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.

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

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. Last month my youngest daughter and I were at my great niece's wedding in California. All my sisters were once again together, after 10 years. Toward the end of the reception, as we all sat at our family table, the first two notes of this song had us all up and running toward the dance floor! After the "sisters" were up dancing, all our family members (most of them female!) joined us as we sang the words at the top of our lungs! We may all live in different places across the US, but we are family. There was so much love at that moment, I felt truly blessed to be a part of it.

Lay apostles, 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: Get Moving!

Some days, I'm just not feeling it. I'm either too tired or just plain lazy. And I'm really good at convincing myself it will be ok if I just skip it one day. Alas, one day turns into two, and well, you know how the snowball effect works. About 3 months ago, my perpetual laziness (well, I did have a mile worth of steps on my iPhone health app usually every day!) was beginning to show up in ways never experienced . . . worsening insomnia, joint soreness, and all-day tiredness. Wow! The joy of aging! So, I kicked my own butt and pulled out my old standbys: Jillian Michaels, Jeanette Jenkins, and Kathy Smith DVDs. I probably have over 15 workouts to choose from. I had been ignoring those stacks sitting by my TV as if invisible for quite a while. Better health was always just one DVD away for me. Action on my part was all it took to move in the right direction.

It's like Jesus in today's Gospel . . . He is there 24/7, yet we tend to call out His name only in times of desperation . . . when all else fails or things aren't going the way we expected. We must strive to be consistent with our prayers and conversations to and with Him. Feel His presence. Even if you aren't feeling it, believe it. He is waiting for you to speak His name. As for me, I think I see a kickboxing DVD with my name on it for tonight . . .

In today's Gospel (John 20:1-2, 11-18), Jesus reminds us to stop "weeping" and start believing:

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 

Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.

In the Monthly Message from October 2006, Jesus reminds us to not become overwhelmed with the work He has for us:

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

Lay apostles, there are times when a task seems too difficult to achieve. As Jesus says above, bring your concerns to Him and nothing will be impossible to achieve.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me I can do anything I put my mind to. Give me the strength of body and mind I need to fulfill what You ask of me.

God bless,
Bonnie
 

Gospel Thoughts Today: Just Stop Complaining

Teenage girls. Boy oh boy did my three drive me nuts every once in a while during their adolescence. Enlisting 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. By the third reminder, I wasn't so calm. As soon as a certain tone erupted from my patient demeanor, I'd get the dirty look along with the "ok, mom!" irritated growl. Suffice to say my girls all survived adolescence! Two of them are now mothers themselves and are already experiencing the joy of 7 and 4-year-olds complaining once in a while! I pray the Good Lord allows me to live long enough to witness my grandchildren's teenage years! I think my beautiful daughters 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 lawn 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 Today: A Mother's Love

Jay's mother is a Godsend. "Nana" is 89 years old and we both belong to the mutual admiration society. We've decided we are kindred souls. Every Friday she is our last stop before heading home for the weekend. I treasure every minute. She is funny, brilliant, and loves Jesus! And, she loves/treats me as a daughter.

Time evaporates quickly on Friday afternoons with Nana . . . it never seems like I have enough time with her. We hug and kiss a few times before I even get close to the door. Jay is usually outside starting the car by the time I say my last "I love you, Nana!" Her response every time is "I love you more!"

She has blessed my life beyond all belief. She inspires me to love and trust Christ with everything I encounter in life . . . to strive for the peacefulness 89 years on this earth has brought her. I know she reads my blog every time I post something new, so I just want to say . . . NANA, I LOVE YOU MORE!!!

Todays Gospel (Matthew 10:34–11:1) is a lesson for all of us to love God . . . most:

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, the path to God is clear:

"Jesus offers us gifts of forgiveness and healing but we must accept these gifts. Let others continue on the path of rebellion and confusion. We will turn sharply now, at this moment, and walk into the Lord’s heart completely, where there is mercy and healing. This is the only way for us if we desire heaven. Jesus will take us to His Father and say, 'Look, Father, there is love for Me on earth. I am welcome in the soul of this apostle.' This is the right way for us. We must turn away from the world and its shame and walk with Jesus."

Lay apostles, look around you. Despite what is happening in the world, do you see the love God feels for you? Love in the form of a daughter's smile, a grandson's hug, an encouraging word from a mother-in-law? Do you take the time to thank Him for the little things? It's like the Tea Cup ride at Disneyworld . . . you spin around and around until the ride stops. Vertigo occurs the minute your feet touch the ground (at least it does for me!). The last thing I want to do is stagger around the park, feeling nauseated. Instead, I sit down (preferably in air conditioning!) and get centered again. Within minutes, I am ready for the next adventure. That's how it works with God . . . get centered on Him, love Him with all your heart, love Him most. In doing this, we develop the ability to see good in a dark world.

Thank you, Lord, for Nana. I am forever grateful You found me worthy of a mother's love such as this.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Let the Storm Winds Blow

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 this powerful song 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 above, read the Gospel below. 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

Gospel Thoughts Today: Is Patience 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 and say my truth!  I understand what You are trying to teach me . . . to be patient with others as You are with me!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Fear of the Unknown

Blue skies, white-capped swells, and a quick boat ride (or so it seemed) to face/conquer one of my biggest fears. The sound of the most unforgettable musical score—the charging shark's rhythmic, escalating four notes—da dum, da dum . . . played over and over in my head. The movie ‘Jaws’ singlehandedly caused an acute awareness of things swimming around in the ocean. Things that could bite me in half.  I was thirteen years old living in southern California when I saw the movie.  As a child, I grew up near the Atlantic Ocean in Florida.  I had been stung by a man ‘o war, thrown around by huge waves, and still never hesitated running through the sand hurling myself into the surf.  Yet, after seeing this movie, I could barely stand in ankle-deep water.  This fear turned into a phobia.  Small fish swimming in schools would cause me to run for the safety of my towel.  I was at the beach almost every afternoon when I started driving.  Friends would be frolicking in the water, flirting the surfers while I “worked on my tan.” 

In February of 2009, I had the opportunity to visit Oahu, Hawaii. On the flight to Hawaii, I had brought Volumes Seven, Nine, and Ten. I wanted to become familiar with the contents of each in order to guide others in the future.  The overall message I was getting was, have no fear.  Trust Jesus.  So I began thinking . . . the closer I get to Jesus and His Sacred Heart, the less I fear.  Hmmm . . . what scares me? Not death. Something to ponder.  In the airport, walking to baggage claim, I saw a brochure with a white sandy beach on the cover.  I grabbed it and threw it in my purse. On the drive to the hotel, I saw it.  A full-page ad in the brochure.  In big yellow letters, it beckoned: SWIM WITH THE SHARKS!  Hawaii Shark Encounters.  The biggest and safest shark cages in Hawaii.  As seen on ESPN, Animal Planet, CNN.com, National Geographic, etc.  Yes!  My biggest fear, sharks!  St. Gertrude spoke to me about fear in Volume Seven.  I got it!  I needed to face my biggest fear and TRUST JESUS! The adventure was booked!

Sleep didn’t come easily the night before.  The anticipation of being surrounded by sharks crept into my dreams, waking me abruptly a couple of times through the night.  Would a shark jump over the top of the cage and get in?  Could they get through the bars?  Over and over my mind replayed all the possible scenarios. I prayed most of the 45-minute drive to the North Shore.  I arrived early for my excursion, giving me time to walk around and explore the area.  As our boat pulled into the dock, I repeated over and over, ‘I trust You, Jesus.’  By the time I stepped foot on the boat, I felt calm.  Chris and Phil, our guides, went over the rules, one of which was not to pet the sharks or let your hands or feet drift outside the cage.  Our appendages look a lot like the bait they use to attract the sharks.  Still calm, good.  Typically when shooting through the water at high speeds and big swells, I panic.  My mind immediately plays the scenario: high swells, the boat tips, I am in the water with sharks. The fear is paralyzing.  But, not this time.  As we hit the swells, I just held on, enjoying the scenery.  We were heading three miles out to water 500 feet deep.  As we approached the permanent buoy, two whales appeared about 200 feet from our boat.  Our guides told us it was rare to see them this time of year in Hawaii.  Then the sharks appeared, swimming around our boat.  We were told the vibration of the boat attracted them. They knew they would be fed.  Bait, of course.

After instructions and without hesitation, I went to the ladder. As I descended, I was having a conversation with Jesus the whole time.  ‘If You want me to die in a shark attack, Your Will be done.’  Down I went and was face to face with a 12-foot Galapogas shark.  It was beautiful.  I was able to look at it as one of God’s creatures, not a maneater.  At one point, there had to be at least 15 to 20 sharks circling the cage.  I did it.  I conquered my biggest fear.  Letting go and trusting God by accepting any outcome is incredibly freeing.  Now, 10 years later, I can't say I would ever want to experience a shark cage again. Although, if one of my grandchildren begged me to someday . . . their experienced Mimi may have to go along!

In today's Gospel (Matthew 10:1-7), there were twelve men who had no idea what they were being summoned to, yet their faith in Jesus outweighed any fears:

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 the Monthly Message from October 2011, Jesus asks us to trust Him:

"If there are times when you are afraid, then you must come to Me. I will protect you from anything that is outside of My will for you and for your work. Will you be overcome? Consider My authority, dear apostles, and do not consider the extent of your weakness. Never be distracted by the strength of your enemy because the enemy’s strength is an illusion and even the illusion is fleeting. Be assured that I will compensate for your weaknesses as I compensate for your beautiful humanity which so endears you to Me. Where you are weak, I am strong. Where you are frail in your humanity, I add my divinity and what goes out from you is blessed and protected, but only if you are relying on Me. You will know when you are relying on yourself because you will be afraid. Consider how I conducted Myself on earth. I trusted the Father and I was gentle, going about My tasks in the day with conviction. If the Father willed it for Me, then I accepted it and saw to it as best I could. When I was rejected, I quietly moved on. When I was accepted, I offered the Father’s love and gave to the fullest extent of the Father’s will. Do the same, beloved ones. Do the same. I am with you and all is well."

Lay apostles, fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. All sorts of scenarios can play on repeat in our minds. What's missing from those scenarios? Christ! When fear begins to evade your thoughts, add Christ into the mix . . . by your side, comforting and consoling.

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to serve You within this apostolate. Thank you for loving me so much I can actually feel calm in moments of fear, even in shark-infested waters!

God bless,

Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Calm From Music

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!), 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

Gospel Thoughts Today: Mercy and Sacrifice

Let's start with two definitions (from Dictionary.com):

1. Mercy - compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence

2. Sacrifice - the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim

Now, let's read today's Gospel (Matthew 9:9-13):

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

After reading this, I decided to do as Jesus asks . . . "Go and learn the meaning of the words . . ." By definition, I completely understand what Jesus means. Mercy is forgiving and sacrifice is suffering. Which is the more difficult challenge? Hands down, forgiving offenders. I would gladly suffer for Christ, my husband, my children, grandchildren and all those I love. I would stand in front of a bullet for them . . . die for them. There is no suffering so great it could deter me from protecting what is most important in my life. But the whole mercy thing . . . why is it so hard to forgive our offenders? And, how do we forgive those who continually want to disrupt our lives? Mercy. Jesus desires this of us. By using the word "desires" in Scripture today, Jesus is basically declaring He knows we aren't perfect and we won't always get it right. However, if we are doing our best to be merciful, He will be pleased. There have been many times I've refrained from rebuttal emails which could agitate an already difficult situation; or just plain ol' keeping my opinion to myself . . . and pray for the person disrupting the peace I work so hard to maintain!

In Heaven Speaks to Those Who Struggle to Forgive, Jesus teaches us by having mercy for others, we obtain mercy for ourselves:

"Bitterness characterizes My enemy. Forgiveness characterizes Me. You, a beloved little child of God, seek to find peace in your heart. You will only find peace if you step into the stream of goodness. This stream is like a river of grace with which I desire to bathe you, removing all pain and injury. What will remain in your soul is joy. This joy, this heavenly peace, will be obtained by accepting your flaws and accepting the flaws of others. You see, My friend, if you accept the flaws and sins of others, you will soften in attitude toward yourself. I love you. I accept you. I need you to accept yourself so that you will be at peace in My Kingdom and it is through forgiving others that you will find acceptance of your own humanity."

Lay apostles, did you offend someone today? Apologize. Were you offended? Have mercy. Did you make a poor choice you regret? Accept it and forgive yourself. Do as Jesus desires . . .

Thank you, Lord, for giving me words of wisdom, showing me the value of mercy is priceless. Please continue to redirect my thoughts when I want so badly to debate!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: God's Presence

Years ago I met a young man (he had attended Catholic school with one of my daughters) who lit up a room with his smile and personality. He was kind, funny and just plain fun to be around. I was helping this amazingly talented person with a project and we were going to be spending some time together editing his book. A few days into the project, we began talking about faith when he declared he was an atheist. Immediately, I informed him he wasn't an atheist, just taking a little detour. He is from a family with strong Christian values, so the building blocks are pretty solid. He just needed a little push in the right direction. On our last day working together, I asked him if he would do me a favor . . . read three of the Heaven Speaks booklets (Addiction, Those Away From the Church, and Those Who Don't Know Jesus). Smiling, he agreed. I also warned I would be ramping up the prayers for his conversion. I don't know if he ever read the booklets as we have lost touch. All I can do is plant the seed.

There may be times we doubt God's presence. I'm not referring to His existence as our Creator. I'm referring to His Presence by our side, 24/7. No matter how dire our lives may seem, He is always there ready to comfort us . . . His Love never failing. And, He knows we are only human. It takes practice, patience, spiritual reading and prayer when developing a close relationship with Christ. In knowing Him intimately, issues you once thought draining or atrocious become small bumps in the road where you only stumble, not crash into the ground.

Today's Gospel (John 20:24-29) reminds me of that young man I spoke of above. Our last day working together, I remember him saying (jokingly, I'm sure!) it would take the stigmata for him to believe. Kind of like our Doubting Thomas:

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

In Heaven Speaks to Those Away from the Church, Jesus consoles:

"My friend, listen to Me. Hear My words because My words are truth. Reject the rebelliousness of My enemy. Accept that you are called to follow Me and raise your behavior to My standards. I will help you. You will be welcome in heaven if you accept that I am God. You will have to accept that I am God in order to gain heaven, of course. Will you not accept this fact now, before your time on earth is finished? Will you return to Me now given that ultimately you hope to do so? My heart longs for your peace. I see everything. If you have been hurt by those who claimed to represent My Church but who failed, I will heal you. Do not use this hurt as a reason why you step away from all that I offer for you through My Church. This has taken you in the wrong direction and others walk behind you. Please, come into My Church. It belongs to Me, after all. You are welcome, regardless of your sins."

Thank you, Lord, for opportunities to teach younger generations of Your Love and Graces. Keep sending them, Lord. I know I may never see the outcome of my efforts, but I know You will take over where I leave off!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Great Calm

I was blessed to care for both parents at end-of-life with one of my sisters by my side through it all (Thanks, sis! Love you tons!). It was heartbreaking, exhausting, stressful, grace-filled, joyful, with bits of comedic breaks along the way. We laughed, cried, fought (only a few times!), quickly jumped into action when needed, and, prayed A LOT. There were so many moments I cherish in those last months with my parents who died 13 months apart. I'll never forget when my dad asked me if he was ever going home to his own apartment again to which I replied truthfully . . . no. It was a defining moment in his journey toward heaven. His reply? "Ok. Can I get another cup of coffee?" When we are faced with the fact our  time on earth is coming to an end, the fear of the unknown takes over, just as it does with Jesus' disciples in today's Gospel (Matthew 8:23-27). Ultimately, Jesus is asking us to trust Him, always. Trust in Him brings great calm:

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, Jesus guides us to finding calm in Him:

"So much is clear to you, dear apostle. You know that I am calling you. You know that I urge you to more complete abandonment. I ask for trust that is a decision made by you and lived by you. Decide that you will abandon yourself to My work in each day. Decide that you will trust Me to provide you with all that you need. Ask Me what I need from you and do that instead of doing what you would like to do. Sit in silence with Me so that I can calm you and encourage you. Dear apostle, I want you to be focused on Me and on My presence in your work. I want you to look on yesterday as practice and today as the real test. I know that you feel challenged in trust but you are well able to be at peace with Me. You have trusted Me successfully in the past and that is how we know that you can serve in trust today. Only in complete trust will you be able to rise to the challenges that are in your future. If I did not need this from you, I would not ask it of you. I have so much to teach you about holiness and you will learn quickly if you proceed as I am asking. I send abundant graces to you in your work. See that I am sincere in My promise to be with you in everything."

Lay apostles, life is a roller coaster. Ups and downs, twists and turns are part of every life experience. Cling tightly to Christ . . . He will keep you calm and secure.

Thank you, Lord, for this roller coaster ride called life! I may have to close my eyes once in a while, but I am calm knowing You have control.

God bless,

Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: His Vessel on Earth

As the mother of three girls, I tried my best to give them good, honest advice during their teenage years . . . attempting to steer them in the direction of making good choices. I made sure they went to Mass every Sunday and encouraged a love for Jesus. They heard me over and over express: Jesus = good choices.  Yes, I recall eyes being rolled at times; being told I didn't understand their situation; or, blank stares (the worst!) realizing they were probably thinking about boys or clothes or friends and just wanted me to finish my preaching quickly! I knew eventually they would come around, thanking me for such wisdom during the tough teenage years. The fact is, it wasn't me at all who deserved the recognition. It was Christ working through me, His vessel to reach my daughters (and all those in my life) on Earth. I was and still am imperfect. Egos are burley monsters difficult to tame at times, aren't they? We must remember we are all His vessels . . . His voice on earth. We can either choose to do His Will or, our own. I guarantee ignoring Christ's will doesn't save souls, especially our own. So the question is, how can we be the voice of Jesus today to spread His love/acceptance/forgiveness? It's easier than you think!

In today's Gospel (Matthew 8:18-22), Jesus teaches us to put Him above all else:

When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she inspires us to recognize God's Love is endless:

"There will always be those in our lives who give us the feeling that we are trying to love a cactus plant. If we get too close, we get hurt. Jesus experiences this, too, of course, with each one of us to different degrees at different times in our lives. The Lover, Jesus Christ, feels the pain of His beloved acutely, suffering with us the pains of our humanity. How baffling for Him, humanly speaking, to be rejected, and yet how patiently He awaits acceptance. His whole presence in each relationship could be viewed, among many other things, as a study in patience. We, the beloved ones, entertain so rarely the truth of the constant gaze of love that follows our every breath. This is perhaps a blessing because when the strength of the Lover’s gaze is remotely understood, the beloved one can feel helplessly inadequate in the love equation. How can one return such pure love? How can one measure up, protecting the pristine nature of the exchange? Clearly, without grace, one would simply drift away, such would be the hopelessness of the situation. To protect the relationship, Christ infuses into His beloved puffs of pure love through an action of the Holy Spirit. There is no limit to the amount of growth possible in love, even while we remain on earth." 

Lay apostles, the minute you begin to think any good produced by your actions is a pat on your back, stop and thank Jesus for the graces He allowed to flow through you to others. Ego is a difficult beast to tame, but once you acknowledge it and see it for what it is, you will begin to give Jesus the recognition of which He is so deserving.

Thank you, Lord, for keeping my ego in check at all times. Please continue to nudge me in the right direction when it starts to peek its ugly head!

God bless,
Bonnie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

Give us Barabbas

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