Sheep amongst wolves.

Lectionary: 387
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Veronica Guiliani

"Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me." When was the last time you felt real joy? I think moms get so busy with meeting everyone's needs the joy gets sucked right out of them! I know there are times when I don't feel joyful. It's at those times that remembering the source of true joy, my salvation through Jesus Christ, refreshes me.
One more thing: What are the wolves in your life that take the joy out of you? Errands, car pool, cooking and cleaning, diapers, curfew, unemployment, a move, or even a play-group of grousing moms. No matter what is going on in the world around you, one thing remains constant: Christ's love for you. He gave up his life for you and he awaits you with open arms in his heavenly kingdom. So, flash those pearly whites for Christ!
Prayer: Dear Jesus, give me back the joy of salvation and a willing spirit sustain in me. Let my children see the joy of salvation shine through me. In your precious name I pray. Amen. St. Veronica Guiliani, pray for me.

Sending out the twelve.

Lectionary: 386
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Gregory Grassi and companions

God knows what it is like to be a parent. In the first reading today, he speaks of Israel as his child. He cares for it and gives it everything it needs, but still it turns away from him.
One more thing: Although God is disappointed and hurt by Israel, he does not display his anger and wrath. We as moms have the perfect model for parenting in our creator. He gives absolute love to his children, always! If only we could show the same love...especially to our teens. Parents ride teens pretty hard sometimes. If you are dealing with disappointment or your own sense of loss as your teen becomes his own person, re-read the first reading and imagine yourself giving them the love and open arms that God gives, no matter what they have done or how they behave.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for your unending love for me! You call me back to you no matter what I have done. Help me to show the same love to my children, especially my teens. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Gregory Grassi, pray for me.

Lost sheep.

Lectionary: 385
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and companions

"Seek always the face of the Lord." Unfortunately, the children of Isreal didn't always seek the Lord and instead worshiped pagan gods. Yet God calls them back through the prophets time and time again.
One more thing: Jesus holds out hope for the people of Israel to finally answer his call. He sends his apostles to specifically find the lost sheep of his flock with which he has a covenant. God desperately wants the Israelites to turn back to him. He feels the same way about us. If you have drifted from the Lord, he wants you back. Not only that, he is seeking you! This is your call to renew your relationship with God!
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for your endless mercy despite my many faults. I want you to be an integral part of my life and my vocation as a mom. Lead me to you, Lord. Send your Holy Spirit to be with me as my guide. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz, pray for me.

The laborers.

Lectionary: 384
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Maria Goretti

"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few..." The gospel the last two days have shown Jesus healing the sick. I struggle with these gospels because my son is sick with a chronic disease and I pray for his healing every day. Still, he suffers. Today's saint was a mere child (12 years old) when she suffered and died. She lived and died with grace and a devout faith and became an example to all of us. Maybe it's not about how we are healed, but more about how we suffer.
One more thing: Our children can suffer with various ailments: learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, ADD, drug addiction, asthma, food allergies, and the list goes on and on. As parents, watching your child suffer and struggle is the hardest thing in the world. Take courage, as I believe that Jesus is calling us, as moms, to be the laborers in his vineyard. We are the ones who become His hands and feet as we tend to them, hold them, drive them to tutoring, encourage them, go to teacher meetings, read food labels, and try to alleviate their suffering as best we can.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I pray that you heal my child of his affliction, just as you did the mute man in the gospel. Help me to minister to my child as you would, so that his healing can be a means to spread your gospel and love. In your name I pray. Amen. St. Maria Goretti, pray for me.

Doubting Thomas

Lectionary: 593
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle

"Peace be with you." That's Jesus' greeting and desire for all of us. His presence immediately brings peace to Thomas' doubts and questions.
One more thing: Thomas doesn't get scolded for questioning. Jesus doesn't ridicule him for his doubts. He simply presents himself to Thomas and immediately calms the storm inside him. Do you ever have fears and doubts? If you have a teenager living in your house you do! Simply opening yourself to claim Jesus as your "Lord and God" will bring you peace just as it did Thomas.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to be aware of all the little ways you show yourself to me each day. Let my recognition of your presence in my life bring me peace and comfort. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Thomas, pray for me.

The mouth of God.

Lectionary: 381
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Oliver Plunkett

Jesus called Matthew and he got up and followed him. He was a sinner but had complete obedience. Do you ever hear Jesus calling you?
One more thing: Jesus calls us all: thin and fat, short and tall, sinner and tax collector. Just because you aren't perfect doesn't mean he isn't calling you. Imperfect people can do perfect things if they just say yes to Christ.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Thank you for calling me to be the mother of my children, even with my shortcomings. Help me to follow you as Matthew did with full obedience. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Oliver Plunkett, pray for me.

Pick up your mat.

Lectionary: 380
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Blessed Junipero Serra

"Courage child, your sins are forgiven." Christ always forgives when we ask him and never scolds or shames. Each sinner is allowed to pick up his mat and walk away with dignity.
One more thing: Do you always treat your child with such dignity when they do something wrong? Tonight I was scolding and shaming my kids about the state of their rooms. They went to bed with their heads hung instead of feeling my love and encouragement. Christ always delivers an encouraging word when he forgives; I'm going to try harder to do the same.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your tireless mercy and willingness to forgive my sins. Help me to forgive as you do, with encouragement and support rather than scolding or shame. In your name I pray, Amen. Blessed Junipero Serra, pray for me.