“Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.”
–St. Bonaventure
Just a short note today. My friend John contacted me and he said that with all the violence and terrorism, we Catholics should flood social media with Mary’s image every time an act of terrorism is committed. Mary is the converter of hearts. This combined with our prayers can hopefully change some hearts out there.
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world! John 16:33
My family and I are on a vacation in Florida. Though we have been to the beach many times, this is our first to a beach with just my immediate family and my first to Destin, Florida. I was a little anxious about coming because of the state of the world these days, as things seem to be rapidly deteriorating, but I decided to put my trust totally in the Lord, and I asked Him to bless the trip, or block it, His will be done. As we got ready to depart, I discovered a downed tree in my backyard. It was downed by the previous nights storm;
Jason and I decided to call a tree removal guy and have the whole tree removed. It’s a Bradford pear, so no love lost as they are prone to splitting and are quite insidious trees. So off we went traveling to Florida.
Along the way we encountered an Interstate that was closed due to an accident, and a hail storm;
I wasn’t sure if God was blocking or blessing our trip, but I decided to be patient, as patience is a virtue I need to work on. After 8.5 hours, we arrived at the destination that should have only taken 6.5 hours, but we were safe and none the worse for wear.
We had saved up some money so we promised the kids we would do some fun things on this trip. My husband Jason, whom many know I lovingly call Mr. Finance Pants, and I decided to take the kids on a Snorkeling and Dolphin sight seeing boat trip this morning. It was quite expensive in terms of what we normally do, but we were excited and so were the kids.
We arrived at the boat dock just in time to see a storm cell moving in. There was lightening and thunder all over. The people at the sight seeing place assured us we would still have a trip but there would be a delay. We went and sat under an awning as rain, lightening and thunder poured all around us.
After about an hour, we were given the all clear. But I still had trepidation. You could still see storm cells around us, as well as lightening, though not as close as it had been. I decided, surely the boat Captain is used to this so we can trust his judgement on safety. On the way up to the dock, I saw this on the back of a T-shirt;
I thought to myself, “I’m following St. Catherine.” I couldn’t help but think of the metaphor here between my situation and life with God. I am boarding this ship, which is surrounded by storms and I am trusting that all will come out okay. The ship reminded me of the Barque of Peter.
“if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 1:Timothy 3:15
As we boarded the ship, we got our picture taken by the ships crew;
My family
And off we went, driving a boat into what looked like another storm cell to me. I had confidence in the Captain who must know not to drive us into a lightening storm. The Captain began speaking. “Hello, my name is Skylar, and I will be your Captain.” Oh my, I was pretty sure Skylar was 15. Well maybe he was 25, but still, I just put my family on a boat, near storms, in the hands of Skylar, the 15 year old, I thought to myself;
Skylar navigating our boat
As Skylar began to drive, with the lightening and thunder in the distance, I decided I had no control, and that now is as good a time as any to let go, say “Jesus I trust in you,” and hope that Skylar really does know what he is doing.
As we drove off, the song, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for,” by U2, played over the loud speaker. I thought, isn’t that the cry of every human heart… We are looking for the Father.
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” John 14:8
I really want to be shown the Father, but Lord, not today, I thought to myself, as I sat back into the boat.
We arrived at the place to snorkel. Skylar informed us of how everything should be done. Over on the other side of the rocks from where we were, I could still see a lightening storm. It was probably far off, but it seemed close to me. I looked out into the other direction of the sky and saw two clouds forming columns;
I immediately thought of St. John Bosco’s vision of two columns. I again felt like I was living in a metaphor. I was on a boat with a storm nearby, but I know, the Blessed Mother, and Mother Church that gives the Eucharist are my guides, today as much as any other day. I hopped in the water and I began snorkeling with my children and my husband. Though the weather above wasn’t great, there was a calm beneath the sea. The snorkel makes you breathe slow and steady, you can hear every breath you take. I know all that I am and all that I have belong to God. I feel a sense of peace.
After we finish snorkeling, we climb back aboard the ship to go see dolphins, and ride around on the boat awhile. Dolphins really are breath taking creatures that God created. After awhile, the skies began to clear, and Skylar announced that the children can come up and drive the boat;
My son and my daughter driving the boat
I found meaning in the clear skies with the children driving;
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
The day became beautiful and as Journey’s “Don’t stop believing” played on the radio, I looked up at the American flag flying atop the boat, and I saw another flag flying underneath it;
He was guiding us all along, saying Do not be afraid in the midst of the storm, and leading us to a joyful day.
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Ecclesiastes 9:7
Whatever storms life brings upon us, remember to walk with Christ, and that though we all will endure suffering, there is always joy on the other side.
I pray everyday for the Father to make my will one with His. That I mean the words of the Our Father…Thy Will Be Done… and that no matter my misteps, taking my family out in a boat in a storm, he will make straight my crooked path, or my crooked wake as the case may be.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Scene from the Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your Mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home….But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. John 19:25-27 and 33-34
At the foot of the Cross two Eves converge.
One saved before she was conceived.
One conceived because of the sacrifice of the cross where blood and water flowed.
One the greatest Saint ever known.
The other birthed by the God of love to form Saints.
One is a gift to the other. An example, of perfect humility to help guide the other.
Erasing the sin of the original Eve, o happy fault that gave to us a Redeemer.
Two Eves converge. One assumed into heaven and one an earthly authority.
Let them each guide you. Mother church and the Blessed Mother given to us to take into our homes.
“For he commands his angels with regard to you,
to guard you wherever you go” Psalm 91:11
From my journal July 6, 2016
Beloved,
There are angels all around now. An army of them because my faithful need them in the trying times ahead. Call on the angels, they are there for you. Repent and mercy is yours. Know that I am intimately involved in your life. Things unfolding in front of you pass through my hands. Learn to let go and totally trust. What seems important now will seem unimportant in a very short time. Worry and anxiety add nothing. I will deliver you from the evil one. Love one another. Stay with Me.
Abba
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
Some of you may remember that a little while back I had an encounter with the Blessed Mother. Ever since then, I have looked for a Mary with a gray mantle. Last night, I was just sitting on my couch and I felt pop into my head, “I am Our Lady of Humility.” I was unaware that this was one of her titles. Perhaps I should have known, but I did not.
I quickly googled Our Lady of Humility, and the image above popped up. And there she was in a gray mantle with gold trim and a red dress. I found this blog by Father Jerabek, where he states that this image is venerated in a chapel in Rome in a house for American Priests. I don’t know why all of this was a surprise to me. I feel like I should have known.
This is very special to me because I fully feel in prayer that our humility is key to making the world be a better place. Mary is the highest example of humility. I have also felt extremely called to pray for Priests and here was this Icon in a house for American Priests. It’s like God was giving me a little wink.
I noticed the Icon has Mary looking toward heaven, toward God, the direction she always points us. It is here where I feel her calling me to adore her Son in Eucharistic adoration and to receive Him frequently at Mass.
This morning I woke up and my friend Gina sent me this picture,
It was taken by Father Geoff Rose, at Catholic Heart Work Camp adoration last night (6/6/16). It is a beautiful reminder of the Real Presence that we get to receive everyday at Mass. I don’t know a lot about the picture, except that it touched my heart.
Jesus’ love and mercy are there for us, if only we say Yes. The Gospel this morning from Mark 1:15 started out with, “The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” Indeed it is and indeed we should. I don’t know if this all means as much to you out there as it does to me, but I will go forth in joyfully in the Lord in this choatic world of ours because I know HE is here with me. Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.
Today is also my husband’s birthday. He has been such a gift to me. Please keep him in your prayers.
Ghent altarpiece
He who refuses to pass through the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice. (Diary of St. Faustina 1146).
There’s been a lot of talk of mercy lately. And we all know Mercy is scandalous because mercy forgives what seems unforgivable. But sometimes I see a blur in the lines of what people think mercy is. Mercy is compassionate to those who need compassion. Mercy forgives, but to be clear, Mercy does not condone sin. Mercy forgives sin. And in order for one to be forgiven and receive mercy, one must be sorry and want to receive mercy. Don’t puff up in pride of your sin and let mercy pass you by. If you don’t receive mercy because you’re not sorry and you reject it, you will receive Justice. Repent and believe in the Gospel.
The Chapel where I pray, at First Friday Adoration
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out: “To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13
It has been a crazy couple of weeks. My parents have moved down to be near us. Currently they are in my house waiting for their place to be ready. I love having them here and I am grateful they decided to move closer. It is hard to watch your parents age, and I am happy to be closer where I can be there for them if they need me.
My friend Eva, her scans still show no cancer, but she still has tumor/scar tissue that causes her pain, so please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Lately, as I have watched the world descend into chaos, I have felt a sense of urgency. A sense that we should be praying the Rosary and going to Adoration more than ever. That though the world thinks political leaders are powerful, they really have no idea of the power which belongs to our God. And it is in knowing this, that I can feel peace and calm, in the midst of all this worldly chaos.
As you know, under the guidance of my Spiritual Director, I write a journal. The journal is what pops in my head as letters from God to me. The other day, I felt anxious, so I decided to go sit in the Chapel with the Lord. Here is what I recorded, it brought me great comfort, so I hope it does for you too;
June 29, 2016
Beloved,
Stop trying to figure things out and let me take care of you. When you need something in the future, I will provide it. Walk with complete trust. I give you a glimpse so you can draw people back to me. But you cannot see as I see. All is well. Have no anxiety. Keep the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart in your homes and in your heart. There is nothing you will need that I can’t provide when the time comes. Events are unfolding. Remember all passes through my hands. I am the complete and sovereign Almighty because I AM. Those who think they control will soon learn that they do not. I love you always.
Abba
This is about completely trusting God. Be thankful for everything and know the difference between a need and a want. Detach yourself from the material items. If you are struggling, know that God is your friend and go sit with Him awhile and pray. “Pray, hope, don’t worry.” – St. Padre Pio
Me and Charlie Johnston on Pentecost Sunday 2016
“I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ John 1:23
On Pentecost Sunday this year my Spiritual Director arranged for Charlie Johnston and I to meet. He came to visit me at my house. I didn’t really know what to say, a mystic in my house and all. I like Charlie and I follow his blog and what he is saying. I have paid close attention to what Charlie’s Bishop said about him… no condemnation…I will always abide by what the church says.
My dog, Rosie (also known as St. Rose of Lima) did not bark at him. She barks at everyone. Charlie told me some call him Doctor Doolittle. I seriously was astounded she didn’t go crazy barking, she always does.
Charlie says he doesn’t like being called a mystic. He says he is here to spread hope. He definitely does that. I spoke with him about many things, my fears, my questions. In the end I walked away with a duty. To remain true to my promise to God. I will not go into everything we talked about, but I will tell you to remain in faith and hope.
Each of us has a calling, a gift of the Holy Spirit. I know my purpose. I am here to tell you that God loves you. I am here to tell you that there is a life of love and joy in Jesus Christ. I am here to let you know that God’s promise is true. He is here to prosper you and not to harm you. This does not mean that we won’t suffer. In fact, I believe we all will suffer. But if you trust in the Lord, even when you can’t see, He will never abandon nor forsake you. If hope becomes an act of will, ask God to make your will one with His. Our God is good, all the time. Remember that in the coming months and years. If you have been running from God, stop, let Him love you, and change the way you are living. It is fitting that Charlie came to visit on Pentecost Sunday. I am passionate for Christ and feel the call to go out and make disciples of all nations, just as Pentecost enabled the early church to do. God Bless each and every one of you.
** For those of you who don’t know, I found out about Charlie because on December 20, 2014 I had a dream and other bloggers pointed out that it was the same day Charlie had a vision.
Agony in the Garden by Franz Schwartz
Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Luke 22:38
On June 8, 2016 I sat down to read the 5th hour of the 24 hours of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ by Louisa Piccarreta
She has set the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane in total darkness. She cannot find Christ. It is pitch black. She finds him by hearing his breathing. She holds him.
I close my eyes and picture myself there. I hold him and place my head against his chest. His breathing is labored. I feel oppression all around. He is seeing the sins of man. He is taking it all on. He allows me to feel but a glimpse of this sin. The blackness is so heavy it makes me hurt and I almost want to let go of Him because it hurts so bad. But I do not want to let go of my Lord. When my decision is made to keep holding onto Him, even in the pain and agony of what I have seen and felt, I can feel Him remove the blackness. Even removing the blackness in me. My sin. I know what is on the other side of this agony. He is teaching me to love like Him. He takes my sin away and my shame is lifted. I feel a love like I have never felt before. He imparts on me to have this self – giving love. To love others even when they sin. If I can love them, I can lead them to Him. Their sin can be taken away just like mine. I felt communion with Him in the garden. I know the passion of the church is coming. I know to hold on tight to Christ through it even when it hurts. Resurrection and glory are on the other side.
Though the mountains fall away and the hills be shaken, My love shall never fall away from you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you. O afflicted one, storm-battered and unconsoled, I lay your pavements in carnelians,your foundations in sapphires; I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of jewels,and all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the LORD; great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:10-14
The world seems chaotic these days. Hate seems to permeate the air. Social media has enabled us to dehumanize. It reminds me of road rage. We think because we can’t see the person in the car, they are not human, we curse and gesture at them, having no idea of the life in the car. The same thing is going on with the computer, we have no idea of the life on the other end, so we curse, we dehumanize, we speak hate.
Remember that what you say matters, even if it is on the internet;
A good person brings forth good out of a store of goodness, but an evil person brings forth evil out of a store of evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:35-37
Remember also to always seek truth. There is righteous anger, and there is wrath. Know the difference;
Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil. Ephesians 4:25-27
Ask yourself this question in each situation, “What does love ask?” God is love, so you are asking what He asks of you. It is easy these days to get caught up in a spiral of distress or despair. Division everywhere causes you to dehumanize your fellow man. We label them, unable to think anything but wrath and hate. How do we stop this? What does love ask?
When I feel myself getting this way, I stop and strip it down to simplicity. God asks me to love the person right in front of me. God asks me to deal with the situation in front of me. Sometimes the best way to do that is to step away from social media. Put the phone down. Call a friend and have that interpersonal relationship. Hug people. Human touch is important, not in a sexual way, but in an agape love way. I hug people everyday. It makes me see them as humans loved by God and makes me know myself as loved too. If hugging isn’t your thing, then find a way to connect that is. Make sure you pray. Prayer and quiet calm the heart.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
The only person I can control is myself. I can spread God’s love and joy, or I can descend into the chaos. There’s nothing the devil would like more than to see each of God’s Christian children descend into chaos. This is a time to put total trust in God. Abandon yourself to him. Let Him totally steer your ship. He can calm your heart when a storm is raging around you. If you keep your eyes on Him, you can have that peace that surpasses all understanding, and a faith that can move mountains.
A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” Mark 4: 37-41
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Veil of Veronica 