Dominion over all.

Lectionary: 379
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
The Martyrs of Rome under Nero

"and goodness like an unfailing stream." I would love for one of my children to use that image to describe me as a mom. The first reading from the book of Amos makes it very simple: seek good and not evil. God doesn't want our proclamations, he wants our actions and our heart to always choose good.
One more thing: God has dominion over everything! The psalm reminds us that all we see, feel, and breathe is his. He even has dominion over the demons. What Jesus shows us in the gospel is pure authority. He has authority over every aspect in your life if you will give it to him. Or, will you be full of fear like the people of the village?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, letting go of my demons is scary. If I don't rely on my old ways, how will I act? I give you power and dominion over my life, especially my motherhood. I know that you have the authority to make me new and will help me to seek good and resist evil, in all its forms. In your precious name I pray, Amen. Martyrs of the early church, pray for me.

Sts. Peter and Paul.

Lectionary: 591
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul

What I love about Sts. Peter and Paul is how human they were. They didn't have any special gifts that made them 'saintly'. In fact, their faults were laid open for all to see. What they had was a desire to live for Christ.
One more thing: Peter and Paul are examples of people saying 'yes' to Christ's call. They didn't have everything they needed for the journey, but Christ gave them the Holy Spirit and they fulfilled his will for their lives through obedience and love. You and I can be like them, saying 'yes' to God each day and living out the vocation to which we were called with our utmost effort.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the example of Sts. Peter and Paul. Help me to live my vocation of motherhood with the fervor and dedication that they lived theirs. In your name I pray, Amen. Sts. Peter and Paul, pray for me.

Remember.

Lectionary: 377
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Irenaeus of Lyons

"Remember this you who never think of God." Today's psalm gives us a harsh rebuke against hypocrisy. God wants more than lip-service. He wants us to act like he is on our minds all the time.
One more thing: Jesus saw the crowd and wanted to go to the other shore. I wonder why? Do you think perhaps he was trying to get away from the people who were only there for the curiosity show? Was he trying to find his true followers; those who would leave their mother and father and the comforts of home to be with him? Was he trying to find those who would do more than just profess with their mouth and live out his commands?
Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to think of you always, even when I am tempted to rely on myself. Be with me when I am mothering my children and help me to make act like I am your child and a follower of Christ. In his holy name I pray, Amen. St. Irenaeus, pray for me.

When you gotta go.

Lectionary: 99
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
St. Cyril of Alexandria

Today's readings speak about being called. Elijah called Elisha and he burned his prize possessions and made a new start as one of God's chosen prophets. In the gospel, Christ calls his followers to make a new start and follow him. What is Christ calling you to do?
One more thing: To follow Christ's call means to leave all that you were before and become a new person in Him. When Christ called you to be a mom, your life changed dramatically. There may be times when you lament 'the good old days' before children, but Christ tells us in today's gospel to never look back. He called, you said yes, and now you must keep your eyes on him and follow where he leads. As the saying goes, "If he called you to it, he will lead you through it."
Prayer: Jesus, it is my privilege to answer your call and be a mom. Help me in those moments when I turn from looking ahead and look behind. Help me to be steadfast and embrace the journey with you. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Cyril, pray for me.

Roof top.

Lectionary: 376
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Blessed Raymond Lull

'Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.' The centurion knew he didn't have a perfect home and family, but he had faith that Christ would help him anyway.
One more thing: How many of us would be ready if Jesus decided to just stop by? Would we want to tidy up our home and our relationships before he came over? The centurion shows us that Jesus' love is not dependent upon our perfection. He only wants us to come to him with our needs and ask for his help. He is always there for us, no matter the condition under our roof.
Prayer: Jesus, I welcome you into my home and family. We are full of flaws and shortcomings, but I know with your help we can become the family you want us to be. In your name I pray, Amen. Blessed Raymond Lull, pray for me.

Getting sacked.

Lectionary: 375
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Blessed Jutta of Thuringia

No, I'm not making this up. Apparently there really was a woman named Jutta from Thuringia. She was the wealthy wife of a nobleman. Her husband died on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and after raising her children, Jutta devoted her life to the care of the poor.
One more thing: I always love to hear of saints with husbands and children. Sometimes I think it's just impossible to live the gospel with the brood under my roof. But I take courage from women like Jutta and strive to do better. Just like Jerusalem which was captured repeatedly, even when I fall, I get right back up and rebuild my efforts to be a woman of God and the mother he intends for me to be.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you healed the leper simply because he asked. Today I ask you to give me the fortitude to continue to live out my vocation as you want me to, especially on the days that are difficult. In your precious name I pray, Amen. Blessed Jutta, pray for me.

John is his name.

Lectionary: 587
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Elizabeth and Zechariah bucked tradition in many ways. To begin with, they were older parents. Then they chose a strange name for their child.  John turned out to be just like his parents; he was the kind of guy that marched to his own drummer. What Elizabeth and Zechariah taught him was to follow God, even if that took him off the well worn path.
One more thing: There may be times when you make parenting decisions you feel are directed by God, that might not sit well with the your family or  friends. Fear may 'come upon them' and they probably will discuss the matters of how you've gone off the deep end by doing this or that. Zecheriah and Elizabeth are perfect examples of how to be a parent. Stay close to God and follow his will. If you do that, you will teach your children the most valuable lesson of all.
Prayer: Dear God, you have made each of my children perfectly in your image. You know the plans for them and their life. Help me be an instrument to guide my children in the path you desire for them. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. St. John the baptist, pray for me.

Good fruit.

Lectionary: 373
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. John Fisher

"By their fruits you will know them." Jesus assures us that the proof is in the pudding. We can give lip service to the gospel but when it comes down to it, can we live it?
One more thing: Today Christ speaks of hypocrisy and no one picks up on that faster than children. They have a filter for seeing right through a scam. That places a heavy responsibility on us as moms because they watch and model every move we make. Sure, they might listen now and then to what we say, but they are harvesting our fruits all day long.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to bear good fruit. Give me the fortitude to do what I say and teach to my children, fully living your word. In your name I pray, Amen. St. John Fisher, pray for me.

The narrow gate.

Lectionary: 372
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More went through the narrow gate. Going through that gate brought him imprisonment and cost him his life, but he followed Christ and his conscience and assuredly went through the 'pearly gates' to live with Jesus forever.
One more thing: Someone recently told me that Christ is so much more than salvation. In other words, we don't have to wait until death to find him. We can reach out and hold his hand as we travel the narrow rocky path, much the way our children reach to grab our hand when they are unsteady. The way through the narrow gate is with Jesus by our side.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me the way to eternal life. Be with me and help me to choose the road that leads to you, even if it is difficult to travel. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Thomas More, pray for me.

Planks.

Lectionary: 371
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Aloysius Gonzaga

I imagine all the planks I have laying around could start a sizable bonfire! I notice Jesus doesn't say "if" you have a beam in your eye, he says "while the wooden beam is in your eye". We all have sin, and seeing our own sin is always much harder than seeing someone else's.
One more thing: I know Jesus is talking to moms in today's gospel. I have to guard myself from becoming a watchdog over my kid's faults. If I feel like one of my kid's behavior is getting out of hand, I stop and think what is my behavior like at this moment. Is there something I'm doing to get this response from them? Do I need to pull out any beams so that I may see the situation more clearly and guide them to right behavior?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for setting me straight. Help me to purge myself of sin so that I may teach my children to live a life pleasing to you. St. Aloysius Gonzaga, patron saint of youth, pray for me and my children.

Happy Father's Day!

Dear Friends,
I am away for the weekend celebrating Father's Day with my family. I wish many blessings for your families this weekend.
In Christ,
Catholic Mama

Where is your heart?

Lectionary: 369
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Venerable Matt Talbot

Last night I told a friend who was going through a difficult time that he was earning gold bricks in heaven. While the expression may be trite, we really do store treasure there every time we practice Christ-like love.
One more thing: Kids relate to tangible things like money. Start a "pennies for heaven" jar in your house. Use play money or poker chips and deposit a coin every time someone in the family shows love and caring to some one else.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your example of how to live. Help me to follow that example and store up my treasure in heaven, not here on earth. In your name I pray, Amen. Venerable Matt Talbot, pray for me.

Private prayer.

Lectionary: 367
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Saint Cyricus and Julitta


Preach the gospel always; if necessary use words. (attributed to St. Francis of Assisi)
One more thing: Jesus isn't looking for a theater troupe. However, church can be a place where people put on a show! Some of the "Amen's" said just a little too loudly, some of the prayer responses sung with a little too much style. While not judging, it makes me suspect of the sincerity of what a person is proclaiming. I think that is what Jesus' message is saying today. Being overt in your faith in a way that is off-putting does nothing to help spread the gospel, especially to our children. Rather, living a life of genuine love brought forth by private prayer, fasting and almsgiving, attracts more people to Christ.
Prayer:Lord Jesus, help me to be humble in my ministry as a mother. Let me not make a spectacle of my devotion, rather, help me to live my devotion to you. In your name I pray, Amen.

Loving the unloveable.

Lectionary: 366
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Servant of God, Orlando Catanii


"For he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust." God shown no partiality among us. He loves us all. Can we imitate him? 
One more thing:Some folks are just unloveable. Some may even live in your house! A surly teen or cranky toddler can get the best of us. But God loves each of us no matter what. Our challenge as moms is to completely love our kids always, no matter what response we get from them. 
Prayer: Dear God, help me to love those in my life who are most difficult to love. Thank you for the model you give me in your son Jesus. In his name I pray, Amen. Servant of God, Orlando, pray for me. 

Cheek to cheek.

Lectionary: 365
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Albert Chmeilowski

When the hurts run deep, it's hard to imagine turning the other cheek. I don't think Jesus wants anyone to be a human door mat. To me, he is saying not to sweat it. Let it go. A grudge does more harm to the person holding it than the person its held against.
One more thing: "Offer no resistance to one who is evil." Lest you be drawn into sin yourself. Nothing good comes from fighting, bickering, snide comments, hateful looks. It makes you just as bad as the person who hurt you. Rather than look for ways to get back at someone, simply ignore them, avoid them, pretend it didn't happen.  Living with the joy and love of Christ may well be the greatest revenge!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to bear slights, insults and sufferings as you did. Help me to stay focussed on what really matters: my heavenly home with you! Give me a spirit of humility and a joy in you that spreads to my children. I ask this in your precious name, Amen. St. Albert, pray for me.

At His feet.

Lectionary: 93
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
Feast of St. Anthony of Padua

Today's image speaks volumes to me about the sincerity of the woman in the gospel and the mercy of Christ. Jesus always gives forgiveness without condemnation. It's so beautiful! I wish I could be like that with my own family.
One more thing: How often our children make wrong choices while growing up. Whether they are two and scribble over the wall with permanent marker or 16 and wreck the car, they make mistakes. When mine come to me with repentance, I admit it is hard to forgive them without throwing in the, "If you had only listened," or the "Why can't you just follow directions," or even the dreaded, "I told you so." Make a commitment today to try to forgive as Jesus does: deeply, wholly, and without condemnation.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I see myself as that woman at your feet in so many ways. I bring to you all the times I have failed to make good choices, especially in my vocation of motherhood. Thank you for your loving mercy. Help me to forgive others, especially my children, as you forgive me. In your precious name I pray. St. Anthony of Padua, pray for me.

A mother's heart.

Lectionary: 364 and 573
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Is there anything like a mother's heart? Sometimes it feels so full it will just burst open with joy, love and pride. Other times it aches with sorrow, regret, burdens and disappointments. Mary's perfect heart knew every emotion you feel in yours. She loved with an infinitely more perfect love and suffered sorrows many of us will never know.
One more thing: Mary is more than just a role model. She is someone you want to have in your momtourage. She is a friend, confidant, and advocate. She has felt everything you are feeling as a mom. As your heavenly mother, she will comfort you and pray to her son on your behalf. Remember the wedding at Canna? Jesus performed his first miracle because his mother asked him to. Let her too bring your desires to his ear. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, your mother had an obedient and deep love for God. Help me to form my heart to be more like hers, always saying yes to God's call and being faithful to my vocation of motherhood. In your name I pray, Amen. Mother Mary, pray for me. Amen.

Lost lambs.

Lectionary: 172
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
Solemnity of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus


The Sacred Heart of Jesus is what drove him to die for us. It is what motivates him to seek after us when we are lost and to welcome us back to him when we are sorry. It is the complete and perfect love that he has for each of us which caused that heart to be pierced and suffer. 
One more thing: You might not have much shepherding experience, but you are a parent. As such, you know how you worry about your child and how every fiber of your being is spent caring for them, especially if they are sick or worse, lost. The next time you hug your child and tell them you love them, remind them Christ loves them even more! 
Prayer: My Lord Jesus, thank you for your infinite and perfect love. Thank you for suffering for me so that I may know your love. Help me to mirror that love to my family and all those around me. In your precious name I pray, Amen. 

Storms brewing.

Lectionary: 362
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Blessed Joachima


In the gospel today Christ calls us to take a good long look in the mirror. He reminds us that you can't talk out both sides of your mouth, professing to be Christian on the one hand, and harboring resentment or anger in the other. When Jesus uses the word brother, he may mean 'neighbor or friend' but if we are honest, it really is our relations with which we have the hardest time living the gospel. 
One more thing: If you have siblings with whom you should reconcile, consider doing your part by apologizing or forgiving. Family relationships are complicated, but teaching your children now how to effectively communicate with one another will go a long way toward building a foundation for their future relationship. Jesus shows us that wrongs done, no matter how small, should be recognized and resolved. How easily does your family apologize and forgive? 
Prayer: Father of mercy, you are always willing to forgive me when I have done wrong. Thank you for your infinite mercy. Help me to be as ready to forgive and just as ready to apologize. Help me to model and teach this same spirit of mercy to my children so that they too will be a reflection of you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Blessed Joachima, pray for me. 

Who is your god?

Lectionary: 361
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Ephrem


Elijah knocks me over with his absolute faith in God. The God of Israel did not change, the people did. God was still the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and he is still the same God today. He still awaits the return of his people. 
One more thing: God did not change his mind and send Jesus. God is steadfast and the same, forever and ever. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that went before. The only thing that changes is our faith and belief. Doubt overtakes us and we look to other god's for what we need. What are the god's that creep into your family life? 
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the one true God! Thank you for your steadfast love for me and for your son Jesus. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you and forsake all other gods! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Ephrem, pray for me. 

Shine.

Lectionary: 360
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. William of York


Things looked bleak for the widow and her son. Along came God's messenger and because of her obedience and trust, she was given all that she needed. Are there situations in your life that look bleak? A loved one's health, a job, or a relationship? I have to wonder if that widow has asked for help from anyone, or did she go along acting as if everything was fine. If she were a typical woman of today, she would try to keep it all polished and shiny on the outside. However, God knew the deep needs of her heart, and he knows yours too. 
One more thing: No situation is too small for God. I just discovered some mold in my house today and had to wrestle with my own panic. Prayer and reflection on today's readings give me peace and allow me to try and turn that empty jar into a shining lamp on a pedestal. 
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for always giving us what we need, when we need it. Help me to rely on you with trust and obedience that you are in control of every situation in my life. Help me to live that faith genuinely so that I may shine forth as a reflection of you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. William, pray for me. 

Not forgotten.

Lectionary: 359
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Robert Newminster


This is the gospel for those who long for greater things in this world. God has not forgotten you! When I read this gospel I'm reminded of the not so popular kids at school. You know the ones, the humble, shy, smart, quirky, good natured, forgotten kids. Your kids may be like this; I know mine are. They wonder why the kids who are rich, good looking, arrogant, sometimes mean and often selfish are the popular ones. They wonder if it pays to be the good guy. 
One more thing: In the sermon on the mount, Jesus clearly tells us it pays to be the good guy. Only, the payoff won't come in this world. That's why we have to remind ourselves and our children to keep our eyes on heaven. Through every turmoil, challenge, and even joy, keep your eyes on the kingdom and great will be your reward! 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your encouragement! I need this now more than ever! Help me to keep my eyes toward heaven and to teach my children to strive for their just reward in God's kingdom with you. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Robert, pray for me. 

Weekend posts.

Dear Friends, 

I am on retreat this weekend. Regular postings will resume Monday June 7. I wish you all a blessed weekend!

Blessings, 

Catholic Mama

The great commandments.

Lectionary: 356
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and companions

"Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,

so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus"

Jesus was a descendant of David and the bible stresses his genealogy often. Who knows what your descendants will do or who among them will be chosen to do something extraordinary for God. Therefore, bear everything and persist in teaching your children the most important commandments, even if you have to do it over and over again! 

One more thing: If your child ever talks back saying, "I know, I know, love your neighbor as yourself," then you've done something right! While they might not always act on what they know, remember they are still children. They are experimenting with behavior and learning where the boundaries are.  If they have that solid foundation to love God and neighbor, they will usually come back to it. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to persist in emphasizing your great commandments, even when I'm tired of repeating myself. Let those words sink into my children so that they realize that loving as you do is what will bring us to the kingdom of God. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Charles, pray for me. 

Summer!

Lectionary: 355
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Erasmus

"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control."

Feeling a little weak at the knees with the thought of eight weeks of summer ahead of you? Take courage! God has called you to motherhood and he will give you the power to live your vocation fully and with confidence. 

One more thing: God is the God of the living. He is here for you in his Holy Spirit for all your joys and challenges. Call on him this summer when you are relishing family time AND when things get a little heated in the back seat during a road trip. 

Prayer: Father in heaven, bless my family as we begin our summer together. May this be a time of rest and renewal, of fun and blessing for us all. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. St. Erasmus, pray for me. 

Give to Caesar.

Lectionary: 354
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Saint Petronilla

"Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong, And most of them are fruitless toil, for they pass quickly and we drift away."

How much time will you spend today in fruitless toil? We are always so 'busy' these days. But if you think about it and really pare down what activities are necessary, you can weed out a lot of wasted time. 

One more thing: Jesus too seems to say in the gospel today not to spend time on the small stuff. He didn't come to eradicate taxes, he came to show people how to live a Godly life within the confines of the social structure they found themselves. If you are getting overwhelmed with the news these days, turn it off! It can be frustrating when you realize you can't change things, but you have to consider whether or not that's your calling. If not, give to Caesar what belongs to him and then spend your time wisely doing what it is God IS calling you to do today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to recognize all the ways I spend my time that don't bear fruit. Help me to balance my life with prayer, rest, work and play, so that I may teach my children how to balance theirs. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Petronilla, pray for me.