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Shrewdly Simple

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“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.” 

Similes are very specific types of metaphors. (English teacher moment; all similes are metaphors, but not all metaphors are similes.) Metaphors allow us to express the nuances of emotions, experiences and images when we don’t have a shared vocabulary to explain. Similes deepen our understanding by drawing a connection between something we don’t have the words to understand and something which can be understood through our standard vocabulary.

Certainly, there was no standard vocabulary to explain Jesus or his mission. He was here to take everything that people thought they knew and show them they had only scratched the surface. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Matt 5:17) 

The first half of this verse from today’s reading seems pretty clear. When we go out to live as Christians in the world, we are heading out looking like prey in the midst of a world full of predators. This passage comes after the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus was sending out his disciples to be apostles spreading the word of the kingdom of God. It is the same message for us. When we preach love in a world structured on competition and topping one another, in a culture where making sure that our needs are met and no one infringes on our rights, we Christians are looked at as if we have sprouted a third arm from the middle of our forehead and treated as if we are incapable of understanding “the real world”. What we as Christians know, is this isn’t the real world. This world is where we pray, “to thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.” This world is our valley of tears! We are not to be in search of comfort and happiness (big difference between happiness and joy, but that is the stuff of another reflection), we recognize this world is where we suffer so that we can join our suffering to that of Christ. 

Which brings us to needing to be “shrewd as serpents”. I grew up terrified of snakes. My dad (who in reality was more frightened than I was) always told me, “They are more afraid of you than you are of them.” As a general rule, snakes avoid humans. Science confirms they are wary of men and strike only as a last-ditch effort to defend themselves. Being wary is pretty good advice for us too. We have a mission. We are here to further God’s kingdom, to live and love as Jesus. We need to be cunning as serpents and be wary of the agenda’s and plans of men and focus on God. Jesus confirms this latter in the Gospel passage, “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt 10:22) Being shrewd as a serpent allows us to be as simple as doves and stay focused on being who Jesus calls us to be, fulfilling the mission he has set before us, living a life of faith. 

Faith is a theological virtue, infused in us at our baptism. It isn’t something we conjure up on our own, it is an entirely free gift from God to man. (CCC 162) We can lose this gift, as St. Paul told Timothy, through rejecting our conscience. (1 Tim 1:18-19) When we lose our focus, we lose our faith. Faith makes us taste in advance the light of the beatific vision. (CCC 163). It gives us hope in the midst of this valley of tears. Faith shows itself through works of charity, actively loving all we meet. 

So let us embrace this simile and bravely venture forth as sheep among the wolves, grounded in the gift of faith, strong in the hope of the world to come. We can be cunning as serpents and be wary of the ways of men so that we maintain the simplicity of doves and remain focused on God. In doing this, we give back to God the gifts we have received, we give our very selves in service of the Kingdom. 

In the words of Dorothy Day, “It is a hard doctrine, this loving your enemies, this being as simple as doves, wise as serpents… It is hard to love Pharisees and scribes, the hypocrites, and cynics too. O God take away my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh!” (1951)

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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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The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand

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Today we hear Jesus tell His Apostles their mission. In this Gospel, He urges them to proclaim that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand, to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons. They do not do this on their own powers but through Christ. He is commissioning His apostles, our first priests to continue His work on earth. As we are all called to be His disciples, we too can take much of this mission to heart. He advised them to wish peace to every house they enter. If it is not a worthy house or if the house or town does not listen to their words, He says to “shake the dust from your feet”. 

A few reflection questions to consider from Jesus’ words today; are you proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand? Are you a man or woman of peace? Do you wish peace to all those you encounter in and outside of your family or your communities? How can you grow in bringing Christ’s peace to those who are not at peace? When someone is not open or responsive to your evangelization, do you shake the dust from your feet? Do you still wish them peace and continue the mission of proclaiming the Good News? 

May we all shake the dust from our feet and find strength and peace in Christ as we continue to be His missionary disciples.

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. 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.

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The Kingdom of God is at Hand

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The phrase ‘the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God, is at hand is mentioned one hundred and twenty-two times in the gospels. We heard it twice today. I had to pause and sit with this statement. I still struggle with what this means to me and what I am meant to do.

This phrase from morning prayer (on Monday) stayed with me. ‘You sent your Word as the sun of truth and justice shining upon mankind.’ Jesus’ word is truth and justice. Jesus shared his words with the apostles. He sent them out to proclaim that the ‘kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

Again my question surfaced, what am I meant to do? Who am I in His Kingdom?

I am called to build the kingdom of God in civil and everyday situations and activities. I am called to live with the Gospel as my template and guide, going seamlessly from the Gospel to life, and from life to the Gospel. I am called to be attentive to what is happening in the current situations of life all around me. I am to be present and aware of consistently sharing the Gospel message, the truth, and justice found in the Word and the Way. Most importantly, I am to be humble while sharing the Gospel in my actions and words as I live my life each day.

A great light left this world Tuesday when Ennio Morricone died at 91. Ennio was a composer who began his career arranging sacred music for radio broadcast in 1950. He had a love of Gregorian chant and sacred music. He was commissioned in 2012 to write a Mass to commemorate the Jesuit order to which Pope Francis belongs).

Ennio Morricone is better known for his more than five hundred film scores. I believe Mr. Morricone’s works illustrate the words of the psalm today, ‘sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.’ Ps 105  One of my favorite scores is for The Mission. This movie is at the top of Fr Casey Cole’s list of must-see Catholic movies. Ennio Morricone had a gift to take what was happening in a film and translate the environment, feeling, mood, and tension of the script and make it come alive to the viewers and all who listen to the music.

Part of my walk in the Kingdom is to write as a way to invite and share God’s Kingdom. Who are you in His Kingdom? What are you called to do today? How are you attentive to the Gospel as you see it played out in your life?

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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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What Do I Want?

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What is the most important thing for you today? What do you look forward to? What is waiting for you when you finish the work that must be done, the thing you are eager for?

Today’s liturgy reminds us over and over again that what should be most important for us, what we should look toward, what is good and necessary for us is the Good Shepherd, Who saves and gives peace to those who seek him above all else!

The Entrance Antiphon recalls that God’s “right hand is filled with saving justice” and the Collect asks Him to fill those of us “rescued from slavery to sin” with “holy joy”.  The First Reading from Hosea and the Responsorial Psalm are all about those who did NOT rely on the One God, instead, building their own idols and sacrificing to them, as if they could expiate sin: “the Lord is not pleased with them. He shall still remember their guilt and punish their sins”.

In contrast, Matthew’s Gospel shows Jesus curing the sick and preaching the Good News to eager crowds. While the Pharisees reject him and accuse him of being in league with the devil, the people long for his healing presence; they are “troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” He reminds his disciples that the people have a deep need, more vast than they can fill, as Jesus tells them to pray for laborers to serve them. The Church is to be the continued presence of Christ the Good Shepherd to his troubled sheep, and they will find peace and salvation when they seek Him as their highest good.

But we sheep are prone to erect idols, which stand between us and God, though we don’t call them that. Adam and Eve did not consider the idea of being like God an “idol,” yet it separated them from God. And the Enemy has continued to use the same tactic all throughout time: distract us from the ONE GOOD by promising ultimate fulfillment in ANOTHER GOOD. These are rarely made of silver or stone, and we do not offer burnt sacrifices to them, but we all suffer the same temptation: we all want to be happy and peaceful and fulfilled, so we aim for whatever seems to promise that, erecting a kind of “idol” in our hearts and minds.

One way to see what we idolize is to consider what takes up most of our time, or what we long to do besides the thing we are doing, or what we are working to achieve that fills our minds. What is the thing we rely on to “make us happy”? Idols can be ideas, people, activities, goals, material goods (I think of these as the “5 P’s”: popularity, prestige, power, prosperity, pleasure), anything that we reach for with more eagerness than we reach for God.

Despite the constant temptations, we know that only God can give us what we long for: freedom, joy, real peace, and eternal life.

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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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Faith That Saves

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A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. – Matthew 9:20-22

Think of the cross(es) in your life that you desperately desire to have cured by the Lord. It may be a new cross or one that you have carried your entire life. I know for me it would have to be my OCD. Often I am very stressed about little things, change is abnormally difficult for me, and I obsess about certain thoughts or actions.  I feel as though I am a burden to those around me when I am going through rough patches on my journey with OCD.  

These crosses can be unbearable at times, becoming extremely heavy and making one lose hope. I have cried many times out of exhaustion – not being able to turn the OCD part of my brain off makes me feel worn down and self-conscious about myself. I often have a hard time seeing how God is working through this cross.

While I struggle to see God’s plan I can have complete faith that I have been given this cross of OCD for a reason – helping someone else, being more sensitive to how others are feeling, organization, etc.  Above all I need to realize that I don’t know why God has given me this cross but His ways are the best ways.  This realization is the foundation of a faith that saves – the woman that was hemorrhaging reached out to Christ in faith that somehow He would bring healing.  She didn’t anticipate how that healing would come about, she just knew she needed Him alone to be healed.

My idea of healing (taking away my OCD all together) may not be what God has in store.  Just because He doesn’t take my OCD away doesn’t mean He isn’t healing me – if anything He is perfectly healing me in the way I need right now in life. God has plans to love, protect, and prosper His children.  While I may want my OCD to be gone forever God sees the beauty in my brokenness and wants to make my cross whole again. 

A wise spiritual director of mine once asked me: “Have you ever thought about the idea that your OCD helps you to become more like Christ?” This question changed my life forever – in the hard moments when I cry and feel hopeless I can always go back to this question and set my eyes back upon the Kingdom.  Christ is using me with this cross in this moment in history for a reason.  All He asks is that I have faith that He can heal me when I reach out, making me whole and beautiful just the way He created me in His perfect way.  Take courage, reach out to Christ, and ask yourself how your crosses give you the opportunity to lean into Christ and be more like Him.

Nathalie Shultz is a joyful convert to the Catholic faith and a competitive swimmer with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  She loves to share her passion for Catholicism with others, including her conversion story and how God continues to work miracles in her life through her OCD. She is the Director of Religious Education for the North Allegan Catholic Collaborative of parishes. Nathalie is married to her best friend, Tommy Shultz. Her favorite saints include St. Peter the Apostle, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. John Paul II.  She is also a huge fan of C.S. Lewis. If you have any questions for Nathalie, or just want her to pray for you, you can email her at rodzinkaministry@gmail.com. 

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Rejoice Heartily

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I chose the image for today because I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw it. Such a simple photo was able to bring joy. Lately, our life in the Shultz household has been interesting. We moved houses, had to care for our dog who broke its leg and have had some very late nights. Through all of this, it’s important to take moments and find joy even in the little things. I think it’s similar with faith.

It’s easy to look at faith as just a set of rules or to look at the state of the world and wonder what is going on. But as the first reading reminds us today, we should rejoice heartily for our King shall come to us. Are we the types of Christians who give so much joy at what Christ has done for us that it is contagious to others? Have we preached the Gospel with a joy that matches our happiest of moments? Have we found joy through Christ?

We then hear in the Gospel that God will give us rest. I know this week we could use joy and rest. It’s waiting for us in Christ. Some of the most profound moments I have had with God have been very simple moments where I have realized that God is with me. I think the key to living in joy is realizing the moments throughout the day that God is with us and bringing us his love.

I encourage you today, look for those moments, and rest in them. Let Christ bring you his joy and rest today. God Bless!

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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Peace and Justice

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Today we celebrate Independence Day, the remembrance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, making some people upon this land free.

While keeping this in mind as I reflected upon the readings for today’s Mass, the Responsorial Psalm weighed heavily on my heart. It states, “The Lord speaks of peace to his people”. God proclaims peace to us and close is his salvation for all who fear Him. “Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth and justice shall look down from heaven. The Lord will give his benefits, our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.”

This 4th of July, I ask you to reflect on God’s Word, the peace and justice He proclaims to us. May we ask Him to always guide our words and actions as we strive to build a better future for everyone in our country.  May we work towards peace and justice for all God’s children. May we trust that the Lord Himself will give us His grace, guidance, and salvation as we strive to follow in His footsteps. May God bless you and may God bless America.

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Briana is the Pastoral Minister at St. Mark Church in Cleveland, OH. 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.

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The Reassurance of Truth

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In today’s Gospel reading, we hear the story of Saint Thomas, Thomas the doubter, and we are blessed for believing without seeing. We are blessed for our faith. 

I read that last line, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed,” and felt guilty at first (John 20:29). I’ll be the first to admit that I have times of doubt. Sometimes I doubt that God can grant me the courage I need to get me through the 24 hours. Sometimes I doubt that goodness exists in people and that they are all children of my same God. Sometimes I doubt that there is peace that my Heavenly Father is offering. Sometimes, I even have flickers of doubt in the existence of God at all. 

Then Jesus tells me, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe” (John 20:27). 

Not in quite as many words, of course, but he does present a moment of reassurance in the truth. 

He sends someone to say, “Hey, we’ve got this. Just one more day,” seemingly out of the blue to you.  He has a stranger at the grocery store pay for your ice cream when you’ve had a terrible day and just need comfort food, only to find out you forgot your wallet at home.  He has the clouds provide shelter from the hot sun and the breeze pick up right when you tell yourself it’s too hot.

He provides a moment of quiet and clarity in the middle of a busy day.  He reminds you that you are loved through friends, family, and even strangers in your life.

You see, Jesus did not condemn Thomas for doubting. He did not call him a fool. He did not tell him to leave. He did not tell him that the Kingdom of God was not right for him. Jesus took his doubt and gave him truth. He gave Thomas reason to believe. 

There are times in our lives when we doubt, but we must know that the truth is being given to us through all the beauty and goodness in the world. First, though, we must seek the truth. We must remind ourselves that our God is providing us with His love and reassurance through the little moments of joy, of peace, of camaraderie, of silence. 

Look for His reassurance.

Together, we pray:
My Lord and my God,
In the moments when the darkness and sadness seem to cover us
Reassure us of your light and your love.
In the moments when we feel surrounded by loneliness,
Reassure us that you are at our side, always.
In the moments that seem too difficult to overcome,
Reassure us of the strength and resilience that resides in us through you.
In the moments of uncertainty and doubt,
Reassure us of your truth through all that is good.
Son of God, we ask that you take our doubts and insecurities,
and transform them into faith in Your truth as you once did with Saint Thomas.

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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Your Sins Are Forgiven

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I certainly don’t remember my first reconciliation (we called it ‘confession’ then). I do remember feeling really weird in a reconciliation room without a screen or divider for the first time. What does always stay with me after receiving the sacrament of reconciliation is the feeling of relief and acceptance, the freedom that comes from a weight of angst, guilt, shame that has been lifted from my conscience.

I bet the same was true of the paralytic that Jesus healed in today’s gospel. During Jesus’ time, those with disabilities, infirmities, or mental illness were believed to be carrying great sins and usually shunned by society. The people who brought the paralytic on the stretcher had great faith. Jesus told the man, “[y]our sins are forgiven.” He rose and went home and the crowds there were struck with awe and glorified God.

I put the brackets around the ‘y’ above because Jesus came to forgive all of our sins, not just one person. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains reconciliation in this manner:

CCC 615-616 “…By his obedience unto death, Jesus accomplished the substitution of the suffering Servant, who “makes himself an offering for sin”, when “he bore the sin of many”, and who “shall make many to be accounted righteous”, for “he shall bear their iniquities”. Jesus atoned for our faults and made satisfaction for our sins to the Father.

616 It is love “to the end” that confers on Christ’s sacrifice its value as redemption and reparation, as atonement and satisfaction. He knew and loved us all when he offered his life…”

The gospel passage also has Jesus addressing the scribes whose ‘evil thoughts’ he knew, which brings in the social aspect of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus didn’t keep his ministry private, it was out in the open for all to see and hear, just like our forgiveness of sin and our redemption.

I had not taken advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation for much of my adolescence and young adult life (the Church considers youth or young adults ages 18-39yr old). I did begin to receive the sacrament with regularity when I began to have my own children and do volunteer work for the church. I realized I had a lot of work to do to become a better person all around, a better role model for my children and those with whom I worked in ministry (which is with everyone). I needed to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. There are a couple of resources below if you haven’t been to reconciliation in a while.


Pope Francis wrote about forgiveness (love) and redemption in his encyclical Evangelii Gaudium:

“Our redemption has a social dimension because “God, in Christ, redeems not only the individual person, but also . . . social relations.” To believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in everyone means realizing that he seeks to penetrate every human situation and all social bonds. Accepting the first proclamation, which invites us to receive God’s love and to love him in return with the very love which is his gift, brings forth in our lives and actions a primary and fundamental response: to desire, seek and protect the good of others.”   (178)

Today’s gospel acclamation and the responsorial psalm work very well together supporting this theme. The psalm tells us,‘ the judgments of the Lord are true, all of them just.’ The acclamation God reconciles the world to himself in Christ, thus entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. The last sentence of today’s gospel states: ‘the crowds ..were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings.’ Through Christ, we were given the authority to forgive sins (through the apostolic Church: the apostles, bishops and priests).

Our Holy Father  has said,

Being a Christian isn’t just following the commandments, but means being in Christ, thinking like him, acting like him, loving like him; it means letting him take possession of our lives and change them, transform them, free them from the darkness of evil and sin.

Make use of the sacrament of Reconciliation; it sets us free.

Three Minutes: Penance and Reconciliation

Catholicism in Focus: Reconciliation

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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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Relationship Building

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Do you ever feel like evil has all the power and has somehow won? Well here is a little quote from today’s Gospel reading that hit me in the face; “What have you to do with us, Son of God?
Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”

Even the evil spirits know the saving power of God and are aware of his strength. They may not like it, but they are aware of it and powerless before it. This has always given me so much hope. No matter what happens in life, Satan does not have the power, that alone belongs to God.

When Christ died on the cross he conquered sin once and for all. Yeah, yeah, yeah we have heard it all before. Jesus saved us. Take one minute. Take a deep breath. Breathe slowly and with every breath invite the Lord into your heart. Now take a moment to actually let the saving power of God work in your life. Let him speak truth into your heart. Let him wrap you in his sacred love.

We know so many concepts of the faith, like Jesus died for us, but let’s not let these be facts on a page. Let’s make them into real and tangible realities that change our lives forever. Take another moment. God loves you. He sees you. He knows you. Let him just be with you for a minute. Take a breath.

You know those moments when you have been away from someone for a really long time and then finally are reunited? Let’s try to live in such a way that we never have these with God. I have found that taking moments throughout the day to realize the reality of God’s love and to let it soak in can be so helpful. We build a relationship instead of just learning facts. That is where the beauty and love stream in. God Bless!

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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.