Bloom.

Lectionary: 82
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
St. Gabriel of our Lady of Sorrows

What makes wildflowers so especially beautiful is that they are spontaneous. They require no effort on the part of humans. They are really a miracle, springing forth by the hand of God. And they are amazing!
One more thing: Isaiah likens the Father's love to that of a mother. In fact, he says it's deeper than a mother's love. Can you imagine loving your children any more than you already do? We can't even comprehend God's love for us. Just as we take care of our children, God takes care of us. So whatever you need or feel you lack as a mom, know that God will give you the patience, strength, stamina and good humor to fulfill your vocation. Worried about the kids or even what's for dinner? Give it to God, He's got it all under control.
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for your incomprehensible love for me! Give me the faith do depend on you in all things. In Jesus' precious name, I pray, Amen. St. Gabriel, pray for me.

God's commands.

Lectionary: 330
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Josephine Bakhita

“How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition!"
One more thing: Today's gospel has me thinking about what I have come to accept as normal. The things that society says are ok, may not be a real reflection of God's intent for my life. Jesus talks specifically about how we treat our parents. He could have picked any topic, but he chose that one. It must be important! If I want my children to treat me well, especially as I age, then I need to model that behavior to them in the way I treat my own parents. Think I'll be giving my folks a call to say hello today! 
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of my parents. Help me to always treat them with the honor and respect. Help me to foster a loving relationship with my children, so that when I am old, they will honor me out of desire not just duty. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Josephine, pray for me. 

It is good.

Lectionary: 329
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Colette

"May the Lord be glad in all his works."
God certainly took his time with creation. It was a clearly thought out, methodical and orderly event. There was nothing hap-hazard about it. While you can argue whether or not it took seven days as we know them, the message from the author of Genesis is clear. There was nothing; God created something; it was good.
One more thing: I'm fond of that old saying "God doesn't make junk". It gives me hope in myself. I also hold fast to the fact that creation didn't take place overnight. It took time. That too gives me hope that I am still being created to be the woman and the mother that God wants me to be. I only have to participate in the creative process in a way that will make the Lord glad in his work in me.
Prayer: Prayer of St. Colette: "May the Father of all mercy, the Son by his holy passion, and the Holy Spirit, source of peace, sweetness and love, fill us with their consolation. Amen." St. Colette, pray for me. 

Welcome home.

Lectionary: 326
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Blaise

“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
One more thing: When I hear this gospel passage, I tend to focus on the disciples and their dependence on God's providence. But today, I'm struck by where they are going. Do those who enter my house feel welcome? Do I go out of my way to be hospitable to those around me? What about my own family? Are my kids dreaming of the day they can bolt out from under my roof, or do they think of home as the place they can really be themselves? 
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for my home. Help me to make it a place full of love and acceptance. Help me to focus on the relationships under my roof, rather than the appearances. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Blaise, pray for me. 

Parenting.

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
Presentation of the Lord

"Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested."
One more thing: Tempted to be a little slack in your parenting? Sometimes I am. I get tired and worn down and think maybe the rules and expectations aren't really that big of a deal. Will it really matter if we miss mass one Sunday? Then I read about Mary and Joseph in today's gospel. They had already travelled to Bethlehem, had a baby in a barn, travelled to Egypt under cover of night, lived in a foreign land until the evil king was dead and then travelled home. And once they were in their homeland did they kick back and relax? No, they went to the temple and were obedient to God and his commands, even after all they had been through. When I'm tempted to let down my guard and not give parenting my best, I know I can turn to Christ to help me with the temptation, and turn to Mary and St. Joseph to inspire me! 
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the example of Mary and Joseph. Help me to be obedient to you and become the mom you desire me to be. In your precious name I pray, Amen. Mary and Joseph, pray for me. 

Touch.

Lectionary: 324
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Ansgar

"In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood." It's never occurred to me before that if Jesus had resisted the cross, he would have sinned. He would have had to lie or manipulate those around him. He could have denied who he was. Instead, he lived his humanity and divinity fully. His dying for me was a direct consequence of how he chose to live his life. 
One more thing: I think I tend to trivialize my Lord, and then I read the miracles that he performed in this week's gospel readings and it starts to sink in. I begin to realize what a powerful and amazing God I have. Motherhood can leave me feeling drained, just like the hemorrhaging woman. As my faith grows and I begin to think maybe, just maybe, I can reach out and touch him too. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the faith to reach out to you when I am feeling drained. Help me to turn to you as my first, not my last resort! In your precious name, Amen. St. Ansgar, pray for me.