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Finding Joy Amid Pain / Encontrando alegría en medio del dolor

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The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. I find the Gospel reading of the day particularly fitting, but especially the second half. Jesus asks His disciples who they went into the desert to see, namely, the messenger that He sent ahead of Himself, to prepare the way for His coming. I believe that the call of John the Baptist is also the call of all Christians, especially in this time when the world is so focused on creating division and sadness. There is a noticeable darkness spreading in the world. People are hurting and that hurt makes them sad, and the sadness makes them lonely and the cycle continues. 

You may have heard the term “trauma dumping”, that is, sharing every negative thing that has happened in your life in hopes that someone will relate to you and help fix the hurt. But this has had an adverse effect where people try to ‘one up’ each other’s trauma experiences, which ultimately widens the void of loneliness when everyone realizes that no one will truly understand their personal hurt. I believe that this is a major contributor to the darkness that seems to loom over the world these days. John the Baptist undoubtedly had difficulties in life: he lived uncomfortably, he experienced loneliness in the desert, away from anything easy, yet people flocked to him. This leads me to believe that although his life remained difficult, he never sought to preach to people about his hardship, instead he had the joy of God and was excited to share His coming with everyone who listened. 

I don’t want to discredit anyone who may have experienced particularly difficult things in life; those wounds are real and necessary in our fallen states, and sometimes the hurt never goes away. However, we can turn to the Lord for strength – the joy of the Lord is our strength. I’m the first to admit that sometimes wallowing in and holding on to our pain like a vice grip seems like the only safe thing to do when you’re in the midst of it. But when we turn to Him, place our pain into his pierced hands and let Him strengthen us, we cannot help but rejoice and share the joy of His word with everyone who listens. 

This is how we can dispel the darkness that is taking over our world. Our wounds are what make us human, but through His strength, Christ heals, and the joy that follows helps us grow in holiness. 

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El tercer domingo de Adviento se llama el Domingo Gaudete (Alegría). Me parece muy apropiado el Evangelio de hoy, pero especialmente la segunda mitad. Jesús pregunta a sus discípulos a quién fueron a ver al desierto: al mensajero que envió delante de sí para preparar el camino de su venida. Creo que el llamado de Juan el Bautista es también el llamado de todos los cristianos, especialmente en estos tiempos en que el mundo está tan centrado en crear división y tristeza. Hay una oscuridad notable que se extiende por el mundo. La gente sufre y ese dolor los entristece, y la tristeza los hace solitarios, y el ciclo continúa.

Quizás hayas escuchado el término “descarga de traumas”, es decir, compartir todo lo negativo que te ha sucedido en la vida con la esperanza de que alguien se identifique contigo y te ayude a superar el dolor. Pero esto ha tenido un efecto negativo, ya que las personas intentan compartir experiencias traumáticas que son mayores a las de los demás, lo que en última instancia amplía el vacío de la soledad cuando todos se dan cuenta de que nadie comprenderá realmente su dolor personal. Creo que esto contribuye en gran medida a la oscuridad que parece cernirse sobre el mundo hoy en día. Juan el Bautista, sin duda, tuvo dificultades en la vida: vivió incómodamente, experimentó la soledad en el desierto, lejos de todo lo fácil, pero la gente acudía a él. Esto me lleva a creer que, aunque su vida siguió siendo difícil, nunca buscó predicar a la gente sobre sus dificultades; en cambio, tuvo el gozo de Dios y se entusiasmó al compartir su venida con todos los que lo escucharon.

No quiero desacreditar a nadie que haya experimentado momentos particularmente difíciles en la vida; esas heridas son reales y necesarias en nuestra estado de seres humanos caídos, y a veces el dolor nunca desaparece. Sin embargo, podemos acudir al Señor en busca de fortaleza; el gozo del Señor es nuestra fuerza. Soy el primero en admitir que a veces, hundirse en el dolor y aferrarse a él como una tenaza parece ser la única opción segura cuando uno está en medio de él. Pero cuando nos volvemos a Él, ponemos nuestro dolor en las heridas de sus manos santas y dejamos que nos fortalezca, no podemos evitar regocijarnos y compartir la alegría de su palabra con todos los que nos escuchan.

Así es como podemos disipar la oscuridad que se apodera de nuestro mundo. Nuestras heridas nos hacen humanos, pero mediante su fuerza, Cristo sana, y la alegría que viene después nos ayuda a crecer en la santidad.

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Lily is a Michigan native and cradle Catholic who has spent most of her life exploring her own reasons to embrace her faith fully. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she discovered the beauty of her personal relationship with Christ and the Church. After college, she worked in Montessori Education for three years and recently transitioned to nannying. She was recently married and spends most of her time reading, and enjoying her dog and family!

Feature Image Credit: Anand Sharma, www.pexels.com/photo/lighted-candle-on-brown-leaves-4053866/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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A Prophet for Every Season / Un profeta para cada época

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Peter, James, and John descend the mountain, shell-shocked by the miracle they had witnessed moments before, the glorified Jesus with Moses and Elijah. 

The exchange between Jesus and His closest Apostles is meant to prepare them for what is to come: His suffering, death, and resurrection. When they ask about the second coming of Elijah, Jesus tells them that he had already come in the person of John the Baptist. Or rather, that John the Baptist continued the mission of Elijah to help restore the union between God and man. He came, “and they did not recognize him,” Jesus says. 

This Advent season is also a time of preparation, reminding us that God comes to us in ways that we often do not recognize. God speaks to us through unexpected prophets who say what we don’t want to hear but need to heed, or are too afraid to accept. He often speaks into our lives as a father giving his clueless daughter dating advice, a friend encouraging our dreams, a stranger lending a hand, or a spouse helping us to grow in virtue.  

Do we recognize Him in those moments? When confused about our vocation as young adults or in life-altering circumstances, we question our path. We agonize about whether God intends to reveal Himself or cruelly let us struggle through the unknown. Other times, we don’t even ask if God wants more for us in this life. Advent reminds us that God always reveals Himself to us. He entered time definitively on that first Christmas and daily approaches us as the infant Jesus, calling us deeper into the mystery. Like the Maji, we walk closer to the newborn King, but do we allow Him to work more deeply within us? Or do we monotonously drift through the season like every other one of the year?

No one ever expected God to come to Earth, to share in the human experience as a man. No one ever expected the all-powerful God to come to Earth as an infant. Few expect God to show up in their life in a profound way and draw them unto Himself. Advent is the perfect time to look for the prophets that God sends to you. Be attentive. Gaze upon this new creation of the infant God-man and let Him “restore all things” in you. Permit Him to shatter your expectations and bring you new life. 

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Pedro, Santiago y Juan descienden de la montaña, conmocionados por el milagro que habían presenciado momentos antes: Jesús glorificado con Moisés y Elías.

El diálogo entre Jesús y sus apóstoles más cercanos tiene como objetivo prepararlos para lo que está por venir: su sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección. Cuando preguntan sobre la segunda venida de Elías, Jesús les dice que ya había venido en la persona de Juan el Bautista. O mejor dicho, que Juan el Bautista continuó la misión de Elías para ayudar a restaurar la unión entre Dios y el hombre. Vino, “y no lo reconocieron”, dice Jesús.

Este tiempo de Adviento es también un tiempo de preparación, que nos recuerda que Dios se acerca a nosotros de maneras que a menudo no reconocemos. Dios nos habla a través de profetas inesperados que dicen lo que no queremos oír, pero que debemos escuchar o que tememos aceptar. A menudo habla en nuestras vidas como un padre que da consejos sobre salir con los chicos a su hija despistada, un amigo que anima nuestros sueños, un desconocido que nos da una mano o un esposo que nos ayuda a crecer en la virtud. 

¿Reconocemos a Dios en esos momentos? Cuando nos sentimos confundidos sobre nuestra vocación como jóvenes adultos o en circunstancias que cambian la vida, cuestionamos nuestro camino. Nos angustiamos preguntándonos si Dios piensa revelarse o si nos va a dejar luchar cruelmente a través de lo desconocido. Otras veces, ni siquiera nos preguntamos si Dios quiere algo más para nosotros en esta vida. El Adviento nos recuerda que Dios siempre se nos revela. Entró en el tiempo definitivamente en la primera Navidad y cada día se acerca a nosotros como el niño Jesús, llamándonos a profundizar en el misterio. Como los reyes magos, nos acercamos al Rey recién nacido, pero ¿le permitimos obrar más profundamente dentro de nosotros? ¿O nos dejamos llevar monótonamente por esta temporada como cualquier otra del año?

Nadie esperaba que Dios viniera a la Tierra para compartir la experiencia humana como hombre. Nadie esperaba que Dios todopoderoso viniera a la Tierra como un niño. Pocos esperan que Dios se manifieste en sus vidas de manera profunda y los atraiga hacia sí. El Adviento es el momento perfecto para buscar a los profetas que Dios te envía. Mantente atento. Contempla esta nueva creación del niño Dios y deja que Él restaure todo en ti. Permítele que derrumbe tus expectativas y te traiga nueva vida.

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Former NPS Park Ranger, Catholic educator, and Youth Minister, Melissa Lucca now spends her days evangelizing family and neighbors as a stay-at-home mom. She holds an MA in Theology from the Augustine Institute and pursues personal study in her spare time. Melissa loves Ignatian Spirituality, Mother Mary, and rock climbing. If you don’t hear her and her kiddo laughing at home, then they are probably out on an adventure!

Feature Image Credit: Public Domain, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/saint-john-the-baptist-21473/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Blessed Are You Who Believed / Dichosa tú que has creído

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Today’s Gospel tells us how Mary became the mother of Jesus: “Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” She then becomes the new Ark of the Covenant. 

When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, a poor farmer in Mexico in December of 1531, we have a sense of the same image described in the first reading from the Book of Revelation: “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day we celebrate today, left her image on Juan Diego’s tilma. 

On it, she is surrounded by the rays of the sun and stands on the moon. Her hands are clasped in prayer. She wears a rose-colored tunic with a blue cloak dazzled with stars. Her eyes are cast down, showing humility. She is pictured with a black ribbon around her belly meaning she’s with child. Her complexion matches that of the mestizos, the indigenous people. Juan Diego was very humbled to see her, as Our Lady appeared to him and spoke in his native language. (The image on the tilma can currently be seen at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.)

She appeared in a place called Tepeyac Hill, on the land where a pagan Aztec temple had once been. Word spread about her miraculous appearances to Juan Diego and about the tilma. That led to the conversion of millions of indigenous people. Even today more and more people around the world love Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her words to Juan Diego are so pure, “Am I not here, I who am your mother?”

There have been many apparitions of Mary around the world. She has visited in various ways in different countries. It’s easy to have a favorite, or one that resonates more with us. Just as Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in a specific manner for Juan Diego, she relates to each of us in a personal way as well. No matter our country of origin, we can love our Mother Mary as our own. 

Even if our own birth mother has passed away, we will always have Mary as our Blessed Mother. If we never knew our mother or did not have a close relationship with her, we can get close to our loving Mother Mary. She is right there with us as we recite the rosary.

Because of Mary’s belief in the angel Gabriel whom God sent to her, we have an eternal Mother in Heaven and with us spiritually on this earth. “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:45)

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

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El Evangelio de hoy nos relata cómo María se convirtió en la madre de Jesús: “El ángel le dijo: ‘No temas, María, porque has hallado gracia ante Dios. Vas a concebir y a dar a luz un hijo y le pondrás por nombre Jesús.’” Ella se convierte entonces en la nueva Arca de la Alianza.

Cuando la Santísima Virgen María se apareció a Juan Diego, un campesino pobre de México, en diciembre de 1531, nos hace reflexionar sobre la misma imagen descrita en la primera lectura del Apocalipsis: “Apareció entonces en el cielo una figura prodigiosa: una mujer envuelta por el sol, con la luna bajo sus pies y con una corona de doce estrellas en la cabeza.” Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, cuya fiesta celebramos hoy, dejó su imagen en la tilma de Juan Diego.

En ella, la Virgen está rodeada por los rayos del sol y parada encima de la luna. Sus manos están unidas en oración. Está vestida de una túnica rosa con un manto azul deslumbrado por estrellas. Está mirando para abajo, mostrando humildad. Se la representa con una cinta negra alrededor del vientre, lo que significa que está encinta. El color de su piel coincide con el de los mestizos, los indígenas. Juan Diego se sintió muy humilde al verla, ya que Nuestra Señora se le apareció y le habló en su lengua materna. (La imagen en la tilma se puede ver actualmente en la Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en la Ciudad de México).

Se le apareció en un lugar llamado el cerro del Tepeyac, en el terreno donde antiguamente había un templo pagano azteca. Se corrió la voz sobre sus apariciones milagrosas a Juan Diego y sobre la tilma. Esto llevó a la conversión de millones de indígenas. Incluso hoy en día, cada vez más personas en todo el mundo aman a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Sus palabras a Juan Diego son tan puras: “¿No estoy yo aquí, yo que soy tu Madre?”

Maria ha aparecido muchas veces en muchas partes del mundo. Ha visitado diversos países de diversas formas. Es fácil tener una aparición favorita o una que nos resuene más. Así como Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe se apareció de una manera específica a Juan Diego, también se relaciona con cada uno de nosotros de forma personal. Sin importar nuestro país de origen, podemos amar a la Madre María como nuestra propia madre.

Aunque nuestra madre biológica haya fallecido, siempre tendremos a María como nuestra Santísima Madre. Si nunca conocimos a nuestra madre o no tuvimos una relación cercana con ella, podemos acercarnos a nuestra querida Madre María. Ella está ahí con nosotros mientras rezamos el rosario.

Gracias a que María creyó en las palabras del ángel Gabriel, enviado por Dios, tenemos una Madre eterna en el Cielo y con nosotros espiritualmente aquí en esta tierra. “Dichosa tú, que has creído, porque se cumplirá cuanto te fue anunciado de parte del Señor”.

¡Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros!

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Christine Arata is a San Francisco, California native. She lives a few blocks away from the ocean and a park. She finds nature inspiring. Her cat brings her comfort. She loves being creative not only with her writing but with almost everything, including her home cooking. Her studies in the Catholic faith are ongoing. In 2019, when she discovered St. Hildegard of Bingen was underrepresented by Catholics, she found a purpose. Her latest website, St. Hildegard’s Wisdom features blog posts about all of that: https://sthildegardswisdom.com.

Feature Image Credit: Grant Whitty, unsplash.com/photos/a-mosaic-of-the-virgin-mary-of-guadalupe-9CiOeQQ7m9Y

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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The Precursor / El Precursor de Jesús

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Jesus came into the world to save us from sin and lead us to the Father. He alone is the holy One, He alone is the Lord. From Him and through Him and for Him all things are (Rom 11:36). No one goes to the Father except through Him (Jn 14:6). He is the way, and the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6). Ultimately, He will be “all in all” (1 Cor 15:28). Yet Jesus praises John the Baptist, saying that among those born of women, there is none greater than John. That is high praise from the King of Heaven!

John is the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first prophet of the New; from his mother’s womb, he rejoiced at the presence of the Savior in the world. Later, he would explain his true joy by saying, “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete” (Jn 1:29-30).

His whole life was a mission to announce the coming of the Savior of the World, and he emptied himself completely in order to fulfill this mission, proclaimed before his conception and confirmed by the words of his father, Zechariah: “You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will go before the Lord to prepare his way” (Lk 1:76-79). John the Baptist summarized his position and his mission by saying, “He must increase, I must decrease” (Jn 1:30).

While Jesus praises John, he says that “the least in the Kingdom of Heaven” are greater than he is, reminding us of the glory to which each of us are called. We are reminded that in order to become great in the Kingdom, we must decrease so that we are better able to proclaim the One Who IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life! It is not about me, but about HIM. I cannot save anyone from anything. He can save everyone from everything that obstructs the way or the light. I am small and weak, but if I allow what is not of Him to decrease and fade away, His power and strength increase in and through me.

During Advent, we are called to look to the Gift that is given and prepare ourselves to receive the One Who can do all things, Who makes all things new. Let us pray for the grace to let go of our selfward selves so that our spiritual arms are free to fully embrace Him.

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Jesús vino al mundo para salvarnos del pecado y guiarnos al Padre. Solo Él es el Santo, solo Él es el Señor. De Él, por Él y para Él son todas las cosas (Rom 11,36). Nadie va al Padre sino por Él (Jn 14,6). Él es el camino, la verdad y la vida (Jn 14,6). Finalmente, Él será “todo en todos” (1 Cor 15,28). Sin embargo, Jesús alaba a Juan el Bautista, diciendo que entre los nacidos de mujer, no hay nadie mayor que Juan. ¡Esa es una gran alabanza del Rey del Cielo!

Juan es el último profeta del Antiguo Testamento y el primer profeta del Nuevo Testamento; desde el vientre de su madre, se regocijó con la presencia del Salvador en el mundo. Más tarde, explicaría su verdadera alegría diciendo: “El que tiene a la novia es el novio; el padrino, que está de pie y lo escucha, se alegra enormemente con la voz del novio. Así se ha cumplido mi alegría” (Jn 1,29-30).

Toda su vida fue una misión para anunciar la venida del Salvador del mundo, y se entregó por completo para cumplir esta misión, proclamada antes de su concepción y confirmada por las palabras de su padre, Zacarías: “Tú, hijo mío, serás llamado profeta del Altísimo, porque irás delante del Señor para preparar su camino” (Lc 1,76-79). Juan el Bautista resumió su posición y su misión diciendo: “Es necesario que él crezca, y que yo disminuya” (Jn 1,30).

Mientras Jesús alaba a Juan, dice que “el más pequeño en el Reino de los Cielos” es mayor que él, recordándonos la gloria a la que cada uno de nosotros está llamado. Se nos recuerda que, para alcanzar la grandeza en el Reino, debemos disminuir para poder proclamar mejor a Aquel que ES el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. No se trata de mí, sino de ÉL. Yo no puedo salvar a nadie de nada. Él puede salvar a todos de todo lo que obstruye el camino o la luz. Soy pequeño y débil, pero si permito que lo que no es de Él disminuya y se desvanezca, su poder y fuerza aumentan en mí y a través de mí.

Durante el Adviento, estamos llamados a contemplar el Don que se nos da y a prepararnos para recibir a Aquel que todo lo puede, que todo lo hace nuevo. Pedimos la gracia de soltar nuestro egocentrismo para que nuestros brazos espirituales estén libres para abrazarlo plenamente.

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Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and eleven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com

Feature Image Credit: Phil Botha, unsplash.com/photos/a-statue-of-jesus-holding-a-cross-in-a-church-UjRy5jlYHEI

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Yoked Together / Uncidos

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In the days before modern farm machinery, farmers and homesteaders would harness two oxen, horses, or mules together using a yoke – a wooden beam or crosspiece that lies across the necks of the animals and is attached to a plow – so that the animals can work the fields together as a team. The work was made lighter for each animal as they pulled together, each taking part of the burden. For this reason, they were able to do more together than they would have been able to do on their own. 

The team needed to learn to work together, to pull steadily at the same pace and with the same force, turning, when necessary, at the same time and at the same angle. The animals learned to work as one unit as they spent time yoked together, laying their own wills aside for the sake of the task they shared. 

This image is what comes to mind when I hear today’s Gospel passage: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart”. Jesus invites us to be yoked to Him, not so He can enslave us or impose limitations on us but so He can help and support us. We learn to work together with Him, so that we are not burdened with doing all the work ourselves. He will give us rest as He takes our burden upon Himself, carrying our load alongside us. 

He wants us to rely on Him, following His lead and laying our wills aside for the sake of the interior and exterior work to which He calls us, to come to Him for assistance and for strength. As we spend more time with Him, taking His yoke upon ourselves and working with Him, we come to know Him and His ways. We learn from Him and begin to emulate Him, following His lead through each twist and turn of our lives. 

I appreciate meditating on this Gospel especially as we prepare for Christmas, celebrating Jesus’ coming to us and joining us in our humanity, not leaving us alone. He humbled Himself to become human, walking among us and alongside us under the yoke, bearing our burdens with us. 

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En la época anterior a la maquinaria agrícola moderna, los agricultores y granjeros unían dos bueyes, caballos o mulas con un yugo (una viga o travesaño de madera que se coloca sobre el cuello de los animales y se fija al arado) para que los animales pudieran trabajar los campos juntos como un solo equipo. El trabajo se hacía más ligero para cada animal, ya que tiraban juntos, cada uno asumiendo parte de la carga. Por esta razón, podían hacer más juntos de lo que hubieran podido hacer solos.

El equipo necesitaba aprender a trabajar unido, a tirar con firmeza al mismo ritmo y con la misma fuerza, girando, cuando era necesario, al mismo tiempo y en el mismo ángulo. Los animales aprendieron a trabajar como una sola unidad al pasar tiempo unidos, dejando de lado su propia voluntad por el bien de la tarea que compartían.

Esta imagen es la que me viene a la mente cuando escucho el pasaje del Evangelio de hoy: “Tomen mi yugo sobre ustedes y aprendan de mí, que soy manso y humilde de corazón”. Jesús nos invita a unirnos a Él, no para esclavizarnos ni imponernos limitaciones, sino para ayudarnos y apoyarnos. Aprendemos a trabajar junto a Él, para que no nos agobie la tarea de hacer todo nosotros mismos. Él nos dará descanso al tomar nuestra carga sobre Sí, llevándola junto con nosotros.

Él quiere que confiemos en Él, siguiendo su guía y dejando de lado nuestra voluntad por el bien del trabajo interior y exterior al que nos llama, para acudir a Él en busca de ayuda y fortaleza. A medida que pasamos más tiempo con Él, tomando su yugo sobre nosotros y trabajando con Él, llegamos a conocerlo y sus caminos. Aprendemos de Él y comenzamos a imitarlo, siguiendo su guía en cada giro de nuestras vidas.

Aprecio meditar en este Evangelio, especialmente mientras nos preparamos para la Navidad, celebrando la venida de Jesús a nosotros y uniéndose a nuestra humanidad, sin dejarnos solos. Se humilló para hacerse ser humano, caminando entre nosotros y junto a nosotros bajo el yugo, llevando nuestras cargas con nosotros.

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Kimberly Andrich writes from the perspective of having a hidden, chronic illness and experiencing a deep, continuous conversion through being yoked to Jesus in the day-to-day trials and joys of life. She is a wife, mother of 5, and daughter of the King. Kimberly also writes for Catholicmom.com and on fallingonhisgrace.substack.com.

Feature Image Credit: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz, pexels.com/photo/cattle-with-plow-on-field-14217940/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Searching for the Lost One / Buscar al perdido

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In today’s Gospel we hear, “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?” 

I have often wondered how it feels to be “the one” in this parable. While these days I am happily more often part of the ninety-nine — steady, faithful, staying put — the truth is, not too long ago, I was the lost one. Even when Jesus gently carried me back, I would find myself focusing on the wrong path, and before I knew it, I was lost again. Sometimes I wandered by accident, distracted by the noise of the world. Other times, if I’m honest, I chose my way, ignoring the Shepherd, because I wanted my will and was unwilling to trust in His will. 

What amazes me is that Jesus never lets me stay lost. He doesn’t sigh in frustration or weigh whether I’m worth the trouble. He comes after me — every time. He knows my name. He knows my broken places and is willing to mend and heal when and where I let Him in. And when He finds me, He lifts me onto His shoulders with joy and carries me back to safety. Oh, He will gently correct later, not to make me feel guilty, but more out of love and a desire to prevent me from straying too far and risking being hurt. 

In this Gospel, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father: it is not His will that anyone be lost. He loves us all without condition and would go to the ends of the earth to bring us back to the fold. Every soul is precious to Him, uniquely loved, and worth the pursuit. That includes you. That includes the person you’ve been praying for who seems far from God. That includes the parts of your own heart that are still afraid or rebellious.

Today, I invite you to place yourself in the scene, wandering and afraid in the pasture alone. Let Jesus find you. Feel the relief of being rescued. Then, ask Him to make your heart like His — ready to notice who’s missing, ready to leave your comfort zone to help bring the lost back to the fold, ready to rejoice when even one comes home.

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En el Evangelio de hoy escuchamos: “¿Qué les parece? Si un hombre tiene cien ovejas y se le pierde una, ¿acaso no deja las noventa y nueve en los montes, y se va a buscar a la que se le perdió?”

A menudo me he preguntado cómo se siente ser “el perdido” de esta parábola. Si bien hoy en día, felizmente, más frecuentemente formo parte de los noventa y nueve —firmes, fieles, que se quedan en el mismo lugar—, la verdad es que, no hace mucho, yo era el perdido. Incluso cuando Jesús me llevaba de vuelta con ternura, me encontraba centrándome en el camino equivocado y, sin darme cuenta, estaba perdida de nuevo. A veces vagaba por accidente, distraída por el ruido del mundo. Otras veces, si soy honesta, elegía mi propio camino, ignorando al Pastor, porque quería hacer mi voluntad y no estaba dispuesta a confiar en la suya.

Lo que me sorprende es que Jesús nunca me deja perdida. No suspira de frustración ni se pregunta si valgo la pena. Siempre viene a buscarme. Sabe mi nombre. Conoce mis partes rotas y está dispuesto a sanar y reparar cuando y donde lo dejo entrar. Y cuando me encuentra, me carga sobre sus hombros con alegría y me lleva de regreso a un lugar seguro. Por cierto me corregirá con dulzura más tarde, no para hacerme sentir culpable, sino más bien por amor y por el deseo de evitar que me desvíe demasiado y corra el riesgo de ser lastimada.

En este Evangelio, Jesús revela el corazón del Padre: no es su voluntad que nadie se pierda. Nos ama a todos incondicionalmente e iría hasta los confines de la tierra para traernos de vuelta al redil. Cada alma es preciosa para Él, amada de manera única y vale la pena buscarla. Eso te incluye a ti. Eso incluye a la persona por la que has estado orando y que parece estar lejos de Dios. Eso incluye las partes de tu propio corazón que aún tienen miedo o se rebelan.

Hoy, te invito a ponerte en la escena, vagando y asustado en el prado solo. Deja que Jesús te encuentre. Siente el alivio de ser rescatado. Luego, pídele que haga tu corazón como el suyo: listo para notar quién falta, listo para dejar tu zona de confort para ayudar a traer de vuelta al redil a los perdidos, listo para regocijarte cuando incluso uno solo regrese a casa.

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Allison Gingras (www.ReconciledToYou.com ) shares an everyday Catholic faith with humor and honesty. Her writing includes The Handy Little Guide to Novenas (OSV), Encountering Signs of Faith (Ave Maria Press), and the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (Our Sunday Visitor), with a new edition “Jesus Heals,” coming in 2025. Allison is the Director of Digital Evangelization for Family Rosary USA.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary / La Inmaculada Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María

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Let us pause for a minute and reflect on how the Blessed Virgin Mary was given the grace of being Immaculate not because she said yes to Christ at the Annunciation but rather because of her Immaculate Conception in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. The Lord prepared her for the critical and vital role she plays in Salvation History by protecting her from original sin.  

Today we recall the great Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this feast day, we recognize that from Mary’s conception, she was protected from original sin. Blessed Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8, 1854. In this declaration, he stated, “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” 

In today’s Gospel reading, we read how the Angel Gabriel says to Mary, “Rejoice, oh highly favored! The Lord is with you.” These words must have invoked such a deep and profound wonder. But the Angel continued with, “Mary, do not be afraid you have won God’s favor.” By responding “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let what you have said be done to me”, Mary activated her role in Salvation History through the powerful example of complete and free cooperation with God. How can we say, “Yes” to the Lord in our own lives?

The Lord offers us what we need to endure both the joyful and sorrowful aspects of our life; our life is meant to be lived in the state of grace and with grace to guide us and lead us. Without grace, we miss beautiful encounters, moments, and heavenly gifts that we need to be united with God forever in heaven. 

May we also invite Mary, the Mother of God, to lead us closer to Christ and live out God’s will through her intercession and prayers. Today let us not only unite our hearts by attending Holy Mass in honor of our Lady but also give God our hearts so that we can follow the path of Mary and say yes to Christ. 

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Hagamos una pausa por un minuto y reflexionemos sobre cómo se le dio a la Virgen María la gracia de ser inmaculada no porque le dijo que sí a Cristo en la Anunciación, sino por su inmaculada concepción en el útero de su madre, Sta. Ana. El Señor la preparó para el papel crítico y vital que desempeña en la historia de la salvación al protegerla del pecado original.

Hoy recordamos la gran solemnidad de la inmaculada concepción de la Santísima Virgen María. En este día de fiesta, reconocemos que desde la concepción de María, estaba protegida del pecado original. El Bendito Papa Pío IX proclamó el dogma de la Inmaculada Concepción de María el 8 de diciembre de 1854. En esta Declaración, dijo: “La Santísima Virgen María fue, desde el primer momento de su concepción, por una gracia singular y un privilegio de Dios todopoderoso y en virtud de los méritos de Jesucristo, Salvador de la raza humana, preservada inmune de todas las manchas del pecado original”.

En la lectura del evangelio de hoy, leemos cómo el ángel Gabriel le dice a María: “Alégrate, llena de gracia, el Señor está contigo”. Estas palabras deben haber invocado una maravilla tan profunda y profunda. Pero el ángel continuó con: “No temas, María, porque has hallado gracia ante Dios.” Al responder “Yo soy la esclava del Señor; cúmplase en mí lo que me has dicho”, Mary activó su papel en la historia de la salvación a través del poderoso ejemplo de cooperación completa y libre con Dios. ¿Cómo podemos nosotros decir “sí” al Señor en nuestras propias vidas?

El Señor nos ofrece lo que necesitamos para soportar los aspectos alegres y tristes de nuestra vida; Nuestra vida está destinada a ser vivida en el estado de la gracia y con gracia para guiarnos. Sin gracia, nos hacen falta los hermosos encuentros, momentos y dones celestiales que necesitamos para estar unidos con Dios para siempre en el cielo.

Que también invitemos a María, la Madre de Dios, a llevarnos más cerca de Cristo y vivir la voluntad de Dios a través de su intercesión y oraciones. Hoy no solo unamos nuestros corazones asistiendo a la Santa Misa en honor de Nuestra Señora, sino que también le damos a Dios nuestros corazones para que podamos seguir el camino de María y decir que sí a Cristo.

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Emily Jaminet is a Catholic author, speaker, radio personality, wife, and mother of seven children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mental health and human services from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.  She is the co-founder of www.inspirethefaith.com and the Executive Director of The Sacred Heart Enthronement Network www.WelcomeHisHeart.com. She has co-authored several Catholic books and her latest one, Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Claiming Jesus’ Twelve Promises in Your Life, came out in Oct. 2020. Emily serves on the board of the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference, contributes to Relevant Radio and Catholic Mom.com.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Prepare the Way of the Lord /Preparen el Camino del Señor

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I remember going to Mass at my parish during Advent and hearing Father sing “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” (from the musical Godspell) to start his homily. I was completely confused because the singing felt like it came out of nowhere. But he went on to explain how that song summed up the Advent season. We are preparing the way of the Lord. 

In today’s Gospel, we see that John the Baptist knew that Jesus’s ministry was coming, saying “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.” He was helping people repent so they could be ready for Jesus’ world changing ministry. As ridiculous as he might’ve sounded, the people who listened were able to repent and prepare. Just like actors and actresses practice for the big show, preparing themselves to perform, we need to prepare ourselves for his Second Coming.

This can also apply to modern-day society. While we are preparing for the Christmas parties and all the gift giving, we sometimes forget, myself included, what we are truly preparing for. One thing that helps is remembering to fit in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to repent of my sins and be fully present to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.

As we prepare for the Lord, I pray that each of you can truly enjoy the Advent season and the Christmas season. Let’s also take time to pray for those who aren’t practicing Christians, that this Christmas season can help them see the good that God can do in each one of our lives. 

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Recuerdo ir a misa en mi parroquia durante el Adviento y escuchar al Padre cantar “Preparen el Camino del Señor” (del musical Godspell) para comenzar su homilía. Estaba completamente confundido porque el canto parecía surgir de la nada. Pero continuó explicando cómo esa canción resumía el tiempo de Adviento. Estamos preparando el camino del Señor.

En el Evangelio de hoy, vemos que Juan el Bautista sabía que el ministerio de Jesús se acercaba, diciendo: “Yo los bautizo con agua, en señal de que ustedes se han convertido; pero el que viene después de mí, es más fuerte que yo, y yo ni siquiera soy digno de quitarle las sandalias. Él los bautizará en el Espíritu Santo y su fuego”. Estaba ayudando a la gente a arrepentirse para que estuvieran listos para el ministerio transformador de Jesús. Por ridículo que pudiera parecer, quienes lo escucharon pudieron arrepentirse y prepararse. Así como los actores y actrices practican para el gran espectáculo, preparándose para actuar, nosotros también debemos prepararnos para su Segunda Venida. 

Esto también aplica a la sociedad moderna. Mientras preparamos para las fiestas navideñas y todos los regalos, a veces nos olvidamos, yo incluido, para qué nos estamos preparando realmente. Algo que ayuda es recordar incluir el Sacramento de la Reconciliación para arrepentirme de mis pecados y estar plenamente presente para celebrar el cumpleaños de Jesús.

Mientras nos preparamos para el Señor, le pido a Dios que cada uno de ustedes pueda disfrutar verdaderamente del Adviento y la Navidad. Dediquemos también un tiempo a orar por quienes no son cristianos practicantes, para que esta Navidad les ayude a ver el bien que Dios puede hacer en cada una de nuestras vidas.

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Ben Hooper is originally from Maryland, having been adopted from Korea and growing up in the Catholic faith. He went to Franciscan University to dive deeper into his faith and eventually graduated with a degree in Business Management. He loves musical theater, sports, spending time with his wife Lily and their dog Kolbe.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Soothing Words / Palabras consoladoras

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The Church, in her wisdom, always chooses wonderful readings during each liturgical season. In this first week of Advent we hear some soothing words from the prophet Isaiah. The prophet tells us,”O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep; He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you.” Even though this was spoken to the people of Zion it still applies to us today. 

Have you ever had a moment where you felt like you were dying of thirst or exhaustion? I once went on a backpacking trip with my cousins to a remote island in Michigan and on the very first day I got the worst sunburn imaginable. I am a redhead so when I say worst sunburn ever I mean that I was literally the color of a lobster. It was terrible and I would have given anything to have some aloe vera lotion to put on my burns. 15 miles of backpacking with the straps rubbing against my burnt skin was not what I would call a vacation. 

As soon as we got back to the mainland I immediately went to a store to get lotion that was instantly soothing. We all have things in our lives that need healing. Maybe for some of us these are more spiritual wounds than physical ones, but we all have them. I think it can be easy to write God off and say that he has other people to care about or maybe even believe that we aren’t worthy of healing, but God wants to heal us. The instant relief of aloe vera lotion for me was a human remedy. Think of how much more God wants to soothe us, heal us, and make us whole. 

Today’s first reading makes it clear that God wants this for us. God wants to enter into the very hurt of our lives and bring us His soothing presence and grace. This is one of the reasons that the Sacrament of Reconciliation requires sorrow for sin. It is not so much that we put ourselves down and feel terrible, but quite the opposite. We are required to have sorrow for our sin because that is right where God wants to meet us and heal us. Just like the people in Zion who were told they would no longer weep, God is telling us, as we prepare for his birth at Christmas, that he wants to be a part of our healing journey. 

He doesn’t just want to watch as a bystander. He wants to be actively involved in our sorrow, our hurts, our wounds, and our failures. He is the great healer, we just have to let Him heal. Let’s take a moment during this beautiful season of Advent to allow God to show us exactly where we need healing and what we need from Him, and then ask Him for it. Like a loving Father, He longs to hear from us and heal us.  

From all of us here at Diocesan, God bless! 

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La Iglesia, en su sabiduría, siempre elige lecturas maravillosas durante cada temporada litúrgica. En esta primera semana de Adviento, escuchamos unas palabras de consuelo del profeta Isaías. El profeta nos dice: “Pueblo de Sión, que habitas en Jerusalén, ya no volverás a llorar. El Señor misericordioso, al oír tus gemidos, se apiadará de ti y te responderá, apenas te oiga”. Aunque esto fue dicho al pueblo de Sión, todavía se aplica a nosotros el día de hoy.

¿Alguna vez has sentido que te morías de sed o de agotamiento? Una vez fui de mochilero con mis primos a una isla remota de Michigan y el primer día sufrí la peor quemadura solar imaginable. Soy pelirrojo, así que cuando digo la peor quemadura solar de mi vida, quiero decir que literalmente tenía el color de una langosta. Fue terrible y habría dado cualquier cosa por tener un poco de loción de aloe vera para aplicarme en las quemaduras. Caminar 24 kilómetros con las correas rozando mi piel quemada no fue lo que yo llamaría unas vacaciones.

En cuanto regresamos a tierra firme, fui inmediatamente a una tienda a comprar una loción que me alivió al instante. Todos tenemos cosas en la vida que necesitan sanación. Quizás para algunos sean heridas más espirituales que físicas, pero todos las tenemos. Creo que es fácil ignorar a Dios y decir que tiene otras personas a las que cuidar, o incluso creer que no merecemos la sanación, pero Dios quiere sanarnos. El alivio instantáneo de la loción del aloe para mí fue un remedio humano. Piensen en cuánto más desea Dios consolarnos y sanarnos.

La primera lectura de hoy deja claro que Dios quiere esto para nosotros. Dios quiere entrar en el dolor mismo de nuestras vidas y traernos su presencia y gracia reconfortantes. Esta es una de las razones por las que el Sacramento de la Reconciliación requiere arrepentimiento por el pecado. No se trata tanto de que nos menospreciemos y nos sintamos fatal, sino todo lo contrario. Debemos sentir dolor por nuestros pecados porque es ahí donde Dios quiere encontrarnos y sanarnos. Al igual que al pueblo de Sión, al que se le dijo que ya no lloraría, Dios nos dice, mientras nos preparamos para su nacimiento en Navidad, que quiere ser parte de nuestro camino de sanación.

Él no quiere ser solo un espectador. Quiere participar activamente en nuestro dolor, nuestras heridas, nuestras penas y nuestros fracasos. Él es el gran sanador; solo tenemos que dejar que Él sane. Tomemos un momento durante esta hermosa temporada del Adviento para permitir que Dios nos muestre exactamente dónde necesitamos sanación y qué necesitamos de Él, y luego pidámoslo. Como un Padre amoroso, Él anhela escucharnos y sanarnos.

De parte de todos nosotros aquí en Diocesan, ¡Dios los bendiga!

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Tommy Shultz is a Business Development Representative for Diocesan. In this role he is committed to bringing the best software to dioceses and parishes while helping them evangelize on the digital continent. Tommy has worked in various diocese and parish roles since his graduation from Franciscan University with a Theology degree. He hopes to use his skills in evangelization, marketing, and communications, to serve the Church and bring the Good News to all. His favorite quote comes from St. John Paul II, who said, “A person is an entity of a sort to which the only proper and adequate way to relate is love.”

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Faith and Healing / La fe y la sanación

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“Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants” (Gospel Antiphon).

The two blind men in today’s Gospel are a model for all of us: they know their need, they know the One who can help them, they believe He will do so, and they call out for help. They are taken out of the crowd and into a quieter space, into the house, where Jesus can look at them as individuals and speak to them in private. Jesus does not haphazardly dispense healing into a crowd, but in a personal way, in a personal relationship of love and trust. 

To understand what Jesus is doing in the Gospels, we try to see with whom He is establishing relationship. Where is His gaze? From whom is He eliciting a response? What is He drawing out of a person’s heart to create a space for healing grace?

This is what happens with the blind men. Their eyes were opened, but only because they knew they were closed, and they desired to see! Sometimes, we fail to see the areas of our own blindness, and so we do not even know to ask for healing. Sometimes, we do not fully believe we are worthy of healing, or we are afraid of what we will be without our woundedness, so we cannot truly desire the healing touch of God’s love.

These blind men not only believe Jesus can heal them, but recognize who He truly is – they call Him “Son of David,” acknowledging that He is the Messiah. And Jesus underscores and deepens their belief by asking them, “Do you believe that I can do this? … Let it be done for you according to your faith.” True healing always begins with faith and trust.

Jesus wants us to be whole and free, so that we can walk with confidence toward the Kingdom of Love and endless peace. Advent is an opportunity to ask for the grace to examine our hearts with sincerity, lift up our brokenness to the Light of His gaze, and take whatever steps we need to be wholly prepared to receive “the Son of David” as He comes to us with quiet grace at Christmas.

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“Ya viene el Señor, nuestro Dios, con todo su poder para iluminar los ojos de sus hijos.” (Antífona del Evangelio).

Los dos ciegos del Evangelio de hoy son un modelo para todos nosotros: conocen su necesidad, conocen a Aquel que puede ayudarlos, creen que lo hará y piden ayuda. Los sacan de la multitud y los llevan a un espacio más tranquilo, a la casa, donde Jesús puede mirarlos individualmente y hablarles en privado. Jesús no imparte sanación a la multitud al azar, sino de forma personal, en una relación personal de amor y confianza.

Para comprender lo que Jesús hace en los Evangelios, tratamos de ver con quién establece una relación. ¿Dónde está su mirada? ¿De quién obtiene una respuesta? ¿Qué extrae del corazón de una persona para crear un espacio para la gracia sanadora?

Esto es lo que sucede con los ciegos. Sus ojos se abrieron, pero solo porque sabían que estaban cerrados y deseaban ver. A veces, no vemos las áreas de nuestra propia ceguera, y por eso ni siquiera sabemos pedir sanación. A veces, no creemos plenamente que seamos dignos de sanación, o tememos lo que seremos sin nuestras heridas, por lo que no podemos desear verdaderamente el toque sanador del amor de Dios.

Estos ciegos no solo creen que Jesús puede sanarlos, sino que reconocen quién es Él realmente: lo llaman “Hijo de David”, reconociendo que es el Mesías. Y Jesús subraya y profundiza su creencia al preguntarles: “¿Creen que puedo hacerlo?…Que se haga en ustedes conforme a su fe”. La verdadera sanación siempre comienza con la fe y la confianza.

Jesús quiere que seamos completos y libres, para que podamos caminar con confianza hacia el Reino del Amor y la paz eterna. El Adviento es una oportunidad para pedir la gracia de examinar nuestros corazones con sinceridad, elevar nuestra fragilidad a la Luz de su mirada y dar los pasos necesarios para estar completamente preparados para recibir al “Hijo de David” cuando venga a nosotros con su gracia silenciosa en la Navidad.

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Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and eleven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Building Our House on Rock / Edificar nuestra casa sobre roca

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A phrase from today’s Gospel really caught my attention: “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”

It reminded me of a time back in 2011, when I had left the comforts of the United States to return to Peru, my native country. I had high expectations because I was already a college graduate, but reality was completely different from what I had imagined. I couldn’t get a job because I was overqualified. When I finally got hired, they never paid me, and I was so poor that I only ate twice a day without snacks. It was a mess. There was a church not far from my apartment, where I would visit the Blessed Sacrament every day and go to Mass on Sundays. My faith never wavered; on the contrary, it grew stronger. I visited the Blessed Sacrament three times a day, for what I called my spiritual breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Faith in God was what kept me alive and gave me hope for a better tomorrow.

We must remember and put into practice what God teaches us every day, especially by following His commandments and teachings so as to continue growing in faith. Whether we are experiencing good times or difficult situations, we must continue to trust in God. The first reading says, “Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock.” Being with God and walking hand in hand with Him is what gave me strength when I didn’t have a job. God’s love calmed my hunger when the only thing I could eat every day was two pieces of bread and some milk for breakfast and an eighth of a chicken breast, rice, and broccoli for dinner.

The strength God gave me to overcome that difficult time made me love Him more, and I was grateful every day for having at least a little food to eat. We don’t have the ability to resolve everything. We need God in our lives to overcome difficulties, and we must always put what we’ve learned into practice. A high school math teacher once gave me some advice: “Put the concept or definition you learned into practice in order to get results.” Let’s all build our “house” on Christ, our Rock.

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En el evangelio de hoy hay una frase que me llamó mucho la atención “El que escucha estas palabras mías y las pone en práctica, se parece a un hombre prudente, que edificó su casa sobre roca”. 

Me hizo acordar a una temporada en el 2011, donde había dejado las comodidades de estar en Estados Unidos para volver a Perú, mi país nativo. Tenía muchas expectativas porque ya era un profesional, pero la realidad fue totalmente distinta a las que había pensado. No podía conseguir trabajo porque estaba sobrecalificado. Cuando por fin me contrataron, nunca me pagaron, y era tan pobre que sólo comía dos veces al día sin snacks. Todo era un caos. A poca distancia de donde vivía había una iglesia, la cual siempre iba todos los días al Santísimo y los domingos a Misa. Mi fe nunca se deterioró, más bien se iba haciendo más fuerte yendo al Santísimo tres veces por día, lo cual llamaba mi desayuno, almuerzo y cena espiritual. La fe en Dios era lo que me mantenía vivo y la esperanza de tener una mejor mañana.

Hay que acordarse y poner en práctica lo que Dios nos enseña todos los días, sobre todo seguir sus mandamientos y enseñanzas para seguir teniendo una fe cada día más fuerte. En los momentos buenos o situaciones difíciles hay que seguir confiando en Dios. En la primera lectura dice, “Confíen siempre en el Señor, porque el Señor es nuestra fortaleza para siempre”. Lo que siempre me dio fuerza de no tener trabajo es estar con Dios en cada momento y caminar de la mano junto a él. El amor de Dios me calmaba el hambre cuando todos los días sólo podía comer dos panes con leche en el desayuno y un octavo de pechuga de pollo, arroz y brócoli para la cena. 

La fortaleza de Dios para superar ese mal momento me hizo amarlo más, y hasta agradecía todos los días por tener al menos un poco de comida. Nosotros no tenemos la capacidad de resolverlo todo. Necesitamos a Dios en nuestra vida para superar las dificultades y siempre hay que poner en práctica lo aprendido. Una vez me dio un consejo un profesor de matemáticas de la escuela secundaria: “pon en práctica el concepto o la definición de lo que has aprendido para obtener los resultados”. Que todos construyamos nuestra “casa” en Jesucristo, nuestra Roca.  

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Felix Urcia was born in Lima, Peru. He moved the U.S. to complete his college degree in Computer Science at Northern Kentucky University. He is passionate about his faith, his family, education and soccer. When he is not homeschooling and caring for his young children he enjoys personal programing projects and coaching. He and wife live in a small town in Western Michigan where they enjoy spending time with their five children.

Feature Image Credit: Nestoras Argiris, unsplash.com/photos/meteora-on-a-cliff-XMsP24vc_Rw

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Jesus Multiplies What We Give Him / Jesús multiplica lo que le entregamos

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In today’s Gospel we learn the value of participating in the work of our Lord. We learn that even when Jesus has taken time to heal many people, there is work He wants to involve us in, things He wants to do for others. Jesus is concerned about the crowd, and He lets His disciples know of His concern. However, the disciples respond that there is no place to get food for so many people. Jesus ignores their concern. They are thinking in human terms, not God’s. 

Jesus asks them what they have and takes it from them. They are looking outside of themselves. But Jesus changes their perspective by making them look for what He needs among themselves: “How many loaves do you have?” 

How many times does Jesus show us someone that needs our help or something that He is calling us to, but we feel like the problem or task is too big to be solved by us? We say back to Him: “Impossible!” Then, Jesus asks us: “What do you have?” Reminding us that what we have been given is meant to be offered back to Him to fulfill His purpose. We are not expected to solve the big problem on our own or tackle the seemingly impossible task alone. If we offer it to Him, He will multiply our gift of self, time, money, etc. in order to help us achieve whatever He has called us to.

He will be grateful for the gifts we are now offering for others and multiply them in ways we cannot imagine. And once we continue giving all that He has multiplied until whatever or whoever is satisfied, He will have multiplied so much as to leave us with more than we had. 

For when we give gifts to Jesus, we are never giving away all we had to give. We are instead trusting in His power and love and He turns our giving into receiving. 

What happens with the seven baskets left over? We do not know. The Gospel simply tells us there was plenty left. We can assume it’s not left behind, wasted, or unused, but instead is shared with others during other parts of their journey or enjoyed by the disciples once the crowds have dispersed.

God makes it so we will continually have something to offer even when it feels like we have nothing that will solve the problem. When it seems like everyone is satisfied, we will be left with more than enough to satisfy ourselves and share with others in the future. Jesus constantly invites us to look inside ourselves and asks: “What do you have?” Then we have to ask ourselves whether or not we are willing to give what we have so that He can multiply it for the good of others. 

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En el Evangelio de hoy aprendemos el valor de participar en la obra de nuestro Señor. Aprendemos que incluso cuando Jesús se ha tomado el tiempo de sanar a muchas personas, hay una obra en la que Él quiere involucrarnos, cosas que Él quiere hacer por los demás. Jesús está preocupado por la multitud y lo hace saber a sus discípulos. Sin embargo, los discípulos responden que no hay dónde conseguir comida para tanta gente. Jesús ignora su preocupación. Están pensando en términos humanos, no en los de Dios.

Jesús les pregunta qué tienen y se los quita. Están buscando fuera de sí mismos. Pero Jesús cambia su perspectiva al hacerles buscar lo que necesita entre ellos: “¿Cuántos panes tienen?”

¿Cuántas veces Jesús nos muestra a alguien que necesita nuestra ayuda o algo a lo que nos llama, pero sentimos que el problema o la tarea es demasiado grande para que lo resolvamos nosotros? Le respondemos: “¡Imposible!”. Y Jesús nos pregunta: “¿Qué tienen?”, recordándonos que lo que hemos recibido debe ser devuelto a Él para que cumpla su propósito. No se espera que resolvamos el gran problema por nuestra cuenta ni que abordemos la tarea aparentemente imposible solos. Si se lo ofrecemos, multiplicará nuestra ofrenda personal, de tiempo, dinero, etc., para ayudarnos a lograr lo que nos ha llamado hacer.

Él estará agradecido por los dones que ahora ofrecemos a los demás y los multiplicará de maneras inimaginables. Y una vez que sigamos dando todo lo que Él ha multiplicado hasta que las personas estén satisfechas, Él lo habrá multiplicado tanto que nos dejará con más de lo que teníamos. Porque cuando damos dones a Jesús, nunca estamos regalando todo lo que teníamos para dar. En cambio, confiamos en su poder y amor, y Él transforma nuestro dar en recibir.

¿Qué pasa con las siete canastas que sobraron? No lo sabemos. El Evangelio simplemente nos dice que sobró mucho. Podemos asumir que no se deja atrás, ni se desperdicia, sino que se comparte con otros durante otras etapas de su viaje o los discípulos lo disfrutan una vez que la multitud se dispersa.

Dios hace que siempre tengamos algo que ofrecer, incluso cuando parezca que no tenemos nada que resuelva el problema. Cuando parezca que todos están satisfechos, tendremos más que suficiente para satisfacernos y compartir con otros en el futuro. Jesús nos invita constantemente a mirar dentro de nosotros y nos pregunta: “¿Qué tienes?” Y luego nos toca a nosotros preguntarnos si estamos dispuestos a dar lo que tenemos para que Él lo multiplique por el bien de los demás.

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Nicole Berlucchi is a faith and family blogger (www.nicoleberlucchi.com) and Catholic blog contributor. She has worked in a number of roles in the nonprofit world, but helping people realize their vision and make an impact, seems to be her sweet spot. Nicole owns Coley B. Creative, LLC, a marketing company providing support to small businesses. She is also the author Magnify Love: Unlocking the Heart of Jesus in Your Marriage and Your Life. A native of Philadelphia, she now resides in the Nashville area with her husband, Joe, and their four children. She’s a big fan of brilliant skies, salted caramel with chocolate, books and more books. She loves sharing her journey with Jesus so that others might: Come and see.

Feature Image Credit: Martin von Feuerstein, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/the-multiplication-of-loaves-18635/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.