The Burning Within

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 3:1-10 ~~~ Psalm 105 ~~~ 

~~~ Luke 24:13-35 ~~~

“Were not our hearts burning within us

while he spoke to us on the way and 

opened the Scriptures to us?”

These are beautiful words...burning hearts...

on the way...opened the Scriptures...

Jesus tells us that where two or more 

are gathered together he too will be present.

Peter and John were going up to the temple area...

Cleopas and his wife were walking home to Emmaus.

Peter and John come to the 'Beautiful Gate'

for the afternoon prayer time.

A crippled beggar approaches them asking for money.

Peter has no coins to give him,

but he does have within his body a burning heart.

His heart was so full of Jesus that 

he was blessed to heal.

Peter gave this man the gift 

of healing at the 'Beautiful Gate'

because his heart was burning.

We may not have the gift of healing,

 but I hope your heart is burning.

Every time we read or hear the Scriptures

our hearts should also be burning.

These words are our connection to Jesus himself.

Once again Jesus asks the obvious question to Cleopas...

'What are you talking about?'

I imagine they are startled from their deep 

conversation and grief.

Where has this stranger been?

The more Jesus speaks to them about his own history and life,

the more they are drawn to listen more intently.

They are so mesmerized that they do not want this

 'stranger' to leave, so they offer him hospitality.

But they urged him, “Stay with us,

for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

This desire to hold on the Jesus can happen to us too.

When we have an intimate encounter with Jesus...

that burning within our heart...

we do not want it to end.

We want these 'feelings' of the presence

of God to remain with us.

We soon learn that we cannot keep

the feelings alive for ever...

just as Cleopas could not

 keep Jesus in their home.

Jesus stays with us just long enough 

to make his presence felt,

but then he vanishes 

leaving within our heart a burning.

"But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel."

Cleopas and many others had their own idea of who Jesus would be;

we do the same thing.

We put our personal hopes in what we want 

Jesus to mean for ourselves.

He always fulfills our hopes

with his more superb plan for our life.

When we stand before the 

"Beautiful Gate"

know that God stands beside you.

He speaks to you and reveals himself through the Scriptures.

Blessed to have within a burning heart.

Let your Alleluias fan the flames.

Let the Light of Christ shine brightly

 for those with you on the road.

~~~Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! ~~~

He is Risen!

Ave Maria

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

~~~ Isaiah 61: 9-11 ~~~ Luke 2: 41-51 ~~~

~~~1 Samuel 2~~~

"My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior."

Mary, the first person of our kind that is human to love Jesus.

Mary consented for her young body to become the dwelling place for her Lord.

Mary nourished and protected Jesus before he was fully formed as a human within her body. As a mother I can confirm that during those nine months of pregnancy you form a close bond with your yet unborn child.

Mary's heart was already filled with love for her baby, Jesus, before she even got to feel him move or see his beautiful face.At the time of her Immaculate Conception her heart was filled with light and unbelievable joy.

She already had the love of scripture in her heart.

Now she would become a living part of the holy words of scripture.

I wonder. Did she ponder that at all?

Artists depict Mary's heart with flames of fire bursting from the top,

a sword piercing completely through from on side to the other,

and wreath of roses encircling her heart.

Imagine bringing your baby to church for Baptism and being told that you would be given great sorrows that would pierce you heart. I think I would be shocked and maybe even leave in disbelief. No mother holding her infant would want to be told the sadness that the future held.

"Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."

Luke 2:19

She kept more in her heart than we can even imagine. His early years as a young child, Jesus, must have brought her great happiness. She could hold him in her arms and kiss him sweetly. She could sing him soothing lullabies as he drifted off to sleep.

She could look into his eyes and say, "I love you."

I think we tend to take for granted how normal the early life of Jesus was and

how close his relationship with Mary, his mother, must have been.

Mary loved Jesus with all of her mind, body, heart, and soul.

She more than anyone else knows what it means to have both a joyful and

a sorrowful heart. She experienced the greatest joy in surrendering

to God's will with her "Yes".

She experienced the greatest sadness as the soldiers placed the lifeless body

of her son into her arms at the foot of the cross.

Mary has a heart buring with love.

Mary has a heart pierced with the sword of sadness.

Mary has a heart adorned with the beauty of roses.

At least for today, honor Mary for all that she carried in her heart.

She was the container, but Jesus was the precious cargo.

Her great love allowed a greater love to walk this earth.

We love you, Mary and we thank you for your sacrifice.

First Be Reconciled

~~~ Kings 18: 41-46 ~~~ Psalm 65 ~~~ Matt. 5: 20-26 ~~~

I heard today's gospel verses with new ears. As I have written before scripture is truly the living word of God. It meets us wherever we are...it takes us to new heights and depths of understanding.

The words I most often remember hearing from this gospel are...

"Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift."

Those words had always made an impact on me because it shows how directly connected we must be with our prayer life and our daily life,

We cannot just come to church and pretend all is right in our lives

when we are harboring ill feelings toward another.

If you know that someone is holding something against you;

it just might be up to you to make the first move.

You may be the one who has to reach out in forgiveness and understanding.

And this is often very hard to do...

believe me I know I have been in that place.

I previously thought this passage was referring to actual hatred.

Yes, I know we are to love one another so I usually let this gospel

tumble down beside me.

Hating someone is really not in my nature, no matter how upset I am.

But today the words that popped out to me were those from earlier in the passage...

"...whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment..."

Anger...what is the driving force behind anger? Why do we hold on to it?

How does it serve us? Is it ever justifiable?

Being angry does not mean that you are ready to kill someone, but it tarnishes your soul. Anger makes you less likely to appreciate even your own relationship with God.

Anger gets in the way. Anger is like a huge weight attached to your heart and soul.

Anger is so huge that we have classes for anger management. Anger left to run unbridled can result in serious consequences. Road rage comes to mind.

Taking one's anger into the car and acting it out

behind the wheel can literally kill someone.

What an awful thought.

Anger cannot be left to its own outcomes, because it has no built in controls.

Anger is like a snowball rolling down hill. It keeps gaining speed and increasing in size until it either hits bottom or crashes into a larger obstacle.

Anger must be controlled from without through a conscious effort and hard work.

Uncontrolled anger can lead us to a place we would otherwise never have ventured.

People say love is blind; well anger takes this concept of blindedness to a whole different dimension.

"...leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled..."

Leaving your gift at the altar requires you to think about the other person. Leaving your gift at the altar means leaving your ego there as well. If you do not leave your gift of yourself then reconciling with another is more difficult.

Reconciling without your self means setting aside your agenda, your feeling...your ego. Do not carry anger with you to the altar. It will only make you feel like a hypocrite on the inside; even if only you know.

Anger cannot become a part of one who is completely in love with God.

For our wel-being of mind body and spirit we must train ourselves to let go of anger.

Anger deeply held for years can cause serious health complications.

If you are troubled with anger issues seek guidance. It may take professional counseling. Don't let anger eat up your insides and tarnish your heart.

 The greatest commandment is love

because it is both

easy and difficult to love

depending on the circumstances.

"...be reconciled...
and then come and offer your gift."

Anger shatters your gift before you are able to give freely of yourself.

All Occasion Scriptures

~~~ 2 Tim. 3: 10-17 ~~~ Psalm 119 ~~~ Mark 12: 35-37 ~~~

Do you ever try to put yourself into a particular scripture passage?

Do you ever feel like a reading at Mass is talking just to you?

Do you ever turn to scripture for consolation or guidance?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then you have heard St. Paul's message to Timothy. "...all Scripture is inspired by God...and is useful for teaching...".

The inspired words of scripture inherently hold something for everyone. These holy words include clues for how to handle every situation in life.

Every joy and sorrow known to humans is addressed in the words of the Bible.

As you have already guessed, I love scripture. I pray for these words to become second nature. I pray that I will be able to speak the appropriate words in any situation I am facing. I believe there is a place in scripture that can be a source of strength for anything that happens in my life...both in times of joy or sorrow.

For if we believe that God knows all things then it would logically follow that he would be mindful of all of our needs. Not only mindful of all of our needs but understanding enough to show us through the Bible this knowledge.

As a cradle Catholic I feel like I am having to play catch up with learning scripture.

I want to be able to wear scripture like a diver's wet suit; snug as my own skin.

Imagine if you could glance at you ring finger and see the appropriate scriptures for a happy marriage. What if written on the sole of your foot was the scripture guiding your footsteps for that day? What if your lips were inscribed with the words of praise and kindness you needed that day? What if on the palm of your hand was the reminder that you were to care for the poor? What if upon your chest was the psalm desiring a clean heart or a forgiving heart or a loving heart?

Here are a few verses that I have come to cherish in recent years:

For I know the plans I have for you...Jeremiah 29:11

Cast your cares on Him, because he cares for you...1 Peter 5:7

I can do all things in Him who strengthens me...Phil. 4:13

Pray without ceasing...1 Thes. 5:17

I have called you by your name...Is. 45:4

Walk while you have the light,

so that darkness may not overcome you...John 12:35

Let the words of scripture be your 'life insurance' plan.

They are there when ever you need them;

They are the living source of your spiritual life...

your relationship with your God.

He speaks to you through his holy words.

Are you listening?

Take Courage in Jesus

~~~ Acts 19: 1-8 ~~~ Psalm 68 ~~~ John 16: 29-33 ~~~

"...when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them..."

"...Now we realize that you know everything...

you do not need to have anyone question you...

we believe that you came from God..."

"...In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

The readings today should give us some consolation for the times when we do not seem to be understood. For years Jesus had been preaching, teaching, healing, forgiving, even feeding the apostles and his disciples, but they still could not grasp his real message.

Finally the 'light bulb' so to speak has come on...they are getting the message.

Oftentimes in my life something I have heard many times finally falls into my heart with new meaning...or rather with the intended meaning.

I am sure you too have had those 'AHA' experiences.

One thing I treasure about scripture is that no matter how many times you hear a scripture passage there comes a day when you hear it with 'new' ears.

You are in a different place in your life. Things have happened to change who you are from the heart...both positive and negative.

We never know what God has in store for us. Scripture truly is the living word of God.

Anyone that believes otherwise is just fooling themselves. The Bible is timeless yet holds a timely message for each of us. No matter what is happening in your life there is an appropriate scripture passage.

I would have enjoyed meeting St. Paul. It is obvious from today's reading that he was indeed an instrument of God. Paul was gifted with powers from the Holy Spirit that he could pass on. I wonder...what does it feel like to have the Holy Spirit come upon you?

Those in Corinth spoke in tongues and prophesied, but does not the Holy Spirit come upon each one of us.

I pray to be open to the Holy Spirit in my life, but I do not speak in tongues nor can I prophesy. What I can do is be aware of when the Holy Spirit is working through me and give him thanks, credit, and praise.

I welcome the opportunity to be the conduit of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus leaves us with such beautiful words in today's scripture...

'...have peace in me...take courage...

I have conquered the world.'

When can come to Jesus with anything and he will understand.

Open yourself to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Rejected at Home

2 Samuel 24: 2, 9-17

Mark 6: 1-6

Through the book of Samuel we continue to witness the life of David. We are privileged to see David with all of his short comings and sinfulness. We see in spite of his poor choices God does not withhold his mercy. David humbly accepts responsibility for his lack of wisdom. Again we see David begging the Lord to only punish him and not the innocent. It is because of David's fears that he orders the census of all males who can enter into battle on his behalf. Pride continues to dominate his life's decision. David is constantly being called to change his heart.

The gospel, however, presents a very different picture.

Mark brings into the scene where Jesus is returning to his home town. Surely by now the news has spread back to his tiny village of all the good he has been doing. But the people can only think of one thing; he was the son of a carpenter. Who does he think he is? They could not accept that anything good could come out of his native town, much less from the son of a carpenter.

Whenever I encounter feelings of rejection I remember this scene where Jesus too felt the sting of rejection. So often it happens that those within your own family cannot accept who you are. I think this is especially true if you have had some personal conversion or significant change of heart. You may even be made fun of or ridiculed for the positive changes you have made in your life.

Jesus was clearly surprised by this reception of rejection. It affected him so profoundly that he was only able to preform minor miracles of healing only a few. When your loved ones do not believe in you it can give rise to feelings self doubt.

Now I am not trying to imply that Jesus was suffering from self doubt, but he did not expect this response from those he had known his whole life. He was so shocked that he comments on their lack of faith...in Mark 6:6 "He was amazed at their lack of faith."

This is such a contrast from the examples of faith we saw in yesterday's readings with the hemorrhagic woman and Jairus. We can all be encouraged through their examples of faith. They cooperated in their heart with Jesus' healing power.

I think perhaps Jesus could not work as many miracles while among his childhood friends because of their lack of faith. In order for something positive to take place in your life you must first believe that it is possible. Our faith works hand and hand together with the power of Jesus. When we exercise our faith we complement what the Lord can accomplish. We are working together with him, not against him.

I am not trying to imply that Jesus will only heal those who believe, because after all he is God and God can do all things. God can use all things for good.

When you are feeling rejected by those who love you, remember this time period in the life of Jesus. Remember that in spite of the great things he had been doing he was still rejected at home. He was still rejected by those who had known him the longest. He was rejected by those who also knew his parents.

Jesus, because he was human, experienced the same feelings that you and I experience. "He was amazed at their lack of faith."

We tend to forget that whatever feelings we may experience; we can come to the Lord with those feelings because he knows our pain. He has, through his own personal experience, been in our place. Talk to the Lord about your heart aches and feelings of rejection. Believe that He will be there for you.

I chose this original picture with the word faith spelled out in large letters because these five letters have great meaning for my life.

I chose this kaleidoscope image because the solid blue circle reminds me that my faith supports me both inside my heart and outside through my actions.

Dear Lord, only you know where my faith needs to be increase. Help my unbelief! 

~Free of Anxieties~

1 Cor.7:32-35

Paul begins with these words that today were written just for me to read. “...I should like you to be free of anxieties.”

That sentence sounds great when you first read it, but in truth we can hardly be free of anxieties in today’s world. There are so many reasons for us to be anxious. Try as I might I cannot remain anxiety free. It is something I have struggled with throughout my life.

I can remember when my mother became ill and I made the decision to leave the convent I was anxious about where my life was headed. I had been out of the secular environment for many years. God led me to the University of Houston where I met my husband. I remember how worried and anxious we were when our first born child had life threatening medical issues. God led us to one of the most competent pediatric surgeon who saved his life. I remember facing the stressful decision of whether or not to retire. God gave me a penny by the side of my car door...reminding me of those tiny words inscribe on our coins...I God we Trust. I trusted God and he led me to found Faith Twins with my dearest friend.

Once again recently I am wrestling with anxiety over things in my life. Since the death of my friend I have had to accept that our beloved ministry of Faith Twins must change into what God wants it to become. I have a little glimpse of an idea but still the whole plan is not clear.

“I should like you to be free of anxieties.”

How I wish it were as easy as saying a few words and the feelings of anxiety would vanish as if by magic. Well as you know it is not that easy and furthermore, the brain releases a chemical called cortisol when we are under stress. Cortisol is literally deadly over long periods of exposure. The thing about cortisol is that once the brain releases it into your system it can take days for the effect to dissipate. Days not just minutes or hours, meaning that even if the perceived stress passes the cortisol is still circulating around in the body. When a person is under stress it interferes with many different cognitive skills. You are more apt to make mistakes or have impaired judgment. You are distracted more easily leading to the possibility of accidents. And many other ill effects.

I am describing all of this because while I want to be anxiety free and to totally trust in God and to believe that God makes good from all things sometimes life can be overwhelming.

Last Friday my husband’s employer made a decision to move all 600-700 of their cooperate positions to Dallas. Ugh! Our anxiety level is out of control the cortisol is trying

to consume us from the inside out.

What does God want us to do?

What is God trying to tell us?

How do we feel anything but dislike or stronger toward the person who made this decision?

How can I best support my husband?

What is best for our marriage?

Our lives are blowing in the winds of the unknown, where there are all sorts of perils.

My favorite scripture verse is Jer. 29:11

 “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you,

says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe!”  

Wow, I am finding it challenging at the moment to calmly embrace this verse. I must admit I am very resistant toward Dallas. I am a native Houstonian. I have lived here my whole, for the most part. I love my hometown. My husband has never had a job that even required travel. We have never had to live apart. But now we may be faced with him in Dallas and me in Houston. I am trying to see God’s plan for our welfare in this situation. In May we will be celebrating our 40^th anniversary, the twilight years of our marriage. Not a time when we want to relocate.

Right now I cannot see the gifts here because we do not seem to be standing on solid ground. So for us to be free from anxiety will take a heap of grace...and I consider myself to be fairly well in tune to hearing the voice of God and responding to the movement of the spirit.

I regularly pray to be open to the Holy Spirit.

So while I know God has a plan for us; I cannot see how the current situation will lead us to serve him more fully. I surrender to his will in my life and I pray for the strength I need for whatever lies ahead for us. I ask for you to please pray for us as we discern our near future.

Original photo: plums hanging on the tree.

I chose this image because while plums are typically a dark color fruit they are very sweet and juicy to the taste. even though things look dark to us right now I have to believe that something 'tasty and juicy' is hidden from our sight.

This kaleidoscope image captures for me the green of new life surrounding the dark unknown center.

"For I know well the plans I have in store for you..."

The Name of Jesus

"At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:10-11)

That is certainly a typical St. Paul sentence; chock full of food for thought. So what is Paul saying? At the very name of Jesus we should be genuflecting along with all creatures no matter where they may be, but we should also speak our beliefs.

I know plenty people who speak the name of Jesus, but it is certainly not to praise him in the least. Instead the very anem of Jesus is taken in vain, used to curse. I have never understood how cursing Jesus could make anyone feel better. How can cursing with the name of Jesus improve things? Why is it so easy to curse with the name of Jesus?

I don't often hear people saying, 'thank you, Jesus', except sometimes around the church.

When I was in my Catholic boarding school, St. Mary of the Pines in Chatawa, Mississippi, the nuns taught us to bow our heads each time the name of Jesus passed through our lips. It soon became a habit that today I still practice. It seems fitting to perform some kind of outward sign to reverence his holy name. Especially when I pray the Rosary, even silently, I bow my head when I say the name of Jesus. I am not sure if today it is practical to actually bend your knee each time we pray the name of Jesus. I think Paul was trying to impress upon his listeners then and us today how blessed and powerful the name of Jesus was then and is now.

Paul continues by adding that when we say the name of Jesus we are also affirming our belief the Jesus is one with the Father. We give glory to God the Father as well as the Son when we say the name of Jesus.

There is in the Eastern church a popular devotion to the name of Jesus called the Jesus Prayer or the Prayer of the Heart. It is sometimes prayed on beads such as the rosary. Reciting the Jesus Prayer becomes a mantra when repeated several times throughout the day. It is a quiet personal way to pray keeping Jesus ever present in your mind, on your heart and lips.

"Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner!" or simply repeating the name of "Jesus".

My prayer for today is that you begin to focus more attention on the name of Jesus, either through the reverent bowing of your head or through the practice of the Jesus Prayer.

If you want more information on the Jesus Prayer here is one source:
The Jesus Prayer

I chose this original picture because it was of a woman sitting at the feet of Jesus looking up into his face. This kaleidoscope captures the image of the beauty of the name of Jesus.

Pearls of Wisdom

"I Wisdom, dwell with experience, and judicious knowledge I attain." Proverbs 8:12

Wisdom is of divine origin and is often personified as a woman.

Wisdom...what does it really mean?

The Canticle of Sirach says, Happy the man who meditated on wisdom and reflects on knowledge. Wisdom simple yet complex...attainable yet allusive.
Is wisdom reserved for scholars of the time? Can we come to acquire wisdom? The Saints did, but can we? Must we become philosophers? As adults we even grow wisdom teeth which usually end up being extracted, since they crowd the other teeth. We consider our elders to be repositories of societal wisdom.

In the first Letter of Saint John it is written..."As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything...remain in him" 1 John 2:27 Does that mean wisdom will come in spite of ourselves?

While wisdom may be difficult to define it is innately recognized by others. Wisdom is a deeper understanding of what really matters.

Famous people like Einstein have been labeled as having great wisdom. Ancient Buddhism is firmly rooted in wisdom. Wisdom is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It seems that we value what wisdom holds for us. We are surrounded by knowledge, google wikipeadia, but wisdom patiently lies in waiting.

Today I pray for a deeper understanding of wisdom to always know the difference.
Ask God to lead you in the path of wisdom toward greater peace and happiness in your life.

I offer this prayer to you written by one of my favorite authors, Joyce Rupp.

A Prayer for Openness

Remember the Holy One is with you. Bring to mind this loving presence within you and around you as you pray the following:

1. Touch your fingertips to your forehead saying: Open my mind to remember your presence.
2. Touch your fingertips to your mouth, saying: Open my mouth to speak your wisdom.
3. Touch your fingertips to your heart, saying: Open my heart to extend your love.
4. Hold both hands out, open, palms up, saying: Open my hands to serve you generously.
5. Holding arms wide open, saying: Open my whole being to you.

Make a deep bow to the loving presence in you.

I chose a picture of Hot Air Balloons to create this Kaleidoscope

because wisdom lifts my heart and mind to greater heights.

Blessings

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus we also celebrate the birth of a new year. A new year filled with hopes for something better. We always hope for something better. I guess that is a good thing if we truly strive to be better in our lives.

We pray today for God to be gracious and bless us. We ask for blessings upon this new year. we ask for blessings for ourselves. It is only with the blessings of the Lord God that we can ever hope to be a better person.

We pray today for our world to be renewed in the peace only God can call forth.

We pray today for God to let his face shine upon us and be gracious to us.

We pray with the understanding and proof sent by God through the Spirit into our hearts that we are no longer slaves but daughters and sons. If we are daughters and sons then we are also heirs, through God. We affectionately cry out, "Abba, Father!"

We pray for God in his kindness and mercy to begin all good things for us in this new year and

to bring them to fulfillment in his time.

May all these blessings fo the Almighty Father remain in us and bring us joy and contentment.

I have appointed peace your governor, and justice your ruler. Is. 60:17

May the peace of God born in Jesus Christ be the future for which we hope and toward which we strive. (adapted from the Magnificat)

Other scripture inspiration from Numbers 6:24-26 and Galatians 4:6-7

Scripture4You

Please join me in celebrating January 1,2012 the beginning of

Scripture 4 You

I will be posting daily short reflections based on one of the scriptures of the day.

I truly believe that scripture is the Living Word.

I believe each day scripture holds a gem for all readers.

I invite you to join me as I uncover what the scripture means to me for each day.

If you love the Bible then this is the place for you.

I welcome all visitors to come and journey with me.

I look forward to our time together.

Come back to see how I connect kaleidoscopes to scripture.

With Love,

Faith Twins