Gospel Thoughts Today: Half-Truths

A few weeks ago I was reading "It's True" to my grandson (a Little Critter book series he LOVES!). Little Critter tells "half-truths" and his little sister calls him out every time. Then he tells a half-truth to his classmates . . . oh boy! Little Critter decides half-truths are actually lying. After reading the book, I asked my grandson what the lesson was . . . he said, "don't lie to anyone and not in front of my sister!" Out of the mouths of babes, right? Makes me immediately think of the #FakeNews displayed on just about every news channel. Partial truths are not the complete story. What has happened to true journalistic reporting? The successful news programs are the ones digging into the real truth. And, giving us explanations of what is really happening . . . what the truth means. The best news program with the most accurate reporting is YourVoiceAmerica.tv. The host, Bill Mitchell (Twitter: @mitchellvii) makes sense of the craziness for me. I rarely watch TV news anymore. So, as Little Critter learns, lying only provides temporary satisfaction and eventually, the truth comes out. My prayer is all the #FakeNews becomes #RealNews soon!

In today's Gospel (Matthew 17:22-27), Jesus teaches us honesty and integrity:

As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”

In Volume Four, God the Father gives His Children good advice:

"Children, if you are not following My words, if you are not united with Me, if you do not acknowledge and respect My dominion over both you and your world, you are going to be uncomfortable and frightened. These times are over. My time is coming. There will be gladness, it is true. It is what My children have prayed for. But change is difficult for those without a firm understanding and belief in the next world. If you were asked to hand your life to Me this day, and account for it fully, how would you feel? Would you feel calm? Would you feel confident that while you have made mistakes, you have done your best and can offer Me a fair trade for your eternal reward? Could you even say, “God, I have wasted much of My time here on earth but I see that you are the Creator and I bow before you?” That is all that is necessary for your salvation, child, but you are going to wish that you had a small bit of something to give Me. You might give Me your years parenting your children. You might offer Me your service in your job or your obedience and respect for your parents. You might give Me your patience with sickness or depression. You might say, “God, I have risen every day and tried not to be dishonest or hurtful to others, despite my pain and misery.” To all of these things, and to nearly every life that holds dignity and some measure of effort to be honest, I will say, “Welcome. Well done. It is over now and you are safe and loved.” I will hold you against Me and heal all of your wounds and pain. You will be lovingly prepared to enter into the Kingdom. Children, do not be afraid of leaving this world and entering the next. I will be there, waiting to receive each one of you."

Lay apostles, how are you going to conduct yourself today? Life is short. Let's not waste any time with telling half-truths!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of the Gospels. Help me to focus on truth and dignity in Your Name!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Suffering with Hope

Suffering is inevitable. Each of us has suffered in one way or another. It's how we handle the suffering as we experience it that sets us apart from either a life of hope or of despair. Despair is defined as the complete loss or absence of hope. Despair sees no end to the suffering; it sees others at fault instead of looking within; it sees no Jesus by your side to navigate the course. Hope, on the other hand, means a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; a feeling of trust. If we trust Jesus as much as we say we do, this is a no brainer. I'm not saying this is easy, just clearly defined in my eyes. If you are suffering, have hope. Hope that things will get better; hope that lessons being taught are learned; hope in being Face to face with Our Beloved Savior one day. For me, I want to hear Him say I suffered with hope the day I finally go home.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 16:24-28), Jesus asks us to endure suffering on earth in His Name and our reward will be great in heaven:

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

In Anne a lay apostle's new book Suspended in Mystery, she clearly defines how to move past suffering:

"It is natural to live gratitude and love when you know Christ. But the sufferings which come, that is, the ever-changing external environments must be negotiated honestly. We must not deny suffering or its impact. rather, we practice overcoming the negative effects it can have on our hope."

Lay apostles, how do you endure suffering? Loneliness? Tragedy? I used to try to handle it alone. Now, I couldn't do it without Him. Maybe it's my age . . . but I sure wish I would have had the Volumes/Anne's books 40 years ago. I don't think I would have suffered so despairingly in my younger years.

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me about true suffering and letting go of insignificant inconveniences. I haven't perfected it yet, but I am learning!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Keys to the Kingdom

Right now I am sitting next to my 7-year-old grandson while he plays a Hot Wheels video game on my iPad so I can check emails and contemplate the Gospel today . . . not an easy thing to do since he gets frustrated when he either crashes his car or his competition is beating him. This happens about every 30 seconds . . . I don't know why my car is going so slow!!! . . . The other car keeps beating me! . . . Oh, c'mon, my car keeps dying! My response? You are learning each new track and you always make it to the next level! You are doing great, buddy!  His response? No, Mimi! I'm not very good!  Then, within about 30 seconds of that response from him, I hear . . . I beat him, Mimi!! Look! I took 1st place!

We all need just a little more faith in ourselves and Jesus, don't we? Think about the faith Peter had to have when Jesus bestowed upon him "the keys to the Kingdom of heaven!" Kind of a heavy load, but with his faith secure in Christ, he knew he could do it. Most importantly, Jesus knew he could do it.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 16:13-19) Jesus shows us how faith in Him leads us to the gates of heaven:

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply,  “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 

In Anne a lay apostle's new book Suspended in Mystery, she consoles my heart knowing Jesus provides constant companionship:

"Jesus attempts to restore us to Christian homeostasis. He restores our peace, trust, and confidence in our place in the Kingdom as we bring about greater graces for the world through our adoration of him and our companionship with him. He offers graces to the world in an explosive response to our adoration of him in the eucharist."

Lay apostles, have faith in Christ as He has faith in you. He wants every one of us to strive for heaven, no matter the frustrations along the way. Keep persevering, my friends! He will lead us home!

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of my beautiful grandchildren and the lessons in faith they provide when I least expect it!

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: A Compassionate Heart

Lost sheep. Wounded little boys and girls carrying out their lives without ever healing from childhood hurts. Being a lay apostle means taking responsibility for our actions and words. And most importantly, striving for a compassionate heart. I can imagine Jesus looking down on our world today, His heart moved at the amount of hatred, anger, and lack of faith His Children wander about their day with, searching for something to fill the gaping hole that only He can fill. Anyone can say they are a Christian. But the only way to truly be a Christian is to love and live as Jesus did while He was on the earth and continues to love us from heaven. We can't say we "tried" His way, it failed for one reason or another, so we are not going to try anymore. It just doesn't work like that. He would never desert one of us because we've sinned. He continues to forgive us and see the best we have to offer. As a parent, there is nothing my children or grandchildren could say or do to make me stop trying . . . to stop caring about them. I may sit back while they learn their own lessons just as I had to learn my own. But I will ALWAYS be there for them, just as the Prodigal Son's father was waiting with open arms. Remember how moved Jesus was seeing those 5,000 people in the Gospel today. Nothing has changed. 

In today's Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21), our dear sweet Jesus' heart swells as He observes His lost sheep:

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over – twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

In Anne a lay apostle's new book Suspended in Mystery, Jesus directs us to compassion: 

“When we gaze into a still lake, we can see our own reflection. I am that way, too. When you gaze at my figure on the cross, you see me, and my love for you, but you also come to see yourself reflected back. Spending time with me acts as a mirror and you begin to understand yourself better. Why is this important? Because when you understand my physical brokenness on the cross and feel compassion for me, you come to understand your own brokenness and feel compassion for yourself. I want this for you. I want you to be loving toward yourself and understanding and compassionate. When you accept that I submitted to a plan that was bigger than one day, you can learn that your difficult days also contribute to a greater plan than you can see in one moment. You can learn to trust in God’s outcomes, even when your life seems full of pain and suffering and uncertainty. God’s outcomes are so full of love and truth that any suffering is quickly obscured. When you can see the value in suffering, it becomes easy to bear, such as physical labor for a physical goal. ‘It is worth it’, one thinks to one’s self. When you can see no value to suffering, such as in the case when innocence is offended and injured, there is a great need to trust in the certainty that the Father will bring both healing and justice. This need is the difference between peace and often grave disturbance and even torment. The Father wills recovery for all. Recovery is available and it is a certainty in the heavenly kingdom. But often, through prayer, recovery comes on Earth, and any suffering you endure contributes to enormous development. I want this for you. I want you to benefit from any cross you have carried. I want you to know that I am with you in any cross you carry today. I will lead you to the answers just as the Father led me through my life. I have the answers for you."

Lay apostles, is there someone in your life who has hurt or offended you? Have you hurt or offended someone? Do you have compassion for yourself? As Jesus says in the quote above, "I want you to be loving toward yourself and understanding and compassionate." How can we be compassionate toward others if not compassionate to ourselves? Strive for the Heart of Christ. 

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to love and not hate. To have compassion for myself on this journey. To pray for bitter people or those trying to alter my journey to holiness. And . . . remember the importance of dusting off my sandals, moving on to the next adventure! 

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Be Honorable

The word "honor" grabbed my attention in the Gospel today. There were those who didn't honor Christ when He walked this earth . . . when they could actually touch Him, see Him and listen to Him. So, why would it be any different over 2,000 years later? Well, the Truth can be overwhelming, right? It means admitting to ourselves we are imperfect. The fact is, a true follower of Jesus knows when they are getting it wrong and try to avoid making the same mistake over and over. His Love is unconditional. He honored every one of us in His Passion. If you are Catholic (or even if you are not!), pray the Sorrowful Mysteries. Watch The Passion of the Christ. Immerse yourself in His suffering. Give Him the honor He deserves. In turn, clarity in honoring our families, our friends, our community and our historically #MAGA President will become apparent! Seek the good, always. Be honorable in all you do and say.

Today's Gospel (Matthew 13:54-58) illustrates how painful (or disappointing) the lack of honor from His own people must have felt for our dear Jesus:

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.

They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house." And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, she beautifully describes the magnitude of God's love for us:

"It is like every honor in the world to be asked to write about love of Jesus. Where does one begin and, more importantly, how does one finish a task such as this? One will never be finished. That stated, when asked to do something, it is best to begin. Love of Jesus is like the wind. We cannot see it, we cannot always identify its origin, but it has great impact on us and can actually alter our course. It can begin in softness, as a gentle stirring, and end in the greatest of storms that will lead us to heroic deeds and action. Love of Jesus brings us to the base of the mountain. What is first experienced is the love Jesus has for us. Our love of Christ is actually a response to His perfect love for us because His love always was and always will be. The love between a soul and his Savior is a reciprocal thing. God’s love must be entertained by the soul in order to grow. If the soul has a heart surrounded by ice, Jesus will melt that ice, but He can only work if He is allowed. This ice, the result of sin and of the wounds inflicted by the world, closes off the divine. The heart needs love like the lungs need oxygen. Our Lord Himself has said this. So the more closed the heart is to the divinity, the less capable it is of loving. A soul can sometimes rest in mortal sin or in the world for a long period. This heart becomes hardened and toughened. The longer the heart is closed off to Christ, the more accustomed the soul becomes to living without the love of Christ. This stated, the Divine Healer needs only the smallest crack and He can flood the soul with warmth and heat, melting the ice and restoring the heart to a condition where it can freely give and receive love from Jesus and from other souls. The love of Christ is the most powerful driving force on earth. It is what compels souls to service. It compels souls to work tirelessly for others, their brothers and sisters who are also beloved by Jesus. This is because when we love someone, we begin to accept their goals as our own. If nothing else, we understand the goals of the beloved and if we can help to further those goals, we will do so."

Lay apostles, how are you honoring Christ in your life? How are you honoring those around you, including our President? How are you honoring yourself? I achieve more when I stay focused on Christ. Today, do an "honor" check in your life . . . how can you improve?

Thank you, Lord, for showing me continually the sacrifices You made for me and all mankind. Help me remember to honor You at all times, in any situation.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: No Weeds, Just Seeds

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

I don't know

This could break my heart or save me

Nothing's real

Until you let go completely

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

So here I go with all my fears weighing on me

Three months and I'm still sober

Picked all my weeds but kept the flowers

But I know it's never really over

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to keep my spiritual armor on at all times. When I seem to have forgotten to strap it on, gently remind me, ok? 

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Slowing Down to Appreciate

Motherhood. So much to do, so little time to do it all. And when there are multiple children involved, hours seem like minutes. As mothers, we try to keep everyone happy. Most of us are pleasers at heart. We cook, clean, bandage up scraped knees, and stop arguments between siblings. We love, cry, and brush off the words "I hate you" from a teenager's mouth. We are so busy with life, sometimes we forget to enjoy it. Since the births of our four grandchildren, I see things differently. I wish I would have read more to my girls; extended our Barbie play sessions; and taken more walks enjoying nature. This past weekend Jay was on a fishing trip with buddies and I chose to have one on one time with my local granddaughter and grandson. So, Friday afternoon/evening was filled with non-stop Barbie play, nail painting, and reading stories until my sweet girl conked out. Saturday evening consisted of playing non-stop Hot Wheels car racing (my grandson is a car aficionado!) using the Slo-Mo feature on my iPhone to make sure who the winners were! Both nights, as I sat playing with my beautiful babies one on one, one thought crossed my mind over and over . . . thank you, Lord, for this grace and blessing of grandchildren.

Mothers and fathers, take the time while your children are young. Don't miss the small stuff because you have to check email or update your Facebook status. Focus on your family. Help build the Kingdom of God!

The Gospel (Luke 10:38-42) today is one we must remember when trying to make everyone else happy:

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

In Heaven Speaks About Stress, Jesus tells us to slow down:

"My children, why do you hurry so? Why do you feel you must move so quickly through your days? This is not the way I intended the children of God to live. You may tell Me that you have many things to do. I respond to you by saying that you are trying to do too much. You will not be holy if you move so quickly. I want My beloved apostles to move more slowly and thoughtfully through their days. I want you to make decisions on what I am asking you to do and what you are busying yourself with that is not from Me. I want your way of life to change and I am asking you to make this change now. In the next week, think about each activity and decide, with Me, if it is something I want you to do or something you want to do. My dearest apostles, I ask that you begin to remove activities that do not further My will. I want more time in silence, as you know. I want more time with families, without noise blocking you from each other. I want prayer, yes, but also conversations that are not hurried and stressed between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and parents and children. These are the souls I have decided you will walk through your life with and you have obligations to them. If you are too busy with your own will, you are not seeing to Mine and you are missing opportunities both to learn from others and to assist others in learning about Me."

Lay apostles, serve where you need to serve. But, if you are presented with opportunities to spend a few minutes with Christ in prayer, your children, grandchildren or spouse, leave the dishes in the sink (or whatever distraction detains you). What can you do today to make a memory? Remember, even God can't change the past.

Thank you, Lord, for showing me the importance of slowing down, focusing more on You and less on distractions that don't further Your Kingdom.

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: How Deep Is Your Love?

One of the 70's most iconic movies (disco, anyone?) can be identified by the title of this blog post. Who didn't love John Travolta as Vinny Barbarino in Welcome Back Kotter? So when he made it to the big screen in Saturday Night Fever, well, it was a must-see at the time. This song, sung by the Bee Gees, was one of my favorites and came to mind after reading today's Gospel. Listening to the words now, in 2019, they have a whole new meaning for me. Especially these lines:

I believe in you

You know the door to my very soul

You're the light in my deepest darkest hour

You're my saviour when I fall

And you may not think

I care for you

When you know down inside

That I really do

And it's me you need to show

How Deep Is Your Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,

Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: Humility in Service

Jay and I were blessed to be a part of a client's end of life process with her and her husband. After completing a round of chemotherapy, she learned her cancer treatments failed and new tumors were forming in her lungs. Her pain had become uncontrollable, so we stepped in upon their request. After a week of going back and forth to her oncologist's office, trying to get her an appointment with a pain specialist who was booked and couldn't get her in until the following Monday, they ended up taking her to hospice. Her faith was incredibly strong and secure. She was ready to go if it was God's will.  Well, as I had seen with my own mother after regaining pain control, she began to improve! One week after being admitted to hospice, they were telling her/her husband it was time to check out. Her response . . . check out as in heaven or check out of hospice! She was able to spend the rest of her time on earth in the comfort of her own home with 24/hr care. During her last month, she had a constant flow of visitors, held prayer group meeting in her living room, and felt incredibly blessed God gave her the extra time with her husband and friends. She was in her seventies, but always had the energy of a 30-year-old and dying was not slowing her down.

For the last 2 weeks of her life, every time we called to confirm our scheduled visit with her, her husband would ask that we postpone our visit because she had other people coming over or she wasn't feeling well. So here is where today's Gospel made me think of this particular circumstance . . . we gladly stepped in to help them (she did not have children), they embraced us as their family. We spent a lot of time helping with all aspects of their lives, and (remember this is my thought process!) they didn't have time to see us? Honestly, I hate to admit it, but it miffed me a little. As always, talking it out with my husband (forever the optimist) made me realize it is NOT ABOUT ME! They were not my family, had their own lives, and though they loved us and we loved them, it was about her journey toward eternity. It was about my service to her and her husband, with no expectations of anything in return. Not always an easy lesson, but such an important life skill to shoot for! It's now been almost a year since she passed and Jay still meets with her husband every other week for coffee. There are so many grieving people in the world. How can we make their lives easier in some small (or big) way?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,
Bonnie

Gospel Thoughts Today: We Are Family

At my mother's 70th birthday party (late 90s), the DJ played a song I will always remember as a shining moment when I think of her. The song was "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge.

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