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Bless the Lord! / ¡Bendigan al Señor!

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One virtue I really strive to instill in my children is gratitude. I can’t tell you how many times I have asked them to say thank you when they are given something or to stop grumbling about small inconveniences and be thankful for what they have. Another small tradition we have started is to mention one thing we are thankful for during night prayers. 

A couple of my kiddos have caught on quickly, another I have to nudge with a few suggestions while another now has a whole list of things each day! I always remind them that it doesn’t necessarily have to be anything super special. It can be something as simple as the air they breathed or the water they drank that day. It can be the fact that their clothes are clean or that they have a home that is heated and cooled, because absolutely everything is a gift from God!

So in preparation for the day we publicly give thanks tomorrow, I thought I would share a small list of things I am particularly thankful for: that my oldest son is now old enough to have interesting, semi-adult conversations with; that my second oldest is making small steps toward coming out of his shyness, that my third oldest still loves to snuggle with his mommy, that my fourth child seeks ways all day long to be active, enjoy life and laugh; that my youngest still has round cheeks that I can kiss every single day; that my husband feels well enough after his second back surgery to coach soccer again; that God always provides in the most unexpected ways; for family members and friends that I love and cherish and care about, that bring so much human connection as a foretaste of the heavenly connection with my Lord that awaits me… And you? I invite you to write your own list. 

In today’s first reading, we see God’s justice being proclaimed to King Belzhazzar through the prophet Daniel. They were in the midst of a great banquet, and instead of glorifying the Lord for His provision, they “praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.” As a consequence of their rebellion, God promised to divide his kingdom and put an end to his reign. 

In complete contrast to this scenario, we see right praise being given to our God in the Psalm response: “Sun and moon, bless the Lord… Stars of heaven, bless the Lord… praise and exalt him above all forever.” Strengthened by the correct ordering of our minds and hearts, we see how God helps us endure any hardship in today’s Gospel: “They will seize and persecute you… You will be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives and friends…but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.” 

God does and will take care of us every single day. In life and in death, in heat and cold, through hardships and joys, let us bless the Lord with sincere gratefulness. 

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Una virtud que me esfuerzo mucho por inculcar en mis hijos es la gratitud. No te imaginas cuántas veces les he pedido que den las gracias cuando reciben algo o que dejen de quejarse por pequeñas inconveniencias y agradezcan lo que tienen. Otra pequeña tradición que hemos empezado es mencionar algo por lo que estamos agradecidos durante las oraciones de la noche.

Unos de mis hijos han entendido rápidamente, a otro tengo que darle algunas sugerencias, ¡y otro ya tiene una lista completa de cosas a diario! Siempre les recuerdo que no tiene que ser algo súper especial. Puede ser algo tan sencillo como el aire que respiraron o el agua que bebieron ese día. Puede ser que su ropa esté limpia o que tengan una casa con calefacción y aire acondicionado, ¡porque absolutamente todo es un regalo de Dios!

Así que, en preparación para el día que daremos gracias públicamente mañana, pensé compartir una pequeña lista de cosas por las que estoy especialmente agradecida: que mi hijo mayor ya tiene la edad suficiente para tener conversaciones interesantes, casi adultas; que mi segundo hijo está tomando pasos pequeños para superar su timidez; que a mi tercer hijo todavía le encanta acurrucarse con su mamá; que mi cuarto hijo busca maneras todo el día de estar activo, disfrutar de la vida y reírse; que mi hija menor todavía tiene mejillas redondas que puedo besar todos los días; que mi esposo se siente lo suficientemente bien después de su segunda cirugía de espalda como para volver a ser entrenador de fútbol; que Dios siempre provee de las maneras más inesperadas; por los familiares y amigos que amo, aprecio y me importan, que me brindan tanta conexión humana como un anticipo de la conexión celestial con mi Señor que me espera…¿y tú? Te invito a escribir tu propia lista. 

En la primera lectura de hoy, vemos la justicia de Dios proclamada al rey Belzasar a través del profeta Daniel. Estaban en medio de un gran banquete, y en lugar de glorificar al Señor por su provisión, “comenzaron a alabar a sus dioses de oro y plata, de bronce y de hierro, de madera y de piedra”. Como consecuencia de su rebelión, Dios prometió dividir su reino y poner fin a su reinado.

En completo contraste con este escenario, vemos la alabanza justa que se le da a nuestro Dios en el Salmo Responsorial: “Sol y luna, bendigan al Señor… Estrellas del cielo, bendigan al Señor… Fuego y calor, bendigan al Señor…” Fortalecidos por el correcto orden de nuestras mentes y corazones, vemos cómo Dios nos ayuda a soportar cualquier dificultad en el Evangelio de hoy: “Los perseguirán y los apresarán… Los traicionarán hasta sus padres y hermanos, sus parientes y amigos… ni un cabello de su cabeza perecerá”.

Dios nos cuida y nos cuidará todos los días de nuestras vidas. En la vida y en la muerte, en el calor y el frío, en las dificultades y las alegrías, bendigamos al Señor con una gratitud sincera.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Jon Tyson, unsplash.com/photos/thank-you-very-much-sign-vD6UFu8QYUI

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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When It Rains, It Pours / Cuando llueve, llueve a cántaros

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Over the summer I truly experienced the reality of “when it rains, it pours.” It seemed like everything was breaking and needing to be replaced all at once. One car needed a wheel bearing and an AC repair, the other one needed a brake job and a tune up, our central air went out, the inflatable pool broke and needed to be replaced – twice, I ripped my new-ish shorts, my kids’ backpacks were too worn out for another road trip, and the list went on. 

The fleetingness of this earthly life hit me like a brick. Why does everything have to wear out, break or no longer work? I felt so overwhelmed, so useless in providing and maintaining nice things for my family. I work so hard to live within our means and it felt like such an impossibility at that moment. 

And then I read a Scripture passage, and then a reflection, and then another one, and slowly but surely my heart came back into focus. Even my oldest son, noticing my angst, said to me, “maybe God is trying to teach you something.” And indeed He was…again. They may not have been new lessons, but they were obviously ones that I needed a refresher course on: God always provides, and this life is but a moment compared to what awaits us in eternity. 

I feel like today’s first reading was written just for me, to qualm my insecurities and restore my trust in Him: “God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made them. But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world, and they who are in his possession experience it. But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.”

God created us to be imperishable! We are not meant for this world! He has made us in His image and it is through the evil one that impermanence, faultiness, and weakness have entered this world. But we need not worry, for we are in the hands of God. Let us place ourselves under His loving protection and not allow the torments of this world to affect us. 

The reading goes on to say, “For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed… Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are  with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.”

In the face of these great truths, all our feeble worries fade off into the distance. Sure, life will continue to be hard and messy and expensive, but what awaits us is glorious. For there God will rain and pour his love and care upon us for eternity. What else could we ask for?

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Durante el verano experimenté la realidad de “cuando llueve, llueve a cántaros”. Parecía que todo se rompía y necesitaba ser reemplazado a la vez. Un carro necesitaba un rodamiento y una reparación del aire acondicionado, el otro necesitaba frenos y un ajuste, el aire acondicionado de la casa se malogró, la piscina inflable se rompió y hubo que cambiarla – dos veces, rompí mi short casi nuevo, las mochilas de mis hijos estaban demasiado desgastadas para otro viaje, y la lista seguía y seguía.

La fugacidad de esta vida terrenal me golpeó como un ladrillo. ¿Por qué todo tiene que desgastarse, romperse o dejar de funcionar? Me sentía tan abrumada, tan inútil para proveer y mantener cosas bonitas para mi familia. Trabajo tan duro para vivir dentro de nuestras posibilidades y parecía una imposibilidad en ese momento.

Y luego leí un pasaje de las Escrituras, y luego una reflexión, y luego otra, y poco a poco mi corazón volvió a la normalidad. Incluso mi hijo mayor, al notar mi angustia, me dijo: “quizás Dios te está intentando enseñar algo”. Y en efecto, eso es lo que estaba haciendo… de nuevo. Puede que no fueran lecciones nuevas, pero obviamente necesitaba un repaso: Dios siempre provee, y esta vida es solo un instante comparada con lo que nos espera en la eternidad.

Siento que la primera lectura de hoy fue escrita solo para mí, para calmar mis inseguridades y restaurar mi confianza en Él: “Dios creó al hombre para que fuera inmortal, lo hizo a imagen y semejanza de sí mismo; mas, por envidia del diablo, entró la muerte en el mundo, y la experimentan quienes le pertenecen. En cambio, las almas de los justos están en las manos de Dios y no los alcanzará ningún tormento”.

¡Dios nos creó para ser inmortales! ¡No estamos hechos para este mundo! Nos hizo a su imagen y es a través del maligno que la impermanencia, la imperfección y la debilidad entraron en este mundo. Pero no debemos preocuparnos, pues estamos en las manos de Dios. Entreguémonos bajo su amorosa protección y no permitamos que los tormentos de este mundo nos afecten.

La lectura continúa diciendo: “La gente pensaba que sus sufrimientos eran un castigo,

pero ellos esperaban confiadamente la inmortalidad. Después de breves sufrimientos recibirán una abundante recompensa… Los que confían en el Señor comprenderán la verdad y los que son fieles a su amor permanecerán a su lado, porque Dios ama a sus elegidos y cuida de ellos”.

Ante estas grandes verdades, todas nuestras pequeñas preocupaciones se desvanecen. Claro, la vida seguirá siendo dura, complicada y costosa, pero lo que nos espera es glorioso. Porque allí Dios hará llover a cántaros su amor y cuidado sobre nosotros por toda la eternidad. ¿Qué más podríamos pedir?

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Eutah Mizushima, https://unsplash.com/photos/grayscale-photo-of-raindrops-F-t5EpfQNpk

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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Different Venues, But Still Disciples / Distintos sitios, pero todavía discípulos

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I have always been inspired by the readings from the Acts of the Apostles. The way the followers of Christ sold everything and put it at the feet of the Apostles so everyone could be provided for, the way they persevered despite suffering so much for their faith, the way they traveled such vast distances to preach and teach. Having a background in missionary work, it is so nostalgic for me and makes me want to jump on a plane to go Evangelize in a foreign country. It always makes me want to do more. 

Yet I am at a season in life where I simply cannot do that. I am not called to fly across the ocean or cross the southern border. I have my own children to raise now, and a suffering husband to take care of. My “foreign country” is now the four walls of my home and my “ocean” is the depths of love it takes to persevere day in and day out, despite constant challenges. 

In the first reading Paul writes, “You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” These words can bring so much joy to our hearts!

We may not be sojourners but we are still members of the household of God. We may not be able to go out and preach like the Apostles did but we are built upon their foundation. We were not afforded the privilege of meeting Jesus in person but He is still our capstone, our Leader. We are an essential part of the temple that is sacred to the Lord, the temple that He Himself holds together. And perhaps most importantly, God resides in us! We are a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit!

Essentially it doesn’t matter how far we travel or how many words we preach or how many people we convert. What matters is allowing God to work in us and through us in the way that He wishes. What matters is having the humility and the flexibility and the openness to become one of His fine-tuned instruments. What matters is loving and being loved by both God and others. So march on, missionary disciple, and continue the work that God has in store for you. 

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Siempre me han inspirado las lecturas de los Hechos de los Apóstoles. La forma en que los seguidores de Cristo vendieron todo y lo pusieron a los pies de los Apóstoles para que todos pudieran recibir sustento, la forma en que perseveraron a pesar de sufrir tanto por su fe, la forma en que viajaron distancias tan largas para predicar y enseñar. Con mi experiencia en el trabajo misionero, me resulta muy nostálgico y me dan ganas de subirme a un avión para ir a evangelizar a un país extranjero. Siempre me dan ganas de hacer más.

Sin embargo, estoy en una etapa de mi vida en la que simplemente no puedo hacerlo. No estoy llamada a cruzar el océano ni a cruzar la frontera del sur. Ahora tengo que criar a mis propios hijos y cuidar de un esposo que sufre. Mi “país extranjero” ahora son las cuatro paredes de mi casa y mi “océano” es la profundidad del amor que se requiere para perseverar día tras día, a pesar de las dificultades constantes.

En la primera lectura, Pablo escribe: “Ya no son ustedes extranjeros ni advenedizos; son conciudadanos de los santos y pertenecen a la familia de Dios, porque han sido edificados sobre el cimiento de los apóstoles y de los profetas, siendo Cristo Jesús la piedra angular.

Sobre Cristo, todo el edificio se va levantando bien estructurado, para formar el templo santo del Señor, y unidos a él también ustedes se van incorporando al edificio, por medio del Espíritu Santo, para ser morada de Dios.” ¡Estas palabras pueden traer mucha alegría a nuestros corazones!

Puede que no seamos advenedizos, pero seguimos siendo miembros de la familia de Dios. Quizás no podamos salir a predicar como lo hicieron los apóstoles, pero estamos edificados sobre su cimiento. No tuvimos el privilegio de conocer a Jesús en persona, pero Él sigue siendo nuestra piedra angular, nuestro Líder. Somos parte esencial del templo sagrado para el Señor, el templo que Él mismo mantiene unido. Y quizás lo más importante, ¡Dios reside dentro de nosotros! ¡Somos morada del Espíritu Santo!

En esencia, no importa cuán lejos viajemos, cuántas palabras prediquemos ni a cuántas personas convirtamos. Lo que importa es permitir que Dios obre en nosotros y a través de nosotros como Él desea. Lo que importa es tener la humildad, la flexibilidad y la disposición para convertirnos en uno de sus instrumentos afinados. Lo que importa es amar y ser amado tanto por Dios como por los demás. Así que, sigue adelante, discípulo misionero, y continúa la obra que Dios tiene preparada para ti.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Wesley Mc Lachlan, unsplash.com/photos/man-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-carrying-baby-in-white-onesie-x4t14QJb1cQ

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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Joy to the World / Alegría para el mundo

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In a recent conversation with my oldest son, we were discussing the fact that the things that bring the most happiness in life don’t cost a dime. I gave him the examples of the love between couples and quality family time. He went on to dispute (because that’s just what adolescents do) that these things do in fact cost money. He said that for a guy to take his girlfriend out for coffee, it costs money, or for a family to enjoy an outing, even if their destination doesn’t charge an entrance fee, you still need gas and food. I conceded that he had a point, but that I was referring to the sentiments and the actual time spent with loved ones, for I truly believe that money doesn’t buy happiness. I’m not sure I had him convinced…

The following day, I was driving a different route to work due to construction on the main highway and I noticed a crossing guard. I had seen her before on other days but for some reason she struck me differently on this particular day. Now this area of town is not the best, yet there she stood, waving to each car that passed by with a huge smile on her face. Most drivers didn’t bother to wave back and just went on their way, but that day I decided to wave back and offer her my own smile. As I passed her, I noticed just how bright her face was, just how sincere her joy. I decided that perhaps she was one of those angels that God places in our path to make our day just a little bit brighter. 

I could definitely say the same about St. John Paul II, whose feast we celebrate today. I had the privilege of seeing him in person at two World Youth Days and he radiated that same kind of bright joy. He suffered so much during his lifetime, including the death of his family members, the plague of communism, his own personal illness, and so much more, yet he always appeared so full of joy.  

Today’s Psalm proclaims, “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” No matter how many men rise up against us, no matter how fiercely the raging waters sweep over us, the Lord does not leave us. He rescues us “like a bird from the fowler’s snare”. I’m sure John Paul II was fully aware of this reality, and probably the crossing guard too, and that is what brought them joy. It’s not the absence of problems, but rather the assurance that God is with us through them all. The One who is powerful enough to make Heaven and Earth is our help. 

With this knowledge, let us all be a beacon of joy to our world. We have been offered salvation, a relationship with Almighty God, and an infinity of love. We have been entrusted with much, so much will be required of us (see Gospel). Let’s start with shining our light to those around us. 

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En una conversación reciente con mi hijo mayor, estábamos discutiendo que las cosas que traen más felicidad en la vida no cuestan ni un centavo. Le puse ejemplos del amor de pareja y el tiempo de calidad en familia. Me empezó a discutir (porque eso es lo que hacen los adolescentes) que estas cosas sí cuestan dinero. Dijo que para que un chico invite a su novia a tomar un café, cuesta dinero, o para que una familia disfrute de un paseo, incluso si el destino no cobra entrada, requiere gasolina y comida. Le concedí que tenía razón, pero que me refería a los sentimientos y al tiempo mismo que se pasa con los seres queridos, porque creo firmemente que el dinero no compra la felicidad. No estoy segura de haberlo convencido…

Al día siguiente, iba manejando por una ruta diferente al trabajo debido a la construcción en la carretera principal y vi a una guardia de cruce. La había visto otros días, pero por alguna razón me afectó de forma diferente ese día en particular. Esta zona de la ciudad no es la mejor, pero allí estaba ella, saludando a cada carro que pasaba con una enorme sonrisa. La mayoría de los conductores no tomaron el tiempo de saludar y seguían su camino, pero ese día decidí saludarle y ofrecerle mi propia sonrisa. Al pasar junto a ella, noté lo radiante que era su rostro, lo sincera que era su alegría. Se me ocurrió que tal vez era uno de esos ángeles que Dios pone en nuestro camino para alegrarnos un poco el día.

Sin duda, podría decir lo mismo de San Juan Pablo II, cuya fiesta celebramos hoy. Tuve el privilegio de verlo en persona en dos Jornadas Mundiales de la Juventud e irradiaba esa misma alegría radiante. Sufrió mucho durante su vida, incluyendo la muerte de sus familiares, la plaga del comunismo, su propia enfermedad y mucho más, pero siempre se mostró lleno de alegría.

El Salmo de hoy proclama: “La ayuda nos viene del Señor, que hizo el cielo y la tierra.” No importa cuántos hombres nos asaltan, no importa si las aguas del torrente nos llegan al cuello, el Señor no nos abandona. Nos rescata “como a un pájaro de la trampa de los cazadores”. Estoy segura de que Juan Pablo II era plenamente consciente de esta realidad, y probablemente la guardia de cruce también, y eso es lo que les trajo alegría. No es la ausencia de problemas, sino la seguridad de que Dios está con nosotros en medio de todos ellos. Aquel que es lo suficientemente poderoso para crear el Cielo y la Tierra es nuestra ayuda.

Con este conocimiento, seamos todos un faro de alegría para el mundo. Se nos ha ofrecido la salvación, una relación con Dios Todopoderoso y un amor infinito. Se nos ha confiado mucho, y mucho se nos exigirá (ver el Evangelio). Comencemos por hacer brillar la luz de Cristo a quienes nos rodean.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: MI PHAM, unsplash.com/photos/a-young-boy-running-through-a-sprinkle-of-water-FtZL0r4DZYk

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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Cleansing Waters / Aguas Purificadoras

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I have moved several times in my life and it seems that wherever I end up, it is always near water. During my entire childhood I was just a handful of blocks away from the Grand River in Western Michigan. As a high schooler, I found myself going to school in Rhode Island near the Atlantic Ocean. After a few years as a missionary then moving back home for a while, I moved to Western Kentucky near the Ohio River. After I got married I moved upstream to Cincinnati. A few kids later, I ended up in my current abode near the Muskegon River. There is even a nice creek a couple blocks from my house! 

What is it about water that draws us in? Is it the small trickling of a creek as it finds its way downstream? Is it the whirlpooling circles it makes as it circumvents rocks and fallen logs beneath the surface. Is it the depth and vastness of a large lake or an ocean that has us in awe? Is it the mesmerizing sound it makes as it crashes to the shore? Is it the rushing of a waterfall as it cascades down a cliff? Or is it the whole panorama of the water, the sky and the surrounding flora that beckons us? Perhaps it’s all of the above. 

There are so many facets to water. For the more scientific among us, we could even get excited about the fact that it’s the only matter that can be a solid, liquid and gas. If we look at it in a more spiritual sense, we can see it as the first sacramental that Jesus chose for us to use. Just as He was baptized in the waters of the Jordan river, so we are baptized with water. 

Water is not only beautiful and refreshing, it is also cleansing. It washes the grime and sweat off of our bodies and the stain of sin off our souls. In today’s Gospel, Jesus shows us just how much importance He puts on the latter. The Pharisee is amazed that He does not wash before the meal and Jesus rebukes him about paying more attention to the outside than the inside. 

Our bodies will eventually wither and fade away, but our souls are eternal. How important the cleansing waters of Baptism are to our eternal happiness! We even have holy water fonts in our churches (and sometimes in our homes) to remind us of it every time we enter. I invite you to take a moment today to reflect on the sacrament of Baptism, perhaps evaluating your internal cleanliness and taking steps toward a more pure union with God.

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Me he mudado varias veces en mi vida y parece que dondequiera que voy, siempre estoy cerca del agua. Durante toda mi infancia, viví a pocas cuadras del río Grand, en el oeste de Michigan. En la secundaria, estudié en Rhode Island, cerca del océano Atlántico. Después de unos años como misionero y luego de regresar a casa por un tiempo, me mudé al oeste de Kentucky, cerca del río Ohio. Después de casarme, me mudé río arriba, a Cincinnati. Unos hijos después, terminé en mi hogar actual, cerca del río Muskegon. ¡Incluso hay un bonito arroyo a un par de cuadras de mi casa!

¿Qué nos atrae del agua? ¿Es el suave murmullo de un riachuelo al bajar río abajo? ¿Son los remolinos que forman al sortear rocas y troncos caídos bajo la superficie? ¿Es la profundidad y la inmensidad de un gran lago o de un océano lo que nos maravilla? ¿Es el sonido hipnótico que producen las olas al estrellarse contra la orilla? ¿Es el ruido constante de una cascada al caer por un precipicio? ¿O es todo el panorama del agua, el cielo y la flora circundante lo que nos atrae? Quizás sea todo en conjunto.

El agua tiene muchísimas facetas. Para los más científicos, incluso podría entusiasmarnos el hecho de que es la única materia que puede ser sólida, líquida y gas. Si la vemos desde un punto de vista más espiritual, podemos verla como el primer objeto sacramental que Jesús eligió para nosotros. Así como Él fue bautizado en las aguas del río Jordán, nosotros también somos bautizados con agua.

El agua no solo es hermosa y refrescante, sino que también es purificador. Lava la suciedad y el sudor de nuestros cuerpos y la mancha del pecado de nuestras almas. En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos muestra la importancia que le da a este último. El fariseo se asombra de que no se lave antes de comer y Jesús lo reprende por prestar más atención a lo exterior que a lo interior.

Nuestros cuerpos eventualmente se marchitarán y se desvanecerán, pero nuestras almas son eternas. ¡Cuán importantes son las aguas purificadoras del Bautismo para nuestra felicidad eterna! Incluso tenemos pilas de agua bendita en nuestras iglesias (y a veces en nuestros hogares) para recordarnos de ello cada vez que entramos. Te invito a tomar un momento hoy para reflexionar sobre el sacramento del Bautismo, quizás evaluando tu pureza interior y dando pasos hacia una unión más pura con Dios.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Photo taken by author

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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Radical Surrender / La entrega radical

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Lately I’ve been reflecting a lot on surrender. What does it look like? What changes would it make to my life? How would it make me feel? Now I’m not talking about the small surrender of coming to a compromise with your spouse or giving in to your child after hearing them beg for an hour straight. I’m talking about that complete and total surrender that brings us to say, “Whatever You want, Lord. May Your will be done. Use me in whatever way You see fit. Mold me like clay in your hands.” 

I recently read a reflection that used the analogy of a colorful kite flying in the wind. The breeze brings it this way and that in a happy dance. Our souls can become like that kite, allowing the Holy Spirit to blow us where He wills and then we experience that childlike joy. 

Over Holy Week this year, I also got to thinking about the extent of Jesus’ surrender. His whole being rebelled against the idea of His Passion so much that He sweat drops of blood, yet He said “not my will but yours be done.” And something that struck me in a whole new way this year were the words “And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.” We tend to look at the crucifixion as Jesus being put to death, and indeed He was, yet He chose to hand over His spirit. He could have jumped down from that cross at any moment, yet He chose to breathe His last breath. My brother shared with me an additional thought on this passage. Normally people expire first and then their head falls to their chest, but Jesus bowed His head first, in one final act of humility and submission to the Father’s will, and then died. 

Our readings today speak of this complete and total surrender. “Woe to the complacent in Zion!” (Amos 6:4), and “pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called…keep the commandment without stain or reproach” (1 Tim 6). Then Jesus calls us to generosity and repentance with the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in the Gospel. 

Not one of these readings encourage us to simply be a good person. Not one of them invites us to keep up with the status quo. Not one of them asks us to give a little bit of what we have extra, whether it be time, talent or treasure. Rather, they invite us to flee from “complacency” and “compete well for the faith.” They invite us to live “without stain or reproach”. This implies radical surrender! 

And while this type of lifestyle change will most certainly require sacrifice, it will also bring indescribable freedom and joy. For the only decisions that we make will be those made with the Lord and the only paths that we follow will be those walked in His footsteps. 

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Últimamente he estado reflexionando mucho sobre la entrega. ¿Qué significa? ¿Qué cambios traería a mi vida? ¿Cómo me sentiría? No me refiero a la pequeña entrega de ceder para llegar a un acuerdo con tu pareja o de rendirte después de escuchar a tu hijo suplicar durante una hora. Me refiero a esa entrega total y completa que nos lleva a decir: “Señor, hágase tu voluntad. Utilízame como a ti te parece mejor. Moldéame como arcilla en tus manos”.

Hace poco leí una reflexión que usaba la analogía de una cometa de colores que vuela con el viento. La brisa la lleva de un lado a otro en una danza alegre. Nuestras almas pueden llegar a ser como esa cometa, permitiendo que el Espíritu Santo nos lleve a donde Él quiere y podemos experimentar esa alegría infantil.

Durante la Semana Santa de este año, me puse a pensar sobre la profundidad de la entrega de Jesús. Todo su ser se rebeló tanto contra la idea de su Pasión que sudó gotas de sangre, pero dijo: “que no se haga mi voluntad, sino la tuya”. Y algo que me impactó de una manera completamente nueva este año fueron las palabras: “e inclinando la cabeza, entregó el espíritu”. Solemos ver la crucifixión como la matanza de Jesús, y de hecho lo fue, pero eligió entregar su espíritu. Podría haber brincado de esa cruz en cualquier momento, pero eligió dar su último suspiro. Mi hermano compartió conmigo un pensamiento adicional sobre este pasaje. Normalmente, las personas expiran primero y luego su cabeza cae sobre el pecho, pero Jesús inclinó la cabeza primero, en un último acto de humildad y sumisión a la voluntad del Padre, y luego murió.

Nuestras lecturas de hoy hablan de esta entrega total y completa. “¡Ay de ustedes, los que se sienten seguros en Sión…!”. (Amós 6,4), y “lleva una vida de rectitud, piedad, fe, amor, paciencia y mansedumbre. Lucha en el noble combate de la fe, conquista la vida eterna a la que has sido llamado… te ordeno que cumplas fiel e irreprochablemente, todo lo mandado” (1 Timoteo 6). Luego, Jesús nos llama a la generosidad y al arrepentimiento con la parábola de Lázaro y el hombre rico en el Evangelio.

Ninguna de estas lecturas nos anima a simplemente ser buenas personas. Ninguna nos invita a cumplir con el statu quo. Ninguna nos pide que demos un poco de lo que nos sobra, ya que sea tiempo, talento o dinero. Más bien, nos invitan a huir de la complacencia y a luchar en noble combate por la fe. Nos mandan a vivir de forma fiel e irreprochable. ¡Esto implica una entrega radical!

Y si bien este cambio de estilo de vida sin duda requerirá sacrificio, también traerá una libertad y una alegría indescriptibles. Porque las únicas decisiones que tomemos serán las que tomemos con el Señor y los únicos caminos que andamos serán los que seguimos en sus huellas.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Jon Tyson, unsplash.com/photos/grayscale-photo-of-persons-hand-93G1WoVzS5A

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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Changing Seasons and Restored Spirits / Cambio de estaciones y ánimos renovados

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And just like that, the summer is over. Labor Day has come and gone, as well as the months of June, July and August. It always seems like we look forward to it for so long and then it goes by so fast, especially for those of us who live in northern regions, where our days of warmth and sunshine are a precious commodity. 

Another year of homeschooling is upon us, another year of youth group and sports and parish life. And while I wouldn’t have it any other way, I can’t help but sigh. It is so hard to get back into the swing of things, to set that alarm clock an hour earlier, to establish a new routine. Yet this is what God is asking of us, these are our marching orders, so onward we go. 

As if right on cue, today’s first reading says: “Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you…For all of you are children of the light and children of the day…Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up.” What a great reminder! No matter what season it is, no matter what time of year it is, whether it be one we thoroughly enjoy or one we have to drudge through, we are still children of the light and we have a community of brothers and sisters who can lift us up when we need it.

I remember receiving two different texts from a church friend that are such a great example of this. They came at a time when I was juggling many things at once following my husband’s surgery. First, she invited me not to put so much pressure on myself with homeschooling during that time. She reminded me that there are many different ways that children can learn, and not all of it is from books. I breathed such a sigh of relief after reading that. Then, one night when I was particularly tired, she offered to pick up my son from youth group in the next town over. Her kindness meant so much to me! 

And just like that, I was reminded once again that the Lord is present in our lives in very tangible ways. If He is able to free a man from an unclean spirit (see today’s Gospel), He is more than capable of freeing us from a spirit of sadness, overwhelmedness, or exhaustion. He can restore our souls, whether through prayer and the sacraments or through the kindness of others, so that we can once again proclaim: “I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord…” (Psalm Response).

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En un abrir y cerrar de ojos, ya se acabó el verano. El Día del Trabajador llegó y se fue, al igual que los meses de junio, julio y agosto. Siempre parece que lo esperamos con tanta anticipación y luego se nos va volando, especialmente para quienes vivimos en las regiones del norte, donde los días de calor y sol son un lujo apreciado.

Otro año de educar a los hijos en casa empieza, otro año de grupo juvenil, deportes y eventos parroquiales. Y aunque no lo cambiaría para nada, no puedo evitar soltar un largo suspiro. Es tan difícil volver a la rutina, adelantar la alarma una hora en las mañanas, y establecer una nueva rutina. Sin embargo, esto es lo que Dios nos pide, estas son nuestras órdenes de marcha, así que seguimos adelante.

Justo en el momento indicado, la primera lectura de hoy dice: “Por lo que se refiere al tiempo y a las circunstancias de la venida del Señor, no necesitan que les escribamos nada… porque ustedes no viven en tinieblas, sino que son hijos de la luz y del día… Por eso anímense mutuamente y ayúdense unos a otros”. ¡Qué recordatorio tan apropiado! No importa la estación, no importa la época del año, ya sea una que disfrutemos al máximo o una que tengamos que soportar con dificultad, seguimos siendo hijos de la luz y tenemos una comunidad de hermanos y hermanas que pueden animarnos cuando lo necesitamos.

Recuerdo haber recibido dos mensajes diferentes de una amiga de la parroquia que son un gran ejemplo de esto. Llegaron en momentos cuando estaba intentando manejar varias cosas a la vez después de la cirugía de mi esposo. Primero, me invitó a no presionarme tanto con la educación en casa durante ese tiempo. Me recordó que hay muchas maneras diferentes en que los niños pueden aprender, y no siempre vienen de los libros. Respiré profundamente sintiendo un gran alivio después de leerlo. Luego, una noche en que estaba particularmente cansada, se ofreció a recoger a mi hijo del grupo juvenil de un pueblo cercano. ¡Su amabilidad significó muchísimo para mí!

Y en un abrir y cerrar de ojos me hizo recordar una vez más que el Señor está presente en nuestras vidas de maneras muy tangibles. Si Él es capaz de liberar a un hombre de un espíritu inmundo (ver el Evangelio de hoy), es más que capaz de liberarnos de un espíritu de tristeza, agobio o agotamiento. Puede restaurar nuestras almas, ya sea mediante la oración y los sacramentos o mediante la bondad de los demás, para que podamos afirmar: “La bondad del Señor espero ver en esta misma vida” (Salmo 26,13).

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: zero take, unsplash.com/photos/brown-leaves-on-brown-wooden-plank-LIeAPq4Ldx4

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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God Will Prepare You / Dios te preparará

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What seems like a lifetime ago, 28 years to this day, I gave my life to God as a consecrated laywoman.  What I thought was a forever vocation, turned out not to be, and upon returning home I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself. “I should have known it was a bad omen to be consecrated on a day we celebrate someone getting beheaded.” 

Yet God writes straight with crooked lines. That which was not meant last still helped my soul to grow and flourish in ways I could have never imagined. It also allowed me to learn Spanish, which has been a blessing in both my vocation to marriage and as the sole breadwinner for our family. Although I couldn’t see it at the time, God was laying the foundation for my life. He was planting seeds and preparing me for what was to come. 

I’m sure God prepared John the Baptist for what was to come as well. As he lay in prison, I can imagine him spending much time on his knees on the cold stone floor. I can picture him begging God to forgive those who refused to accept His Son Jesus and have mercy on their souls. I wonder if God revealed to him that he would soon die. Maybe he even had a vision, like St. Stephen did. Whatever he experienced, I don’t think it was a surprise to him when the executioners showed up at his cell. 

In the first reading, St. Paul was trying to prepare the Thesselonians as well, adverting them to refrain from immorality and to conduct themselves in a way pleasing to God. They had been given instructions from Jesus Himself, and knew how to live a virtuous life, yet it seems they had deviated from the straight and narrow path. He reminded them that God gives us His Holy Spirit to show us how to behave in the face of temptation. And that is no small gift.

God breathes life into our souls, showing us the way to go and helping us endure the hardships the path will surely bring. Whether it be for a future vocation, a life-long suffering, or death itself, God sends His Holy Spirit to prepare us. As the psalmist writes, “he guards the life of his faithful ones; from the hand of the wicked he delivers them.”  May you allow God to prepare you for whatever is to come in your life. 

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Parece que fue hace una vida entera, hace 28 años, cuando en este día entregué mi vida a Dios como laica consagrada. Lo que pensé que sería una vocación para siempre resultó no serlo, y al regresar a casa no pude evitar reírme. “Debería haber sabido que era mala señal consagrarme el día en que celebramos la decapitación de alguien”.

Sin embargo, Dios escribe recto con líneas torcidas. Lo que no estaba destinado a durar, aún así, ayudó a mi alma a crecer y florecer de maneras que jamás imaginé. También me permitió aprender español, lo cual ha sido una bendición tanto en mi vocación matrimonial como en mi rol como único sostén de la familia. Aunque no lo viera en ese momento, Dios estaba poniendo los cimientos de mi vida. Estaba sembrando semillas y preparándome para lo que venía.

Estoy segura de que Dios también preparó a Juan el Bautista para lo que vendría. Mientras estuvo encarcelado, puedo imaginarlo pasando mucho tiempo de rodillas sobre el frío suelo de piedra. Me lo imagino suplicándole a Dios que perdonara a los que aún no aceptaban a su Hijo Jesús y que tuviera misericordia de sus almas. Me pregunto si Dios le reveló que pronto moriría. Quizás incluso tuvo una visión, como San Esteban. Sea lo que sea que experimentó, no creo que le sorprendiera que los verdugos se presentaran en su celda.

En la primera lectura, San Pablo también intentaba preparar a los tesalonicenses, aconsejándoles que se abstuvieran de la inmoralidad y se comportaran de una manera agradable a Dios. Habían recibido instrucciones del mismo Jesús y sabían cómo vivir una vida virtuosa; sin embargo, parece que se habían desviado del camino correcto. Les recordó que Dios nos da su Espíritu Santo para mostrarnos cómo comportarnos ante la tentación. Y ese no es un regalo pequeño.

Dios infunde vida en nuestras almas, mostrándonos el camino a seguir y ayudándonos a soportar las dificultades que seguramente vendrán. Ya sea para una futura vocación, un sufrimiento de por vida o la muerte misma, Dios envía a su Espíritu Santo para prepararnos. Como escribe el salmista: “protege la vida de sus fieles y los libra de los malvados”. Que Dios te prepare para lo que venga en tu vida.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Jaqueline Bremmer, unsplash.com/photos/a-pair-of-black-boots-sitting-on-top-of-a-rug-qFBp_0Ez87g

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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Break Free / Liberarse

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As I was growing up in a family of eight children, with a hardworking dad and a stay at home mom, I just assumed I would follow in her footsteps. If I wasn’t called to be a nun, then I would care for my children at home. In my mind, these were the only two options. I had no desire to pursue higher education, nor did I see the need for it. But, as God often does, He turned my plans upside down. 

I ended up living both of these vocations for a time before settling into what God had in mind for me. I fought so hard against going into debt to continue my studies, yet I did it. I held on so tightly to the traditional family roles that I tried not to disrupt them, yet I did. And the only reason that I did was to follow His plan for my life. 

As I write, I am sitting in my home office staring out the window at a bright blue sky, wishing I could break free. I have only been at home two weeks, caring for my husband as he recovers from surgery, and caring for all of my children besides, and I already want to go back to work. There is a restlessness, a boredom, a need for a change from the ordinary, a rest from the noise. “And you wanted to be a stay at home mom!” my husband chuckles. We know now that it would have made all of us miserable. 

What is it that you wish to break free from? Is it your tendency to sin? Your mundane daily life? Your addictions? Your racing thoughts? The walls you put up to prevent you from intimacy with our Lord? What is stopping you from allowing those walls to crumble? 

In today’s Gospel, Herod the tetrarch wished he could eat his words. He wished he could roll back time and not have sworn so openly to give the daughter of his mistress whatever she wanted. He wanted to break free from his oath, yet his cowardice prevented him from doing so, and the result was deadly. 

When we fail to seek ways to break free from the chains that enslave us, we suffer a type of spiritual death. We cannot live the fullness of life that God has in mind for us. We can not taste the depth of the love that He has for us. 

Allow God to untie your knots today, to cut loose that which binds you. Welcome His unfathomable love into your heart and hear Him speak to you, “I, the Lord, am your God” (first reading).

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Al crecer en una familia de ocho hijos, con un padre trabajador y una madre ama de casa, tomé por hecho que iba a seguir sus pasos. Si no fuese llamada a ser monja, cuidaría de mis hijos en casa. En mi mente, estas eran las únicas dos opciones. No deseaba cursar estudios superiores ni veía la necesidad de hacerlo. Pero, como suele hacer Dios, volteó mis planes boca arriba.

Terminé viviendo ambas vocaciones por un tiempo antes de asentarme en lo que Dios tenía planeado para mí. Luché con todas mis fuerzas para no endeudarme para continuar mis estudios, pero lo hice. Me aferré tanto a los roles familiares tradicionales que intenté no interrumpirlos, pero lo hice. Y la única razón por la que lo hice fue para seguir Su plan para mi vida.

Mientras escribo, estoy sentada en mi oficina en casa mirando por la ventana a un cielo azul brillante, deseando liberarme. Llevo solo dos semanas en casa, cuidando a mi esposo mientras se recupera de la cirugía y, además, a todos mis hijos, y ya quiero volver al trabajo. Siento inquietud, aburrimiento, la necesidad de un cambio, de un descanso del ruido. “¡Y tú querías ser ama de casa!”, dice mi esposo riendo entre dientes. Ahora sabemos que nos habría hecho sentir miserables a todos.

¿Y tú? ¿De qué deseas liberarte? ¿De tu tendencia al pecado? ¿De tu vida cotidiana? ¿De tus adicciones? ¿De los pensamientos que no paran? ¿De los muros que levantas para evitar la intimidad con nuestro Señor? ¿Qué te impide dejar que esos muros se derrumben?

En el Evangelio de hoy, Herodes el tetrarca quiso poder tragarse sus palabras. Quiso poder retroceder en el tiempo y no haber jurado tan abiertamente darle a la hija de su amante todo lo que quisiera. Quería romper su juramento, pero su cobardía se lo impidió, y el resultado fue mortal. 

Cuando no buscamos la manera de liberarnos de las cadenas que nos esclavizan, sufrimos una especie de muerte espiritual. No podemos vivir la plenitud de vida que Dios tiene para nosotros. No podemos saborear la profundidad del amor que Él nos tiene.

Permite que Dios deshaga tus nudos hoy, que corte aquello que te ata. Acoge su amor insondable en tu corazón y escúchalo decirte: “Yo, el Señor, Dios de ustedes” (primera lectura).

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Miltiadis Fragkidis, unsplash.com/photos/black-chain-2zGTh-S5moM

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 Law of Inertia / La Ley de la Inercia

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I really struggle with the law of inertia. You know, that rule of physics that states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion and an object at rest tends to stay at rest. Yup, that’s me. If I am working on a project at my house I just want to keep going and going and don’t want to stop. Yet, if I’m sitting at my desk at work, I really don’t want to get up. Just let me stay there and do my job and don’t ask me to do anything else.

But the last few words of that law state, “unless acted upon by force.” Whether it be exhaustion from working all day causing me to sit down, or my boss asking me to get up and complete a task, some force motivates change.  

In our First Reading God sent his word through Jeremiah to enact change in the people of Judah: “Thus says the LORD: If you disobey me, not living according to the law I placed before you and not listening to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them, I will treat this house like Shiloh, and make this the city to which all the nations of the earth shall refer when cursing another.” Yet apparently they struggled with inertia even more than I do because instead of moving toward repentance they declared to Jeremiah, “You must be put to death!”

Our Gospel reading shows us an example of the exact opposite. The raising of Lazarus was one of the most amazing inertia-reversing moments in history. Through the force of our almighty God, a man was raised from the dead! 

Not many of us will face either of these two realities in our lifetime, yet we are consistently called upon to make changes to become more Christ-like. To change our attitudes, to change our words, to change our decision-making, to change our actions. Due to original sin, “inertia” makes it hard to focus our minds and hearts on God, but He is the “force” that can enact change in us. 

May we remember to call upon our amazing God every day, that He may grant us the grace to make changes in our lives for the better. Then perhaps that old law of physics won’t burden us so much anymore. 

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Batallo bastante con la ley de la inercia. Ya sabes, esa regla de la física que establece que un objeto en movimiento tiende a permanecer en movimiento y un objeto en reposo tiende a permanecer en reposo. Así soy yo. Si estoy trabajando en un proyecto en mi casa, solo quiero seguir y seguir y no quiero parar. Sin embargo, si estoy sentada en mi escritorio en el trabajo, realmente no quiero levantarme. Solo déjame quedarme allí a hacer mi trabajo y no me pidas que haga nada más.

Pero las últimas palabras de esa ley establecen, “a menos que se actúe por la fuerza”. Ya sea que el cansancio de trabajar todo el día me obligue a sentarme o que mi jefe me pida que me levante y complete una tarea, alguna fuerza motiva el cambio.

En la Primera Lectura, Dios envió su palabra a través de Jeremías para promulgar un cambio en el pueblo de Judá: “Esto dice el Señor: Si no me obedecen, ni cumplen la ley que he dado, ni escuchan las palabras de mis siervos, los profetas, que sin cesar les he enviado y a quienes ustedes no han escuchado, entonces yo trataré a este templo como al de Siló y haré que esta ciudad sirva de escarmiento para todos los pueblos de la tierra’”. Sin embargo, aparentemente batallaron con la inercia incluso más que yo porque en lugar de moverse hacia el arrepentimiento le declararon a Jeremías: “Este hombre debe morir”.

Nuestra lectura del Evangelio nos muestra un ejemplo de exactamente lo contrario. La resurrección de Lázaro fue uno de los mejores momentos de voltear a la inercia de toda la historia. ¡Por la fuerza de nuestro Dios todopoderoso, un hombre resucitó de entre los muertos!

Muchos de nosotros nunca vamos a enfrentar ninguna de estas dos realidades en la vida, sin embargo, constantemente estamos llamados a hacer cambios para asemejarnos más a Cristo. Cambiar nuestras actitudes, cambiar nuestras palabras, cambiar nuestra toma de decisiones, cambiar nuestras acciones. Debido al pecado original, la “inercia” hace que sea difícil enfocar nuestras mentes y corazones en Dios, pero Él es la “fuerza” que puede realizar el cambio en nosotros.

Acordémonos a invocar a nuestro Dios maravilloso todos los días, para que Él nos conceda la gracia de hacer cambios para mejor en nuestras vidas, para que esa antigua ley de la física ya no nos cueste tanto.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Simon Berger, unsplash.com/photos/white-and-gray-thick-pile-textile-Jp5Lv17Mq4M

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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Seeds of Suffering / Semillas del sufrimiento

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Over the winter, my husband asked me to buy a couple more shovels so all the boys could help clear the driveway. The first time he asked me, I said they could take turns and share. The second time he asked me I pretty much ignored him, and the third time I repeated the same response as the first: “Why do they all need their own shovel? Can’t they take turns and share? We already have three! How many more do we need?” But, to appease him, I proceeded to put two more in my shopping cart. 

When he went to pick up the grocery order, he was surprised to see them being loaded into the car. “We have two new shovels!” he exclaimed when he got home. I raised an eyebrow saying “just what I wanted to do, spend money on a couple pieces of plastic.” 

While I admit my reactions were less than saintly, the whole scenario reminded me once again of my brother’s oft repeated phrase to his kids: “You just don’t suffer enough.” We have lost our pride in hard work to the point that it has become old fashioned. We have lost the sense of satisfaction that comes with searching for answers to the hard questions because they can be found at the click of a button. We have lost the ability to share. And all of this has caused us to look more and more inward. 

One night,  my middle school son shared with me that they had covered the topic of loneliness at youth group. They discussed the difference between solitude and isolation. Solitude is taking time apart to reflect, pray, recharge and regroup. Isolation is purposefully excluding yourself from others, choosing to no longer associate with others.  For many, being alone is easier. It means you don’t have to put on any masks to be accepted by others. Yet, from the beginning of time God tells us that it is not good for man to be alone (see Gen 2:18). In relationship with others, we learn and grow, our hearts expand and yes, sometimes we suffer.

Englishman Ronald Knox, an Anglican convert to Catholicism, was a priest, theologian, author, and radio broadcaster. He was known to say that the first two gestures of the Sign of the Cross form the letter “I” and the last two cross it out. As a Christian, “I” am not the principal person in the equation. I must increase, be crossed out, so that Christ may increase in me for the good of others. 

We can look at our sacrifices and sufferings as the mustard seed and the yeast mentioned in today’s Gospel parables. The seed is planted and then grows; the yeast is mixed in and then rises. So too, every time we set our own desires aside and look for the good of the other, virtue and grace grow within us. In this way, we can bear fruit for the Kingdom of God, so that many others might also “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good” (Psalm Response).

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Durante el invierno, mi esposo me pidió que comprara unas palas de nieve más para que todos nuestros hijos pudieran ayudar a limpiar la entrada. La primera vez que me lo pidió, le dije que podían turnarse y compartir. La segunda vez que me lo pidió, prácticamente lo ignoré y la tercera vez repetí la misma respuesta que la primera: “¿Por qué necesitan todos su propia pala? ¿No pueden turnarse y compartir? ¡Ya tenemos tres! ¿Cuántas más necesitamos?” Pero, para apaciguarlo, procedí a poner dos más en mi carrito de compras.

Cuando fue a recoger el pedido de compras, mi esposo se sorprendió al ver que las estaban poniendo en el auto. “¡Tenemos dos palas nuevas!”, exclamó cuando llegó a casa. Levanté una ceja y dije: “Justo lo que quería hacer, gastar dinero en un par de piezas de plástico”.

Aunque admito que mis reacciones no fueron virtuosas, toda la situación me recordó una vez más la frase que mi hermano repete a menudo a sus hijos: “Ustedes simplemente no sufren lo suficiente”. Hemos perdido el orgullo por el trabajo duro hasta el punto de que se ha vuelto anticuado. Hemos perdido la sensación de satisfacción que viene con la búsqueda de respuestas a las preguntas difíciles porque se pueden encontrar con un solo clic. Hemos perdido la capacidad de compartir. Y todo esto nos ha hecho mirar cada vez más hacia adentro.

Una noche, mi hijo de la escuela secundaria me contó que habían tratado el tema de la soledad en su grupo de jóvenes. Hablaron sobre la diferencia entre la soledad y el aislamiento. La soledad es tomarse un tiempo a solas para reflexionar, orar, recargar energías y reagruparse. El aislamiento es excluirse deliberadamente de los demás, elegir no asociarse más con otros. Para muchos, estar solo es más fácil. Significa que no tienes que ponerte ninguna máscara para ser aceptado por los demás. Sin embargo, desde el principio de los tiempos Dios nos dice que no es bueno que el hombre esté solo (ver Génesis 2:18). Al relacionarnos con los demás, aprendemos y crecemos, nuestro corazón se expande y sí, a veces sufrimos.

El inglés Ronald Knox, anglicano convertido al catolicismo, fue sacerdote, teólogo, autor y locutor de radio. Era conocido por decir que los dos primeros gestos de la señal de la cruz forman la letra “I” (yo) y los dos últimos la tachan. Como cristiano, el “yo” no es la persona principal en la ecuación. Debo crecer, ser tachado, para que Cristo pueda crecer en mí para el bien de los demás.

Podemos ver nuestros sacrificios y sufrimientos como la semilla de mostaza y la levadura mencionadas en las parábolas del Evangelio de hoy. La semilla se siembra y luego crece; la levadura se mezcla y luego se levanta. Así también, cada vez que dejamos de lado nuestros propios deseos y buscamos el bien del otro, la virtud y la gracia crecen dentro de nosotros. De esta manera, podemos dar fruto para el Reino de Dios, para que muchos otros también puedan dar gracias al Señor, porque Él es bueno”.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Jen Theodore, unsplash.com/photos/green-leaf-plant-close-up-photography-Tys0QOcdbBA

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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God Answers Our Call for Help / Dios responde cuando le pedimos ayuda

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Several months ago, our pastor asked my husband and I to mentor couples who are preparing for marriage. As I read through his email, I chuckled to myself, thinking what a coincidence it was. My parents had mentored engaged couples for years. In fact, as a permanent deacon, that was my dad’s main ministry. Since his marriage to my mom was far from perfect, it gave me hope that maybe my husband and I could be of some help to the couples we are assigned to. In fact, perhaps we could be of more help due to our struggles, giving witness to our fidelity to each other despite the ups and downs of life. 

Even as we met with our first engaged couple for the first time, my husband was just a couple weeks away from his second major back surgery. Although it would eventually relieve him of some pain, it would also cause him pain. His three month recovery process would have him using a walker, then a cane, all the while wearing a restrictive back brace. He would need help using the restroom and showering, getting out of bed and getting dressed. All the while, I, his partner “in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health” was called to care for him, encourage him and support him. 

Jesus never promised it would be easy. He knew the reality of life on Earth. He lived through the hardship. And He promised to help us carry our burdens. 

Perhaps one of the heaviest burdens we bear is our sins. We make resolutions, and then break them. We try to be better and then fail. We try harder and then fail again. Perhaps the reason this burden becomes so heavy is because we try to carry it on our own. We forget about the power of prayer and the grace poured out in the sacrament of Confession. God wants to make “our yoke easy and our burden light” but sometimes we fail to call out to Him for help. 

We see God’s loving mercy so clearly in today’s readings. In the first reading, God promises to withhold destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah if He were to find only 10 just people therein. In the second reading, Paul reminds us, “even when you were dead in transgressions…he brought you to life along with him” through the forgiveness of sins. In the Gospel, Jesus assures us, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  

Time and time again in the Scriptures, God tells us how much he wants to be there for us. Even though the actual weight of our burdens may not change, the fact that He is there by our side, makes them so much lighter. So whether we be living the ups and downs of married life or struggling through an illness or battling with a recurring sin, may we truly believe what we proclaim in today’s Psalm Response:  “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.”

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Hace varios meses, el párroco nos pidió a mi esposo y a mí que sirviéramos de mentores a parejas que se estaban preparando para casarse por la Iglesia. Mientras leía su correo electrónico me dio risa, pensando en la coincidencia que era. Mis padres habían sido mentores de parejas comprometidas durante años. De hecho, como diácono permanente, ese era el ministerio principal de mi papá. Dado que su matrimonio con mi mamá estaba lejos de ser perfecto, me dio esperanza de que tal vez mi esposo y yo pudiéramos ser de alguna ayuda a las parejas que se nos asignan. De hecho, tal vez podríamos ser de mayor ayuda debido a nuestras batallas, dando testimonio de la fidelidad mutua a pesar de los altibajos de la vida.

Incluso cuando nos reunimos con una pareja comprometida por primera vez, mi esposo estaba a solo un par de semanas de su segunda cirugía grande de espalda. Si bien con el tiempo lo aliviaría un poco del dolor, también le causaría dolor. Su proceso de recuperación de tres meses lo haría utilizar un andador, luego un bastón, todo el tiempo con un corsé ortopédico restrictivo. Necesitaría ayuda para ir al baño y bañarse, levantarse de la cama y vestirse. Mientras tanto, yo, su compañera “en las buenas y en las malas, en la salud y en la enfermedad”, fui llamada a cuidarlo, animarlo y apoyarlo.

Jesús nunca prometió que sería fácil. Conocía la realidad de la vida terrenal. Vivió las dificultades. Y prometió ayudarnos a llevar nuestras cargas.

Tal vez una de las cargas más pesadas que llevamos son nuestros pecados. Hacemos resoluciones y luego las rompemos. Tratamos de ser mejores y luego fallamos. Nos esforzamos más y luego fallamos nuevamente. Tal vez la razón por la que esta carga se vuelve tan pesada es porque intentamos llevarla a solas. Nos olvidamos del poder de la oración y la gracia derramada en el sacramento de la Confesión. Dios quiere hacer “suave nuestro yugo y liviana nuestra carga”, pero a veces no le pedimos ayuda.

Vemos la misericordia amorosa de Dios tan claramente en las lecturas de hoy. En la primera lectura, Dios promete no destruir Sodoma y Gomorra si encuentra tan solo 10 personas justas allí. En la segunda lectura, Pablo nos recuerda que “estaban muertos por sus pecados…Pero él les dio una vida nueva con Cristo, perdonándoles todos los pecados”. En el Evangelio, Jesús nos asegura: “Pidan y se les dará, busquen y encontrarán, toquen y se les abrirá”.

Una y otra vez en las Escrituras, Dios nos dice cuánto quiere estar ahí para nosotros. Aunque el peso real de nuestras cargas no cambie, el hecho de que Él esté a nuestro lado las hace mucho más ligeras. Así que, ya sea que estemos viviendo los altibajos de la vida matrimonial o luchando contra una enfermedad o batallando con un pecado recurrente, proclamamos juntos con el salmista hoy: “te damos gracias, Señor, porque escuchaste nuestros ruegos”.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

Feature Image Credit: Brett Jordan, unsplash.com/photos/brown-wooden-blocks-on-white-surface-erLrY4aKztg

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.