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Let Your Spirit Rejoice / Que tu Espíritu se Regocije

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Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

Mary’s soul magnifies, augments, elevates, and brings into sharper focus the grandeur of God. Have you ever peered at an object through a magnifying glass, awed as even the minutest details enlarge and amaze? Mary’s model of faith—her profound yes—amplifies, illustrates, and clarifies the promises and hope we find in the God who adores us.

Mary’s spirit rejoiced! Humans often confuse happiness and joy, but these two emotions are very different. Joy cannot be taken; it is not reliant, like happiness, on human experiences or circumstances, which can change in a moment. Joy is a fruit of living in the Holy Spirit. It is rooted in the knowledge that we are created by and belong wholly to a God who loves us.

Mary needed a savior, and Jesus, our Savior, is hers as well. She was given preventative redemption, meaning that the grace she received at her conception was in anticipation of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. How is this possible? Our unfathomable God is not bound by time; he is outside of the human limitations of the here and now; and can use things in time whenever and however he chooses. Her Immaculate Conception celebrated on December 8th, marks that incredible moment God bestows upon Mary and her conception, this singular grace. Only she is blessed among women to have received the grace won through the salvific work of the Cross; before Jesus’ birth, suffering, death, and resurrection. The Almighty has indeed done great things for Mary, and through her Son, for us as well.

Despite the misconception, Mary is not the one worshiped or magnified in the words of this beautiful prayer. She is the lowly, the hungry, and the servant, the handmaid of the Lord in need of a savior. Mary’s life reflects Jesus, the Savior’s light, just as the moon can only be illuminated by the light of the sun. 

Mary’s Fiat, her grand yes, and subsequent song of praise models for each of us how to see and rightly react to the incredible things God has, and will continue to do for us. She reminds us and demonstrates how we are also called to magnify God’s glory in our own life. The Magnificat,  taken from the first word in the Latin translation, is also known as the Canticle of Mary. This hymn of the Virgin Mary, parallels the song of Hannah from the Old Testament, another mother willing to surrender her beloved son to the perfect will of God.

The church father Athanasius (ca 298–373) stated:”God became man that man might become God.” This could not have been accomplished without the humble, meek, faithful affirmative ascent of a young woman who believed and trusted in the promises of the Lord. Her soul magnifies the Lord, so we can come to know, love, and serve him as she did. 

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María dijo: “Mi alma glorifica al Señor y mi espíritu se llena de júbilo en Dios, mi salvador.” 

El alma de María glorifica, aumenta, eleva y magnifica la grandeza de Dios. ¿Alguna vez ha mirado un objeto a través de una lupa, asombrado cuando incluso los detalles más pequeños se agrandan y asombran? El modelo de fe de María, su sí profundo, amplía, ilustra y aclara las promesas y la esperanza que encontramos en el Dios que nos adora.

¡El espíritu de María se regocijó! Los humanos a menudo confundimos felicidad y alegría, pero estas dos emociones son muy diferentes. La alegría no se puede tomar; no depende, como la felicidad, de las experiencias o circunstancias humanas, que pueden cambiar en un momento. La alegría es un fruto de vivir en el Espíritu Santo. Tiene sus raíces en el conocimiento de que somos creados y pertenecemos totalmente a un Dios que nos ama.

María necesitaba un salvador, y Jesús, nuestro Salvador, es el suyo también. Se le dio la redención preventiva. En otras palabras, la gracia que recibió en su concepción fue en anticipación del sacrificio de Cristo en la Cruz. ¿Cómo es posible? Nuestro Dios insondable no está sujeto al tiempo; está fuera de las limitaciones humanas del aquí y ahora; y puede usar las cosas en el tiempo cuando y como quiera. Su Inmaculada Concepción celebrada el 8 de diciembre marca ese momento increíble que Dios concede a María y su concepción, esta singular gracia. Sólo ella es bendita entre las mujeres por haber recibido la gracia ganada por la obra salvífica de la Cruz; antes del nacimiento, sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección de Jesús. En verdad, el Todopoderoso ha hecho grandes cosas por María y, a través de su Hijo, también por nosotros.

A pesar del malentendido, María no es la que se adora o se engrandece en las palabras de esta hermosa oración. Ella es la humilde, la hambrienta y la sierva del Señor que necesita un salvador. La vida de María refleja a Jesús, la luz del Salvador, así como la luna sólo puede ser iluminada por la luz del sol.

El Fiat de María, su gran sí y el posterior canto de alabanza son modelos para cada uno de nosotros de cómo ver y reaccionar correctamente ante las cosas increíbles que Dios ha hecho y seguirá haciendo por nosotros. Ella nos recuerda y demuestra cómo también nosotros estamos llamados a magnificar la gloria de Dios en nuestra propia vida. El Magnificat, tomado de la primera palabra de la traducción latina, también se conoce como el Cántico de María. Este himno de la Virgen María, es paralelo al canto de Ana del Antiguo Testamento, otra madre dispuesta a entregar a su amado hijo a la perfecta voluntad de Dios.

El padre de la iglesia Atanasio (ca 298–373) declaró: “Dios se hizo hombre para que el hombre pudiera convertirse en Dios”. Esto no podría haberse logrado sin el ascenso afirmativo humilde, manso y fiel de una mujer joven que creyó y confió en las promesas del Señor. Su alma magnifica al Señor, para que podamos llegar a conocerlo, amarlo y servirlo como ella lo hizo.

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Allison Gingras ( www.ReconciledToYou.com ) — Shares her love of the Catholic Faith with stories, laughter, and honesty as experienced in the ordinary of life! Her writing includes Encountering Signs of Faith (Ave Maria Press) and the Stay Connected Journals for Women (OSV). Allison is a Catholic Digital Media Specialist for Family Rosary, Catholic Mom, and the Fall River Diocese. She hosts A Seeking Heart podcast and is co-host of the Catholic Momcast podcast.

Feature Image Credit: Lupe Belmonte, cathopic.com/photo/12719-immaculate

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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Do Not Be Terrified/ No Tengas Miedo

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Today’s Gospel is not, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). It is, however, the words from Jesus that pop into my head as I read, “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end” (Luke 21:9). For years, I lived in an almost constant state of terrified; allowing the cares and worries of this world to overcome me. I longed for a life completely devoid of any troubles, challenges, or threats of utter destruction.

I know that’s too much to ask; that’s not how this fallen world works, but if I’m being honest, that freedom from all things catastrophic is precisely what I want and partially the reason I returned to the Catholic faith over twenty years ago. When I first returned to Mass and practiced my faith, I must admit I mistakenly concluded that if I followed all of God’s Commandments and the teachings of Jesus as best I could, it would open some special privilege of a perfect life. In a way, it is an ideal life, just not as this world defines it. 

Surrendering my life to Christ has afforded me a peace, as Jesus points out in John 14, that this world does not and cannot give. As I continued to study, pray, contemplate, and partake in the Catholic Liturgies, as well as the traditions and devotions of the Church, I truly experienced that promised peace. The waves came, and the winds blew, but my heart has remained untroubled, trusting and relying on the love of God to carry me through every storm. Although I persevere, faithful and hopeful, truth be told, I would still like to avoid “Nation [rising] against Nation, and kingdom against kingdom. [And] powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place” (Luke 21:11).

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El evangelio de hoy no es: “La paz les dejo, mi paz les doy. Yo no les la doy como la da el mundo. No se turben sus corazones, ni tengan miedo” (Juan 14: 27). Sin embargo, son las palabras de Jesús las que me vienen a la cabeza cuando leo: “Cuando oigan hablar de guerras y revoluciones, que no los domine el pánico, porque eso tiene que acontecer, pero todavía no es el fin” (Lucas 21:9). Durante años, viví en un estado casi constante de terror; permitiendo que los afanes y preocupaciones de este mundo me venzan. Anhelaba una vida completamente libre de problemas, desafíos o amenazas de destrucción total.

Sé que es mucho pedir; así no es como funciona este mundo caído, pero si soy honesto, esa libertad de todas las cosas catastróficas es precisamente lo que quiero y en parte la razón por la que regresé a la fe católica hace más de veinte años. Cuando regresé a misa por primera vez y practiqué mi fe, debo admitir que llegué a la conclusión errónea de que si seguía todos los mandamientos de Dios y las enseñanzas de Jesús lo mejor que pudiera, abriría el privilegio especial de una vida perfecta. En cierto modo, es una vida ideal, pero no como la define este mundo.

Entregar mi vida a Cristo me ha dado una paz, como lo señala Jesús en Juan 14, que este mundo no da ni puede dar. Mientras continuaba estudiando, orando, contemplando y participando en las liturgias católicas, así como en las tradiciones y devociones de la Iglesia, experimenté verdaderamente esa paz prometida. Las olas llegaron y los vientos soplaron, pero mi corazón se ha mantenido tranquilo, confiando y apoyándose en el amor de Dios para que me lleve a través de cada tormenta. Aunque persevero, fiel y esperanzado, la verdad sea dicha, todavía quisiera evitar que “Se levantará una nación contra otra y un reino contra otro… grandes terremotos, epidemias y hambre.” (Lucas 21: 11).

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Allison Gingras ( www.ReconciledToYou.com ) — Shares her love of the Catholic Faith with stories, laughter, and honesty as experienced in the ordinary of life! Her writing includes Encountering Signs of Faith (Ave Maria Press) and the Stay Connected Journals for Women (OSV). Allison is a Catholic Digital Media Specialist for Family Rosary, Catholic Mom, and the Fall River Diocese. She hosts A Seeking Heart podcast and is co-host of the Catholic Momcast podcast.

Feature Image Credit: Stefan Wise LC, https://cathopic.com/photo/1237-admirando-el-atardecer

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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Encountering Signs of Faith / Encontrando Señales de Fe

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Jesus refused to be a sideshow attraction, as he rightfully should have. Jesus referred to the generation he encountered on earth as evil for their unwillingness to accept the things of heaven on faith. They sought signs and wonders; some were given, but not on demand to humor the believer. Instead, the signs offered blessed those already possessing faith, even faith as small as a mustard seed.

Yes, even the tiniest mustard seed of faith can move mountains. Faith preceded the healing of the hemorrhaging woman, Jairus’ Son, and the centurion’s slave. No one is more guilty of seeking signs than this girl! And when I first read Jesus’ words in this Gospel, I was taken aback, having been blessed abundantly with signs accredited by me to the showering of love and mercy from heaven. I didn’t consider my desire to see God in some tangible way as evil; most often, I sought signs to clarify His will over mine. Not as proof of his existence but as affirmation of what He was asking of me.

I have discovered a vast difference between the one who demands proof of God’s existence versus the one who seeks verification of the will of God. The skeptic who looks to check Jesus’ heavenly ID card to prove He is who He says He is, versus those who accept the truth on faith. We should not mistake the proud trying to debunk the humble approaching God’s throne of grace with confidence for an occasional bit of reassurance, not convincing.

If His Resurrection doesn’t convince them, nothing else He does will. The sign of Jonah would be witnessed and attested to not only by believers but also by “hostile witnesses.” People alive at the time of the Resurrection who, although they did not wish to perpetuate Jesus’ mission, could not refute what their eyes beheld. Jesus who died had risen, not as a spirit but as a man, who ate among them, something a ghost cannot do and has no need for.

Seeing by faith and not by sight, as Jesus tells St. Thomas, is a tremendous gift. “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” I believe Jesus; sometimes, I just need a little nugget to help my unbelief. 

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Jesús se negó a ser una atracción secundaria, como debería haberlo hecho. Jesús se refirió a la generación que encontró en la tierra como mala por su falta de voluntad para aceptar con fe las cosas del cielo. Buscaban señales y prodigios; algunos fueron dados, pero no a pedido para complacer al creyente. En cambio, las señales ofrecidas bendijeron a aquellos que ya tenían fe, incluso una fe tan pequeña como una semilla de mostaza.

Sí, incluso una fe muy pequeña como la semilla de mostaza puede mover montañas. La fe precedió a la curación de la mujer con hemorragias, el hijo de Jairo y el esclavo del centurión. Tengo que decir que ¡nadie es más culpable de buscar señales que yo! Y cuando leí por primera vez las palabras de Jesús en este Evangelio, quedé desconcertada, habiendo sido bendecida abundantemente con señales acreditadas por mí para la lluvia de amor y misericordia del cielo. No consideré mi deseo de ver a Dios de alguna manera tangible como malo. La mayoría de las veces, he buscado señales para aclarar Su voluntad sobre la mía, no como prueba de su existencia, sino como afirmación de lo que él me estaba pidiendo.

He descubierto una gran diferencia entre el que exige prueba de la existencia de Dios y el que busca la verificación de la voluntad de Dios. El escéptico que busca verificar la tarjeta de identificación celestial de Jesús para probar que Él es quien dice ser, frente a aquellos que aceptan la verdad por fe. No debemos confundir a los orgullosos que intentan desacreditar a los humildes que se acercan al trono de la gracia de Dios con confianza con un poco de tranquilidad ocasional, sin convencer.

Si Su Resurrección no los convence, ninguna otra cosa que Él haga lo convencerá. La señal de Jonás sería presenciada y atestiguada no solo por los creyentes sino también por “testigos hostiles”. Las personas que vivían en el momento de la Resurrección que, aunque no querían perpetuar la misión de Jesús, no podían refutar lo que veían sus ojos. Jesús que murió había resucitado, no como un espíritu sino como un hombre, que comía entre ellos, algo que un fantasma no puede hacer ni tiene necesidad de hacer.

Ver por la fe y no por la vista, como le dice Jesús a Santo Tomás, es un don tremendo. “¿Has creído porque me has visto? Bienaventurados los que no han visto y creen”. Yo creo a Jesús; a veces, solo necesito una pequeña semilla para ayudar a mi incredulidad.

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Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and seasoned mom of three. Allison works for Family Rosary as a social media and digital specialist, as well as a new media consultant for Catholic Mom and the Diocese of Fall River. She is the author of Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Fall 2022, Ave Maria Press). Allison developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes – The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace (OSV). She’s hosted A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast since 2015.

Feature Image Credit: Nicolás Nuñez, LC, cathopic.com/photo/13647-luz-del-mundo

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 Eucharist Cultivates Good Trees / La Eucaristía Cultiva a los Árboles Buenos

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What remarkable words spoken by St. Paul in today’s First Reading. “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the Blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the Body of Christ” (1 Cor 10:16)? The Eucharist is not merely something in which we partake but someone we are, quite honestly, blessed beyond measure to receive.

“How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me” (Psalm 116:13)? The Psalmist poses a prodigious question to ponder. In other words, how will I make a sacrifice of praise to my Lord? The sacrifice God asks for is one of praise, not of blood. The latter has already been offered—once and for all. And it is made present again at every Liturgy—existing in every tabernacle in the world, furthermore, humbling Himself even further, to become fully present in every living tabernacle—those who worthily approach the altar to receive Him in Consecrated Bread and Wine. Perhaps the answer dwells within our Eucharistic testimony. How has sharing in the cup of blessing formed me as a disciple? Can others see Christ in me? 

We are not merely figuratively in communion with the Lord, but it is He who comes to us—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—in the Eucharist. Christ is not alone; through the divine Unity of the Trinity, although not sacramentally, the Father and the Holy Spirit become present with Jesus in the Eucharist. Although a mystery which, this side of heaven, can never be fully explained, the Catechism teaches that each Person of the Trinity is “wholly” present in each other (CCC #254-55). In the Consecration, heaven and earth mystically collide; Jesus does not leave Paradise so that we may encounter Him in the Eucharist.

Jesus provided the sacrifice upon the cross so that every soul may have the opportunity to be with him in heaven. And while we wait, He humbly offers himself in the Eucharist, comprising grace upon grace. The mystical body of Christ is vast and magnificent, and by approaching the altar worthily during the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar, we become a living tabernacle. It is a tremendous honor to be a Eucharistic people. 

As St. Irenaeus stated, “In brief, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.” But does it, personally, do that for us? Has the Eucharist changed your life? If it has not, take the opportunity every Mass to “ask, seek, knock” and allow the Lord to open to you every grace and blessing generously available in this Blessed Sacrament. Embrace the goodness poured into us through sharing in the blessing cup and the Body of Christ to be a good tree, “known by its own fruit…[because] a good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good.”

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Qué notables palabras pronunciadas por San Pablo en la Primera Lectura de hoy. “El cáliz de la bendición con el que damos gracias, ¿no nos une a Cristo por medio de su sangre?” (1 Cor 10, 16)? La Eucaristía no es simplemente algo en lo que participamos, sino alguien que somos, honestamente, somos bendecidos más allá de toda medida por poder recibirlo.

“¿Cómo le pagaré al Señor todo el bien que me ha hecho?” (Salmo 116:13) El salmista plantea una pregunta prodigiosa para reflexionar. En otras palabras, ¿cómo haré un sacrificio de alabanza a mi Señor? El sacrificio que Dios pide es de alabanza, no de sangre. Este último ya ha sido ofrecido, de una vez por todas. Y se vuelve a hacer presente en cada Liturgia — existiendo en cada sagrario del mundo, además, humillándose aún más, para hacerse plenamente presente en cada tabernáculo viviente — a los que dignamente se acercan al altar para recibirlo en el Pan y el Vino Consagrados. Quizá la respuesta resida en nuestro testimonio eucarístico. ¿Cómo me ha formado como discípulo el compartir la copa de bendición? ¿Otros pueden ver a Cristo en mí?

No estamos en comunión con el Señor solo figurativamente, sino que es Él quien viene a nosotros —Cuerpo, Sangre, Alma y Divinidad— en la Eucaristía. Cristo no está solo; por la Unidad divina de la Trinidad, aunque no sacramentalmente, el Padre y el Espíritu Santo se hacen presentes con Jesús en la Eucaristía. Aunque es un misterio que, de este lado del cielo, nunca puede ser completamente explicado, el Catecismo enseña que cada Persona de la Trinidad está “totalmente” presente en cada uno (CCC #254-55). En la Consagración, el cielo y la tierra chocan místicamente; Jesús no deja el Paraíso para que podamos encontrarlo en la Eucaristía.

Jesús proveyó el sacrificio sobre la cruz para que cada alma tenga la oportunidad de estar con él en el cielo. Y mientras esperamos, se ofrece humildemente en la Eucaristía, que comprende gracia sobre gracia. El cuerpo místico de Cristo es vasto y magnífico, y al acercarnos dignamente al altar durante el Santo Sacrificio del Altar, nos convertimos en un tabernáculo viviente. Es un tremendo honor ser un pueblo eucarístico.

Como dijo San Ireneo: “En resumen, la Eucaristía es la suma y el resumen de nuestra fe: nuestra forma de pensar está en sintonía con la Eucaristía, y la Eucaristía a su vez confirma nuestra forma de pensar”. Pero, personalmente, ¿hace eso por nosotros? ¿La Eucaristía ha cambiado tu vida? Si no es así, aprovecha cada Misa para “pedir, buscar, llamar” y permitir que el Señor te abra todas las gracias y bendiciones generosamente disponibles en este Santísimo Sacramento. Acoger la bondad derramada en nosotros al compartir la copa de bendición y el Cuerpo de Cristo para ser un buen árbol que se, “se conoce por sus frutos… [porque] el hombre bueno dice cosas buenas, porque el bien está en su corazón”.

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Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and seasoned mom of three. Allison works for Family Rosary as a social media and digital specialist, as well as a new media consultant for Catholic Mom and the Diocese of Fall River. She is the author of Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Fall 2022, Ave Maria Press). Allison developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes – The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace (OSV). She’s hosted A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast since 2015.

Feature Image Credit: Skitterphoto, pixabay.com/photos/apple-tree-garden-green-fruit-970352/

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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Stay Awake and Prepared / Mantente Despierto y Preparado

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How ironic that I write about today’s Gospel, which includes the words “stay awake” while on a red-eye flight from Boise, Idaho, back to the east coast. Sadly, following Jesus’ warning, at least while a passenger on that airplane, was not difficult, thanks to the noise and turbulence. In life, however, it is harder for me to stay awake, especially in the figurative sense, distracted by the continual din and busyness of the world around me. Even worse, allowing myself to fall asleep on maintaining a relationship with Jesus; forgetting the dire consequences Jesus warns will come upon those left unaware and unprepared for the Master’s imminent return.

Attentive to this warning, I strive to be the blessed servant who will be found doing what the Master directs. Even though I live with many fears and some anxiety, I go where the Lord sends me, hence the red-eye home from Boise after giving a retreat. Serving Him and the people He loves, bringing them the Good News and messages of hope, is worth every uncomfortable moment. I never want to waste the gifts God has graced me with, knowing these are mine because He willed each one for a particular purpose and according to His perfect plan. I am honored to be His hands and voice, though perhaps I enjoyed doing so just a tiny bit more during the two years my life and ministry work, for the most part, was virtual. 

I long to be a faithful and prudent servant, focusing on what I can do in any situation, especially challenging ones, and trusting Jesus to do the rest. Being awake to me means turning to the Lord in prayer in all things and seeking the grace needed to accomplish whatever mission is presented before me—leaning into God’s abundant grace and trusting in all His promises because I believe them to be trustworthy. 

Many years ago, driving home from adoration with many things heavy on my heart, I asked the Lord for assurance that He truly does keep His promises. As I sat at the stoplight in front of my house, continuing to ponder and pray upon this question, a giant truck passed by with the words “keeping promises” emblazoned across the side. I laughed at the sweet “godcidental” timing of the truck crossing my path. Tears welled in my eyes as I thanked the Lord for His merciful and speedy response to my prayer. 

Being awake and aware of His faithfulness, goodness, and abundant grace helps me prepare for that unknown hour when the Son of Man will come. Blessed by a willingness to be courageous and brave, to serve as I keep watch, even if that means being petrified 30,000 feet in the air. It is incredible what grace can do. St. Katharine Drexel’s sister offered her an all-expense paid cruise, but she kindly declined, saying she only gets on boats for Jesus. I totally get it, St. Katherine, as I only get on planes for Jesus!

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Qué irónico que estoy escribiendo sobre el Evangelio de hoy, que incluye las palabras “mantente despierto” durante un vuelo nocturno desde Boise, Idaho, de regreso a la costa este. Lamentablemente, seguir la advertencia de Jesús, al menos como pasajero en ese avión, no fue cosa difícil, a causa del ruido y la turbulencia. En la vida, sin embargo, me es más difícil mantenerme despierto, especialmente en el sentido figurado, distraído por el continuo estruendo y el ajetreo del mundo que me rodea. Peor aún, permitirme dormirme en mi relación con Jesús; olvidándome de las terribles consecuencias que Jesús advierte que vendrán sobre aquellos que no sepan y no estén preparados para el inminente regreso del Maestro.

Atento a esta advertencia, me esfuerzo por ser el siervo bendito que se encontrará haciendo lo que el Maestro le indique. Aunque vivo con muchos miedos y algo de ansiedad, voy donde el Señor me manda, y por eso me encontraba regresando a casa de Boise después de dar un retiro. Servir a Él y a las personas que Él ama, llevándoles la Buena Nueva y los mensajes de esperanza, vale la pena cada momento incómodo. Nunca quiero desperdiciar los dones que Dios me ha dado, sabiendo que son míos porque Él quiso cada uno para un propósito particular y de acuerdo a Su plan perfecto. Me siento honrado de ser sus manos y su voz, aunque tal vez disfruté hacerlo un poco más durante los dos años en los que mi vida y mi ministerio, en su mayor parte, fueron virtuales.

Anhelo ser un siervo fiel y prudente, enfocándome en lo que puedo hacer en cualquier situación, especialmente en las desafiantes, y confiando en que Jesús hará el resto. Estar despierto para mí significa volverme al Señor en oración en todas las cosas y buscar la gracia necesaria para cumplir cualquier misión que se me presente, apoyándome en la abundante gracia de Dios y confiando en todas Sus promesas porque creo que son dignas de confianza.

Hace muchos años, cuando regresaba a casa después de la adoración con muchas cosas que me pesaban en el corazón, le pedí al Señor que me asegurara que Él verdaderamente cumple Sus promesas. Mientras estaba sentado en el semáforo frente a mi casa, sin dejar de meditar y orar sobre esta pregunta, pasó un camión gigante con las palabras “cumpliendo promesas” estampadas en el costado. Me reí de la dulce “Dios-cidencia” del momento preciso que el camión se cruzó en mi camino. Las lágrimas brotaron de mis ojos mientras agradecía al Señor por su misericordiosa y rápida respuesta a mi oración.

Estar despierta y consciente de Su fidelidad, bondad y abundante gracia me ayuda a prepararme para esa hora desconocida en la que vendrá el Hijo del Hombre. Bendecida por la voluntad de ser valiente, de servir mientras vigilo, incluso si eso significa estar con un miedo a los 30,000 pies de altura. Es increíble lo que la gracia puede hacer. La hermana de St. Katharine Drexel le ofreció un crucero con todos los gastos pagados, pero ella lo rechazó amablemente, diciendo que solo se sube a los barcos para Jesús. Lo entiendo totalmente, St. Katherine, ya que ¡yo solo me subo a los aviones para Jesús!

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Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and seasoned mom of three. Allison works for Family Rosary as a social media and digital specialist, as well as a new media consultant for Catholic Mom and the Diocese of Fall River. She is the author of Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Fall 2022, Ave Maria Press). Allison developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes – The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace (OSV). She’s hosted A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast since 2015.

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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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Afflicted But Not Despaired / Afligido Pero No Desesperado

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In 2015, our family experienced an extremely difficult time. We were afflicted, perplexed, struck down, and persecuted, yet, we held onto hope. These troubles came as my husband discerned the Permanent Diaconate and I full-time Catholic ministry. The concerns had not arrived because we’d chosen to follow the call to serve Jesus; today’s Gospel actually revealed He chose us. These things would have come anyway, some situations far beyond our control the results of another’s free will and the fallen nature of the world. 

Yet, in faith, we never wavered in remembering we always have recourse to God. Recourse means a source of help in difficult situations. The Triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an unfailing source of comfort, strength, and guidance in everything we encounter. As our world crumbled around us, we held firm to the grace we believe is bestowed by God to strengthen the faithful in their distress; still, these moments continually challenged our hope, faith, and trust.

In searching for a healthy way to cope with the stress and strain of this season in our lives, I started walking around my yard daily, praying the Rosary. One day, as my frustration overwhelmed me, I shouted to God, “What do you want from me?” This heavenly inquiry coincided with my reaching the end of my yard and as I turned the corner back toward the highway which runs adjacent to my home. A giant truck drove by with the word “FIDELITY” emblazoned across the trailer. Honestly, I laughed out loud. 

Gratefully, most of what we suffered at that time were, as St. Paul says to the Corinthians, “light and momentary afflictions,” however, in accepting the grace God showered upon us, we glorified Him throughout it all!

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En 2015, nuestra familia pasó por un momento muy difícil. Estábamos afligidos, perplejos, abatidos y perseguidos, pero nos aferrábamos a la esperanza. Estos problemas surgieron cuando mi esposo estaba discerniendo el diaconado permanente y yo el ministerio católico de tiempo completo. Las preocupaciones no habían llegado porque habíamos elegido seguir el llamado a servir a Jesús; el Evangelio de hoy en realidad reveló que Él nos eligió. Estas cosas habrían llegado de todos modos, algunas situaciones mucho más allá de nuestro control, los resultados del libre albedrío de otra persona y la naturaleza caída del mundo.

Sin embargo, en la fe, nunca vacilamos en recordar que siempre tenemos el recurso de Dios. Recurso significa una fuente de ayuda en situaciones difíciles. El Dios Triuno-Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo es una fuente inagotable de consuelo, fortaleza y guía en todo lo que encontramos. Mientras nuestro mundo se derrumbaba a nuestro alrededor, nos mantuvimos firmes en la gracia que creemos que Dios otorga para fortalecer a los fieles en su angustia; aun así, estos momentos desafiaron continuamente nuestra esperanza, fe y confianza.

En busca de una manera saludable de sobrellevar el estrés y la tensión de esta temporada en nuestras vidas, comencé a caminar por mi jardín todos los días, rezando el Rosario. Un día, cuando mi frustración me abrumaba, le grité a Dios: “¿Qué quieres de mí?” Justo al hacer esta pregunta celestial llegué al final del patio y cuando di la vuelta a la esquina hacia la carretera que corre junto a mi casa. Pasó un camión gigante con la palabra “FIDELIDAD” estampada en el tráiler. Honestamente, me reí a carcajadas.

Afortunadamente, la mayor parte de lo que sufrimos en ese momento fueron, como dice San Pablo a los corintios, “aflicciones ligeras y momentáneas”, sin embargo, al aceptar la gracia que Dios nos derramó, ¡lo glorificamos a través de todo!

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Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and seasoned mom of three. Allison works for Family Rosary as a social media and digital specialist, as well as a new media consultant for Catholic Mom and the Diocese of Fall River. She is the author of Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Fall 2022, Ave Maria Press). Allison developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes – The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace (OSV). She’s hosted A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast since 2015.

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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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Pearls of Faith

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Discerning what the teaching, “do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,” means in your life can be a little perplexing. The language is strange, and this verse may take extra prayer and even a little research to fully comprehend Jesus’ intended lesson. Additionally, “lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces” seems a little harsh, yet we trust Jesus, and those who recorded His words, never include filler—every word has purpose. 

There is nothing more holy than the Eucharist—the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To receive this gift, our hearts must be properly prepared. On Corpus Christi Sunday, in dioceses across the nation, the USCCB launched the National Eucharistic Revival, “three years for discernment, encounter, and grassroots response on the diocesan, parish, and individual levels” to (re)kindle a living, loving relationship with Jesus Christ, especially in the Eucharist. 

In John’s Gospel, Jesus reveals the difficult teaching of His Real Presence in the Eucharist: “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” Many followers walked away, confused and unable to accept Jesus’ gift of himself in the Eucharist. He did not use those next moments to talk of symbolism but instead looked to those remaining and inquired if they, too, would leave. It is being able to embrace this difficult yet true teaching of the Catholic faith that leads through the narrow gate, also presented in today’s Gospel. The one that leads to life, Jesus tells us, although those who find it are few. There are many reasons we fail to enter the narrow gate— doubt, fear, caution, or merely unwillingness to allow the mystical to reveal something to us this world cannot.

Faith is a gift. Gifts are only useful if they are received, opened, and used. In light of today’s Gospel, when we refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten our hearts about the holy things of God, we are truly casting them down before swine. They will be trampled into pieces and, maybe even unwittingly, miss out on one of the most incredible gifts God has prepared for us. We can be no closer to Christ than when we receive Him in the Eucharist. The greatest gift God has given us is his Son, who took on flesh, our sins, and the suffering meant for us so that we may one day be with Him forever in heaven.

Do not cast your faith away. Do not let it be trampled under foot by worldly cares, cynicism, or confusion. As Matthew 7:7 so wisely counsels, ask, seek, knock, trusting the Lord will answer the door of your heart and He will answer your questions. Like the centurion in Mark’s Gospel, let us pray in those weak, faltering moments so as not to be lost, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” It is in prayer where we open our hearts to be renewed and redeemed by the God who loves us enough to be consumed under the guise of bread and wine so that we may have eternal life. 

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Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and seasoned mom of three. Allison works for Family Rosary as a social media and digital specialist, as well as a new media consultant for Catholic Mom and the Diocese of Fall River. She is the author of Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Fall 2022, Ave Maria Press). Allison developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes – The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace (OSV). She’s hosted A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast since 2015.

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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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Simple Ways to Share the Good News

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St. Paul had a vision, “A Macedonian stood before him and implored him with these words, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we sought passage to Macedonia at once, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them” (Acts 16:9). Perhaps you’ve not had a dream, but have you ever felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit for you too to share the Good News? Did you respond to the prompt, or did fear or uncertainty keep you from witnessing to your faith?  

There are many ways to share the good news without a heroic trip across an ocean or to far-off lands. We can evangelize in our homes, families, or communities with genuine, often uncomplicated gestures. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Invite someone to Sunday Mass (if you can, include breakfast to continue building your relationship with this person, which will make discussions about faith easier. It may also create a comfortable atmosphere where you can discuss something you heard in the readings or homily). 
  • Not sure who to invite? Simply share your parish’s Mass schedule on your social media. You never know how the Holy Spirit might use that post to reach people seeking to find a church. We can share many things on social media to inspire and encourage people to grow in faith — Scripture verses, saint quotes, or prayers.
  • Consider starting a Christian book club or Bible study in your home or parish. Pick a book you are interested in, then ask a friend or two, “for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).
  • Offer to pray for people. Whether in person as someone is sharing a current difficulty or challenging situation, or you read it on social media. If you make a weekly Eucharistic Adoration hour, consider posting a request for prayers. I’ve done this for years and typically receive over a hundred prayer requests each time I do. While the idea of praying for so many might seem daunting but it is actually quite humbling and beautiful. I bring my phone into Adoration and scroll through the list offering each intention to the Lord. This activity has also provided the avenue to numerous incredible faith conversations.
  • Pray for the Lord to make a way to share the Good News and in the expectation that one day He will “be prepared to make a defense [testimony] to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). Don’t be afraid of what to say; just like the Lord prepared the prophet, Jeremiah, He too will put the words in your mouth.
  • Forward videos, articles, or blogs that touched your heart to someone you think might also be blessed to read and receive that particular message.

If you are not comfortable or not quite ready to evangelize in these public ways, there is still something significant you can do—pray. Keep friends, family, and even strangers in prayer, without being asked or with anyone even knowing. Prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit, is a powerful gift the Apostles modeled for us. Seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother and as many Saints as you need. Just as the Spirit guided the early disciples to know where to go and when and with whom to speak, trust He is still at work and will guide you in the same way.

In the end, the best witness of faith is always how you live, especially when you allow the joy of the Lord to shine through your words and actions. There is a time to speak and a time to stay silent; you need not wonder or worry about which the Spirit is calling you. If you remain prayerfully open to where He moves you, the answer and the action will always be apparent.

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Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and seasoned mom of three. Allison works for Family Rosary as a social media and digital specialist, as well as a new media consultant for Catholic Mom and the Diocese of Fall River. She is the author of Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Fall 2022, Ave Maria Press). Allison developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes – The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace (OSV). She’s hosted A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast since 2015.

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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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An Untroubled Heart

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Jesus stands amid the Apostles, offers his peace, and then further offers words of comfort with a proclamation to not let our hearts be troubled. Although not always the simplest task, God never asks for the impossible; therefore, we can be assured of the graces necessary to accomplish it.

As worries mount, so too is the tendency to feel God has forgotten us or abandoned us. Perhaps the Apostles felt that way following the death of our Lord and before he appeared with this greeting of peace. In Christ, there is always hope; we have in both the Old and New Testament the assurance to never be forsaken nor abandoned (Hebrews 13:5); recalling Jesus remains with us always, until the end of the age, to be exact ( Matthew 28:20).  

It is precisely those moments when we struggle the most to see God amid our circumstances that we should rely on the gift of hindsight. Looking back to the outcomes of other hardships or trials (especially those beyond our control), carefully and prayerfully recognize all the graces bestowed. The situation possibly didn’t resolve as wished, yet there is a discernable peace associated with that time and some greater good that comes from it.

Like the Apostles between the Resurrection and Pentecost, we too may see our peace disturbed, or doubts creep in when we don’t know the path to the place Jesus has for us. It is human nature to want all the details, and we want them before we act. That is not the trust to which Jesus calls us. The road may seem confusing or beyond our reach. The promises, while trustworthy, may feel for someone else and not for someone so filled with doubt, sin, or fear. Remember, out of great love for us, while we were still sinners, God sent his only Son to die for our redemption (Romans 5:8).

Jesus is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and we don’t have to search far to find He is always with us. He journeys alongside our darkness and our joy. He is the embodiment of the unseen God; if we have seen him, then we have seen the Father. We don’t need to search far to find signs and wonders of a God; we can witness his almighty love in a sunrise, the sweet smile of a child, and the peace which comes in prayer. And most notably, in the Eucharist, “The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread” (Luke 24:35). Amen, this is where hope prevails amid the most challenging and uncertain times in Christ, always by our side.

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Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and seasoned mom of three. Allison works for Family Rosary as a social media and digital specialist, as well as a new media consultant for Catholic Mom and the Diocese of Fall River. She is the author of Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Fall 2022, Ave Maria Press). Allison developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes – The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace (OSV). She’s hosted A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast since 2015.

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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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Conversion in Unexpected Places

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As a mother of three children, the desire to pass along my faith to them is great within me. When they were younger, it seemed easy. We attended Mass as a family, read the Bible and saint stories, attended VBS, and even discussed faith during dinner. Then, two of them became young adults, and the line from today’s Gospel, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place” (Luke 4:24), took on an entirely new meaning for me.

The methods employed to share my beloved faith no longer applied. My words no longer held merit, and discussions at the dinner table, well, they took a new turn I never expected. Like so many other mothers who watch their child drift from the church or experience a crisis of faith, my heart began to break, and some days the tears flowed. My prayers for the right words doubled, but none came (and least not yet). 

Then I, like so many disheartened moms before me, discovered St. Monica, the mother of the wayward son turned Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine. She, too, cried many tears and was consoled by a bishop who told her, “the child of those tears shall never perish.” That child of whom the bishop spoke was the same who once prayed, “Give me chastity and continence, but not yet,” and whose conversion came about through an unexpected verse in scripture and the counsel of a holy man, St. Ambrose. 

Although St. Monica was relentless in her desire to see Augustine turn to God, going so far as to follow him to Milan secretly, it was not her words that ultimately brought about his remarkable change of heart and turning toward God. Monica’s example not only brings me great hope but clued me into something I’d not yet considered. Although I have no doubt Monica’s prayers fueled her son’s incredible conversion, it was the words of another who ultimately made the difference. My prayer and tactic, if you will, have been altered after studying these remarkable saints. I now beg the Lord to send my sons their own St. Ambrose and ask, if it be His will, that I may be St. Ambrose to someone else’s “fallen away” child. 

As today’s First Reading illustrates, the healing, change, or conversion may not come in some great flash or a dramatic tumble from a horse (aka St. Paul). It most likely will have its source in the ordinary, like Naaman, who expected some grand gesture to heal his leprosy. This story also harks to the lesson learned from Monica and Augustine, the source of change might not be the mighty king but the lowly, faithful prophet. We must, as Psalm 130:7 reminds us, “hope in the LORD, I trust in his word; with him, there is kindness and plenteous redemption.”

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Allison Gingras works for WINE: Women In the New Evangelization as National WINE Steward of the Virtual Vineyard. She is a Social Media Consultant for the Diocese of Fall River and CatholicMom.com. She is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, who founded ReconciledToYou.com and developed the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (OSV).   

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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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Fidelity Helps My Unbelief

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Often my prayer resembles the words spoken by the boy’s father in Mark’s Gospel, who has come to beg the Lord to heal his son, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (Mark 9:22). And in my heart, not only do I hear Jesus’ gentle and kind response, “‘If you can!’ everything is possible to one who has faith,” but I also cry out like the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:14-29)!

I do believe and trust Jesus can help, most of the time, but part of me constantly wrestles with surrender. I am often a woman of little faith that craves signs and wonders to help me believe. In boldness, embracing Jesus’ teaching to ask and it will be given to you (Matthew 7:7), I request oddly specific signs, so there are no lingering doubts. Remarkably, in His mercy, these harbingers and wonders often appear.

I love the Rosary, especially the 54-Rosary Novena devotion. A few years ago, the Spirit nudged me outside to pray. At first, I assumed it was to keep me away from the distractions of my desk, home, and phone. However, the Spirit was about to reveal a much bigger plan. Since I live on a busy street, I decided to do laps around the perimeter of my yard—think Joshua (and friends) and the Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6).

As I made my last circuit, in knots about the current state of my life, I looked to heaven and aired my grievances. “Lord, what do you want from me? I never miss Sunday Mass, and I diligently pray the Rosary. I have even given my life to telling people how awesome you are, and this is my reward? A life overflowing with many hardships — illness, death, financial difficulties, and family discord! Again, Lord, I ask, what do you want from me?”  

As I completed the behind-the-house leg of my Rosary journey that day and turned to face the highway that runs along the front of my home, a tractor-trailer passing by caught my attention. On the side of the truck, in giant red letters, was the word — FIDELITY! 

Fidelity? Really, Lord! The fancy Latin-rooted word, which not so coincidentally means faithfulness, had to be an answer to my cry of distress. Is that what you want? How could I ignore the timing of the truck’s appearance? Only God could arrange the precision of that moment. Furthermore, after twenty years of traffic watching along that same highway, this was the truck’s first appearance!

My trust grew exponentially from that god-incidence moment; the world would see this situation as a coincidence, but I knew it to be heaven reaching through the veil to assure me everything is possible with faith. Just be faithful; I can do that, Lord. I will continue to pray, hope, and wait on you — one Rosary bead at a time. Lord, I believe, thank you for shining into my life to help my unbelief. 

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Allison Gingras works for WINE: Women In the New Evangelization as National WINE Steward of the Virtual Vineyard. She is a Social Media Consultant for the Diocese of Fall River and CatholicMom.com. She is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, who founded ReconciledToYou.com and developed the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (OSV).   

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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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A Modern Day Apostle

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Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Although clearly not one of the twelve, do you see yourself as an apostle? Do you show others God’s love, mercy, and hope like those first chosen by Christ? The word apostle translates into one sent on mission. Have you discerned the mission God has set you apart for, something only you can do that in some way brings the Good News to others? A mission possible by living in the light of Christ, never crushed or discouraged by circumstances, that trust in Him alone. 

An apostle has been summoned, called, or appointed to preach, bearing some responsibility to proclaim the Gospel. A summons can be defined as an urgent demand for help—being called upon for specific action; how you answer will look different for everyone. For me, this call became my profession—leaving behind one career to embrace a new one as an evangelist. For others, it may look more like sharing the faith at home, parish, or community as a volunteer or simply living the Catholic faith in a way to reflect Christ to others.

Discipleship needs to be rooted in grace found compellingly through prayer, Scripture, and participation in the sacraments. Before appointing the twelve to be sent out preaching, Luke (6:12) reveals that Jesus retreated to a time of silence, alone with the Father, and spent all night praying.

God has entrusted the message of reconciliation to each of us, making us ambassadors just as he did the first apostles. It is a participation in the mission of Christ not just to watch others about the work of God but alive, fully engaged, and active within it ourselves. We fulfill our baptismal promises to profess the faith by sharing the faith handed down or discovered by us. Our contribution to preaching the Gospel can be as simple as how we live our lives, whether in our homes, parishes, family, or communities. 

 As often accredited to Saint Francis’s, preaching does not always involve words but, more importantly, our actions and how others see us. God, out of pure love, brought you into being. In an abundance of his love, we exist. Created to know, love, and serve him; however, as the Scriptures teach, the greatest of these is always love and how we choose to love Him. God gives us the freedom to accept or reject a life of faith. The first apostles accepted the call to come and follow—to grow nearer, pick up their crosses, and embrace the gift of salvation through Christ. 

So, do you consider yourself an apostle of Jesus Christ? How will you demonstrate God’s love, mercy, and hope like those first chosen by Christ? Will you accept the invitation to the mission God has for you? In humble obedience to give yourself, your life, to Him who loved you into being. To say along with the Psalmist, “Be exalted above the heavens, O God; above all the earth be your glory!”

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Allison Gingras works for WINE: Women In the New Evangelization as National WINE Steward of the Virtual Vineyard. She is a Social Media Consultant for the Diocese of Fall River and CatholicMom.com. She is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, who founded ReconciledToYou.com and developed the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (OSV).   

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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.