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St. Catherine of Siena and the Eucharist / Santa Catalina de Siena y la Eucaristía

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Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena, one of the four women Doctors of the Church. As I read the Gospel, thinking about Catherine, this verse struck me, “It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail, “ (John 6:63). Did you know that for years Catherine consumed only the Eucharist for food? She slept in a small cell in her parent’s house and cared for her family doing all sorts of menial tasks. To prevent her parents from marrying her off, she cut her long hair. She cared little for her physical body; her greatest concern was her soul and the souls of those around her. 

This gospel is from John, Chapter 6. The Bread of Life Discourse and Jesus’ words caused disbelief to the point of many disciples leaving Him. They could not accept the teaching that Jesus is the Bread of Life. Without this belief, where are we as Catholics? The Eucharist is called the source and summit of our faith. It is the very thing that gives us life. Without it, we would be empty.

Here is part of a prayer, “Your Greatness is Everywhere” written by Catherine about the Eucharist:

“You, eternal Father, are the table that offers us as food the Lamb, your only begotten Son. He is the most exquisite of foods for us, both in his teaching, which nourishes us in your will, and in the sacrament that we receive in holy communion, which feeds and strengthens us while we are pilgrim travelers in this life. And the Holy Spirit is indeed a waiter for us, for he serves us this teaching, by enlightening our mind’s eye with it and inspiring us to follow it. And he serves us charity for our neighbors and hunger to have as our food souls and the salvation of the whole world for the Father’s honor. So we see that souls enlightened in you, true light, never let a moment pass without eating this exquisite food for your honor.”

St. Peter tells Jesus that he believes He is the Holy One of God. St. Catherine believed that as well and lived her life in total self-giving. Today, as we celebrate this great saint and read the words of Jesus reminding us of the gift of the Eucharist, may we experience a new fervor to live and share our faith in the world.

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Hoy celebramos la fiesta de Santa Catalina de Siena, una de las cuatro mujeres Doctoras de la Iglesia. Mientras leía el Evangelio, pensando en Catalina, me llamó la atención este versículo: “El Espíritu es quien da la vida; la carne para nada aprovecha.” (Juan 6:63). ¿Sabías que durante años Catalina consumió solamente la Eucaristía como alimento? Dormía en una pequeña celda en la casa de sus padres y cuidaba a su familia haciendo todo tipo de tareas domésticas. Para evitar que sus padres la hicieran casarse, se cortó el pelo. Poco le importaba su cuerpo físico; su mayor preocupación era su alma y las almas de quienes la rodeaban.

Este evangelio es de Juan, capítulo 6. El Discurso del Pan de Vida y las palabras de Jesús causaron incredulidad al punto de que muchos discípulos lo abandonaron. No podían aceptar la enseñanza de que Jesús es el Pan de Vida. Sin esta creencia, ¿dónde estamos como católicos? La Eucaristía es la fuente y cumbre de nuestra fe. Es lo que nos da la vida. Sin ella, estaríamos vacíos.

A continuación hay una porción de la oración, “Tu Grandeza Está en Todas Partes”, escrita por Santa Catalina sobre la Eucaristía:

“Tú, Padre eterno, eres la mesa que nos ofrece como alimento al Cordero, tu Hijo unigénito. Es el más exquisito de los alimentos para nosotros, tanto en su enseñanza, que nos nutre en tu voluntad, como en el sacramento que recibimos en la sagrada comunión, que nos alimenta y nos fortalece mientras somos peregrinos viajeros en esta vida. Y el Espíritu Santo es ciertamente un servidor para nosotros, porque nos sirve esta enseñanza, iluminando el ojo de nuestra mente con ella e inspirándonos a seguirla. Y nos sirve la caridad para con el prójimo y el hambre de tener por alimento las almas y la salvación del mundo entero para honra del Padre. Así vemos que las almas iluminadas en ti, verdadera luz, no dejen pasar un momento sin comer este manjar exquisito para tu honor”.

San Pedro le dice a Jesús que cree que es el Santo de Dios. Santa Catalina también lo creía y vivió su vida en entrega completa. Hoy, mientras celebramos a este gran santo y leemos las palabras de Jesús recordándonos el don de la Eucaristía, que experimentemos un nuevo fervor por vivir y compartir nuestra fe en el mundo.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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Staying on the Straight and Narrow/ Mantenerse en el Camino Recto

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We are in the middle of Lent. How is it going? Phenomenally great? Meh? Either way, we continue to move forward, and today’s Gospel is a big help. Jesus tells us what we need to do to be called the greatest in the kingdom. Follow the commandments and teach them to others. You see, there is no point in knowing the way to heaven and what the Good News is if we don’t share it with others. It is not necessary to have a degree in theology or speak with great eloquence. What is necessary is to be you, to be authentic; to live your life the way God intends. And how is that? I think most of us are called to live and serve in a community. Your family is your community. Your workplace, your parish, and your neighborhood are also communities where we live and serve with others.

It’s a good idea to know the Commandments Jesus is referring to, those God gave to Moses. You can find them in Exodus 20:2-17 and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part 3, Section 2. 

The Commandments are like guardrails; they keep us on the safe part of the road. I once drove every day to and from work on a road flanked by canals. I was grateful for those guardrails because they kept me from the canal, where we would occasionally see alligators! In life, there are many distractions and even dangers outside the guardrails of the Commandments. That is why we have them, not to confine us but to keep us safe. 

Jesus reminds us today to keep safe and to pass on what we know to others. I think that is a great way to spend time during Lent!

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Estamos en plena Cuaresma. ¿Cómo va? ¿fenomenalmente genial? ¿Más o menos? De cualquier manera, seguimos avanzando, y el Evangelio de hoy es una gran ayuda. Jesús nos dice lo que debemos hacer para ser llamados los más grandes en el reino. Seguir los mandamientos y enseñarles a los demás. Verás, de nada sirve saber el camino al cielo y cuál es la Buena Nueva si no la compartimos con los demás. No es necesario ser licenciado en teología ni hablar con gran elocuencia. Lo necesario es ser tú, ser auténtico; para vivir tu vida de la manera que Dios quiere. ¿Y cómo es eso? Creo que la mayoría de nosotros estamos llamados a vivir y servir en comunidad. Tu familia es tu comunidad. Su lugar de trabajo, su parroquia y su vecindario también son comunidades donde vivimos y servimos con otros.

Es bueno conocer los Mandamientos a los que se refiere Jesús, los que Dios le dio a Moisés. Puedes encontrarlos en Éxodo 20,2-17 y en el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, Parte 3, Sección 2.

Los Mandamientos son como barandillas; nos mantienen en la parte segura del camino. Una vez conducía todos los días al trabajo en una carretera flanqueada por canales. ¡Estaba agradecida por esas barandillas porque me mantenían alejado del canal, donde ocasionalmente veíamos caimanes! En la vida, hay muchas distracciones e incluso peligros fuera de las barandillas de los Mandamientos. Por eso los tenemos, no para confinarnos sino para mantenernos a salvo.

Jesús nos recuerda hoy que nos mantengamos seguros y transmitamos lo que sabemos a los demás. ¡Creo que es una excelente manera de pasar el tiempo durante la Cuaresma!

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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Losing Yourself / Perderte a Ti Mismo

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There are seasons in life when it seems we are losing. I think back to when I was the mother of babies – I lost: sleep, quick trips to the store, quiet at Mass, clothes that stayed clean and other things that at this moment no longer seem important at all. Those losses passed, and yes, were replaced with other losses. But mixed in with the losses was joy, so much joy. I knew that the loss would pass, it would not and did not last forever. Most things in this life pass away. The most difficult times in my life have passed and yet, I remain. By the grace of God, I remain standing and believe that each cross taught me something and formed me a bit more into a person who will go to heaven one day. Do I like my crosses? Usually not. In my worst moments, I rail at God about them. In my better moments, I ask, “What do You want me to learn from this?” 

Crosses teach us that we are able to overcome adversity, to see the bigger picture and focus on what is ahead. Gold is forged in fire, iron sharpens iron and crosses can teach us something about ourselves. I’m not saying to go out and seek crosses; life brings us plenty! But by willingly picking up our crosses we share in the suffering of Christ, we become a living example to others of faithfulness and can lead others to know Christ more deeply by that example.

The other compelling reason to pick up our cross is that when we do, we gain eternal life. Picking up our cross shifts the focus from ourselves to others, which is what Jesus did when He died on the cross. He did that for others, for us, not Himself.

As Lent begins, let us pick up our cross each day, and deny ourselves some small comfort or pleasure. If you are in a difficult season, try to bear the suffering without complaining. Whatever it is that you have chosen for Lent this year, do it with an eye on the cross and the thought of eternal life.

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Hay temporadas en la vida donde parece que estamos perdiendo. Pienso en cuando era madre de bebés, perdía: sueño, salidas rápidas a la tienda, silencio durante la misa, ropa que se mantenía limpia y otras cosas que en este momento ya no me parecen tan importantes. Esas pérdidas pasaron, y sí, fueron reemplazadas por otras pérdidas. Pero mezclado con las pérdidas estaba la alegría, mucha alegría. Sabía que la pérdida pasaría, no duraría para siempre. La mayoría de las cosas en esta vida pasan. Los momentos más difíciles de mi vida han pasado y, sin embargo, permanezco. Por la gracia de Dios, sigo de pie y creo que cada cruz me enseñó algo y me formó un poco más en una persona que algún día irá al cielo. ¿Me gustan mis cruces? Normalmente no. En mis peores momentos, critico a Dios por ellos. En mis mejores momentos, pregunto: “¿Qué quieres que aprenda de esto?”

Las cruces nos enseñan que somos capaces de superar la adversidad, de ver el panorama completo y enfocarnos en lo que está por venir. El oro se forja en el fuego, el hierro se afila con el hierro y las cruces pueden enseñarnos algo sobre nosotros mismos. No digo que debemos salir a buscar cruces; ¡la vida nos trae muchas! Pero al levantar nuestras cruces voluntariamente, compartimos el sufrimiento de Cristo, nos convertimos en un ejemplo vivo de fidelidad para otros y podemos guiar a otros a conocer a Cristo más profundamente mediante ese ejemplo.

La otra razón convincente para tomar nuestra cruz es que cuando lo hacemos, ganamos la vida eterna. Tomar nuestra cruz cambia el enfoque de nosotros mismos a los demás. Lo mismo hizo Jesús cuando murió en la cruz, lo hizo por los demás, por nosotros, no por sí mismo.

Al comenzar la Cuaresma, tomemos nuestra cruz cada día y neguémonos algún pequeño consuelo o placer. Si estás en una temporada difícil, trata de soportar el sufrimiento sin quejarte. Sea lo que sea que hayas elegido para la Cuaresma este año, hazlo con la mirada puesta en la cruz y el pensamiento de la vida eterna.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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Harden Not Your Heart / No Endurezcas Tu Corazón

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Life does not go well for us when we go against God. Yet we go against him. It may not be overtly or even intentionally, but it happens. Paul is speaking about what happened in the desert when the Israelites left Egypt for the Promised Land. No matter how often God showed his power and might, cared about and rescued people, they complained and wanted more. God’s care was not enough for them. Do you ever wonder, “why me?” or say  “where are you?” when life is heavy? We forget that God is right there next to us. He is not in some far away detached place looking down and sighing at the mess we’ve made. No, he is right there next to you, offering help and healing. 

Like it says in the Gospel, “he was moved with pity” and so Jesus heals the leper. He cares. Jesus is right there beside you, He sees you in your pain and suffering. Lift your eyes of faith to him and ask for what you need. 

It is easy to harden our hearts when we don’t get our way or are in a difficult season of life. It’s as if we say “Rather than get hurt, I will protect myself from disappointment”. I tried that many years ago. I had a huge disappointment and felt I needed to withdraw to protect myself. I remember driving home, railing at the Lord, explaining why I was justified in my decision. I cried. I ranted. I was so upset I had to pull over. And when I finally took a breath I heard, “Give all of yourself as I gave all of myself for you.”

Hardening my heart was not the answer. And when I am tempted to consider that as a solution, I think back and recall those words I heard that day. Have faith, and harden not your heart.

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La vida no nos va bien cuando vamos en contra de Dios. Sin embargo, vamos en contra de él. Puede que no sea abiertamente o incluso intencionalmente, pero sucede. Pablo está hablando de lo que sucedió en el desierto cuando los israelitas salieron de Egipto hacia la Tierra Prometida. No importa cuántas veces Dios mostraba su poder y fortaleza, cuidaba y rescataba a las personas, ellas se quejaban y querían más. El cuidado de Dios no era suficiente para ellos. ¿Alguna vez te has preguntado, “¿por qué yo?” o “¿dónde estás?” cuando la vida es pesada? Nos olvidamos de que Dios está ahí a nuestro lado. Él no está en un lugar distante mirando hacia abajo y suspirando por el desastre que hemos hecho. No, él está a tu lado, ofreciéndote ayuda y sanación.

Como dice el Evangelio, “le tuvo compasión” y así Jesús cura al leproso. A él le importa. Jesús está a tu lado, Él te ve en tu dolor y sufrimiento. Levanta hacia él tus ojos de fe y pídele lo que necesites.

Es fácil endurecer nuestros corazones cuando no nos salimos con la nuestra o estamos en una etapa difícil de la vida. Es como si dijéramos “En lugar de lastimarme, me protegeré de la decepción”. Lo intenté hace muchos años. Tuve una gran decepción y sentí que necesitaba retirarme para protegerme. Me acuerdo que estaba regresando a mi casa, criticando al Señor, explicándole por qué mi decisión estaba justificada. Lloré. Me quejé. Estaba tan molesta que tuve que detenerme. Y cuando por fin pude respirar de nuevo escuché: “Da todo de ti como yo di todo de mí por ti”.

Endurecer mi corazón no era la respuesta. Y cuando tengo la tentación de considerar eso como una solución, pienso en esas palabras y recuerdo que escuché ese día. Ten fe, y no endurezcas tu corazón.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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An Answer to Prayer / Respuestas a las Oraciones

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Both readings today present us with dramatic answers to prayers. I think this is why we get our hopes up so high when we pray. We want a big answer, sign, and response so we can be sure. We want our answer so clear that no discernment is needed and no doubt crosses our minds. And yet, both the unnamed woman and Zechariah cooperate with God. The conception that occurs for both couples is miraculous, but the couples cooperated with the grace offered, they accepted the answer to prayer and did their part.

This is where I falter. I am often so much like Zechariah that it’s a wonder the good Lord doesn’t have something hit me upside my head when He answers my prayers. Because He does. All the time. And yet, I question, “was that really what He meant?” “He wants me to do what?” “So I am moving forward in the right direction?”

I ask questions. I discern. I believe, to the best of my ability, that I understand God’s will in this particular situation – and I stall. Is it only me? I want to be sure. Or is it that I don’t want to fail? Hmm, yes, there it is. Fear of failing. It’s worse than FOMO (fear of missing out). In a few days, we will celebrate the birth of our Savior. And in the lineage of Jesus, in all the prophets who came before Him, people cooperated with the grace of God. I think that some of them may have had Fear Of Failing before cooperating with God’s grace. Indeed, it seems based on Scriptures that Samson’s mother and Elizabeth both believed they had failed at bearing a child. Yet God’s grace saved them. And grace is what can propel us out of fear of failing to believe that whatever God calls us to, He sees us through. 

Ask for the grace. And then, keep your eyes and soul open to see the grace. Cooperate with the grace. Believe that you have received the answer to your prayer.

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Ambas lecturas de hoy nos presentan respuestas dramáticas a las oraciones. Creo que es por eso que tenemos tantas esperanzas cuando oramos. Queremos una señal y una gran respuesta para que podamos estar seguros. Queremos que nuestra respuesta sea tan clara que no se necesite discernimiento y que ninguna duda se nos cruce por la mente. Y, sin embargo, tanto la mujer sin nombre como Zacarías cooperan con Dios. La concepción que se produce para ambas parejas es milagrosa, pero las parejas cooperaron con la gracia ofrecida, aceptaron la respuesta a la oración y pusieron de su parte.

Aquí es donde vacilo. A menudo me parezco tanto a Zacarías que es un milagro que Dios no tenga que golpearme con algo en la cabeza cuando contesta mis oraciones. Porque sí las contesta. Todo el tiempo. Y, sin embargo, me pregunto, “¿fue eso realmente lo que quiso decir?” “¿Quiere que haga qué cosa?” “¿Entonces estoy avanzando en la dirección correcta?”

Hago preguntas para discernir. Creo, lo mejor que puedo, que entiendo la voluntad de Dios en esta situación particular, pero de todos modos me detengo. Quiero estar segura. ¿O es que no quiero fallar? Hmm, sí, ahí está. Miedo a fallar. Es peor que miedo a perderse algo. En unos días celebraremos el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador. Y en el linaje de Jesús, en todos los profetas que vinieron antes de Él, la gente cooperó con la gracia de Dios. Creo que algunos de ellos pueden haber tenido miedo a fracasar antes de cooperar con la gracia de Dios. De hecho, parece basado en las Escrituras que la madre de Sansón e Isabel creían que habían fallado en tener un hijo. Sin embargo, la gracia de Dios los salvó. Y la gracia es lo que puede impulsarnos a hacer lo que Dios nos llama hacer a pesar del miedo. Él nos ayuda.

Pide la gracia. Y luego, mantén tus ojos y tu alma abiertos para ver la gracia. Coopera con la gracia. Cree que has recibido la respuesta a tus oraciones.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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God is “I Am” / Dios es “Yo Soy”

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Many years ago, I heard a priest speak about God as the God of the present. He tells Moses, “I AM.” Not that he was or will be, but I AM. As in, now, the present. When I read both the First Reading and the Gospel, I am struck by how we are told to live now in this present moment, and the future (specifically heaven) will take care of itself. 

Of course, we do need to behave now in certain ways, following the Commandments, living out the Beatitudes, and Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. We cannot behave as if God does not exist or has no expectations of us. He does exist and there are expectations. 

But sometimes we worry or concern ourselves with things that are beyond our control or above our pay grade rather than focusing on what is right in front of us. As we near the end of the liturgical year, how can you shift your focus from things that have been a burden in your spiritual life out of fear or frustration? This is a reminder; God is the God of the living, and He sent Jesus to us so that we would have lives of abundance and fullness.

Lay your burdens down at the foot of the Cross. Give them over to the One who helps us carry them and can change them. I have seen in my own life that the greatest fruit comes from embracing the trials of my life, surrendering them, and moving with God in the present. The more I concern myself with “what if” the less peace I have in my life. 

This does not mean we avoid planning for or thinking about the future. It means we do so out of prudence, not out of worry or fear. There is a big difference between planning to control all facets of our life to walking with God and being united with His will for us. 

What is God asking of you in this present moment? How can you shift your mind from worrying about the future to trusting Him in the now?

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Hace muchos años, escuché a un sacerdote hablar de Dios como el Dios del presente. Le dice a Moisés: “YO SOY”. No es que haya sido o vaya a ser, sino que YO SOY, ahora, en el presente. Cuando leo tanto la Primera Lectura como el Evangelio, me sorprende cómo se nos dice que vivamos ahora en este momento presente, y el futuro (específicamente el cielo) se cuidará solo.

Por supuesto, tenemos que comportarnos ahora de cierta manera, siguiendo los Mandamientos, viviendo las Bienaventuranzas y las Obras de Misericordia Corporales y Espirituales. No podemos comportarnos como si Dios no existiera o no tuviera expectativas de nosotros. Él sí existe y hay expectativas.

Pero a veces nos preocupamos por cosas que están fuera de nuestro control o por encima de nuestro salario en lugar de centrarnos en lo que tenemos enfrente. A medida que nos acercamos al final del año litúrgico, ¿cómo puedes cambiar tu enfoque de las cosas que han sido una carga en tu vida espiritual por miedo o frustración? Esto es un recordatorio; Dios es el Dios de los vivos, y nos envió a Jesús para que tuviéramos una vida de abundancia y plenitud.

Depositan sus cargas al pie de la Cruz. Entrégalos a Aquel que nos ayuda a llevarlos y puede cambiarlos. He visto en mi propia vida que el mayor fruto proviene de aceptar las pruebas de mi vida, entregarlas y moverme con Dios en el presente. Cuanto más me preocupo por “qué pasaría si”, menos paz tengo en mi vida.

Esto no significa que evitemos planificar o pensar en el futuro. Significa que lo hacemos por prudencia, no por preocupación o miedo. Hay una gran diferencia entre planear controlar todas las facetas de nuestra vida y caminar con Dios y estar unidos a Su voluntad para nosotros.
¿Qué te está pidiendo Dios en este momento presente? ¿Cómo puedes cambiar tu mente de preocuparte por el futuro a confiar en Él aquí y ahora?

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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Jesus is Coming, Look Busy / Ya Viene Jesús, Luzca Ocupado

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Jesus is coming but we do not know when. And our goal as Christians is not to simply “look busy” but to be about the work that is ours. Many years ago I heard the acronym for ‘busy’ – Being Under Satan’s Yoke. It can be true that our busyness is more about the need to do something to fill our time and look productive rather than focus on what is truly important. 

St. Paul gives us a glimpse into what is important in the First Reading when he tells us we are co-heirs and co-partners, that we have the promise of Jesus Christ and are meant to share His Gospel. What does that mean that we are co-partners? It means we do not walk our faith adventure alone. We walk with a Trinitarian God, Father, Son, and Spirit who are not up there somewhere but right here, with us in our daily life, full of joys and struggles. We walk with all the saints, named and unnamed, who have gone before us. We walk with our fellow believers in our family, friends, and community. We are not meant to go through life alone. We are meant to be in community. And we are meant to serve. 

Just as the servants had a responsibility to their tasks, so do we. Once you heed the call to be a Christian, you respond by doing the will of God. We do the tasks that are in front of us faithfully and with purpose. We have all been asked much and as Jesus tells us, much will be expected of us. This is our reminder, our marching orders, to live responsibly so that when Jesus comes, we are ready. 

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Jesús viene pero no sabemos cuándo. Y nuestra meta como cristianos no es simplemente “lucir ocupados”, sino trabajar en lo nuestro. Hace muchos años escuché el acrónimo de “ocupado” en inglés como: estar bajo del yugo de Satanás. Puede ser cierto que nuestro ajetreo se trata más de la necesidad de hacer algo para llenar nuestro tiempo y parecer productivo en lugar de centrarnos en lo que es realmente importante.

San Pablo nos da una idea de lo que es importante en la Primera Lectura cuando nos dice que somos coherederos y copartícipes, que tenemos la promesa de Jesucristo y estamos destinados a compartir Su Evangelio. ¿Qué significa eso de que somos copartícipes? Significa que no caminamos solos en nuestra aventura de fe. Caminamos con un Dios Trinitario, Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo que no está allá arriba en algún lugar sino aquí mismo, con nosotros en nuestra vida diaria, llenos de alegrías y luchas. Caminamos con todos los santos, con nombre y sin nombre, que nos han precedido. Caminamos con nuestros hermanos creyentes en nuestra familia, amigos y comunidad. No estamos destinados a pasar la vida solos. Estamos destinados a estar en comunidad. Y estamos destinados a servir.

Así como los sirvientes tenían la responsabilidad de sus tareas, nosotros también. Una vez que escuchas el llamado a ser cristiano, respondes haciendo la voluntad de Dios. Hacemos las tareas que están frente nuestro fielmente y con un propósito. A todos se nos ha pedido mucho y como nos dice Jesús, mucho se esperará de nosotros. Este es nuestro recordatorio, nuestra orden de marcha, vivir responsablemente para que cuando venga Jesús, estemos listos.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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The Light of Christ / La Luz de Cristo

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I had a slightly cheeky thought when I read today’s Psalm Response, “The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.” It’s easy to be just living on the Lord’s holy mountain, isn’t it? The readings from Proverbs and Psalm 15 make similar points. They teach us how to treat each other  – with kindness, respect, and peacefulness. It seems counter-cultural and is advice our world needs very much to pay attention to, now. Yet, those words are not recent at all, but from centuries ago, before Jesus was even born. It reminds me that our problems in this world are not as new or unique as we think. 

Is it possible that some of our problems are because of our behavior? Are we hiding our light under the bed? Keep reading, this will make sense, I promise. Do you hide your faith? Are you hesitant about being the person God created you to be in this world and for this world? Your light is your power, your faith, your commitment to Christ. Your light is what you have been given that makes you uniquely you. And the world needs you. 

Often though, showing “me” to the world is frightening. The fear of judgment, of being misunderstood, of seeming like I am too much, makes me pause and turn down the brightness. That is not what Jesus wants. 

When He says, “To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away,” I don’t think He is talking about money or possessions. If we hide our light, in other words, turn from following Christ because it is easier on us, what we have will be taken from us – our faith will be taken because it will seem as if we have no use for faith. Does that apply to you?

I don’t know. I know that sometimes it applies to me. When I allow doubt and fear to grow bigger than the promises of Jesus and the words of Scripture. When the sacraments seem like a good idea, but require so much effort, so I tell myself I have too much to do so I can’t go to daily Mass or make it to confession. You see, faith requires action. If I don’t act on my faith, what good is having it?

Our call is to be people of faith, letting the light of Christ shine through us for others to see. How that happens is unique to each one of us. How will you allow Christ’s light to shine through you today?

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Cuando leí el Salmo Responsorial de hoy: “¿Quién será grato a tus ojos Señor?”, pensé, “Ees fácil ser una persona justa en momentos buenos, ¿no?” Las lecturas de Proverbios y el Salmo 15 plantean puntos similares. Nos enseñan cómo tratarnos unos a otros, con amabilidad, respeto y paz. Parece contracultural y es un consejo al que nuestro mundo necesita mucho prestar atención ahora. Sin embargo, esas palabras no son de hoy en día, sino de siglos atrás, incluso antes de que Jesús naciera. Me recuerda que nuestros problemas en este mundo no son tan nuevos o únicos como pensamos.

¿Es posible que algunos de nuestros problemas se deban a nuestro comportamiento? ¿Estamos escondiendo nuestra luz debajo de la cama? Si sigues leyendo, esto tendrá sentido, te lo prometo. ¿Escondes tu fe? ¿Dudas que seas la persona que Dios te creó ser en este mundo y para este mundo? Tu luz es tu poder, tu fe, tu compromiso con Cristo. Tu luz es lo que se te ha dado que te hace único. Y el mundo te necesita.

Sin embargo, a menudo mostrar el “yo” al mundo da miedo. El miedo al juicio, a que me malinterpreten, a lucir que soy demasiado, me hace detenerme y bajar el brillo. Eso no es lo que Jesús quiere.

Cuando Él dice: “al que tiene se le dará más; pero al que no tiene se le quitará aun aquello que cree tener”, no creo que esté hablando de dinero o posesiones. Si ocultamos nuestra luz, es decir, nos alejamos de seguir a Cristo porque es más fácil para nosotros, lo que tenemos nos será quitado, nuestra fe será quitada porque parecerá que no tenemos ningún uso para la fe. ¿Eso se aplica a ti?

No sé. Sé que a veces se aplica a mí. Cuando permito que la duda y el miedo crezcan más que las promesas de Jesús y las palabras de las Escrituras. Cuando los sacramentos parecen una buena idea, pero requieren tanto esfuerzo, entonces me digo a mí mismo que tengo mucho que hacer, así que no puedo ir a Misa diaria o llegar a confesarme. Ves, la fe requiere acción. Si no actúo de mi fe, ¿de qué sirve tenerla?

Nuestro llamado es ser personas de fe, dejando que la luz de Cristo brille a través de nosotros para que otros la vean. Cómo sucede eso es diferente para cada uno de nosotros. ¿Cómo permitirás que la luz de Cristo brille a través de ti hoy?

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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Leave the Judging to God

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It really is easy to judge others. And often we cloak it as help or worry or wanting what is best for the other person. Why aren’t we to judge others? It’s simple, we are not God. We don’t know the whole story. We don’t have the big picture. We compare ourselves and decide about the other person’s life or motive without ever talking to them. We may even use shame or try to manipulate when we judge. 

We say we are judging because we don’t want the person to sin. But before we go talk to someone about stopping a particular sin, we need to make sure of our motive. The best way to learn if we have the right intention is to ask God. In prayer, ask if you are supposed to do something about the problem you see. And God will let you know if you are to speak. You see, Jesus is telling us not to judge, not because He is unconcerned with sin but because He wants you to be right with God before you do anything. And then, this is the verse that gets to me the most, one of those that always makes me pause and think, “For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.” And that judgment, that measure will come from God. 

I cannot judge others. I am too harsh. When I was growing up, it was the time of ‘Jesus loves you.’ Yes, Jesus loves you, but there is much more to Him. There was rarely talk of sin or punishment. We did not know that God was justice and mercy. All we heard about was love, not even mercy. It was as if we had no need for mercy. Yet, we need all God offers us.

And that is the point Jesus is making in these verses from Matthew. God will judge, with great justice and mercy and love. Jesus wants us to leave the judging to the Father so that we can be free to live as His followers. 

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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Got Joy?

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“Are you happy?”, asks Henry, repeatedly, until he receives an affirmative answer from whoever he sees near him. Henry is four. Who knows where Henry first heard this question or how it became so important to him; I will say though, that it has stayed with him for quite some time. It’s his little check-in I suppose. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is telling us something important, bigger than a little check-in, He is giving us the truth about how to find something we all want in our lives. Joy!

And while joy and happiness are listed as synonyms, they are not exactly the same. One difference between the two feelings is that happiness is short-lived while joy is deeper. So a swim in the pool brings happiness on a hot day but there is lasting joy over the pool day when it’s a day filled with family. 

Joy can help us through difficult trials, not by living in the past, but by remembering that there is goodness in our lives.

Jesus reminds us that joy is what He offers us if we keep the commandments and remain in His love. I love going to Adoration. It brings me great joy to be in Jesus’ presence in that particular way. When I leave the chapel, the joy stays with me as I go about my life. And when life goes awry, I can draw on the joy to conquer the difficulty or at least, not become overwhelmed with despair. And, that, right there, is what I want, I think what we all want; not to be overwhelmed, not to despair. 

The commandments are not meant to curtail our freedom. They are there to keep us safe and close to the Father. And when we are close to the Father, we are near Jesus. And we receive His joy. It is not linear; it is a circle. It is a great exchange of truth, love, and joy. Stay in the circle and you will have joy. Deep, lasting joy in the depth of your being that is not taken from you no matter what happens in your life.

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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Be Bold, Speak Truth

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Happy Easter! I love how we celebrate during the Octave and continue on to Pentecost.

In both Acts and Mark’s Gospel passage for today we find belief and unbelief. Mark tells us that Jesus revealed Himself to Mary Magdalen and two others and their response is to go to the others who are mourning and tell them about seeing Jesus; yet they do not believe. Jesus then takes matters into His own hands and appears to them; he “rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart,” (Mark 16:14). I can see this scene in my mind. I can hear these words being directed toward me. 

Now, when I rebuke a person, I am often harsh and my face shows the emotions I feel – anger, disappointment, annoyance. That is not what I see when Jesus stands and rebukes. On his face I see an invitation, a reminder, the gentle correction of the One who loves me to death and hurts because I am not with him. Is he annoyed? Maybe, but the overriding sense I have is one of sorrow because I have turned from him. I repent, not out of fear but out of love. 

And in that repentance, I find the courage to do as Peter and John, to tell others about Jesus and all he has done for me and all he wants to do for everyone. We are not given the gift of belief and faith to keep it to ourselves. Mary did not go back to the apostles to tell them about Jesus to make herself important. She does it to ease their pain but also because she could not encounter the Lord and keep it to herself. Do you keep your encounters to yourself? I am going to encourage you, no – challenge you – to stop keeping your faith to yourself. When you are given answers to prayer, when your life moves in a way that can only be God it is imperative that we tell others. 

And each of us will do this in the way that is in keeping with our nature. It may be difficult or awkward at first but keep at it. The Good News is meant to be shared as Jesus tells us, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature,” (Mark 16:15). 

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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Rules Matter

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We are halfway through Lent if my math is correct. I checked with my math teacher, deacon husband – I counted correctly!

The words of Moses and Jesus hang together quite well today. They are about the rules. They matter. They are given to us for reasons. Following the rules will give us wisdom and intelligence that others will take notice of and appreciate this in us. The commandments of God are not to hold us back, but to give us freedom. They are parameters within which we are to behave. Following the commandments will give us rewards. For the Israelites, it meant land. For those of us who follow Jesus, it is salvation. 

For both, it means relationship. With God and His Son. We are created in and for relationship. One of the relationships highlighted in both readings is that of parent and child; greater and least. Adults have a responsibility to teach the truth to children. And we do this with our words and actions. “Do as I say and not as I do” is a phrase that has no place with people of faith. And while it is obvious that adults teach children, when Jesus says “greater” and “least” it can also be in reference to those with differences in knowledge about the faith.

Are our thoughts, words and actions aligned with the commandments? That is the question I ask myself as I think and pray with today’s readings. And not only in matters of faith, but in our daily life. Then, what are we teaching others? Punishment for leading yourself astray is one thing, but when you lead others astray you incur a greater one. 

The commandments are meant to guide and lead us to a full life in Jesus Christ. As we continue in our Lenten observances, remind yourself why you follow the commandments. And if you have fallen away from your initial Lenten plans and sacrifices, begin again or make new ones that reflect your current situation.  

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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed.; M.P.A., is a certified spiritual director, writer, speaker and content creator. The LiveNotLukewarm.com online community is a place to inform, engage and inspire your Catholic faith. Her weekly Not Lukewarm Podcast gives you tips and tools to live out your faith in your daily life.

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