The call.

Lectionary: 684
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Andrew

The call. Peter heard it. Andrew heard it. James and John heard it. But more than hearing, they acted on it - immediately! St. Paul says not everyone hears the call but blessed are the feet of those who bring the gospel, regardless!
One more thing: How many times does Christ call me in a day? Let's see, I have four children, who call out "Mom!" at least 20 times a day so...  When my kids call, I often put them off, "Just a minute; I'm busy; Be there in a second!" But Andrew didn't waste a moment following Christ. If motherhood is my God given vocation, I need to be better about answering the daily call!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I hear you call me and I recognize your voice in my children's needs. Help me to patiently and lovingly answer their call so that I may serve you as the disciples did. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Andrew, pray for me.

Welcome home.

Lectionary: 175
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Saturninus

Today's readings talk about home. The psalmist invites us to go rejoicing to the house of the Lord, while the centurion says he isn't worthy to receive the Lord under his roof. What a contrast - while the Lord is always welcoming, the human holds back and says, "Don't come in."
One more thing: The holidays are upon me and sometimes I find myself wondering how I can get out of hosting friends and family in my home. I make all sorts of excuses: the house isn't clean or fancy enough, I'm tired, I'm busy with the kids, etc. But what if it is Christ that I have the opportunity to invite in? Would I refuse him like the centurion did? What if I am ministering to the least of my brothers by my hospitality? Shouldn't I throw open the doors and hope that all would come rejoicing into my home?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I prepare for your coming in this Advent season, give me a spirit of hospitality for my friends and family. Help me to teach my children to welcome others into our home, so that when we celebrate your birth at Christmas, we will be ready to welcome you too! In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Saturninus, pray for me.

Giving Thanks.

Hello Dear Friends,

This is the week of Thanksgiving for those of us living in the United States. I hope that this holiday week will be filled with blessings and beautiful memories for all of you!
I will be off enjoying some family time. Remember, you can access the daily readings at the USCCB website anytime.

With thanksgiving for each of you,

Catholic Mama

Surplus.

Lectionary: 503
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Cecilia

The widow in today's gospel gave all she had. Though the amount was meager, it meant so much more than the offerings of the wealthy.
One more thing: I've been giving God my surplus lately. No, I'm not talking about my money, I'm talking about my time. Time is my most precious commodity these days. Most moms find themselves in the same boat. I've been justifying this by telling myself I'm giving in other places; doing God's work in something else. Really, though, I've been skimping on the time I give to the Lord and to him alone. As Advent approaches, I'm renewing my promise to spend time with God each day in prayer and scripture. Won't you join me?
Prayer: Father in heaven, I'm sorry for holding back and only giving to you when I had extra. Help me to live out my promise to spend time with you every day. Bless me and help me to make this Advent a time of spiritual growth for myself and my family. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Cecilia, pray for me.

Housekeeping.

Lectionary: 501
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Agnes of Assisi

Christ cleared out all the distractions and temptations in the temple to create a place just for God. Life today has even more distractions to keep us out of church and away from prayer. What would Christ clean out of your temple?
One more thing: Christ did some serious housecleaning in today's gospel. I know just how he felt. There are days when I get frustrated trying to keep a tidy and nice home. The reason I am so concerned about keeping my home neat and orderly is that it brings peace. Christ inspires me to persevere in teaching my children good housekeeping habits.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an example to me of getting rid of everything that is not of God. Help me to recognize when my spiritual and my physical lives are getting cluttered with things that separate me from you. Bring peace and order into my home and my family. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Agnes, pray for me.

Praise and glory.

Lectionary: 499
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Everyone in today's first reading gives praise to almighty God! In John's vision, nothing else matters. Their existence is simply to give praise to God. Life here on earth shouldn't be any different!
One more thing: Today's readings make me wonder how I am praising God in my life. St. Elizabeth of Hungary is a great example of a woman who praised God daily. She was the daughter of a king and married to a nobleman. She was a mother and head of a household. She still managed to praise God through her works of charity and almsgiving. She was known as a simply woman who could have lived a life of extravagance but chose to help those in need instead. She died at the age of 24 and was so revered, she was canonized just four years later.
Prayer: Father in heaven, I praise you and give you glory! Help me to live that praise in my actions each day and model praise to my family. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Elizabeth, pray for me.

Apology.

Hello Dear Friends,

I'm sorry I've been away from the devotional blog the last few days. I've had some family things going on. As you know, in the grand scheme, vocation wins over work and ministry.

The meditations should resume Monday. Until then, you can always access the daily readings at the USCCB web site. Thanks for your patience and prayers.

God Bless,

Catholic Mama

Vocations.

Lectionary: 493
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

Today's first reading reminds me that Jesus didn't set up the church as a free-for-all. He instituted a hierarchy of leaders which we know today as Pope, bishops and priests. St. Paul tells us that we are to be obedient to their leadership as they show us how to live. St. Leo was one of the great examples of a spiritual leader, administrator, peacemaker, and educator.
One more thing: The church is an organization comprised of humans, therefore, there will be fault. For that reason, today's clergy need our love and prayers more than ever. Many are criticized and persecuted for the horrible actions of some. I can foster a love of the clergy within my children and still be a vigilant parent. We often do things for the clergy as a family, such as making them meals, praying for them, and responding to calls for help within the parish ministries.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless the men and women who have answered the call to a spiritual vocation. May they be strengthened each day by your grace and love. Help me to foster a love of the clergy within my family. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Leo, pray for me and for an increase in vocations.

Temples.

Lectionary: 671
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm

Reading 2

Gospel

Feast of the dedication of Lateran Basilica in Rome

Today's readings focus on the temple. These readings honor the feast of the dedication of St. John Lateran in Rome. Most people think St. Peter's is the Pope's home church, but the Lateran Basilica is the cathedral for the diocese of Rome and the world's first cathedral. 

One more thing: I love the way that the lectionary takes me on a journey. The scriptures are not put together randomly, but weave a message to me over time. Today's theme of the temple follows up on the thoughts of last week. There are three main images the readings bring forth: the temple in Jerusalem, Christ as the sacred temple, and each of us as temples of God. As temples of God, we are obliged to live as though he dwells in us, model that life for others, and not lead others to sin. All the things I reflected upon last week come together in this one reality: God lives in me! 

Prayer: Father in heaven, I am so grateful that you chose to make me your dwelling place. Help me to live as though I hold a precious treasure inside me. Let your presence in me shine forth in all I say and do, so that I can be the mother and person you want me to be. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 

Setting a good example.

Lectionary: 491
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Blessed John Duns Scotus

Younger children will always model the behavior of the older ones. Setting a good example isn't just helpful, it's biblical. Jesus tells us today that leading  someone into sin, especially one less mature in their spiritual walk, is a grave sin for the one setting the example.
One more thing: Being an occasion for sin for someone else is wrong. One practical way I can teach this to my children is by encouraging modesty of dress. Leading another to think impure thoughts is wrong. Therefore, I'm pretty clear when I communicate to my children what is appropriate dress and what is not. Of course, I have to model this myself or I risk being a hypocrite.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me how to live. Let me never lead another into sin by my words or actions. Help me to set a good example for my children by always being pure in thought and deed. In your name I pray, Amen. Blessed John Duns, pray for me.

Need.

Lectionary: 490
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Sts. Elizabeth and Zacharias

St. Paul has learned the secret of being well fed or going hungry, living in abundance and being in need. While circumstances change, one thing remains the same: that Jesus Christ died for me to give me new everlasting life through him. His love never changes.
One more thing: In the gospel, Christ tells us to make friends with our material things. The catch is, we are to be their master and be good stewards of our treasure here on earth. Only by showing that we can be good stewards with our earthly possessions, will we be rewarded with heavenly ones. Like St. Paul, I have lived with meager amounts and with abundance. Somehow, God always provides me with exactly what I need when I need it. Many times, it has been through the generosity of strangers that he shows himself. I need to make sure I am an example of that same generosity to others, and model giving to my kids.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for providing me with the things I need here on earth. Help me to be aware of those around me in need and to give generously to them. Make me a model of giving for my children. In your precious name I pray, Amen. Sts. Elizabeth and Zacharias, pray for me.

U Turn!

Lectionary: 489
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Venerable Solanus Casey

Today's first reading sounds like St. Paul has been watching reality TV! If you check out what is glorified in popular culture it is our stomachs, our pleasures, and our shames broadcast for all to see! St. Paul says, if you'll excuse the vernacular, "What's up with that?" If I see my ultimate destination as heaven, then my behavior here on earth should reflect accordingly.
One more thing: St. Paul speaks with great love to his brothers and sisters, almost like a loving parent. We want to teach our children the same things about how to live their lives. Jesus tells us in the gospel that it's never too late to make amends. If you have gotten off on the wrong path with motherhood, make a U turn! Change course and reconcile with Christ so that we can all go rejoicing to the house of the Lord!
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for the opportunity for reconciliation with you. May I live my life as St. Paul advises and be a model for my children. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Venerable Solanus Casey, pray for me.

Repentance.

Lectionary: 488
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Charles Borromeo

I always admire the humility of St. Paul. He doesn't try to cover up his past deeds. He doesn't make excuses. Rather, he relishes in the mercy of our Lord toward his repentance.
One more thing: Christ died for you and he longs to have you close to him. Even when you are lost, he searches for you and desires to bring you back into the fold. I felt the Lord's tug today, as I got caught up in my "to-do's" and my anxiety level rose. He gently called to me and reminded me that I should fully rely on him. When I admit my weaknesses and call on him, even in the most mundane activities of my day, his peace surrounds me and I can be the mom he wants me to be.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am sorry for the times I pull away from you. Thank you for always taking me back when I stray. Help me to stay close to you, even during the daily activities of being a mom. In your name I pray, Amen.

Hope.

Lectionary: 668
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
Feast of All Souls

"Hope does not disappoint."
One more thing: Our Christian life relies on hope. Our hope is that we will one day reside with Jesus in a place of peace and complete love. St. Paul assures us that hope does not disappoint. Jesus died for each of us and his promises are for us all. He will raise us up on the last day and we will rest in the hands of God!
Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to live a life of hope. Help me to let my hope in spending eternity with you shine forth from everything I do. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. All the holy men and women, pray for me.

Being saints.

Lectionary: 667
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
Feast of All Saints

Jesus gives us a clear account of what people in heaven are like. Today's sermon on the Beatitudes provides a road map for all of us who want to be saints. You don't have to have a religious vocation or save the world to get there. You simply have to follow the Beatitudes.
One more thing: I often say that if I'm being kind to my kids, I'm living the gospel. Today's reading brings home the simplicity of that statement. I don't have to end world hunger, I just have to lovingly feed a hungry child. I don't have to bring peace to the Middle East, I just have to promote peace in my own home. I don't have to be a martyr, but I have to bear the criticism that comes from others concerning how I raise my family, with grace.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, it sounds so easy to get to heaven, but each day I fail to follow your commands as I ought. Please forgive me when I fail, and give me the grace to live the Beatitudes within my own family so that one day we all may be saints in heaven with you. In your name I pray, Amen.