Russian Words!

A Little Reflection :)

Happy Easter!

Jesus' Temptations

The Humility of Nazareth

Language Video (for Valentine's Day)

Merciful Love

Marian Consecration

Remembering the Fruit of Our Lives

 I have come to remember that the Word is alive and active. Whether coming across a scripture verse that stood out, or recalling a Bible verse and feeling comfort and inspiration from it. Yesterday and today, I have found that the Holy Spirit is active and guides us in our everyday moments, even sometimes gently reminding us of His presence through scripture.

Yesterday, as I was reading the amazing book about St. Gianna Molla, I came across a psalm verse that was depicting the Beretta family and Gianna's upbringing. It was the same Responsorial Psalm from the Mass readings, and it was beautiful. Psalm 128: Blessed are those who fear the Lord/Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table. I found this a wonderful description of St. Gianna's upbringing, in her home as the author described her parents marriage and dynamic as well as her other siblings ( she had 7 siblings). 

I can't help but think about fruit and connect it with the first readings from Mass this week. The Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve deliberately are told by God not to eat the fruit from the tree of Good and Evil. And today's reading, Genesis 3:1-8, when Eve is tempted by the serpent to eat of the fruit and "the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil." We all know how the story ends, and it leads to onslaught of sin, shame, disobedience and we are all a product of it from our first parents. 

This fruit is seen not just as something tangible like an apple or an orange, but what leads to life or what leads to death. As Galatians Chapter 5 states, "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Reading more about St. Gianna's life, the fruit of her life, of her faith and her gentleness, patience, joy and love speak volumes even many years after her death (though she's known as a recent and modern day saint). 

Upon listening to Relevant Radio this week on the way to work, I heard a young girl ask a question on the air to Patrick Madrid. She asked 'why did Jesus cursed the fig tree?' And Patrick Madrid gave a clear and good answer, saying that the fig tree is a symbol for a person and how they are to  live their life. He referred to the Gospel message when Jesus and his disciples come back later to that same fig tree and noticed it has withered and has no life in it. 

The host, Patrick Madrid gave concise reasoning as he was speaking to a young person, that Jesus wants us to be happy in this life and we need to stay close to him. I thought it was a great reminder as I had a harder start to the week, and remembering this verse, this image of the fig tree (and this blog titled that), was a good reminder for me as well. :)

Today, I also came across two Bible verses from the Mass readings today. After Mass this morning, I was organizing some things in my closet and randomly pulled out a Radiant Magazine- a Teenage/Young Catholic women mini magazine that I received back in my early 20's and my sisters and I would share them, and I have still saved them. I opened to a page, and the first thing I read was a scriptural verse from the Gospel reading of Mark that was read today  at Mass. "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." Mark 7:37. I was amazed, and below was an article that was related to that similar message of Jesus healing, particularly through hearing. 

And I flipped a page in front, and yet another scriptural verse, again used for today's Mass from the first reading. The title of that page was 'Who is Whispering?' and went on to say, "Did God really say, 'You shall not eat from any of the trees in the garden'?" Satan's words to Eve reveal much. He is a liar who uses doubt to try to separate us from God. ...Let St. Catherine of Siena's words be your own, 'Give no ear to what the devil whispers to you.' " I again was amazed at this connection, and felt there was some sort of meaning behind it.

 I came to mind how this week at times, my mind and heart felt flooded with doubt, comparison and a feeling at times of restlessness and discouragement on my heart. Peace began to pave way while at Mass, adoration and prayer. And as I told my sister on the phone regarding some doubt about the program I am in now and the path ahead, yet how it comes from the evil one wanting us to doubt God's plan and our peace and confidence, even joy in that.

 I believe the Holy Spirit inspired me to read more about St. Gianna Molla, as I'm sure she had her many doubts, uncertainties about God's plan for her life, her vocation and how it would all come to be. I felt flooded with renewed peace, encouragement, inspiration and joy feeling a deeper connection with her, her story and witness for God's plan unfolding for her. And it made me want to work even harder in my program, more dedication as she was working professional women, and did her work as a Doctor very well and cheerfully serving others. 

Another thing, yesterday was the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. It was also the day I chose to end the Marian Consecration I was preparing for for the past 33 days. I also felt a sense of refreshment, joy, and peace learning more about Our Lady and uniting my efforts with hers and ultimately to her son, Jesus. 

It was raining yesterday, and eventually loud and hard while at adoration. But I thought of those raindrops as grace being poured down. (Luckily, there was a covering). And the church has a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette praying, so I went over there after, with rain sprinkling lightly and gently and entrusting everything to Our Lady. It was a beautiful moment. And I will continue to trust that I can bear fruit in this life with her help, grace and intercession. 

Thanks for reading:)

Hello to a New Year

 It's the last day (night) before the new year! The new liturgical year that is, and it's so exciting to think about a new year ahead. Drawing to a close this year and anticipation for the next, and particularly Advent and getting ready for Christ's coming is such a beautiful and reflective time. 

All of the Mass readings have reflected in some way upon the end times, what's ahead and most of all Christ's return. The Gospel reading from yesterday was also another reminder. 

"Jesus told His disciples a parable. 'Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.' " Luke 21:29-33

How closely heaven is to earth and how Jesus makes his disciples and us understand higher things, spiritual things as we are so tied to earth and its own signs. The fig tree and one of my personal favorites, magnolia trees show their own signs in seasons. The fig tree is known for its fruitfulness in all seasons and what a great way to reflect and remind that that's how we are supposed to be as well. 

I can recall in former years attending a Catholic ministry dance on the cusp of the new liturgical year. Instead of it being a Christmas dance, I saw it more like a new years eve party with all the balloons, festivities and holiday attire. 

As I was in the church this evening (the same parish as the dance), I came reflecting upon this liturgical year as most of it was in 2020. And new things ahead, as well as resolutions for this season of Advent and into the Christmas season and New Year. The full moon tonight was beautiful and felt like an ending as well as a new beginning as it showcased the dusk sky so majestically. 

Happy Advent, and new liturgical year!!

Keeping the Light

 Today's Gospel reading of the ten virgins with their lamps and oil waiting for the bridegroom is a profound one. It's a reminder for us all as we near the ending of this liturgical year and start a new one. To be spiritually ready, watchful, alert, and awake. Lamps represent light and spreading God's light. And flasks of oil are the reserves, which the 5 foolish ones were not prepared for. As the Gospel of Matthew 25 says, "While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked."

Just a few weeks ago, I had plans to go to an early week day Mass. I felt that I was right on time but I quickly learned that I wasn't early enough, as the doors were locked. They were sealed tight and no one heard my knocking and pounding on the door in the shivering and the darkness of a Fall morning before sunrise. The bell rung as Mass began to start, and I felt so sad I couldn't partake and no one could hear me. I immediately thought of this Gospel reading in how the doors were locked, the rest of them weren't let inside even though they had some of their preparation with their lamps, but not enough oil to light them. 

It's a remarkable reminder as we contemplate what makes us prepared and ready for Christ's coming. I learned that day that waking up on time was crucial if I wanted to make it to Mass and start my day out right with the graces I need. The Magnificat read a beautiful reflection for the Gospel reading, and this is how it ended. "By penetrating words and keen, persuasive images, the patient Teacher is presently hard at work, forming virginal hearts in his hearers, showing them how to distill drop by drop the oil of fidelity and devotion into the lamps of their hearts, against the day when he, and no other, will come as ardent Lover, demanding a pure, flammable offering where his passion may eternally burn."