Weekend.

Hello Friends,

I will be enjoying the weekend with my family out of town. As always you can access the daily readings at the USCCB website. Meditations will resume on Monday.

God Bless,

Catholic Mama

Chosen.

Lectionary: 666
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Sts. Simon and Jude

In today's gospel, Jesus had a big decision to make.  He spent the entire night in prayer before he chose his disciples. It was no mistake that he chose Peter, who would later deny him, or Thomas, who would doubt him, or even Judas, who would betray him. He chose each disciple despite their shortcomings.
One more thing: If Jesus spent that much time and prayer choosing disciples, don't you think there was a significant amount of Godly thought put into choosing you as the mother for your children?  God formed them knowing everything about them and everything about you. He chose you as the perfect mother for them. When I am having challenges with my children, it both humbles and strengthens me to remember that I am perfectly chosen to do this job.
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for choosing me to mother these precious souls. Give me the grace I need to live my vocation as fully as you intend. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Sts. Simon and Jude, pray for me.

Honor your mother.

Lectionary: 481
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza

Admit it mom, you are rubbing your hands together with glee over today's first reading! St. Paul talks to us today about order. There is a holiness found in order. Without order, there can't be any growth or formation. Chaos breeds more chaos.
One more thing: Obedience is not something many of us are naturally inclined to do. It's simply not part of our nature. I suppose that has to do with that gift of free will. My job as a parent is to form my child's nature to be in obedience, even when it isn't something they want to do. I'm having a tough time with that from my two youngest right now. My daughter in particular doesn't want to concede to my authority. It's more her temperament to be the boss. However, St. Paul tells us the fourth commandment comes with a promise. Therefore, I can't be weary or slack in expecting order in my home. When the master of the house opens the door, I want him to invite me in!
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of my family. Help me to establish order in my home so that my children will learn and grow. Give me the grace to parent with mercy so as not to provoke my children to anger, but to nurture their obedience. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Blessed Bartholomew, pray for me.

Kneading the dough.

Lectionary: 480
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Blessed Cartardo Ferrini

If you have ever made bread, you know what hard work it is to knead the dough. The purpose of kneading is to spread the yeast throughout the mixture. Yeast is a tiny little organism that when used correctly, has pretty big results.
One more thing: Christ tells me in today's gospel that spreading his message takes time. The domestic church takes time and effort to grow and prosper, just like the yeast in dough. I take encouragement from Jesus' words today and I know that as long as I work for him, he will multiply my efforts.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your words of encouragement as I grow the domestic church that is my family. Bless my efforts and help me to show by example your great love and mercy. In your precious name I pray, Amen. Blessed Cartardo, pray for me.

Mirror image.

Lectionary: 479
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Antonio de Sant'Anna

"Behave like God as his very dear children."
One more thing: I'm humbled when I think of myself as a child of God. I think about all the times I'm correcting my kids and imagine God doing the same to me. More sobering is putting myself in the place of a child who usually misbehaves more often than I get it right. God doesn't put me in time out or take away privileges, but the natural consequences of failing to behave like he does usually results in me punishing myself. If I'm supposed to imitate my heavenly father, then my children are supposed to imitate me. When they misbehave do I see a reflection of myself?
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for showing me how to live. Help me to imitate your great love and mercy and show that to my children, so that their behavior will be a reflection of you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Mama pride.

Lectionary: 150
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
St. Anthony Claret

Ever see misbehaving kids in the grocery store and thank God those aren't YOUR kids? Mom pride creeps up on us pretty fast. In my experience, though, my kids know just how to humble me back to earth.
One more thing: I might think I'm never like the Pharisee in today's gospel, but every time I pass inner judgement on another mom, I'm doing the same thing. Parenting has it's challenges, and if you haven't experienced any yet, chances are you meant to google another website. Sometimes I'm in the zone and think I'll get mother-of-the-year for sure, but I'm pretty quickly humbled by a mouthy pre-teen or screaming toddler. When I see a mom I'm tempted to pass judgement on, I quickly stop and pray for her. If I'm able, I offer an encouraging smile or a kind word.  God's mercy extends most generously to those of us who acknowledge our failings. Those of us who are humble will be exalted!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, protect me from the sin of pride. Help me to humble myself within my vocation and offer encouragement, not judgement, to other moms. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Anthony of Claret, pray for me.

Worthy of the call.

Lectionary: 477
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Peter of Alcantara

"I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace;"
One more thing: This is one of my favorite scriptures for moms. Other translations use the word 'vocation' for call. To me, this scripture sums up the job description, mission and vision of my vocation. I often fall short, but I strive to live it every day. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have called me to the vocation of motherhood. Help me to live out my vocation with humility, gentleness, patience, love and promoting peace within my family. I can only do it with your help and grace. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Peter of Alcantara, pray for me. 

Family matters.

Lectionary: 476
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel

St. Cornelius

"I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,"

One more thing: St. Paul makes sure that his readers know that God is the Father of us all! No matter our color, or belief, we all originate from God. That said, Jesus reminds us that some of us may reject our Father. Just because we come from the same family upbringing doesn't mean we will all choose the same path. God has given us all the gift of free will, and that might bring discord among families, perhaps even mine. My job is to do everything I can to educate and nurture my children's faith. I can't force it; ultimately the decision is theirs. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of freely choosing you! Help me to live my life as a reflection of that choice. May my example lead my children to you as well! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Cornelius, pray for me. 

Fostering faith.

Lectionary: 475
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin

The Gentiles are the audience for today's readings. St. Paul emphasizes that they are co-heirs of the Kingdom. St. Luke writes a parable about who the rules are meant for. In the gospel, Jesus says the master will be lenient to those who are just learning the faith but trying to do their best. There are many levels of spiritual development and we aren't all in the same place!
One more thing: The same goes for our children. They are still developing physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually! Wow, that's a lot to keep up with. I need to consider their stage of development in all of these areas when I am teaching them and when I discipline them. If my lessons on faith and my expectations are beyond their development, I won't be effective at best, and I'll lose their heart at worst.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your mercy and understanding when we try to do our best but fall short. Give me that same spirit of encouragement and mercy toward my children. Help me to foster their faith in a way that grows with them. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Maria, pray for me.

Christ is the center.

Lectionary: 474
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Sts Isaac Jogues, John de Brebeuf and Companions

"My confidence is placed in God who does not need our help for accomplishing his designs. Our single endeavor should be to give ourselves to the work and to be faithful to him, and not to spoil his work by our shortcomings" (from a letter of Isaac Jogues to a Jesuit friend in France, September 12, 1646, a month before he died).
One more thing: St. Paul writes about the centrality of Christ to our lives both here on earth and after death. Christ is the only reason we have the hope of salvation. He is the connection between us here on earth and our Father in heaven. He is the bringer of the Holy Spirit. Today's feast day martyrs lived their lives with Christ as the center. Do I?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for living and dying for me. I worship and adore you! Help me to live my life as a reflection of your love. Help me to share the message of your salvation and love with my children every day. In your precious name I pray, Amen. Sts. Isaac, John and Companions, martyrs for your faith, pray for me. 

Friendship

Lectionary: 661
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Luke

The readings for the past week have told us a lot about friendship. We've meditated about gossip and how friends encourage us in prayer. Today's lectionary continues as we find St. Paul abandoned by all his friends except St. Luke. Luke is the only Gentile gospel writer and remained a true friend to St. Paul, even following him to Rome where he underwent his execution.
One more thing: Jesus sent the apostles out to preach, relying only on the kindness of strangers and friends. Jesus was very specific about the kind of hospitality that signifies a true friend. How often do I encounter someone who needs a friend? Do I welcome to stranger at my door? When I offer a kind word, a cup of coffee, a ride to ball practice, or dinner to someone, I'm showing hospitality and being a friend. Friendship is a simple ministry that makes a big difference!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the friends in my life. Help me to be the kind of friend who makes known the glorious splendor of your kingdom. May I model true friendship for my children and encourage and support them in their friend relationships. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Luke, pray for me.

Weary.

Lectionary: 147
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
St. Ignatius of Antioch

Today's readings tell us a lot about what we should do when we are tired of praying. Moses relied on help from his friends. Paul tells us to read the scriptures. And Jesus tells us not to give up; persistence pays off!
One more thing: Mom, I KNOW you are tired. It just comes with the job. However, Jesus tells us that our physical fatigue can't carry over into our prayer life. Whatever you are praying for, follow today's advice. Get some friends to pray with you. Read the scriptures to refresh your soul. And persevere always. God hears you! In a recent lecture on prayer by Bert Ghezzi, he said that God never says no. He either says "yes", or he says, "Wait, I have something better in store."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know the desires and burdens of my heart. Give me prayer partners who encourage me in my journey to you. Give me a desire for the scriptures. Please especially give me the patience and perseverance to wait for your timing in all that I ask. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen. St. Ignatius, pray for me.

Teach me what to say.

Lectionary: 472
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Marguerite d'Youville

I just started a new study group and at our first meeting this week we talked about temperament and grace. Two of the moms felt their faith attacked this week. It really pushed their temperament buttons and we discussed their reactions. They concluded that the Holy Spirit was with them at that moment because their response was not consistent with their temperament.
One more thing: Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will be with me in times of persecution and trial. My challenge is having a 'rational moment' where I stop from reacting and ask for his grace to help me in the situation. I'm pretty sure that if the Holy Spirit will be with me in front of rulers and authorities, he will also be with me in front of teachers, coaches, instructors and scout leaders. There may be times when I perceive my family's faith is attacked by the people who help me teach and train my children. In those moments, I need to remember the Holy Spirit is with me and will teach me what to say.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank you for being my constant companion. Help me to rely more completely on you in life's day to day situations, especially those where I feel persecuted. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Marguerite, pray for me.

Twitter.

Lectionary: 471
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Teresa of Avila

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops."
One more thing: My daughter came home today saying that the gossiping had started up at the lunch table again today. She takes it personally when there is discord amongst her friends. Jesus offers a great lesson today that I can share with her. To be upfront and honest in the dark as well as the light means you never have to be accused of being a hypocrite. It also gives comfort that Jesus reveals the only time we should have fear: not in rumors or squabbles, but in situations where we can be separated from him for eternity. 
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your providential care. Take away any spirit of fear, especially fear of rumors or persecution. Protect me from hypocrisy and the temptation to gossip. Give me the grace I need to teach my children how to be true to you in all they say and do. In your precious name, Amen. St. Teresa of Avila, pray for me. 

Sing a new song.

Lectionary: 470
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Callistus

"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds;"
What St. Paul tells us in today's first reading is cause for celebration! God our Father has redeemed us through the blood of Christ. We are his adopted sons and daughters!
One more thing: I admit, I sometimes take my salvation for granted. I forget what a wonderful thing God has done for me! I forget to bring the joy of my salvation to every part of my life. I can keep from inflicting further suffering for Christ when I embrace this joy and spread it to my children. I will try to sing joyfully to the Lord today in both my words and actions. I will let my children know the joy of the Lord through me!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of salvation through your son Jesus Christ. Help me to embrace the joy of my salvation in all that I do, especially for my children. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Callistus, pray for me.

Sacred heart.

Lectionary: 468
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

"...only faith working through love."
St. Paul carries on Christ's message in today's first reading. Its not the rules themselves that make us who we are. Its the spirit with which they are carried out. I think of the old Christian hymn based on a native American melody, "Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."
One more thing: St. Margaret Mary received many visions of Christ and his sacred heart. His message was of pain and further persecution by the slothful and lukewarm hearts that came to him in the Eucharist. Think about your heart today. Are you going through the motions of your faith, obeying the rules without a fervor and love for Christ? Are you teaching your children that its more important to obey the laws of the church than to live a life of love for Christ?
Prayer: My dear Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice of love that you made for me! Help me to never take it for granted or further your suffering by my ingratitude. Help me to show my children my love for you and to teach them about your great love for them. In your precious name, Amen. St. Margaret Mary, pray for me.

Meditations to resume.

Dear Friends,

After a relaxing break, its great to be back home with my family. I look forward to sharing the lectionary and meditations with you!

Blessings,

Catholic Mama

Vacation notice.

Dear Friends,

I will be out of town enjoying a get-away with my husband for a few days. The meditations will resume next week. As always, you can access the daily readings at the USCCB web site.

May God Bless you and your families.

Catholic Mama

vacation notice.

Dear Friends,

I will be out of town enjoying a get-away with my husband for a few days. The meditations will resume next week. As always, you can access the daily readings at the USCCB web site.

May God Bless you and your families.

Catholic Mama

Vacation notice.

Dear Friends,

I will be out of town enjoying a get-away with my husband for a few days. The meditations will resume next week. As always, you can access the daily readings at the USCCB web site.

May God Bless you and your families.

Catholic Mama

Vacation notice.

Dear Friends,

I will be out of town enjoying a get-away with my husband for a few days. The meditations will resume next week. As always, you can access the daily readings at the USCCB web site.

May God Bless you and your families.

Catholic Mama

Pray for mothers.

Lectionary: 464
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Our Lady of the Rosary

"What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?"
When I read this I sadly think about the young parents who recently made headlines by duct taping their toddler to the wall. Unfortunately, there are mothers in this world without guidance, without Christ, without Mary to show them how to truly love their children.
One more thing: Christ is the example of perfect love. He is the one that teaches us how to treat others. Mary is a role model for saying "yes" when Christ calls us to put our love into action. Won't you reach out to another mom today and encourage her? Perhaps a mom at your child's school or in the grocery store line needs a smile and a kind word. Better yet, would you say a rosary today for all mothers, especially those who don't have Christ in their life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son to teach us how to love one another. Thank you for his mother, Mary, who shows us how to put our love into action. Bless all mothers today, especially those struggling with parenting their children. Send a role model to them to teach them about Christ and about how to be the mother you want them to be. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for me.

Clearly wrong.

Lectionary: 463
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Bruno

St. Paul really lets St. Peter have it in today's first reading. In yesterday's reading, the lectionary focused on his repentance, and yet today it finds him actively seeking to root out the sin in his brethren. It seems this would be the kind of letter you wouldn't want to survive, but here it is. What is it telling us? I think that the church is trying to tell me that I have to look at my own life and acknowledge my own failings before I can help someone else correct theirs.
One more thing: I think hypocrisy creeps into parenting pretty easily. It's so much easier to tell people (especially little people) how to act than to follow my own advice. I've been focusing on St. Francis' prayer this week and I realize that I'm not always spreading peace in my house. In fact, if St. Paul popped over for coffee, he would probably give me a good tongue lashing too. Who guides you when you go astray? Feel free to post in the comment section below.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the friends that keep me on the straight path. Bring trusted and true people into my life to serve as my guides to you. Help me to always be true to you and your teaching, especially in my role as a mother. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Bruno, pray for me.

Divine Mercy.

Lectionary: 462
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska

In today's first reading, Paul talks about his past life. It must have been painful and embarrassing to own up to his deeds before he knew Christ. Yet, he uses is own life as an example of Christ's divine mercy. If Jesus can forgive St. Paul, don't you think he can forgive you?
One more thing: Some of us have regrets in our parenting lives. Perhaps there are things we have said or done in regards to our children that we wish we could do over. St. Faustina tells us that Jesus is the source of divine mercy. Bring the things you feel guilty about to him and let his forgiveness wash over you. Be like Paul and foster your relationship with Christ. Make a renewed commitment each day to show Christ's mercy and love to your kids.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am sorry for the times I have persecuted you by not being the mom you want me to be. Thank you for the gift of my vocation. Help me to live it showing your mercy and love to my children every day. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Faustina, pray for me.

Peacemaker.

Lectionary: 461
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Francis of Assisi

"If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ."
One more thing: St. Francis stopped trying to please people when he turned his back on his wealthy family and decided to live a life for Christ. Christ tells us in today's gospel what it means to live a life for him and to be a peacemaker. It means not worrying about what others might think about who you are or what you do. It means living a life of service and choosing what is right. If your play group, or your carpool or the other moms in the bleachers are giving you flack about how you live your life, don't worry about it! There is a saying that is attributed to St. Francis: "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words." Lead by your example and reach out to the outcast and the lonely. 
Prayer: Dear Lord, make me an instrument of your peace! Let me most especially be a peacemaker within my family, teaching my children to sow love, pardon, faith, hope, light and joy. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for me. 

Faith.

Lectionary: 141
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
St. Mother Theodore Guerin

Like the Old Testament prophet, St. Mother Theodore knew violence and discord. Her father was murdered when she was just 15. She cared for her mother and sister and then entered the convent at the age of 25. An early illness left her in fragile health. Still, followed the leadership of her superiors and left France to come to the United States in 1840. She and her community encountered many difficulties which led her to tell them, "Have confidence in the Providence that so far has never failed us. The way is not yet clear. Grope along slowly. Do not press matters; be patient, be trustful.” 
One more thing: The message of St. Mother Theodore matches today's gospel message. Jesus encourages us to plug along with life, doing what we have to do despite the difficulties. The apostles knew, however, that faith is the key. By increasing our faith, we are able to handle all of life's challenges. Especially the challenges that come with motherhood! 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase my faith! Help me to rely fully on you and then be bold in my testimony as St. Paul commands. I love you Lord Jesus and pray all this in your precious name, Amen. St. Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for me. 

Guardian angels.

Lectionary: 460, 650

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Guardian Angles


“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
One more thing: To remember that my children are first children of God is a sobering thought. I will have to answer to their heavenly Father for my behavior toward them. Am I always loving, kind with my words, slow to anger? Is any mom always those things? The answer is no; but with the grace of God, and help from our own angels, we can make a renewed effort each day! 
Prayer: Angel sent by God to guide me; be my light and walk beside me; be my guardian and protect me; on the paths of life direct me. Amen.

Great love.

Lectionary: 459
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Therese of the Child Jesus

"Without love, deeds even the most brilliant, count as nothing." St. Therese of Lisieux.
One more thing: In today's first reading, I imagine Job as a southerner. I can just hear him saying, "Well, shut my mouth!" God humbles Job by showing his almighty greatness. St. Therese knew the awesome power of God, but also had a deeply personal love of Christ. She was humble, yet bold in her acts of love and charity. My vocation of motherhood provides me with unlimited opportunities to practice great love doing small deeds. When I change a diaper without a sigh, willingly get up in the night with a crying child, dirty the kitchen and make an extra snack for a growing and constantly hungry teen, I am demonstrating great love. It gives me great hope to know that if I follow St. Therese's example, I will be a saint too!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for all the opportunities to show great love to my children. Help me to keep emotions and fatigue in check, and to choose to show love in all situations. I ask this in your precious name, Amen. St. Therese, pray for me.