Swine.

Lectionary: 323
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. John Bosco

Jesus didn't have one inkling of fear around the possessed man. He was in complete control and held dominion over the spirits. In fact, the gospel tells us that the spirits feared the Lord.
One more thing: The crazy man had one encounter with the Lord and it completely changed his life. Jesus is capable of complete transformations in people and he doesn't care what kind of baggage you bring with you. He's not even phased by evil spirits! So what kind of challenges do I harbor that make me crazy? Cranky teens, a busy work schedule, whiney toddlers, an unkept house, or even darker issues? I don't have to keep it all inside and make myself nuts trying to handle it on my own. I need to take it to Jesus and let him take care of it...maybe even hurl it off a cliff!
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I bring you all of the things that are making me crazy in my life; all of the things that I keep hidden which hinder me from being the person you want me to be. Take them Lord, and let me free of them. Let me be the woman and mother you know I can become. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. John Bosco, pray for me.

Friends.

Lectionary: 320
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Angela Merici

"We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, 
as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, 
and this all the more as you see the day drawing near."
One more thing: I recently saw an interview with Opra Winfrey where she talked about her friend Gail. She said, "Everyone should have a Gail." She said Gail was the type of friend who always wanted the best for Opra,encouraged her, celebrated her successes and didn't exploit her shortcomings. In today's letter to the Hebrews, the writer emphasizes that the church is a community. We don't exist here as islands, but as connected brothers and sisters. That means we need to lean on each other now and then and encourage each other always. Jesus reminds us that what we measure out will be measured back to us abundantly. Take today to encourage another mom. Tell her she's doing a good job, listen to her struggles, and let the light of Christ shine through you! 
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the light that shines in all of my friends who support me as a mom. Help me to be a light to them in return and to encourage all women who are blessed with the vocation of motherhood. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Seeds.

Lectionary: 520/319
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops

"as I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you."
One more thing: Christ likens the word of God to a seed. Those who hear it and who's hearts are prepared for it, find it takes root and grows. But like any seed, it needs nurturing. Who is a natural at nurturing? MOMS of course!! It's what we do best. I am an integral part of growing the Kingdom of God. Look at what St. Paul says about St. Timothy. His faith came to him through his mother and grandmother. Being a mom is no small thing! I must always remember, I may be raising saints.
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for the 'sprouts' you have entrusted to me in my children. Help me to nourish their faith and help them grow into the men and women you want them to be. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Sts. Timothy and Titus, pray for me.

High horse.

Lectionary: 519
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
The Conversion of St. Paul

Paul really got knocked of his high horse by the Lord. The thing about Paul is he thought he was doing the right thing. He was a devout man who was respected in his faith. He was trying to be the best Jew he could be, but Christ had much more planned for him.
One more thing: Ever feel like Christ gives you a swift kick in the pants? Especially when it comes to parenting? Friday and Monday's gospel were about being counter-cultural and not worrying about what people think. But today, we find Jesus giving some serious path correction. He does that for me when I get too pious. Like when I think I have this parenting thing all figured out and pass judgement about someone's lack of control over her kids. I can almost bet that the next time I'm in the grocery store my little one will through a tantrum, or one of my teens will bring home a failing grade. Just like Paul, I think I'm doing my best, but Christ challenges me to be even better!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me when I persecute you by hurting others! Thank you for always showing me the way to you when I take a detour. Help me to keep my focus on eternal life with you. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Paul, pray for us.

Call me crazy.

Lectionary: 316
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Vincent

Jesus' friends and family think he is out of his mind. If you read the entire passage, what follows is Jesus' explanation of why he is not crazy or of the devil. His miracles and public ministry were so new and amazing, people were scared. He didn't conform with the societal norms. His words and deeds were 'outside the box'. He was different.
One more thing: When you are different, you call attention to yourself. Do you ever feel you come under criticism for trying to raise your family with Christian values? Are you accused of being a 'fuddy-duddy' mom because you don't let your children listen to today's music or dress like a rock star? Does your own family call you crazy? Jesus knows how that feels. Nobody's opinion was going to change Jesus. He had to answer to God the Father for his actions, and so do I. So when I feel a little 'different', I just remember I'm in good company!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to always be faithful to you and your calling, no matter what people think. Give me the strength and courage to live a life for you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Vincent, pray for me.

BFF.

Lectionary: 314
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Sebastian

"Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them."
One more thing: Do you know that old hymn, "I have a friend in Jesus"? Christ is our friend because he made the ultimate sacrifice for us. But beyond that, he remains our friend. He is seated at the right hand of Almighty God and talks to God about me AND you! He is our advocate, intercessor and friend. Like any friend, Jesus wants to hear all about you...your triumphs and challenges. Go to him in your joy and in your sorrow. Celebrate with him when your child finally is potty trained, and worry with him when your teenager is late. He wants to hear it all and be your true BFF!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I rejoice that I have you for my friend. Help me to remember that I can talk to you about anything at any time. Thank you for your unconditional love for me when I bring you my joy and my failings. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Sebastian, pray for me. 

A helping hand.

Lectionary: 313
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Fabian

In today's Gospel, Jesus is angered and probably a little amazed at the hardness of the hearts of the Pharisees. Jesus is so filled with compassion for this man, that he can't help himself. He HAS to cure him even though he knows it will be the beginning of the end of his life.
One more thing: Compassion and context are two things that I have to include in my parenting. If I am  legalistic like the Pharisees, then my kids don't have a chance because my expectations can never fall below perfection. My job is to teach them. I need to evaluate their behavior based on their maturity and moral compass. Sometimes children do things out of innocence or ignorance. Sometimes, they know a behavior is wrong but choose to do it anyway. It's my job to discern which of the two dynamics is at play.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me a heart filled with compassion for my children. Help me to love them overwhelmingly and parent them with grace and forgiveness. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Fabian, pray for me.

Feel sluggish?

Lectionary: 312
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Charles of Seeze

"God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones. We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises."
One more thing: Ever feel spiritually dry like parched wheat? You know the feeling, unappreciated, unnoticed, unloved? This feeling comes to me most especially after a week of sick kids or an infant who won't sleep. I get run down and forget to recharge myself in God's word. I'm reminded today that HE notices all the work I do! He notices the loads of laundry in the night, the rocking of crying babes, the mountains of dishes, and the holding of sick kids. And it is through faith and patience, like that demonstrated by St. Charles, that I too will inherit eternal promises! 
Prayer: Father in heaven, I know that you see the challenges of my vocation. Give me strength, resolve and perseverance when I feel weak and tired. Help me to not become sluggish, but to serve you with continued joy and enthusiasm. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Charles, pray for me. 

Priest.

Lectionary: 311
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Anthony, abbot

"Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God,"
The letter to the Hebrews makes it clear that priests aren't anything other than humans like you and me. They aren't perfect and they battle their weaknesses in the same way we do. This particular letter is interesting when taken in the context of the past week's message of "the call". 
One more thing: If God calls men to the priesthood, despite their weaknesses, then that gives me hope for my own vocation of motherhood. The key to becoming a 'perfect priest' like Christ is to have the obedience of Christ. I must learn to obey and follow the path God calls me to. Despite the distractions and temptations in this life (hmmm, some of mine are facebook, vanity, material things), I must keep myself focused on the job God calls me to do: being a mom and parenting these precious children. 
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for calling me to the vocation of motherhood. I give you my life; help me to live it fulfilling this vocation in the way you most desire. In the name of the perfect high priest, your son Jesus, I pray. Amen. St. Anthony, pray for me. 

Relationship.

Lectionary: 310
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Paul the Hermit

"The word of God is living and effective,"
When Jesus called Levi, that wasn't the end of the story. Levi chose to follow Christ and therefore he had to leave his table and join him for dinner. That moment signified the beginning of a new relationship, one that grew and changed. Levi became the gospel writer we know as Matthew.
One more thing: In my bible study discussion last night, we talked about how our relationship with God is a dynamic and living entity. The sacrament of Reconciliation enables us to enables us to continue to be in relationship with God even when we disrupt that relationship through sin. As a busy mom, this speaks to my heart. To have the fullness of life in Christ, I can't just wave to him as he passes by my table. I have to get up and follow him even when I have other things to do. I have to make that relationship a priority in my life so that my vocation of motherhood will flourish.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am grateful that you call me into relationship with you! Forgive me when I let my busy-ness overcome my desire to be with you. Help me to utilize the grace in Reconciliation to come back to  you when I stray. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Paul the Hermit, pray for me.

Resolutions

Lectionary: 309
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Servant of God, John the Gardener

"Let us be on our guard while the promise of entering into his rest remains, that none of you seem to have failed."
What a perfect scripture for the second week of January. Many of us make resolutions for the new year, and already, many of us are starting to lose our resolve. The writer of the letter reminds us to keep our resolve and not fall into old habits so that we may enter God's rest. 
One more thing: Who could use a nap? I know I could!! The thought of entering God's rest sounds so wonderful. On the seventh day He rested and He invites each of us to rest with Him eternally in heaven. You may have heard the old saying, "There's plenty of time for sleep when I'm dead." Well, the adage bears true. There is an eternity of rest in God awaiting me. Right now, I have to stay focussed on doing the work he sent me here to do - mothering these precious children! 
Prayer: Father in heaven, I look forward to resting with you in eternity. While I am here on earth, give me the energy and stamina to do your work. When mothering wears me out, send me a renewed spirit so that I am able to parent my children as you wish me to. I ask this in the name of your son, Jesus. Amen. John the Gardener, pray for me. 

Hear His voice.

Lectionary: 308
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Hilary

"Oh that today you would hear his voice,"
I did hear the Holy Spirit call me today in a very strong way. He was calling me back to my daily meditations with the Word of God. He was calling me back to get my priorities straight. He was calling me back to His love.
One more thing: 
I would never purposefully harden my heart toward the Lord, but when the life of a mom gets busy, sometimes God is the first thing to go. I know that isn't how it is supposed to work, but God isn't whining, or complaining about not having a clean basketball uniform, or griping because he is hungry, or pulling on my leg to read him a story, or needing a ride to the mall. No, God is waiting for me to turn to him, most especially when all the responsibilities of life are pulling at me. He is calling me and you each day; we must only decide to make time to listen.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your persistent call. Thank you for speaking loudly enough today that I could hear you. Help me most especially when I feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities of my vocation, to turn to you, hear your voice, and bask in your love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Hilary, pray for me.

The Journey.

Hello Dear Friends,

I apologize for my hiatus. I have plenty of excuses! But God is drawing me back, slowly and gently like He does. I've been think of you as well as my own spiritual journey for the year. My thoughts have led me to this poem for yesterday's Feast of the Epiphany. I have not reflected much on the journey of the magi, but find it an appropriate reflection as I continue my spiritual journey with you in this blog. I hope you find some food for thought as well.

May God bless you today!

Catholic Mama