not saying that those who have died in their addictions are in hell. Jesus is all mercy. He is all goodness and forgiveness. He does not condemn a soul unless a soul insists on being condemned. But it is because of His very goodness and mercy that you should serve Him more completely and you cannot do that if you serve another master."

Lay apostles, let's all serve Him today and produce some good fruit for the Kingdom!

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities You present every day to further Your Perfect Plan for each and every one of us on this earth!

God bless,
Bonnie


Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: One Act of Love

My worst fear as a teenager?  That my secret would be discovered. It was complete torture trying to hide it. I knew if my friends found out, let alone a boy I liked, it would be . . . well, embarrassing. Yes, I am talking about my curly hair. I did everything in my power to straighten it, and we are talking before the brilliant invention of flatirons!  Hollowed out metal coffee cans bobby pinned to the top of my head; hot rollers (which still gave me curls!); and even tried ironing it once because I saw my oldest sister doing it.  The point I want to make is, nothing else mattered at the time.  I had no other fears. And I took most of my angst out on my younger sister. I didn't care about consequences or how much I hurt her with harsh criticisms.  My mother would always say, "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." My response?  Bring it on. I really could care less what my stupid little sister had to say.  I always had a better zinger to boomerang right back at her. We were both stuck in a toxic environment with a very mentally ill mother after Dad left. Taking it out on her seemed the only way to purge the hurt, anger, and frustration of my chaotic world.  I remember the pained look in her eyes when I would erupt. But instead of feeling bad, it made me feel better.  As if there was someone else on this earth who felt as bad as I did.

You will be happy to know we have always been involved in each other's lives as adults and love each other very much today! Most importantly, we have learned to cope with our past and take it for what it was . . . our journey called life.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 7:6, 12-14), Jesus reminds us to play nice:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few."

In the Monthly Message of December 2005, Jesus gives examples of how to play nice:

“I have given you many examples of how I loved during My time on earth. Read about Me in Scripture, dear apostles, and then be gentle as I was gentle. Be kind as I was kind. Be respectful as I was respectful. Be forgiving as I was forgiving. I am with you in each moment and you may ask me for the grace to love each soul in your life. I will send you this grace and together, you and I will prepare you to love like a resident of heaven. In this process, you will find great joy. This joy is only the very beginning of My reward to you. Be at peace. Your God created you to love and He will teach you how to do this.”

Lay apostles, it all seems so crystal clear, doesn't it?  Then why is it so hard to forgive at times? To be kind, gentle, and respectful in situations where it is so desperately needed? Well, quite frankly, because we are flawed human beings. And, it takes practice! How can you practice being forgiving, kind, gentle or respectful today?  Well, I for one am going to call my baby sister and remind her how much I love her!

Thank you, Lord, for all the lessons You so desperately want us to learn. Help me to remember all it requires is one step forward, one act of love.

God bless,
Bonnie

Monday, June 24, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: It's Time To Be Bold

Today is the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. A man who prepared the way for many to Christ. As Christians, we are called to be His light on earth, drawing others to Him as John did. What behaviors are we displaying on a daily basis? Do they emulate Christ? Are we forgiving, thankful, loving, kind, and nonjudgemental? Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy . . . but if we live as John did, think about our reward in heaven. Now is the time to be bold, lay apostles. Don't shy away from speaking His Name constantly and out loud. Stop caring what others will think of you. Care about what Jesus will think of you . . .

In today's Gospel (Luke 1:57-66,80), as an infant, the crowds knew John was special:

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Serving in Clarity, our Blessed Mother encourages us to be bold as the reward will be great:

"This is the time of my Son. Dear apostle, how overjoyed I am at the loyalty He receives from this current band of followers. You are like apostles of the past in that you serve with consistency and joy. You are unique, though, given that you serve during a time when the enemy seeks to have a complete hold on this world. This attempt to overcome the world is bold. It ensures that you will have to fight, as all apostles are called to fight. The difference for apostles in this time is the consistent level of resistance they face from the enemies of my Son. Consistent with the increased resistance is the increased grace, of course. Heaven and earth work together as in no other time."

Lay apostles, do you shy away from speaking the name of Jesus in public? I used to be that way. I used to think I didn't need to "convert" anyone . . . as long as I tried to do my best. Well, I was wrong. We are asked to spread His Words and this mission. We are asked to live our lives boldly, as the first apostles did. It can be scary and overwhelming to stand out in a crowd. Let me tell you . . . I have done it and sometimes great conversions happen. Sometimes there is ridicule and mockery. But when it's all said and done, I know I have done, to the best of my ability, what He asks of me. What can you do today to be bold for Christ?

Thank you, Lord, for the strength, wisdom, and support You have given me in times I was a little leery of being bold. Please continue to nudge me when I'm not bold enough!

God bless,
Bonnie


Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Love Your Enemies

There couldn't be better timing for the Gospel message today. With up-to-date news as close as a tap on our smartphones, the lies/intolerance occurring here in our own country is enough to entice my husband and me to visit a gun store/shooting gallery to inquire about classes. There is so much self-pity and childish behavior being flung since our president's election 2 1/2 years ago, it has become like projectile vomiting . . . most can't stop it from freely exiting their mouths! There is such a lack of control in the emotional department, I wonder . . . how did they become so angry? The only thing I can come up with? God is not front and center in their lives, or if even IN their lives. Christ assigns us a very difficult task today . . . love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. When people I love frustrate or disappoint me, it's easy to continue loving them and find a resolution. When the perpetrator is in Hollywood, the #FakeNews media or a random person on Twitter, I have to admit I struggle with loving and praying for them. The solution for me? Don't spend my hard earned money by going to the theater to see these characters try to act; keep the offending news channels off; block the frustrating tweets. I also try to stay focused on positive political #NewMedia like YourVoice America (Bill Mitchell is the best! Extremely positive and explains what is actually going on in America!). I am a work in progress . . . trying my best to pray instead of loudly voicing my opinion when I see or hear all the negativity! All I can say is . . . TRUMP 2020!!

Today's Gospel (Matthew 5:43-48):

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

The following quote from Anne's book Staying in Place perfectly states the reason we must stay focused on love and gratitude, not hate and anger:

"Self-pity is the enemy of wellness and joy. Self-pity is the enemy of virtue. Self-pity targets initiative and accomplishment. Jesus Christ kept working from the cross of His death, organizing care for His mother, obtaining forgiveness for His persecutors, doing the hard work to wrap His head around His circumstances, even asking, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'

My friends, if we are breathing, life has expectations of us. Today’s expectations could jump to a far higher level at any moment. We must prepare to serve. And when we are most disappointed, we must practice finding what is good around us, what is pure, even when it is only pure sorrow. Then we might say with profound gratitude, 'Thank you, Jesus that someone taught me to believe in the next life, where all of this suffering will have evaporated and where I will be united with loved ones in safety and celebration, free from pain, harm and threat.'"

Lay apostles, how do we detach from all the noise encompassing our daily lives? Put the smartphone down. Call instead of text. Serve each other. Turn the TV off and read a Volume. Talk to each other. Pray.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me I have to love and pray for my enemies. I will need some extra graces FYI!

God bless,
Bonnie

Monday, June 17, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Offer No Resistance?

Years ago I was visiting my sister and nieces in Colorado a few weeks before Christmas. We were in the shopping mood and went to Flatirons Mall outside of Boulder. It was freezing, snowing and windy that day, the worst combination for this thin-blooded Floridian! The great thing about shopping in Colorado during the winter is all the summer clothes are on clearance. Perfect gifts for my daughters in Florida. After hours of shopping, we made our way out to valet parking (it was much too cold for my sister to park herself). There is a small enclosed seating area behind the valet attendant providing warmth to weary shoppers. The girls and I huddled together in this cozy little haven with shopping bags surrounding our feet, trying to stay warm. Luckily all my gifts fit into the big A & F bag I snuggled between my legs as we shivered. As our car pulled up, we all made a mad dash for it, grabbing our bargains and treasures from the day's outing. No sooner did we get in the car, I noticed my bag was missing. I thought I may have kicked it under the bench as I helped my nieces grab their bags. My sister turned the car around and drove back to the valet. I jumped out only to find there weren't any bags, or people, in the seating area. Gone. All the gifts I bought to give my daughters vanished. My sister kept the car running as my nieces and I retraced our steps and ended up at Lost and Found. Nothing. The girls (probably 10 and 13 at the time) were so upset for me. Trying not to put a damper on our Christmas spirit, I told them that whoever stole the clothes needed them more than we did. So I wished the thieves a Merry Christmas. We all giggled, then sprinted out the mall doors to the warmth of my sister's car.

After reading today's Gospel (Matthew 5:38-42), the situation above came to mind. But when the offense is perceived as unforgivable, how do we interpret and apply the following?

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."

Man, this is a tough one. Probably one of the hardest lessons Jesus preached, but a virtue worth attaining.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers from the Cross, she illuminates how evil influences:

"To clarify, we must not allow Satan to persuade us that the people around us are like him. Satan will always try to destroy what is good and holy. He will try to tempt us against each other. He will try to persuade us that we are being treated badly or worse than we are or that we are owed something from someone that they either cannot give or do not understand that they owe or that they do not even possess. I am searching and hoping to land, randomly if necessary, on the way the devil works against God's willed relationships. How often have we worked ourselves into a full-fledged war against someone only to find out the person never fired the first shot? I am talking about misunderstandings and assumptions . . ."

Lay apostles, Jesus isn't asking us to lay down and be doormats. He is telling us to peacefully walk away. Take no revenge. Hold no grudges. Hate the sin, not the sinner!

Thank you, Lord, for enhancing my ability to remain humble and go the extra mile when You need me to. It sure is a long walk sometimes, but I can do anything with You by my side!

God bless,
Bonnie

Friday, June 14, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Fight For Your Faith

The dreaded Annulment process . . . between Jay and me, we have experienced the whole gamut. Mine was a quick turnaround, his lasted 3 years. Why did we persevere through the adversity we experienced? I can sum it up in one picture:

Our 2016 Catholic wedding day in Ireland with our entire family!

Yes, our entire family was and is always watching. If we don't demonstrate the importance of our Catholic faith to them and the extent to which we must fight for it, who will? Divorce is not something either of us anticipated when we were young. Circumstances and life had a different outcome in mind. Before I met Jay, I didn't understand being in a marriage with a partner sharing the same Catholic values I cherish is a foretaste of heaven (minus the occasional bumps!) on earth. Now, I get it! So, if you are already married or about to enter into one, go in with eyes wide open. Pray together, always. Fight for your faith. Keep communication alive and a united front prominently displayed for all to see. Thrive, don't just survive in your marriage!

Today's Gospel (Matthew 5:27-32) spells out the importance of staying focused on your commitments:

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you,  everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin,  tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.

"It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

In Anne a lay apostle's book Staying in Place, the following quote is long, but so relevant in today's topic of divorce and annulment:

"Given the limited amount of preparation for engaged couples, many embark on what is a considerable task, sacramental marriage, with little or no knowledge of what they are taking on. When it fails, they possibly are still not told what was missing or what they were supposed to be taking on. This supports conditions for a rebound effect wherein, because people do not heal adequately, they can be likely to repeat the cycle. We possibly offer the smallest amount of formation but then hold people to a standard that assumes the highest amount of formation. This is confusing for people. Many couples get married, get divorced and also get annulled, and could not tell you anything about marital chastity or describe a healthy marital prayer life. Who is getting it wrong?

Additionally, some people who leave a marriage are making the right decision, possibly for everyone involved. Others heroically persevere through difficult circumstances for the good of their marriages. The annulment process, at face value, recognizes both of these things as possible. But it must be noted that there is very limited ongoing support or marital formation. It is available to a degree in our Sunday homilies, and many a couple leaves Sunday Mass a little humbler. But if one is married to someone who is not practicing, that weekly support remains out of reach. We often say to people, “You remain in a sacramental union.” Yet they know, in some cases, that they must be separate.

Many report feeling condemned to a netherworld of guilt, shame and failure, often without benefit of Holy Communion if they move into an irregular union.

Clearly, we could say that they have made a choice. The question that has to be asked is, ‘How free people are to make that choice?’ Who is the one most equipped to discern the matter? Is it fair that another person or group presumes to discern this highly personal matter and then also presumes to make a judgment on it? Obviously, it is their job and they are doing their best, no doubt. This writing does not seek to criticize any one group but to stimulate thought for the whole group.

What would God desire for a couple in an irregular union? One or both have emerged from painful circumstances which can at times destroy one’s understanding of one’s own dignity. What would God desire that we offer in His name?

Is it more probable that God would want to take the best care of them and direct their family life as much as they allowed Him to do? In this way, the children would be more likely to experience formation as Catholics. This might be the Church receiving back in love, like the prodigal son, her children who have felt rejected and dead-ended and in many cases have chosen other faith communities. It has to be said. We must accept this or deceive ourselves into thinking we are always getting it right. A death of self-examination in the Church is a death knell for the development of the Bride of Christ and it must be said that the limited thinking that is inflicted on people can be disturbing. Also, sociological realities must be considered."

Lay apostles, contemplate your relationships today . . . spouses, parents, children, siblings, and friends. When looking from the outside at each relationship, does it demonstrate your love for God and each other or does it scream of angst, fear, hatred or pride? Sit in Contemplative Prayer today. I promise it's worth your time.

Thank you, Lord, for Contemplative Prayer and all the graces showered upon my wonderful husband and me! Let us be the light we wish to see in the world!

God bless,
Bonnie

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Handling the Truth

I can't stand it when I'm wrong. Passionate about what I believe to be true, I find it hard to swallow when I get it wrong. Well, at least I used to be that way. Now, I am finally mature enough to admit (most of the time!) when I'm not getting it right. Anger is not a word in my vocabulary anymore. When Jay and I have a disagreement (which is VERY rare, but it does happen!), we quickly turn to Jesus. We don't harbor ill feelings toward each other. Most importantly, we listen to each other and talk it out. Bottom line . . . there is no doubt we love each other and neither wants to cause the other any hurt. There is safety in our relationship. We both feel safe to say what's on our mind, and do our best to speak in a loving manner. We try not to judge or bring up the past (prior to our relationship). Handling the truth takes practice, but more importantly, it takes trust. Trust in the Lord . . . trust in my husband. When you have both, life carries peace that I personally never experienced prior to Jay. Trust Him and everything else will flow.

The Gospel today (Matthew 5:20-26) tells us to never resort to anger . . . lest we are judged accordingly:

Jesus said to his disciples:  “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

In Volume One, Jesus asks us to remain peaceful at all times:

"Often, hearing the truth will anger a soul. Remain calm and loving in the face of this anger and know that people were and are often angry with Me. Children, do not spread unpleasantness about others, either factual or not. Say nothing unless you speak to protect another. Usually you should remain quiet about the sins of your sisters and brothers, as you have enough of your own to be busy about. Speak of kindnesses, sacrifices, and loving acts that brought you joy. Focus on the many, many good qualities of others. Remember that if a soul is not united to Me, that soul feels a gaping emptiness, a loneliness, and a sadness. Dearest children who are close to My heart, have compassion and mercy as I have had compassion and mercy for you."

Lay apostles, anger can get the best of us if we let it. Truly, anger erupts out of fear . . . fear of the truth coming out, fear of our own inadequacies, fear of the unknown. We can either choose to lash out when confronted, or act as Christ did when He faced others fears . . . calm and loving. Go out today knowing you are fully protected with the armor of Christ. So suit up and stay joyful, full of His Truth.

Thank you, Lord, for the peace you have given me through the Volumes and all of Anne's writing. I am a different person than I was even yesterday. You have filled me with peace.

God bless,
Bonnie


Friday, June 7, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Ready to Forgive

Decisions made in the heat of the moment can go one of two ways. We can either react emotionally, shooting daggers at the offending party. Or we can keep our comments to ourselves remembering every human being is a child of God. Even the worst of the worst. Think about Jesus on the cross. Two criminals on each side of Him. One of them hurling insults at Christ and the other realizing He was the Son of God, asking Jesus to remember him in His Kingdom. How did Jesus respond? He told the man who believed that they would be seeing each other in paradise. It's never too late to repent. No matter what your sins are, no matter how grave, Jesus is always ready to forgive.

Today's Gospel (John 21:15-19) is a perfect example of the forgiveness we can expect from our Lord:

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." He then said to Simon Peter a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Staying in Place, she points out God's Forgiveness is right in front of us at all times:

"Hurting another created child of God is the same as hurting the One who created that child. Rejecting God is a 'no' response to His complete 'I love you.' We repent and as Catholics, we seek absolution through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Yet, there’s something which is more widely available, also. We can evaluate it as existing within our human experience. It is by cooperation with grace we have been saved, through faith. By the same token, it would appear that there is nothing we could do negatively, through sin, which would prompt God to withdraw the gifts of grace available. We can reject the gifts, for example, we can reject the gift He offers of forgiveness by refusing to repent. We reject many of His gifts, but they keep coming and they remain in front of us for uptake throughout our whole life, regardless of our condition."

Lay apostles, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Paul was persecuting Christians. And yet they became true disciples of Christ. All Jesus asked was they feed and tend to His sheep. That's all He asks of us. Love Him and spread the Good News. For however we have sinned or been sinned against, truly repenting in our hearts is the goal.

Thank you, Lord, for bringing your lay apostles words to live by. Continue to help me forgive unconditionally. And most especially, to remain silent when I want to throw daggers.

God bless,

Bonnie

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Gospel Thoughts Today: Scandals

Recently an article called "Give us Barabbas" by Fr. Michael Orsi, a Chaplain and Research Fellow at Ave Maria Law resurfaced from 2013. It is worth the read and still very relevant today:


When Catholic institutions don't practice Catholicism, why call yourself a Catholic institution? Could it be to lure good, trusting Catholic parents into thinking their child will be safely immersed in their beloved faith while away from home? Are parents footing the bill for a prestigious Catholic education where they choose a man promoting abortion legislation in Ireland over their own Archbishop, Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley? Woe to those who lead their flock away from Christ.

In today's Gospel (John 17:11B-19), Jesus asks His Father to protect us from evil, and fill us with the Truth:

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Serving in Clarity, she describes a day which began in darkness . . . then Jesus renews with His Light:

"I then considered the world where goodness is mocked and condemned. In its place the world elevates and applauds selfishness and base behavior. Those who truly represent Christ are targeted by even some who purport to serve Him because in their hearts they serve themselves. Such duplicity! Falseness! Contempt for innocence! How on earth are we to proceed in such an environment? I went to Mass seeking the One I cannot find. There was no Mass. A man also seeking Christ this morning winked at me and said, 'We should have read the bulletin.' His friendliness allowed the smallest bit of light into my heart. Jesus, who hides from me, began to speak. He said, 'Anne, come home to Me and write. The enemy plans destruction. I, in My mercy, plan salvation for My children. This consoles Me.' Back at home, I closed my eyes at the request of the Savior, listening to His voice. I experience no joy from this. It is like getting a telegram in the sense that I am denied any consolation from it. God wills this for many reasons at this time, the most important of which is that I must experience these moments exactly as other lay apostles experience them. I rested in my misery. Jesus told me to pray. I said, 'Lord, please give me renewed courage. Send me greater strength. Give me clarity in my role in the Kingdom on this day so that I may not disappoint You.' I lifted my head and began to write and as I did, I felt a return of courage and strength. I actually felt I could continue where prior to the prayer, I really felt I would lay my head down and quit. Jesus said this: My apostles will be sustained. Have no fear that I will allow an apostle to perish in battle. I will sustain My apostles with a constant stream of courage and strength in this new time, ensuring that each apostle desiring to serve will have exactly the graces needed to do so. Anne, these words should fill each apostle with joy."

Lay apostles, pray. There is scandal all over the news today. Some things we aren't too surprised about and saw coming. Others are just plain sad. Pray as Jesus did in the Gospel today asking for consecration in the Truth. Pray for those who know not what they do.

Thank you, Lord, for faith to meet the challenges and difficulties occurring in the U.S. right now. Guide my writing to speak what you would have me say.

God bless,
Bonnie