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The Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi / El Memorial de San Francisco de Asís

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The readings today mention three disciples of Christ: St.Paul, Mary and Martha. This is fitting as the Church celebrates St. Francis of Assisi. Each of these very different individuals had to find his or her own unique path to follow Jesus.

In the First Reading St. Paul briefly speaks about his early life as a Jew and his conversion to Christianity. Paul had no intention of becoming a follower of Christ Jesus. He was “a zealot for [his] ancestral traditions.” His conversion to the Way allowed him to proclaim and instruct the Gentiles throughout Arabia, Cilicia, Damascus, and Syria. St. Paul’s writings and witness continue to lead many to Christ.

St. Paul was an educated man. St. Francis was brought up in an educated, wealthy family. He led a carefree life, enjoyed friends, parties and had little to worry about. He wanted to be a knight. Francis was captured on his first campaign as a cavalry soldier, imprisoned, and became ill. He was held captive for a year and read about the lives of the saints.

When Francis returned home he was not the same person. His spirit was troubled. Things he used to enjoy just didn’t make him happy the way they used to. He took time to pray and heard Christ speak to rebuild His Church.

St. Francis did not have an easy life once he chose to follow his Heavenly Father. He made mistakes, faced many challenges and accomplished much in his own ‘little’ journey to learn Jesus’ Way. He made changes in how he dealt with life events. He prayed and fasted while in service to others. Francis went about his life by doing what God gave him to do; to live the Gospel moment by moment, day by day.

In the Gospel, Martha wanted Jesus to direct Mary to assist with the serving. Jesus did not do so, telling her that Mary had chosen the better part. He told Martha she was anxious and worried about many things.

I have been told by my spiritual director, a priest and a deacon and a few others as well, that I too, have been worried and anxious about things I cannot control, or situations that I have chosen for myself. I need to remember to go through my day one moment at a time, without making assumptions or worrying about the outcome of any situation.

Francis prayed this prayer frequently before the Crucifix where he heard God speak during his early discernment and ministry. I find much comfort in it; please pray with me.

“Most high and glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, sense and knowledge, so that I may carry out Your holy and true command.” Amen.

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Las lecturas de hoy mencionan a tres discípulos de Cristo: San Pablo, María y Marta. Que apropiado ya que la Iglesia celebra hoy a San Francisco de Asís. Cada uno de estos individuos tan diferentes tuvo que encontrar su propio camino único para seguir a Jesús.

En la Primera Lectura, San Pablo habla brevemente sobre su vida de joven como judío y su conversión al cristianismo. Pablo no tenía intención de convertirse en un seguidor de Cristo Jesús. Era “un fanático de [sus] tradiciones ancestrales”. Su conversión al Camino le permitió proclamar e instruir a los gentiles por toda Arabia, Cilicia, Damasco y Siria. Los escritos y el testimonio de San Pablo continúan guiando a muchos a Cristo.

San Pablo era un hombre educado. San Francisco se crió en una familia rica y educada. Llevaba una vida sin preocupaciones, disfrutaba de amigos, fiestas y tenía poco de qué preocuparse. Quería ser caballero. Francisco fue capturado en su primera campaña como soldado de caballería, fue encarcelado y se enfermó. Estuvo cautivo durante un año y leía sobre la vida de los santos.

Cuando Francis volvió a casa no era la misma persona. Su espíritu estaba turbado. Las cosas que antes disfrutaba simplemente no lo hacían feliz como solían hacerlo. Tomó tiempo para orar y escuchó a Cristo pedirle reconstruir Su Iglesia.

San Francisco no tuvo una vida fácil una vez que eligió seguir a su Padre Celestial. Cometió errores, enfrentó muchos desafíos y logró mucho en su propio “pequeño” viaje para aprender el Camino de Jesús. Hizo cambios en la forma en que lidió con los eventos de la vida. Oraba y ayunaba mientras estaba al servicio de los demás. Francisco vivió su vida haciendo lo que Dios le pidió hacer; vivir el Evangelio momento a momento, día tras día.

En el Evangelio, Marta quería que Jesús dirigiera a María a ayudar con el servicio. Jesús no lo hizo, diciéndole que María había escogido la mejor parte. Le dijo a Martha que estaba ansiosa y preocupada por muchas cosas.

Me ha dicho mi director espiritual, un sacerdote y un diácono y algunos otros también, que yo también he estado preocupada y ansiosa por cosas que no puedo controlar, o situaciones que he escogido. Necesito acordarme de pasar mi día un momento a la vez, sin hacer suposiciones ni preocuparme por el resultado de ninguna situación.

Francisco oraba esta oración con frecuencia ante el Crucifijo donde escuchaba a Dios hablarle durante su discernimiento y ministerio. En ella encuentro mucho consuelo; les invito a rezarla conmigo.

“Dios altísimo y glorioso, ilumina las tinieblas de mi corazón y dame, Señor, una fe recta, una esperanza cierta, una caridad perfecta, sentido y conocimiento, para que pueda cumplir Tu santo y verdadero mandato.” Amén.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

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Like Little Children / Como Niños Pequeños

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The readings today describe the beginning of Job’s trials and a lesson for the apostles.

God points Job out to Satan. Job is shown as a faithful servant even when all is taken from him, he blesses the name of the Lord.

In the Gospel, the disciples argued about being the greatest. Jesus knew the intention of their hearts. He invited them to be the least, illustrating His point by placing a child by His side. Jesus challenged them to receive the child in His name and in turn receive the Father, the one who sent Him.

A child is the embodiment of the powerless who own nothing and cannot survive without consistent care. Jesus came into the world as a most beloved infant, not as the greatest or most powerful. Jesus served by teaching about God’s kingdom. He performed miracles. Jesus healed many. He, the Son of Man, came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

Jesus did not claim to be the greatest. He did not claim to be a King. He came as the sacrifice for those who believe so that they can be with Him in heaven. 

Help me to remember Lord, that I am not to be the greatest. Allow me to interact with and respect all people as Your servant. Help me to be an example of your Son’s teachings within each situation I encounter today. Amen.

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Las lecturas de hoy describen el comienzo de las pruebas de Job y una lección para los apóstoles.

Dios le señala a Job a Satanás. Job se muestra como un siervo fiel aún cuando todo le es arrebatado, bendice el nombre del Señor.

En el Evangelio, los discípulos discutían sobre ser los más grandes. Jesús conocía la intención de sus corazones. Los invitó a ser los más pequeños, ilustrando Su punto al colocar a un niño a Su lado. Jesús los desafió a recibir al niño en Su nombre y a su vez recibir al Padre, al que lo envió.

Un niño es la encarnación de los impotentes que no poseen nada y no pueden sobrevivir sin el cuidado constante. Jesús vino al mundo como un bebé muy amado, no como el más grande o el más poderoso. Jesús sirvió enseñando sobre el reino de Dios. Hizo milagros. Jesús sanó a muchos. Él, el Hijo del Hombre, vino para servir y dar Su vida para rescatar a muchos.

Jesús no afirmó ser el más grande. No pretendió ser un rey. Él vino como el sacrificio por aquellos que creen para que puedan estar con Él en el cielo.

Ayúdame a recordar Señor, que no debo ser el más grande. Permíteme interactuar y respetar a todas las personas como Tu servidor. Ayúdame a ser un ejemplo de las enseñanzas de tu Hijo en cada situación que enfrento hoy. Amén.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

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A Servant of the Poor / Una Servidora de los Pobres

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The readings today became clearer to me once I realized it is also the feast of St.Teresa of Calcutta.

The First Reading tells us that old yeast, even a little, can leaven all the dough. This symbolizes the yeast of malice and wickedness of the times. Mother Teresa, as she was known during her lifetime, was a person of sincerity and truth, led by her faith in the Lord Christ Jesus.

St. Teresa is nicknamed the “saint of the gutters” because of her dedication to serve the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta, India. Mother Teresa died in 1997 when the name of the city was still Calcutta. When she was canonized her title became St. Teresa of Calcutta. The name changed to Kolkata to match the local language in 2001.

The First Reading speaks of a sorrowful soul who is not inflated with pride. We know from Mother Teresa’s correspondence with her confessor, that she experienced a profound darkness and dryness in her own soul, which occurred throughout her ministry with the poorest of the poor. St. Teresa wrote to her spiritual director that “loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible kind of poverty”. The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa in 1950, can now be found serving in over one hundred and thirty-three countries around the world.

In the Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees hoped to catch Jesus breaking the sabbath by curing the man with a withered hand. Jesus did so. St. Teresa helped the poorest of the poor in every type of poverty: emotional, financial, mental, physical, and spiritual. She did this because of her trust in the Lord’s call and her love and devotion to Him. Through her quiet, tenacious inner strength and faith, St. Teresa is a model for us all. 

St. Teresa, you lived your life strong in faith and love of God. You reached out to help everyone you met, especially the poor and homeless. Help us to care about others and help them when they need us. Help us to grow together strong in our faith and love of God to be the best we can be. St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us. Amen.

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Las lecturas de hoy se hicieron más claras para mí una vez que me di cuenta de que también es la fiesta de Santa Teresa de Calcuta.

La Primera Lectura nos dice que la levadura vieja, aunque sea un poco, puede fermentar toda la masa. Esto simboliza la levadura de la malicia y la maldad de los tiempos. La Madre Teresa, como se la conocía durante su vida, era una persona sincera y veraz, guiada por su fe en el Señor Jesucristo.

Santa Teresa es apodada la “santa de las alcantarillas” debido a su dedicación para servir a los más pobres en los barrios marginales de Calcuta, India. La Madre Teresa murió en 1997 cuando el nombre de la ciudad aún era Calcuta. Cuando fue canonizada, su título se convirtió en Santa Teresa de Calcuta. El nombre cambió a Kolkata para coincidir con el idioma local en 2001.

La Primera Lectura habla de un alma afligida que no se infla de orgullo. Sabemos por la correspondencia de la Madre Teresa con su confesor, que experimentó una profunda oscuridad y sequedad en su propia alma, que se produjo a lo largo de su ministerio con los más pobres. Santa Teresa escribió a su director espiritual que “la soledad y el sentimiento de no ser querido es la pobreza más terrible”. Las Misioneras de la Caridad, fundada por la Madre Teresa en 1950, ahora se encuentra sirviendo en más de ciento treinta y tres países alrededor del mundo.

En el Evangelio, los escribas y fariseos esperaban atrapar a Jesús deshonrando el día de reposo curando al hombre que tenía una mano seca. Jesús lo hizo. Santa Teresa ayudó a los más pobres en todo tipo de pobreza: emocional, financiera, mental, física y espiritual. Ella hizo esto por su confianza en el llamado del Señor y su amor y devoción a Él. A través de su tranquila y tenaz fuerza interior y fe, Santa Teresa es un modelo para todos nosotros.

Santa Teresa, viviste tu vida fuerte en la fe y el amor de Dios. Extendiste la mano para ayudar a todos los que conociste, especialmente a los pobres y las personas sin hogar. Ayúdanos a preocuparnos por los demás y ayudarlos cuando nos necesiten. Ayúdanos a crecer juntos, fuertes en nuestra fe y amor a Dios para ser lo mejor que podamos ser. Santa Teresa de Calcuta, ruega por nosotros. Amén.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

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Cleanse, Check, and Repeat / Limpiar, Revisar y Repetir

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In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks of the outside of a cup and dish being clean but not the inside. It reminded me of some memories, specifically, the after dinner routine in my childhood home. This included either myself or one of my sisters cleaning up the dishes [fyi: unless there was adult supervision, only one sibling would do the dishes or discord, including water fights, towel snapping, or tears, would follow].

Items would get a rinsing and light scrubbing before being loaded into the dishwasher and the rest would be hand washed. This was done as the dishwasher typically deposited some food particles and baked them on the surfaces and yet, sometimes this happened when we girls washed the dishes as well. We would get distracted by the issues of life and the world around us. We would make statements as facts or assumptions that caused us to lose focus on the tasks and the people around us, which led to problems in the personal and family life of the household.

The readings today tell us to keep ourselves in check through diligent review and reflection, prayer and the grace of God, to make changes and clean our interior dirt or leftovers that still cling to us. I know I absolutely need constructive feedback from my coworkers, family, friends and spiritual director, to help me see my mistakes, the food stuck in my tooth or point out the threads that have pulled in the seat of my pants or my life.

“The Word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart,” is the Gospel acclamation from Hebrews 4:12. Through continual reflection on the Word in prayer, attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, taking time for adoration, finding silence to examine my thoughts, actions and reactions, helps me to ask for God’s forgiveness and seek the forgiveness of others whom I have offended.

Jesus tells us not to neglect the weightier things of the law, that of judgment, mercy and fidelity. These things we need to be mindful of as well as all other components of His teachings. It is not an easy path but a constant conversion of my heart, actions, words and expressions.

St. Rose of Lima, whose feast is today, is attributed to saying, “Let them know that the gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase. Let men take care not to stray and be deceived.” 

O St. Rose, first flower of sanctity in the New World, let the fragrance of your virtues diffuse itself in our lives. Grant that we may imitate your holy purity; obtain for us courage in the practice of penance. Teach us to love Christ Jesus and Mary His Mother. Please continue to intercede and bless all the Americas, which give thanks to Him, the Giver of all good gifts. Amen.

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En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús habla de que el exterior de una taza y un plato están limpios, pero no el interior. Me hizo acordar de algunos recuerdos, específicamente, la rutina después de la cena en la casa de mi infancia. Esto incluía yo o una de mis hermanas limpiando los platos [para tu información: a menos de que hubiera la supervisión de un adulto, solo una hermana lavaba los platos a la vez, o seguiría la discordia, incluyendo peleas de agua, chasquidos de toallas o lágrimas].

Enjuagábamos los platos con un lavado ligero antes de ponerlos en el lavaplatos y el resto se lavaba a mano. Esto se hizo porque el lavaplatos generalmente depositaba algunas partículas de comida y las horneaba en las superficies y, sin embargo, a veces esto sucedía cuando nosotros también lavábamos los platos. Nos distraíamos con los asuntos de la vida y del mundo que nos rodeaba. Hacíamos afirmaciones como hechos o suposiciones que hacían que perdiéramos el enfoque en las tareas y en las personas que nos rodeaban, lo que generaba problemas en la vida personal y familiar del hogar.

Las lecturas de hoy nos dicen que nos mantengamos bajo control a través de la revisión y la reflexión diligentes, la oración y la gracia de Dios, para hacer cambios y limpiar nuestra suciedad interior o los “restos de la comida” que aún se adhieren a nosotros. Sé que necesito absolutamente los comentarios constructivos de mis compañeros de trabajo, mi familia, mis amigos y mi director espiritual, que me ayuden a ver mis errores, la comida atorada en mis dientes o señalar los hilos que se han tirado en el asiento de mis pantalones o de mi vida.

La aclamación evangélica de Hebreos 4,12 nos dice, “La palabra de Dios es viva y eficaz y descubre los pensamientos e intenciones del corazón”. A través de la reflexión continua sobre la Palabra en la oración, asistir a Misa, recibir la Eucaristía, tomar tiempo para la adoración, encontrar silencio para examinar mis pensamientos, acciones y reacciones, me ayuda a pedir el perdón de Dios y buscar el perdón de otros a quienes he ofendido.

Jesús nos dice que no descuidemos las cosas más importantes de la ley, la del juicio, la misericordia y la fidelidad. Debemos tener en cuenta estas cosas, así como todos los demás componentes de Sus enseñanzas. No es un camino fácil sino una constante conversión de mi corazón, acciones, palabras y expresiones.

A Santa Rosa de Lima, cuya fiesta es hoy, se le atribuye haber dicho: “Que sepan que los dones de la gracia aumentan a medida que aumentan las batallas. Que los hombres se cuiden de no extraviarse y ser engañados.”

Oh Santa Rosa, primera flor de santidad en el Nuevo Mundo, deja que la fragancia de tus virtudes se esparza en nuestras vidas. Concede que podamos imitar tu santa pureza; alcánzanos valor en la práctica de la penitencia. Enséñanos a amar a Cristo Jesús y a María Su Madre. Por favor, continúe intercediendo y bendiciendo a todas las Américas, que le dan gracias a Él, el Dador de todos los buenos dones. Amén.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

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Heart / El Corazón

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The readings and Psalm for today are a really great fit on this memorial day of St. John Vianney. Heart is what keeps catching my attention.

In the First Reading from the prophet Jeremiah we are told that the Lord will write His law upon our hearts. This is quite evident from the life of St. John Vianney. The patron saint of priests, St. Vianney is known for his prayer, fasting, and the conversion of hearts through the Sacrament of Confession.

Whenever I read or sing the Psalm, ‘Create a clean heart in me, O God’, I am reminded of the love of God that is so readily available to me, especially if I would just turn to Him in Confession or when I receive the Eucharist.

I, however, am a woman with a short attention span, foot in mouth disease (open mouth, change foot) and many faults. For example, I have been trying to get the song You Gotta Have Heart out of my mind as I write this. The Holy Spirit will place a nugget like a song, image, or situation before me, and in the midst of it, I find Him trying to make a connection or point, hence the song.

Did I lose you? In the Gospel Peter is made the rock due to his answer to Jesus that He is the Christ, the living Son of God. Then in the very next sentences Jesus is telling Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” because Peter is thinking like a human, not as God does.

Peter has heart; God has clearly written on it or he wouldn’t have known that Jesus was the Son of the living God, the Christ. Jesus, being the Son of the Father, has unconditional love and patience with Peter. Jesus clearly forgives Peter as soon as Peter makes a mistake. Peter wouldn’t be known to us as the rock if he wasn’t a forgiven, beloved child of God as are each and every one of us in the human family.

I don’t want to lose heart, faith, grace or the forgiveness of God. I need prayer to help me keep my focus on my heart, on the love for my Lord to fill all parts of my body and my life.

St. John Vianney wrote a beautiful prayer to help him with this tremendous task. Please pray it with me:
I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life. I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You. I love You, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally… My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath. Amen.

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Las lecturas y el Salmo de hoy encajan muy bien en este día conmemorativo de San Juan Vianney. El corazón es lo que me sigue llamando la atención.

En la Primera Lectura del profeta Jeremías se nos dice que el Señor escribirá Su ley en nuestros corazones. Esto es bastante evidente en la vida de San Juan Vianney. El santo patrón de los sacerdotes, San Vianney es conocido por su oración, ayuno y la conversión de corazones a través del Sacramento de la Confesión.

Cada vez que leo o canto el Salmo, “Crea en mí, Señor, un corazón puro”, me acuerdo del amor de Dios que está tan fácilmente disponible para mí, especialmente si vuelvo a Él en la Confesión o cuando recibo la Eucaristía

Yo, sin embargo, soy una mujer con poca capacidad de atención, meto la pata (primero una, luego la otra) y muchas fallas. Por ejemplo, he estado tratando de quitarme de la mente la canción You Gotta Have Heart (Tienes que Tener Corazón) mientras escribo esto. El Espíritu Santo coloca una semilla como una canción, imagen o situación delante mío, y en medio de eso, lo encuentro tratando de hacer una conexión o un punto, y por eso me pone en mente la canción.

¿Te he perdido? En el Evangelio, Pedro se convierte en roca debido a su respuesta a Jesús de que Él es el Cristo, el Hijo viviente de Dios. Luego, en las siguientes oraciones, Jesús le está diciendo a Pedro: “¡Aléjate de mí, Satanás!” porque Pedro está pensando como un ser humano, no como Dios.

Pedro tiene corazón; Dios ha escrito claramente en él o no hubiera sabido que Jesús era el Hijo del Dios viviente, el Cristo. Jesús, siendo el Hijo del Padre, tiene amor incondicional y paciencia con Pedro. Jesús claramente perdona a Pedro tan pronto como Pedro comete un error. Pedro no sería conocido por nosotros como la roca si no fuera un hijo amado y perdonado de Dios como lo somos todos y cada uno de nosotros en la familia humana.

No quiero perder el corazón, la fe, la gracia o el perdón de Dios. Necesito oración para ayudarme a mantener mi enfoque en mi corazón, en el amor de mi Señor para llenar todas las partes de mi cuerpo y mi vida.

San Juan Vianney escribió una hermosa oración para ayudarlo con esta tremenda tarea. Por favor rézalo conmigo.

Te amo, oh Dios mío, y mi único deseo es amarte hasta el último suspiro de mi vida. Te amo, oh mi Dios infinitamente amable, y preferiría morir amándote, que vivir sin amarte. Te amo, Señor, y la única gracia que pido es amarte eternamente… Dios mío, si mi lengua no puede decir en cada momento que te amo, quiero que mi corazón te lo repita cada vez que respiro. Amén.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

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Peace / La Paz

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The English language can be so confusing. To speak of peace is not the same as to speak a piece of my mind (or my piece). The words peace/piece are homophones, words that sound the same but have different meanings. Peace is what has been catching my attention when praying and reflecting with today’s readings.

Let me clarify as to why.

The readings from Amos and the Gospel speak of transitions; the restoration of the people and lands of Israel, fasting, a bridegroom and wedding guests, and the patching of cloaks and wineskins. As I read these passages, I am reminded of perseverance, patience during the process and the grace of peace through it all.

The Responsorial Psalm illustrates this:
“The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
 The Lord proclaims peace to his people.
 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 himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.”
These phrases about peace are words of encouragement, grace, hope and strength to continue in all of the facets of my day and in the world. I so easily get caught up in personal drama or issues swirling around me, that I forget that the focus is to be the Lord’s way, not the contention and disharmony that abounds on the earth, throughout every part of creation.

The Lord says: “my sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jn 10:27

When I read this line I understand it as a directive to speak and do as the Lord would with a newborn, the infirmed, the elderly, the grieving, anyone who is learning (which is everyone, at all times). I am to follow the Shepherd who has justice before him and salvation in his footsteps. I am to be a companion and leader to sow peace, truth and justice in the world and all stages and places of life.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Amen.

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La paz es lo que me ha estado llamando la atención al orar y reflexionar con las lecturas de hoy.

Permítanme aclarar por qué.

Las lecturas de Amós y el Evangelio hablan de transiciones; la restauración del pueblo y las tierras de Israel, el ayuno, el novio y los invitados a la boda, y el remiendo de mantos y odres. Mientras leo estos pasajes, recuerdo la perseverancia, la paciencia durante el proceso y la gracia de la paz a través de todo.

El Salmo Responsorial ilustra esto:

“El Señor habla de paz a su pueblo.
El Señor proclama la paz a su pueblo.
La bondad y la verdad se encontrarán; la justicia y la paz se besarán.

La verdad brotará de la tierra, y la justicia mirará desde el cielo.
El SEÑOR mismo dará sus beneficios; nuestra tierra dará su producto.
La justicia caminará delante de él, y la salvación, por el camino de sus pasos”.

Estas frases de paz son palabras de aliento, gracia, esperanza y fuerza para continuar en todas las facetas de mi día y del mundo. Me enredo tan fácilmente en el drama personal o en los problemas que me rodean, que olvido que el enfoque debe ser el camino del Señor, no la contención y la falta de armonía que abundan en la tierra, en cada parte de la creación.

El Señor dice: “mis ovejas oyen mi voz; Yo las conozco y ellas me siguen.” Juan 10:27

Cuando leo esta línea la entiendo como una directiva para hablar y hacer lo que el Señor haría con un recién nacido, un enfermo, un anciano, un doliente, cualquiera que esté aprendiendo (es decir todos, en todo momento). Debo seguir al Pastor que tiene la justicia delante de él y la salvación en sus pasos. Debo ser compañero y líder para sembrar la paz, la verdad y la justicia en el mundo y en todas las etapas y lugares de la vida.

Que haya paz en la tierra, y que empiece conmigo. Amén.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

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The Eyes

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I have always been fascinated by eyes: person, animal, insect, it doesn’t matter. I have noticed them on all creatures as I encounter them in my life. Several months ago I called out to a young woman as I was approaching my favorite bakery. We were both masked and she was clearly startled. She replied, “No, that’s my sister’s name. How did you know to ask?” “It’s your beautiful eyes. You have the same eyes.” I hadn’t seen either of these bright adult women in several years as they were my children’s classmates.

The eyes stay in my memory of family and friends, acquaintances and passers by. In the Gospel today Jesus speaks of the eye being the lamp of the body. He tells us that when the eye is good, our whole body is filled with light; if it’s not, the whole body is in darkness. He then cautions, “And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

Open the Eyes of My Heart, by Michael W. Smith and Open My Eyes, by Jesse Manibusan, are songs that ask God for grace and love to see the world with Jesus’ eyes. The artist Akiane (at the age of 8) painted ‘Prince of Peace’, a portrait of Jesus whose eyes seem able to penetrate all time and every viewer.

What do my eyes portray to others? Do I possess a warming light which conveys love or a light which is filled with cold darkness?

O Lord, open my eyes to see you. Allow my eyes to look upon the world as your Son, Jesus Christ did, with love and compassion. I ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit to bring the light of God into my heart, my mind, my work, my community, and throughout all the world. Amen

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

Feature Image Credit: Misioneras Clarisas Monterrey, www.cathopic.com/photo/17685-mirada-jesus

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Hope

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The reading today from Acts has Paul saying he is “on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.” This leads to heated disputes between the Sadducees and the Pharisees because of differences in their beliefs: Sadducees not believing in the resurrection or angels or spirits, Pharisees believing in all three. Transport this difference in beliefs to the present day: right to bear arms versus gun control, sanctity of all forms of life and creation, immigration and refugees, war and violent conflict and crises, and what to do about climate change. No matter which situation that catches your attention, there is great uproar and controversy in humanity. 

I find comfort in the Psalm Response, “Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.” It is because of Jesus, the Son of God the Father that my soul rejoices and I have hope as He rose for all of humanity. He is the hope of the world.

The Gospel expands on this concept. Jesus prays that all may be made one in Him as He is in the Father. Jesus expresses His love for us and wants the same gift of love of the Father to be known throughout the world. 

St. Paul wrote in the book of Romans Chapter 5, verse 5, “Hope will not leave us disappointed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Hope is poured into our hearts from the love of God through the Holy Spirit to bring and be love in the world. All things are really meant to lead back to love and to God. This is what gives me Hope.

It is the seventh day of the Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit. Please pray with me the following prayer that my pastor, Fr. Jim Chelich wrote:

Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your holy gifts. Let my weakness be penetrated by your strength, that I may fulfill the duties of my state in life conscientiously; that I may do what is right and just.
Assist me, O Holy Spirit, in all my trials of life:
 enlighten my ignorance
 advise me in my doubts
 strengthen me in my weakness
 help me in all my needs
 protect me in temptation
 and console me in affliction.
Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit, and pour your light into my heart, my soul and my mind. Assist me in living a holy life and in growing in goodness and grace. Amen.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

Feature Image Credit: sasint, https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-men-silhouettes-helping-1807524

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Love One Another

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The last line of today’s Gospel is a command: love one another. Due to that love, my heart is again breaking because of a weekend filled with shooting sprees in the USA. I am weeping because of the war in Ukraine and the twenty seven areas around the world with violence and conflict. Billions of people around the world continue to feel the effects of a global pandemic and I am filled with compassion and empathy.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples, “You are my friends if you do what I command: to love one another as I love you…to lay down one’s life for one’s friends…I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…”

Jesus calls us friends not acquaintances. Acquaintances are plentiful when life is good and abundant. Acquaintances will distance themselves when controversy or stressful challenges arise. Jesus is the epitome of a friend. He is there in good times and bad, knowing every strength and weakness about you while loving and encouraging you through it all. Jesus Our Savior knows each of us born on this earth intimately because we have been created in God, His Father’s image. Jesus has an all encompassing love for every member of humanity, no exceptions.

As His friend, I am compelled to praise Jesus and lift Him up in glory because He is the Son of God. Jesus is with us in all things; in the midst of suffering, conflict, illness, and war. He rejoices and celebrates each birth, graduation, wedding, big and small success. He is with us in all instances and situations of life.

We are all part of the body of Christ Jesus. We are united in His everlasting, unconditional love.

That being said, before you open the next tweet, text, link, IM, image or your mouth in conversation, take a moment, a second or a deep breath and try to remember the connectedness and friendship Jesus has for the other. Breathe in the love, patience and understanding He has for you. Be open to listening to or seeing through another loved one’s perspective for just a moment. Keep in mind that love bears all things. It isn’t always easy. Strive to be a friend united in love. You can do it. Jesus is with you, now and forever. Amen.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

Feature Image Credit: sasint, https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-men-silhouettes-helping-1807524

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The Holy One of God

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The month of May holds much joy in our society. Spring is finally erupting in colors and new life in the majority of the USA. First communions, graduations, baptisms and weddings are being held with a renewed sense of appreciation to gather with family and friends after a long hiatus due to the pandemic.

The seasons of life have continued through the many challenges of the last two years. Personally, I’ve had many members of my family with big life events: a wedding, engagements, surgeries and burials. There are several young adults who have received certificates of study, graduated high school or college, achieved a masters degree and a doctorate (which I look forward to see conferred on this day, woohoo!).

The First Reading today has the apostle Peter performing two healing miracles. His actions, faith prayer, and witness about Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit helped many to believe in the Risen Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm speaks about returning to the Lord, as He has done so much good for me. I believe the journey of my own family is a good example of how much good the Lord has done in my life. I have entrusted all aspects of the family to the Lord, and thanked Him, the Lord God, ahead of time for an answer to prayer as Blessed Solanus Casey was known to do.

In the Gospel, Jesus again tells all who are listening that His words, body and blood are Spirit and life. “No one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” The apostles say yes,  they believe Jesus is the Holy One of God. The apostles have listened to His teachings, seen the miracles; they know Jesus is the One.

The question that kept coming to me as I prepared to write this: Does the other person know I am an apostle too? Am I a visible face of the invisible God in this world? Does my family, coworker, person in the car next to me, know that I believe Jesus is the One? Do my actions and reactions embody this in my daily life? Do I bear witness that He is the Holy One of God? Do you?

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

Feature Image Credit: Bruno Nascimento, https://unsplash.com/photos/eo11MS0FSnk

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Rejoice

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The Octave of Easter is full of redemptive resurrection joy. Each day is a celebration of Easter and the joy it brings to believers.  The readings today bring forth two stories of rejoicing: the healing of a man crippled from birth by two of the apostles and the road to Emmaus. The Psalm calls on the hearts that seek the Lord to rejoice!

Today I ask you to pray with me a prayer and hymn of praise, the Te Deum, as it appears in the Liturgy of the Hours, the Office of Readings for this day. Rejoice!

You are God: we praise you;

You are God: we acclaim you;

You are the eternal Father:

All creation worships you.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,

Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:

Father, of majesty unbounded,

Your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,

And the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

The eternal Son of the Father.

When you became man to set us free

You did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death,

And opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come, and be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

Bought with the price of your own blood,

And bring us with your saints

To glory everlasting.

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.

Govern and uphold them now and always.

Day by day we bless you.

We praise your name forever.

Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your love and mercy;

For we put our trust in you.

In you, Lord, is our hope:

And we shall never hope in vain.

Alleluia! Amen! Rejoice!

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

Feature Image Credit: Angie Menes, https://www.cathopic.com/photo/14463-resurreccion-cristo-

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Everlasting Life

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The readings for this last Friday of Lent really cause me to pause and take a good honest look at my thoughts, words and deeds.

The First Reading speaks of terror on every side and vengeance. The prophet Jeremiah prays for the Lord to save him from those who would denounce him, persecute and prey on him. Jeremiah wants the Lord to be his champion against his foes and the wicked.

The Gospel scene is of the Jews gathered in the Temple of Jerusalem for the feast of Dedication also known as the Feast of Light or Hanukkah. In the previous nine verses, John 10:22-30 Jesus has a very blunt conversation with those gathered that “the Father and I are one.” Because of this, the gathered Jews want to stone Jesus for blasphemy.

They, the Jews who had seen the miracles, who heard Jesus speak and teach in the temples wanted to arrest and kill Jesus for blasphemy, not for his works or his teachings on faith.

What’s been causing me distress is the punishments that the prophet and the Jews in the Temple wanted: death. This is on my mind as I examine how I really feel when someone harms me with words or deeds or inactions. Do I really want that for them? Do I have a beam in my eye?

I believe Jesus is the Lord, that life is sacred. How is hatred an option or a death punishment correct?

In the world today there is so much hurt, want of retribution, punishment for the sake of making another suffer: that is not just or merciful.

Lord, I believe your words are the words of everlasting life. Even from the cross you forgave those who mocked, persecuted and killed you. Help me to understand your ways. Help me to forgive as you did, to live as you did, to love as you do. Amen

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

Feature Image Credit: Fuu J, https://unsplash.com/photos/r2nJPbEYuSQ