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Let All the Earth Cry Out to God with Joy

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“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love
the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.” -Ranier Maria Rilke

I don’t know about you, but I am kind of fond of feeling like I have some semblance of control. I carry my calendar everywhere, color code my appointments, events, and to-dos. I love the feeling I get when I can check something off my list. This time of not knowing, of change, of having questions with no answers is taking a toll. My biggest fear? What if feeling out of control is my new normal?

In today’s reading in Acts, we hear about a time of persecution when the dominant culture was trying to actively destroy the Church. But what happens? The exact opposite, “those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.” Whether it is an act of a government or a natural phenomenon like the Coronavirus, when the Church is scattered, it is a call to action for every Christian. But Jesus doesn’t expect us to act on our own. 

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Jesus knows what we need. Created in his image and likeness, He knows us more intimately than we know ourselves. He knows that we were created in the image and likeness of love, meaning that we are hardwired to give of ourselves in love. He knows that through the sludge and muck and mire we make of our lives, deep within us is a desire to love and be loved. Jesus is the tenderest of lovers in that he waits for us to be ready. Because we are more often tuned in to our physical hunger than our spiritual hunger, in today’s Gospel, Jesus appeals to our physical self. Our natural state is body and soul. In offering to feed our bodies, Jesus is telling us that when we turn to Him, He is ready, willing, and able to meet all our needs, both physical and spiritual. 

In my old normal, I strove to meet my needs by structuring and planning my days, by taking on more and more projects to inflate my sense of accomplishment. In this time of physical distancing from one another and spiritual distancing from the Sacraments, I can feel the tug on my heart to stop relying on myself for the answers and to lean more heavily on Him. This is a time to simply live each moment, trusting that God will provide in his time. Today’s readings reassure me of what will happen when I loosen my need for control and just live in his love. 

This new normal requires that I rely on God’s grace. The new normal gives me the space to set aside my questions so that I may patiently live into His answers. My new normal is to rely so fully on His grace, I leave behind my reliance on my own accomplishments and receive the bread of life with an open heart and mind. This new normal is to make a spiritual communion to increase the desire of my heart and soul to be united to Jesus so that when I can return to Eucharist, I am more fully open to all He has waiting for me. He is waiting for me, and I can wait for Him. 

While we wait for that time when we can return to the altar together, may you and I live in peace with all our questions and find within the questions themselves, not simply answers, but His joy which calls all the earth to sing out, “Alleluia!”

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Sheryl delights in being the number 1 cheerleader and supporter for her husband, Tom who is a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. They are so grateful for the opportunity to grow together in this process whether it is studying for classes, deepening their prayer life or discovering new ways to serve together. Sheryl’s day job is serving her community as the principal for St. Therese Catholic School in Wayland, Michigan. Since every time she thinks she gets life all figured out, she realizes just how far she has to go, St. Rita of Cascia is her go-to Saint for intercession and help. Home includes Brea, a Bernese Mountain dog and Carlyn, a very, very goofy Golden Retriever.

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Focus on the Eternal

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I am grieving.

Eight days ago, our governor extended online distance learning for the rest of the school year, so I am grieving for all of my teens who were clinging on to the hope that they would return to school this year. Yesterday, my parish was supposed to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, so I am grieving for my 8th graders who have worked so hard to prepare for the sacrament and had yet another event in their 8th-grade year canceled or postponed. Today, I was supposed to be on a flight to visit one of my dear college friends, so I am grieving my lost vacation.

I am grieving bigger losses, too – the loss of human contact, like simply being able to hug my family and friends. I am grieving in-person, face-to-face connection, which has been relegated to screens for the time being. And I am still grieving the loss of my grandmother, who passed away 38 long days ago in the midst of this pandemic.

It is good, natural even, to grieve these things. But, you see, the things that I am grieving are all temporal. They’re all of this crazy, twisted world we’re living in right now. Yes, we are of this world, but we were made for something more, something deeper.

Jesus gives us this reminder in today’s Gospel. The crowd asks Jesus for a sign, reminding Him their ancestors wandering in the desert were given manna to eat. Jesus proceeds to explain the sign, saying that it was the Father who provided the bread from heaven, not Moses, but the crowd just continues to focus on the physical aspect of food. They think that Jesus will make it rain with sourdough (too soon?), and then they will physically live forever.

The crowd couldn’t move past the temporal that they were thinking about to the eternal that Jesus was talking about. With the food that He will give, the Bread of Life, we will always be satisfied. When we consume that spiritual food that is the Eucharist, we become united with Jesus – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in anticipation of the union that we will enjoy with the Father in heaven one day.

We were made for this union. We were created by a God who placed deeper desires on our hearts than being able to attend school or to hug my parents. We long for Him and the happiness that only He can provide.

Instead of grieving a postponed Confirmation, I will pray for a deeper longing for the Holy Spirit in the candidates’ hearts. Instead of grieving my lost beach vacation, I will seek rest in the Lord, who desires to flood my heart and my soul with peace and comfort. And I will remind myself that my grandma now enjoys the hope of the Resurrection and that we will reunite in heaven again someday instead of focusing too much on my grief.

In light of today’s Gospel, I would encourage you all to identify what you have lost and are grieving due to this COVID-19 crisis. Ask the Lord to help you put those things in perspective, to see the eternal past the temporal, and remember that He gives us the greatest, most perfect things that our hearts desire and fills those things Himself.

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Erin is a Cleveland native and graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville. Following graduation, she began volunteering in youth ministry at her home parish of Holy Family Church. Her first “big girl” job was in collegiate sports information where, after a busy two years in the profession on top of serving the youth, she took a leap of faith and followed the Lord’s call to full-time youth ministry at St. Peter Church. She still uses her communication arts degree as a freelance writer and statistician, though. You can catch her on old episodes of the Clarence & Peter Podcast on YouTube as well as follow her on Twitter @erinmadden2016.

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The Most

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Does anyone else feel as though these quarantine days are flying by? In the moment, each day feels so long, but when I look back at the last week, three weeks, seven weeks I’ve been in quarantine, it feels like time has flown by. Today, I find myself in the third week of Easter even though I feel that Easter was only last week! 

Looking back at time, we are all forced to face the fact that while the past defines who we are, it is the present that shapes who we will become. 

During Lent, I made a point to go to Mass each Sunday and take notes in my homily journal. I easily could have stopped once the pandemic and quarantine hit. There are a million excuses I could make of why my Lent just didn’t pan out. Even when my sister invited me to the last public Mass in our county, I considered not going. Then, I thought, Where is this coming from? Get away, Satan, before telling my sister I’d be joining her. 

This moment, like many others, has become a part of my past, but, at the time, it was my present. A choice made in a split second. A chosen path towards God. 

Each of our moments build upon one another. Evil choices make choosing evil easier the next time around. The same can be said for choosing morals, love, and good. 

Today, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection and true life of our Savior, I ask you to consider your choices and how they affect not just your present or your past, but how they define your future. I ask you to make the most of the present. 

Together, we pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,
As you watch over us and see our stumbles,
give us the humility to ask for your helping hand.
Guide us on the path you have so lovingly provided.
Strengthen our hearts against Satan,
that we may choose to show the love
and mercy you shower upon us,
every moment of every day.
Amen.

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Veronica Alvarado is a born and raised Texan currently living in Michigan. Since graduating from Texas A&M University, Veronica has published various articles in the Catholic Diocese of Austin’s official newspaper, the Catholic Spirit, and other local publications. She now works as the Content Specialist in Diocesan’s Web Department.

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The Road to Emmaus

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You know that feeling when you are walking through the store or in a large public area and all of a sudden think you recognize someone? Typically excitement floods our being as we try to navigate the crowds to meet with our friend from long ago. Or perhaps we try to dodge this person because the last time we saw them it was not a pleasant experience. Lots of emotions are conjured up when we encounter someone we haven’t seen for a long period of time.

I like to put myself in the place of the disciples in the Gospel today. As Jesus broke the bread and started the blessing, I would not have been able to contain my excitement. This man that I had been reading about in the scriptures and talking about is now here in front of me, about to give me his very self in the sacrament of love.

I also like to think that Jesus was being funny and disguised himself just to see what they thought of him and then dramatically took his disguise off to reveal he had been there all along. Jesus playing a funny prank on the disciples. Of course, that ruins the theological significance of this passage, but it’s funny in my mind.

So what is the significance? Jesus is adamant about the reality of the Eucharist as being fully himself and his love. I mean think about it, before he even died, he knew the importance of giving this sacrament. After he resurrected from the dead and was still with the disciples he taught the importance of it. Then, of course, after Jesus ascended to be with the Father, he left us this beautiful sacrament so he would always be with us.

Then there is the significance that they read the scriptures, the word of God, but they did not recognize Jesus. They only recognized him through the breaking of the bread. The bible itself tells us of the necessity of eating his flesh and drinking his blood in order to have eternal life. So as much as we need the bible to recognize him, the word of God reminds us that we have the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus on every altar in every Catholic church in the world.

This is why the world has such a longing right now for the Eucharist. I have had a very unique experience since the stay at home orders came out. I work for the parish and have been setting up the live stream for daily Mass, so I have had the complete blessing of receiving every day. Though I don’t feel the ache that some have now for the Eucharist, I have been offering my presence at Mass for all those who are not able to attend in person and receive.

I must say this has been a time that my faith is coming alive. I have been able to receive so I have been much more intentional about it knowing so much of the world is going without. It helps me not to take the Eucharist for granted.

Jesus wants to be with us in this sacrament, but until the moment when we can all receive publicly again, let’s all pray for a new understanding of the Eucharist; for an increase in faith in the most blessed sacrament. Let’s make sure that when churches are opened back up and we say “Amen” that we recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. May God bless you and know of my prayers for you during this time.

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Tommy Shultz is Director of Evangelization for the North Allegan Catholic Collaborative and the founder of Rodzinka Ministries. In these roles, he is committed to bringing all those he meets into a deeper relationship with Christ. Tommy has a heart and a flair for inspiring people to live their faith every day. He has worked in various youth ministry, adult ministry, and diocesan roles. He has been a featured speaker at retreats and events across the country. His mission and drive have been especially inspired by St. John Paul II’s teachings. Tommy is blessed to be able to learn from the numerous parishes he visits and pass that experience on in his presentations. With a degree in Theology from Franciscan University, Tommy hopes to use his knowledge to help all people understand the beauty of The Faith.

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Radical Joy

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Today is the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, and we get to hear his words in today’s Gospel. St. Mark’s Gospel is characterized by his call to radical discipleship. Throughout his Gospel, St. Mark shows us how that radical discipleship and radical love for Christ leads to overwhelming, overflowing joy. St. Mark’s Gospel is also the shortest of all four, so he does this in few words that are packed with love for our Redeemer and the desire for all people to become steadfast, joyful followers of Christ.

In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of Jesus commissioning the disciples to the whole world. I love the word “commission” to describe this event. When you break it down, it becomes “co-mission.” The disciples are entrusted with Christ’s mission to bring the Good News to all people. Christ tells the disciples that those who believe will “..drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” After instructing the disciples to carry on His mission–a weighty and perhaps intimidating task–Christ reassures His disciples that He will continue to accompany them on the journey. The radical mission is filled with joy because Christ is not abandoning them. On the contrary, in the end, it will be Christ’s signs that will aid the disciples in their mission of evangelization.

May we follow the example of Mark and become radical, joy-filled followers of Christ. May we preach the Gospel to all those we encounter, and may our joy serve as a witness to our faith.

O God, who raised up St. Mark the Evangelist and endowed him with the grace to preach the Gospel, grant, we pray that we may so profit from his teaching as to follow faithfully in the footsteps of Christ.

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Dakota currently lives in Denver, CO and teaches English Language Development and Spanish to high schoolers. She is married to the love of her life, Ralph. In her spare time, she reads, goes to breweries, and watches baseball. Dakota’s favorite saints are St. John Paul II (how could it not be?) and St. José Luis Sánchez del Río. She is passionate about her faith and considers herself blessed at any opportunity to share that faith with others. Check out more of her writing at https://dakotaleonard16.blogspot.com.

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But if it Comes from God

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As I was struggling to get a start on this post, my phone rang. It was from Ann, my very good friend and neighbor. She had a “present” for me. I was working in my downstairs office, so I had to take the stairlift up to meet her at my door. She was able to find some of my favorite yogurt, Siggi’s Triple Cream Lemon. My supermarket stopped carrying it, and since I don’t get around to other stores anymore because I am unable to walk the long aisles, I have groceries delivered. It was a pleasant surprise to find Ann had found this for me. This yogurt is one of the simple pleasures of life that I enjoy.

Yes, I know. You are thinking, “what does this have to do with today’s readings?” Well, the yogurt has nothing to do with it. But the love and friendship of Ann do! Ann’s friendship comes to me from God. I try to be there for her, and she tries to be there for me.

This begs the question we all must at times ask ourselves: is what we say, do, experience, share, come from God? Or do those things have another origin?

Have you taken notice when contemplating the things of the world, who or what makes the most significant impact on human life? I have. I have come to believe that the people and organizations that do the most good are those that come from God. The motivation in the hearts of these people is to uplift and care for everyone. Mostly to care for their wellbeing – which in the end will result in the care of the soul. Especially today. Look to the many “good news” stories and film clips we are seeing of people reaching out to make life a little better for those confined, or ill, lonely, or just in need of a bit of yogurt!

Gamaliel was right. If it comes from God, it will survive and make a difference in the world. I won’t be remiss in reminding you that the story from Acts clearly shows us that Jesus’ ministry, his words, his teachings of love have continued to spread and have lasted over two thousand years! This, in spite of the hardships his followers have experienced over the centuries; in spite of the evil that has, at times, tried to bring down the Church but have not succeeded. They were not “of God.”

But you and I are. Maybe not in perfection every day, but in the continued striving to make Jesus’ teachings our guideposts. Whether in easy times or hardships, cling to the words of Gamaliel, here paraphrased: “If it comes from God, it will not be destroyed, or we find ourselves fighting against God, instead of working with him.” All for the greater good and the glory and honor of God!

God Bless.

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Jeanne Penoyar, an Accounts Manager at Diocesan, is a Lector at St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rapids, MI. Jeanne has worked in parish ministry as an RCIA director, in Liturgy, and as a Cantor. Working word puzzles and reading fill her spare time. Jeanne can be reached at jpenoyar@diocesan.com.

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Jesus, I Trust in You

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My heart is telling me I should trust in my Lord, Jesus Christ, whose Divine Mercy we celebrated last Sunday. Alleluia! Still, my head struggles for control, trying to challenge and push aside His truth and His ways. Confusing? It sure is. I’m in good company though; it’s in today’s readings.

The first reading tells us that Peter and the Apostles must obey God rather than man, and then were given the Holy Spirit because they obey Him. Each of us is created in God’s image. Naturally, He is in our hearts. As children, we innately recognize His presence in every aspect of creation. 

As we mature, our hearts frequently become jaded and untrusting of His Divine Love and Mercy. We need to overcome the struggle that confronts us each day, moment by moment. We have to remember the call placed in our hearts to be a united part of creation, seeing the world through His love.

I feel an urgency placed in my heart to share this with you today. As we continue to build community digitally, we are united in our one faith. I am compelled to share with you the Litany of Trust, written by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, SV.  Please pray with me.     

The Litany of Trust

From the belief that
I have to earn Your love
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that I am unlovable
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the false security
that I have what it takes
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that trusting You
will leave me more destitute
Deliver me, Jesus.

From all suspicion of
Your words and promises
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the rebellion against
childlike dependency on You
Deliver me, Jesus.

From refusals and reluctances
in accepting Your will
Deliver me, Jesus.

From anxiety about the future
Deliver me, Jesus.

From resentment or excessive
preoccupation with the past
Deliver me, Jesus.

From restless self-seeking
in the present moment
Deliver me, Jesus.

From disbelief in Your love and presence
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being asked
to give more than I have
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the belief that my life
has no meaning or worth
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of what love demands
Deliver me, Jesus.

From discouragement
Deliver me, Jesus.

That You are continually holding me,
sustaining me, loving me
Jesus, I trust in You.

That Your love goes deeper than my
sins and failings and transforms me
Jesus, I trust in You.

That not knowing what tomorrow
brings is an invitation to lean on You
Jesus, I trust in You.

That You are with me in my suffering
Jesus, I trust in You.

That my suffering, united to Your own,
will bear fruit in this life and the next
Jesus, I trust in You.

That You will not leave me orphan,
that You are present in Your Church
Jesus, I trust in You.

That Your plan is better
than anything else
Jesus, I trust in You.

That You always hear me and in
Your goodness always respond to me
Jesus, I trust in You.

That You give me the grace to accept
forgiveness and to forgive others
Jesus, I trust in You.

That You give me all the strength
I need for what is asked
Jesus, I trust in You.

That my life is a gift
Jesus, I trust in You.

That You will teach me to trust You
Jesus, I trust in You.

That You are my Lord and my God
Jesus, I trust in You.

That I am Your beloved one
Jesus, I trust in You. 
Amen.

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Beth is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She brings a unique depth of experience to the group due to her time spent in education, parish ministries, sales and the service industry over the last 25 yrs. She is a practicing spiritual director as well as a Secular Franciscan (OFS). Beth is quick to offer a laugh, a prayer or smile to all she comes in contact with. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

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Filled with Joy and Wonder

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Have you ever wondered what life would have been like for the Apostles in the days after the Resurrection? They were so filled with joy, wonder, and a deep interior drive to share Christ’s message that they truly cared not about what others thought about them.

In today’s First Reading, the Sadducees were jealous of all the attention the Apostles were getting. They threw them in jail, God got them out, and the Apostles just kept on preaching, as if nothing had happened. Eventually, the leaders of the time caught on and realized that this was something out of their power, and the Apostles marched onward, to spread the Good News to all the nations.

I wonder what today’s world would be like if we truly cared about nothing other than spreading the message of Christ. Would we be filled with that same joy, peace, and drive that nothing would stop us, not even “the virus”?

It has got me thinking about mindset and priorities. How is my attitude these days? Am I so busy lamenting my boredom and restlessness that I have forgotten to be a beacon of joy during this Easter Season? Have I allowed myself to become so overwhelmed with worry and fear that I have forgotten what truly matters? What is really important to me? Health, family, financial stability…yes, but even if all these crumble to pieces, I still have my God!

The Gospel reminds us of perhaps the most well-known passage in the whole Bible: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

There are some that think we are in the end times, that this world is coming to pass. I am in no position to say one way or the other, but it has got me thinking about eternity for sure. If it’s my time to go, so be it. I would love to be the beneficiary of God’s loving promise.

Let us not be a people who prefer the darkness to the light, but rather a people who live the truth and come to the light. May our lamenting turn to praise as we join in the words of the Psalmist:

“I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.”

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Tami grew up in Western Michigan, a middle child in a large Catholic family. She spent early young adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, studying theology and philosophy, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Western Kentucky. She loves tackling home improvement projects, finding fun ways to keep her four boys occupied, quiet conversation with the hubby and finding unique ways to love. She works at Diocesan, is a guest blogger on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net, runs her own blog at https://togetherandalways.wordpress.com and has been doing Spanish translations on the side for almost 20 years.

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Maranatha

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No matter how much we learn or study, no matter how refined our culture or advanced our science, these are still bound to earth and limited by our human limits. It is grace and the indwelling of the Spirit of God that free us and allow us to understand and judge with right judgment, to love freely, and to participate fully in all God desires for us.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that “unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God,” to which Nicodemus (who seems to take this literally) replies, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus explains, “Unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”

We have two “births” then: a physical birth from our mother’s womb, and a spiritual birth from the baptismal font of Mother Church. It is this second “birth” that opens for us the door to the Kingdom of God. “What is born of flesh is flesh,” Jesus says, “and what is born of spirit is spirit.” Our physical eyes see the physical world; we need spiritual eyes to “see” the spiritual realities. It is necessary for us to be “born of water and Spirit” in order to participate in the life of the Spirit, which is the life of the Trinity – the Family of God!

How does this happen? It is mystery. As mysterious as the source and direction of the wind, but the effects are obvious in a person.

This is not to draw an artificial division between our flesh and our spirit, or make “spirit” the opposite of “body” – we are embodied souls, physical and spiritual! This is, rather, to help us see that we cannot remain simply on the level of the “flesh” but must turn our attention to our eternal souls; we cannot simply be content to take care of the body, but we must be attentive to the spirit. The Spirit Jesus speaks about comes “from above” and is sent by the Father: the Holy Spirit.

In the Holy Spirit, we are called and empowered to live IN Christ, not just near Him, not just next to Him. John’s words at the beginning of his Gospel give insight to this: “But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were not born by natural generation nor by human choice nor by man’s decision but of God” (Jn 1:12-13).

Is sacramental Baptism enough? To be born again in Baptism is the beginning, but we must continue to grow in wisdom and spiritual stature and in favor with God! Let’s pray during this Easter season that God will complete the work He has begun in us and bring us to full maturity in the Spirit!

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Pamela joined Diocesan’s staff in 2006, after a number of years in the non-profit sector. Her experience is in non-profit administration including management, finance, and program development, along with database management and communications. She was a catechist in her parish RCIA program for over 15 years, as well as chairperson of their Liturgy Commision. Received into the Catholic Church as an adult, Pamela’s faith formation was influenced by her Mennonite extended family, her Baptist childhood, and her years as a Reformed Presbyterian (think Scott Hahn).

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Have You Been Born Again?

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No matter how much we learn or study, no matter how refined our culture or advanced our science, these are still bound to earth and limited by our human limits. It is grace and the indwelling of the Spirit of God that free us and allow us to understand and judge with right judgment, to love freely, and to participate fully in all God desires for us.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that “unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God,” to which Nicodemus (who seems to take this literally) replies, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus explains, “Unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”

We have two “births” then: a physical birth from our mother’s womb, and a spiritual birth from the baptismal font of Mother Church. It is this second “birth” that opens for us the door to the Kingdom of God. “What is born of flesh is flesh,” Jesus says, “and what is born of spirit is spirit.” Our physical eyes see the physical world; we need spiritual eyes to “see” the spiritual realities. It is necessary for us to be “born of water and Spirit” in order to participate in the life of the Spirit, which is the life of the Trinity – the Family of God!

How does this happen? It is mystery. As mysterious as the source and direction of the wind, but the effects are obvious in a person.

This is not to draw an artificial division between our flesh and our spirit, or make “spirit” the opposite of “body” – we are embodied souls, physical and spiritual! This is, rather, to help us see that we cannot remain simply on the level of the “flesh” but must turn our attention to our eternal souls; we cannot simply be content to take care of the body, but we must be attentive to the spirit. The Spirit Jesus speaks about comes “from above” and is sent by the Father: the Holy Spirit.

In the Holy Spirit, we are called and empowered to live IN Christ, not just near Him, not just next to Him. John’s words at the beginning of his Gospel give insight to this: “But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were not born by natural generation nor by human choice nor by man’s decision but of God” (Jn 1:12-13).

Is sacramental Baptism enough? To be born again in Baptism is the beginning, but we must continue to grow in wisdom and spiritual stature and in favor with God! Let’s pray during this Easter season that God will complete the work He has begun in us and bring us to full maturity in the Spirit!

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Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including newly ordained Father Rob and seminarian Luke ;-), and two grandchildren. She is a Secular Discalced Carmelite and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 25 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE. Currently, she serves the Church as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio, by publishing and speaking, and by collaborating with the diocesan Office of Catechesis, various parishes, and other ministries to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is https://www.kathryntherese.com/.

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Divine Mercy Sunday

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We all need Mercy don’t we? I am sure this is what Thomas was thinking after doubting the Lord during today’s Gospel. I love the apostles because they are relatable. Here are men who walked with Jesus, saw him perform miracles, saw him literally die and rise from the dead, and still they don’t quite get it. How often is that us? I know more times than not it is me.

We all need mercy. I love the scene in The Passion of the Christ where Peter denies Christ three times and Jesus looks back at him. You can feel the regret and shame in Peter’s look. But Peter did not despair, he allowed God to give him mercy. If you need a little inspiration for this Divine Mercy Sunday I want to encourage two things as a reflection. The first is a beautiful song from Lamb of God where Peter sings about never denying Jesus.

Then from there listen to this video from a friend of mine, Aly Aleigha, who wrote a beautiful song about when Peter denies Christ.

Use these two songs as a starting point and then come face to face with Christ and his mercy on this beautiful Feast day. We have all fallen short, we have all made mistakes, we have all denied Jesus in one way or another. Today, Jesus reaches out. He let’s us know that his love is always stronger.

Don’t think Jesus can forgive you? Your sins are too big? You are too broken? I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from St. Claude de la Columbiere. God Bless you and give you his mercy.

“I glorify You in making known how good You are towards sinners, and that Your mercy prevails over all malice, that nothing can destroy it, that no matter how many times or how shamefully we fall, or how criminally, a sinner need not be driven to despair of Your pardon…It is in vain that Your enemy and mine sets new traps for me every day. He will make me lose everything else before the hope that I have in Your mercy.”

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Tommy Shultz is Director of Evangelization for the North Allegan Catholic Collaborative and the founder of Rodzinka Ministries. In these roles, he is committed to bringing all those he meets into a deeper relationship with Christ. Tommy has a heart and a flair for inspiring people to live their faith every day. He has worked in various youth ministry, adult ministry, and diocesan roles. He has been a featured speaker at retreats and events across the country. His mission and drive have been especially inspired by St. John Paul II’s teachings. Tommy is blessed to be able to learn from the numerous parishes he visits and pass that experience on in his presentations. With a degree in Theology from Franciscan University, Tommy hopes to use his knowledge to help all people understand the beauty of The Faith.

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Proclaiming the Goodness of God

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“It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” In the First Reading, this was Peter and John’s response to scribes who told them never to speak of Jesus again. In the Gospel Reading, we are told of Jesus’ first appearance to Mary Magdalene, the woman whom he had driven out seven demons. She automatically went to tell everyone what she had seen and heard. Then we hear of Jesus appearing to two of his companions in the country, who also went out to tell others. Later, we hear of the Eleven were at table when he appeared to them. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” 

The question for today, is it impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard? This command to go out and proclaim the good news is not just for those in Scripture, but it is a call to each of us today.  We too are called to share the Gospel, the good news to all people! What shall we say? I believe we’re called to share how Jesus has been good to us. During this pandemic, through whatever season you’re in, times or trial or celebration, we are called to share the goodness of the Lord. This morning I listened to this song by Bethel called Goodness of God. I want to encourage you to give it a listen and reflect on all the ways Jesus has been good to you throughout your life. May it be impossible for us not to speak of His goodness, that is what we have seen and heard in our own lives. May we have the courage and grace of the Spirit to go out and proclaim this good news to every creature. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3t6CdeiN1M

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. She is also a district manager at Arbonne. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH and is excited to use these skills to serve the Church. “My soul has been refined and I can raise my head like a flower after a storm.” -St. Therese