Tending the Temple

The Fabric of Time

2012-01-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

After daily Mass today (and Stations of the Cross afterward), I drove up to a little town in the mountains to check out a furniture outlet that's only open on Friday afternoons. I've been asking St. Joseph to find me a nice kitchen table for a fabulous price, and I may have found it today. I just have to get my husband's approval and wait for their upcoming Valentine's Day sale. (Wouldn't it be wonderful if furniture stores had a St. Joseph's feast day sale? It seems so obvious...)

I also discovered a terrific rails-to-trails path to get in some exercise. Since I keep workout clothes and shoes in my car, I changed and headed toward the trail. It was perfect-- the crushed gravel surface was easy on my knees as I alternated walking and running, and the scenery was breathtaking.

The path followed a river, and most of the countryside was unspoiled and beautiful. (An interesting side note: The river is the second oldest in the world-- the Nile River is the oldest-- and is ironically called the New River.) As I traversed the path, I prayed the Rosary, using the prayers to time my running and walking intervals as I meditated on the Sorrowful Mysteries. It has been a while since I've done any serious running, and I definitely was not up to running the full 4 1/2 miles of the trail segment.

After my Rosary, I started thinking about the people who rode the train when the trail still had tracks. I imagined ladies in sunbonnets and prairie dresses and men in hats and boots looking out the window at the beautiful scenery. These people are all dead and buried, their lives on earth most likely never recorded and their fates unknown. It got me thinking about how God has put me into this time and place. He planned my existence for all eternity, and my every decision and action is woven into the fabric of time. In this life, I do not know what consequences these actions may bring and whom they may affect, but I pray constantly that the Holy Spirit will guide me in the way that best fits God's plan.

I so often fall, reminding me of the three times Jesus fell during the Stations of the Cross I had just prayed. I try to pray the Stations every Friday because the brief reflection on the Passion of Our Lord helps remind me that I have an impact on others, and that I want that impact to lead them closer to Christ and not farther away.

If you don't currently pray the Stations, I'd like to give you some encouragement, in the form of 14 promises given by Jesus to a Spaniard religious named Brother Estanislas nearly 100 years ago. I remember these promises when I'm temped to run out after Mass. The Stations take just a few minutes to pray (or an hour or more if you really get into it), and the benefits and blessings certainly make the effort worthwhile.

I will grant everything that is asked of Me with faith, when making The Way of the Cross.
I promise Eternal Life to those who pray from time to time, The Way of the Cross.
I will follow them everywhere in life and I will help them, especially at the hour of death.
Even if they have more sins than the blades of grass in the fields and the grains of sand in the sea, all of them will be erased by The Way of the Cross. (Note: This promise does not eliminate the obligation to confess all mortal sins, and this, before we can receive Holy Communion.)
Those who pray The Way of the Cross often will have a special glory in Heaven.
I will deliver them from Purgatory, indeed if they go there at all, the first Tuesday or Friday after their death.
I will bless them at each Way of the Cross, and My blessing will follow them everywhere on earth and, after their death, in Heaven for all Eternity.
At the hour of death I will not permit the devil to tempt them; I will lift all power from him in order that they will repose tranquilly in My Arms.
If they pray it with true love, I will make of each one of them a living Ciborium in which it will please Me to pour My grace.
I will fix My Eyes on those who pray The Way of the Cross often; My hands will always be open to protect them.
As I am nailed to the Cross, so also will I always be with those who honor Me in making The Way of the Cross frequently.
They will never be able to separate themselves from Me, for I will give them the grace never again to commit a Mortal sin.
At the hour of death I will console them with My Presence and we will go together to Heaven. Death will be sweet to all those who have honored Me during their lives by praying The Way of the Cross.
My soul will be a protective shield for them, and will always help them, whenever they have recourse.

"Next to the Mass, The Way of the Cross is the most beneficial of all devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory." A poor souls to a privileged nun. "Make the Stations of the Cross everyday". Our Lord to Sr. Josefa Menendez.

As a little bonus for today, I'll share one of my favorite recipes for Fridays (which we try to keep meatless)-- Tuna Casserole. I was never a big fan of tuna casserole until I tried this version. I've tweaked it over the years, and it's a family favorite in regular rotation. My daughter insists on crescent rolls, but I usually buy the mini roll, which only has four rolls. Since there are four of us, we each get one with no temptation to have another. Since the casserole is only about 250 calories per serving and packed with protein, a crescent roll isn't a bad indulgence.

Tuna Casserole

Olive oil

1/2 box farfalle (bow-tie pasta)

Red bell pepper, diced

Green bell pepper, diced

A few stalks celery, diced (optional)

A few green onions, diced

2 cans low-fat cream of mushroom soup

1 large (12 oz) can Bumblebee solid white albacore, packed in water

1 cup fat free evaporated milk

salt and pepper

3/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese (not the green can!)

Boil the pasta according to package directions and drain. Meanwhile, saute the peppers, celery and onion in a little olive oil until soft. Stir in tuna, soup and evaporated milk, stirring until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. (You might want to add more evaporated milk if you prefer a thinner sauce.) Pour the pasta into a greased 9" x 13" pan, then stir in sauce, mixing until combined. (I like to just mix in the pan vs. getting a bowl dirty, or you could use the pasta pot.) Top with Parmesan. Bake in a 350 oven for 30 minutes. Makes about 6 servings and great as leftovers.

Miscellaneous topics

2012-01-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

First of all, I'd like to ask your prayers for a talk I'm doing this weekend at a women's conference. Please pray for the women who will be attending and that the Holy Spirit will use me as an instrument to enrich their physical and spiritual lives (and safe travels for all of us).

I'm not blogging too much this week as I'll be spending a lot of time preparing for the talk, but I have a few links to post for articles I've written recently.

First of all, I'm eager to shed a few holiday indulgence pounds, so I shared some of the strategies I use as a fitness expert in an article on Catholic Lane. As motivation, I plan to get back into doing triathlons this year and found a good one to train for in May. I'll post my training plan when I finish designing it. This week, I'm setting a goal of some type of workout every day, even if it's only 10 minutes.

Today, I had some extra time and went for a 5-mile walk. Our new house is out in the country, so it was fun to walk along the road and see cows grazing and a very protective mother goat who bleated loudly until I was safely out of sight.

When I came home, I got out my dumbbells and worked my biceps, triceps and abs. The weight workout only took 10 minutes, so it's handy to have a few dumbbells at home. For a bench, I use a stability ball. I picked one up at Ross Dress for Less for a mere $12, including the pump. This particular stability ball is rather ingenious. It's called a "Stay Ball" because it's weighted with sand and doesn't roll away (a rather frustrating problem, if you've owned one or used one in a gym). The sand also adds weight to the ball (2 pounds) which makes it useful for resistance exercises. Another great feature is that the ball is covered with little bumps which help prevent you from falling off and provide extra traction for push-ups and other exercises. An exercise chart is also included and is well done. I was lucky to find it at Ross for such a great price, but I did find it online at several sites, including Wal-Mart ($19.77). The lowest price is $13.99 at AlsSports.com, but shipping is about $6. You might be better off using Wal-Mart's free ship-to-store feature.

I have another article out this week on Catholic Exchange. It's a review of the film There Be Dragons, now out on DVD. The movie is a fictionalized account of the life of St. Josemaria Escriva, with an interesting subplot about the Spanish Civil War. If you leave a comment on the article, you can enter a contest to win a free DVD.

If you haven't seen the movie War Horse yet, it's worth seeing. I was able to attend the press junket in New York City last month, so I wrote up a feature on the movie as well as a review on Catholic Exchange. I also posted an interview with young star Jeremy Irvine on Catholic Lane.

Have a blessed week!

Happy New Year and Thanks for Your Patience!

2012-01-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope everyone is enjoying a very blessed Christmas season and New Year. I'm especially thankful because we have finally moved into our new house. I owe St. Joseph, the patron saint of our home, a big debt of gratitude for all the blessings he has brought us.

Honestly, I feel like I should have started a blog on painting a house because that's where all my writing time has gone the last six months. I have literally spent at least 2 hours most days since July painting and priming walls, trim, baseboard, doors, windowsills, etc.. You would not believe the amount of primer and paint that goes into a house!

I look at all that time spent painting as a blessing. First of all, I helped to contribute to cost savings in our new home. More importantly though, I discovered Ave Maria Radio. I needed something to listen to during those long hours painting and realized that my new Droid smartphone could also be used as a radio. At first, I listened to favorite songs from my teen years but quickly became tired of them. I thought it would be more beneficial to listen to something spiritually uplifting, so I searched for Catholic radio apps.

At random, I chose Ave Maria Radio and was quickly hooked. (If you have a smartphone, you can download the app. If not, you can also listen online at the link above.) Since I painted in the morning, I caught the tail end of the Son Rise Morning Show (7:00 - 8:00 am eastern) which has been a favorite of mine as my friend and co-author Matt Swaim is the producer. I've been a guest on the show several times, and I'll be promoting my new book, Tending the Temple this year on the show, along with my co-authors, Kevin Vost and Shane Kapler.

Next up is Teresa Tomeo's excellent program (8:00-10:00 am). She always has interesting guests and is passionately pro-life. Following Teresa is Food for the Journey and Fire on the Earth (10:00 -10:30), both solid programs. Christian Classics (10:30 - 10:45) can be dry at times but can also be quite good. Stay tuned though because Stories from the Heart (10:45-11:00) is ALWAYS wonderful. The host, Sandra McDevitt, finds the most wonderful stories and reads them aloud. I'm always spellbound by this program. I don't know where she finds these stories, but God bless for what she does.

The best program on Ave Maria Radio, hands down, is a show called Christ is the Answer (11:00-12:00), hosted by Fr. John Riccardo. If every parish had a priest like Fr. Riccardo, then Catholics would quickly be in the vast majority in this nation. He is in his mid-40's, works out every day and is one of the holiest and most inspiring priests I have ever heard. His unique brand of down-to-earth, optimistic, orthodox preaching makes me feel like Mary of Bethany, at the feet of Jesus, ignoring all the housework and listening with rapt attention to every word. If you can't catch his show, then download one of the many podcasts. I especially enjoyed the Theology of the Body series. (If you listen to this series, scroll to the bottom of the page to listen to the oldest podcasts first.) The Catholicism for Cradle Catholics series was also really, really good but honestly, anything he says is worth listening to.

May 2012 be a blessed year for all of us and our nation.

Stand for Life

2011-08-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy day, but I want to make a quick plug for a Life Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. If you live in North Carolina, this would be a great event to attend. There are some inspiring guest speakers, and the home page for the event offers a challenge:

A GENERATION LOST

Are you concerned where this country is headed in regard to Life issues?

Learn more about the issues and how you can get involved in your community.

Learn how you can be on the front lines in this battle now raging in our country!

If you don't live in North Carolina or can't attend the event, do try to participate in the upcoming 40 Days for Life campaign. It runs from September 28 - November 6. Check out the 40 Days for Life website for more information and to find the nearest prayer vigil in your area. If you're lucky enough not to have an abortion center nearby, then please pray the Rosary for life as often as you can during the campaign. Of course, you can also start praying today!

Every morning, I pray for the baby in danger of abortion whom I have "spiritually adopted." I name each baby and pray for 9 months that he or she will be spared from abortion. I am now on my 7th baby. It takes just a minute every morning, and you will probably never know the outcome of your prayers until you meet the babies in heaven, but I think it's worth the small effort. Learn more at this site.

Finding Joy in the Joyful Mysteries

2011-08-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't written many posts on my Rosary reflections lately, because unfortunately there hasn't been anything to write. Summers always throw my prayer routine for a loop with the jumbled schedules and everyone at home or being shuttled off to camps, friends' houses, etc. I still try to pray the Rosary as often as possible, but I am easily distracted or have to fit my Rosary in one decade at a time throughout the day.

Sometimes praying the Rosary can almost seem like a chore, despite the fact that it is my favorite prayer. I feel so limited by my human faults and shortcomings. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me put aside distractions and focus on the mysteries, but meditation is definitely a skill that requires a lot of patience and practice. These periods of spiritual dryness are frustrating, but I know that it's important to continue to pray, even when it feels mechanical and meaningless.

School started last week, so I am getting back to my Rosary Workout routine. Yesterday, I went for an early morning bike ride. The sun was warm, and the cool air held the promise of autumn days ahead. Although I usually pray the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesdays, I decided to pray the Joyful ones instead as I had prayed the Glorious on Monday in honor of the feast of the Assumption. (Since I'm a member of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary, I have pledged to pray all 15 traditional decades each week, as a minimum.)

As I pedaled, I tried to find some aspect of the mysteries to focus on in order to facilitate meditation. The Joyful Mysteries are bittersweet as each event leads Jesus and Mary closer to Calvary, yet a thought came to me to focus on only the joy in each of the mysteries:

During the Annunciation, I pondered the joy of the Angel Gabriel, offering the young virgin the opportunity to become the mother of the Messiah, Then there is the joy of Mary, humbly accepting God's will. The microscopic Baby Jesus no doubt felt joy at experiencing the very genesis of human life. All heaven rejoices at Mary's fiat ("yes"), and Christians to this very day are joyful that the gates of heaven have been opened as a result of this turning point in human history.

At the Visitation, Elizabeth is not only filled with the Holy Spirit but also with a great joy: "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43). Of course, John the Baptist literally leaps for joy in his mother's womb, overcome by the presence of the Savior. Mary bursts forth in song with her joyful canticle, the Magnificat. Tiny baby Jesus must feel joy at being brought out into the world for the first time, His presence mighty even from the womb. The angels and all of heaven rejoice at the sanctification of John the Baptist, the "voice crying in the wilderness" who will prepare the way for Savior. All generations hence fulfill Elizabeth's prophecy as we pray the Hail Mary, rejoicing that Mary,"blessed among women," shares her joy as she leads us closer to her Divine Son.

The Nativity is a joyful scene in a humble setting-- the Holy Family, together at last, experiencing one other through human senses. Mary and Joseph joyfully and reverently hold the infant Christ, looking upon his perfect little face, listening to the mewing cries of the newborn babe and breathing in that wonderful baby scent. The infant Jesus finally experiences the world He created through the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin of a human being. He sees His mother Mary, from whom He took his flesh and blood and His foster father, Joseph, the man who would teach Him about human work. Meanwhile, the angels joyfully announce the birth of the Savior to the dumbfounded shepherds, who dutifully make their way toward the meager stable, stunned by the joy that such a tiny baby could stir up feelings of awe and wonder. The wise men later follow the star, filled with joy and curiosity at the amazing signs in the heavens.

At the Presentation, Mary and Joseph joyfully bring their Divine Son to His Father's house for the first time. There, Simeon declares his joy at the fulfillment of the prophecy that he would see the Messiah before his death. His canticle, or song of joy, is recalled daily in the Liturgy of the Hours. Anna the Prophetess also recognizes the Messiah and joyfully proclaims His arrival to anyone who would listen. Heaven rejoices at the humble obedience of the Holy Family, and baby Jesus might have experienced the joy of seeing the beauty of that ancient temple through human eyes. Today, we rejoice that Jesus was brought out into the world, experiencing human emotions, weaknesses and limitations, a "man like us in all things but sin."

Finally, the Finding of the Child Jesus reminds me of Dolly Parton's line in the movie Steel Magnolias, "My favorite emotion is laughter through tears." Perhaps that is what Mary and Joseph experienced when they finally found Jesus in what they now realized was the most obvious place-- His Father's house. Frantic with worry just moments earlier, they no doubt wept with joy at finding their beloved Son. Young Jesus might have found joy in becoming a man in the eyes of the Jewish culture, now able to go about His Father's business. Those who listened attentively must have felt a deep joy in hearing this young man's passion for the Scriptures. Heaven too was joyful watching the "Beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." We find joy in our lives today when, like Mary and Joseph, we finally find Jesus after a long period of searching.

Happy feast of the Assumption, new blog title/scope and a great quiche recipe

2011-08-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today is a great feast day in the Church, but most US Catholics won't realize it, unfortunately, because our bishops don't think that we should be obligated to go to Mass two days in a row. Imagine the inconvenience! Of course, I do understand that there are people who would not be able to attend Mass today due to school, work, etc. but why can't the rest of us be asked to do so?

Luckily, my parish will honor the Feast of the Assumption of Mary tonight with a Missa Cantata (sung Mass in Latin in the Extraordinary Form). If your parish doesn't offer Mass today or if you can't attend, it is not considered a sin as the bishops have "abrogated" the feast this year. If you can't go to Mass, then perhaps you can learn more about this feast and its traditions at Catholic Culture (be sure to read about St. Tarcisius at the bottom of the page) or read today's Mass readings. You might also pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary today as the 4th mystery honors today's feast.

You might have noticed that this blog has a new title. It was previously called "Don't Know Much About the Rosary?" I wanted to focus on the Rosary and intended to start another blog about fitness, but never got around to it. I decided to change the title to "Tending the Temple" so that I could increase the scope of my writing to include more fitness and health information, in the context of caring for our Temples of the Holy Spirit. I thought today's feast would be a perfect opportunity to launch this new theme because we celebrate Mary's entry into heaven, both body and soul.

Of course, I will still include plenty of Rosary posts! When I get around to it, I'll jazz up the look of the blog to make it more visually appealing.

I chose the title "Tending the Temple" because it is the title of the new book I just finished writing, along with my co-authors Dr. Kevin Vost and Shane Kapler. It's a 365-day devotional with daily saint bios, Bible quotes and exercises to help readers care for body and soul. I'm very excited about this book, which will be available any day now. I'll post a link as soon as it is. In the meantime, you can read a preview entry at my publisher's website, Bezalel Books.

Please let me know what you think of the new title and theme.

Since I've given you a few suggestions to care for your soul today (see links in the second paragraph above), I'll also share the recipe for the meal I'm making tonight: Spinach, Onion, Hash Brown and Feta Quiche. My whole family loves this meal, and I like that we get lots of food groups in one dish. This is based on a recipe from Cooking Light, but I've made so many changes to it, that I consider it mine at this point. It does take a bit of prep time, but the extra effort is worth it. If you don't have time to make this after a busy day at work, you could prepare the spinach, onions and hash browns the day before. When you get home, mix up the egg mixture and you'll have it in the oven in mere minutes.

If you want to reduce carbs and calories, you could make this without the crust or perhaps use a few sheets of phyllo dough (in the freezer section near the puff pastry and pie crusts). I haven't tried either modification, so if you do, let me know how it works out. BTW, I found all the ingredients for this dish at Walmart.

SPINACH, ONION, HASH BROWN AND FETA QUICHE

Note: This recipe takes about 1 1/2 hours from start to on the table, so plan accordingly! You won't be slaving over the stove the whole time, so don't worry.

1 (9" deep dish) pie shell, unbaked

Olive oil

10 oz. fresh spinach

1 1/2 cup frozen hash browns (or Simply Potatoes Hash Browns, in the refrigerator section of most grocery stores in a green bag)

1-2 yellow onions, sliced thin (use 2 if you really like onions)

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. sugar

3/4 cup 2% or skim evaporated milk (you won't use the entire can)

2 egg whites

2 eggs

5 oz. crumbled feta cheese

Drizzle about 1-2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium skillet or saute pan and heat for a few minutes on medium heat. Add the onions, salt and sugar. Cook for 30 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. (Yes, you do have to cook them this long! They should be soft and buttery. Be careful not to burn them.) Meanwhile, drizzle 1-2 teaspoons olive oil into a different saute pan and heat for a minute or so. Add the hash browns in a single layer, patting them down with a spatula. Turn them every 5 minutes or so until most of them are golden brown. (I find this takes about 20-30 minutes.) Drizzle 1 tsp. olive oil into a third pan (or wait until you're finished with one of the other two) and add the fresh spinach. Stir occasionally until all of it wilts. You will start out with tons of spinach, but it will wilt into a small amount. (I spend a few minutes taking all the stems off the leaves before I put them in the pan.)

Mix the eggs, evaporated milk and a dash of salt with a whisk in a medium bowl.

(Note: If your oven tends to produce soggy crusts like my convection microwave does, then pre-cook the crust for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees before adding the other ingredients.)

Assemble the quiche: Spread the caramelized onions and hash browns on the bottom of the pie crust. Top with the wilted spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the egg and milk mixture on top, but don't let it spill over the top.

Place the quiche on a foil-lined cookie sheet (in case of spillover) and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serve with fresh fruit and a glass of white wine.

Calories: Approximately 300 per serving if you cut the quiche into 8 pieces.

Lady Gaga and the silver SUV

2011-08-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today, I got my hair done and flipped through one of those gossip magazine one reads at the salon since there is nothing else to look at. (After all, I really do need to keep up with what Kim Kardashian is doing these days...) I always feel a bit guilty, but I rationalize by telling myself that it encourages me to pray for these poor people with their empty lives.

One article spoke of how Lady Gaga's drug addiction and eating disorders will finish her career. My first thought was relief that this obscene woman might no longer expose the world to her particular brand of "art," but I recalled that she was actually raised as a Catholic and attended Catholic schools as a girl. I felt a sense of sadness that she had thrown away her faith in favor of fame and fortune. Her addictions indicate that she fills that Godless void with various forms of escape and self-indulgence. Perhaps she will receive some moment of grace that will restore her forgotten child-like belief. I've joked several times that Lady Gaga would be the most-watched Journey Home episode ever if she reverted. I'm praying my next Rosary that she will do just that. If you're inclined to do so, please join me.

With newly blonde roots, I headed to an outdoor mall to see if there were any cute summer clothes left on the clearance racks. I parked and crossed the parking lot toward the shops, noting a silver SUV at a stop sign that was turning toward me. I continued walking, assuming the driver saw me. To my surprise, the SUV suddenly began to get very big. In complete dismay, I stood rooted to the spot, slowly realizing that I was about to be hit. For some reason, I felt compelled to bend forward and push against the front of the vehicle as if I was Wonder Woman and could stop it with brute strength. I think the real Wonder Woman was my Guardian Angel as the car did stop, and the surprised driver rolled down her window to ask if I was okay. Dazed, I walked toward her, intending to chew her out for nearly killing me. Instead, I nodded, and walked on, not even taking the time to write down the license plate number.

I walked around aimlessly for a few minutes, realizing that I had come very close to death or at least some very painful injuries. I realized that God had saved me, that He had plans for me that I had not yet completed, and that He was indeed All-Powerful. I recalled that just yesterday, I had taken my daughter to daily Mass so she could go to Confession afterward. I decided not to go because there was always next Tuesday, and I had just gone to Confession with my son two weeks ago. I regretted my foolishness in casually giving up an opportunity to receive much-needed grace in overcoming my sins.

I am grateful that God spared my life today, and now I must work harder at making every single day really count.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
- Thomas Jefferson

Countdown: 5 more days until the feast of the Assumption. I will be changing the title of this blog (not the URL) on that day to better reflect the content of my future posts. Don't worry, there will still be plenty of Rosary-related material.

Today is the feast day of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr. He died a horrible death by being essentially roasted alive. According to legend, he even managed to retain his sense of humor during the ordeal, announcing, "Turn me over. I'm done on this side!" The Church, in like fashion, declared him the patron saint of cooks. Learn more at Catholic Fire.

Special Announcement

2011-08-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

My crazy-busy summer has almost come to an end. School starts this Wednesday, and I will once again have more time to write. After some prayer and reflection, I have decided to change the name of this blog to better suit the content I'd like to post. I'll announce the new name on Monday, August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption. Nothing will change except the title, so old posts will still be available, and the blog URL will remain the same.

Today is the feast of St. Dominic, also known as the Saint of the Rosary because he received a vision of the Blessed Mother with a Rosary. She told him to pray it and spread its devotion to combat heresy. Learn more about St. Dominic at Catholic Fire, an excellent pro-life blog with very good saint bios.

911 to St. Joseph

2011-06-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

I recently ran into a friend at daily Mass, and we lingered outside afterward to catch up on each other's lives. While talking about our devotions to various saints, she told me that she dedicates every Wednesday to St. Joseph. She said she uses a "Spiritual 9-1-1" prayer that was advocated by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta but that she modified for St. Joseph.

Note: In researching the "Spiritual 9-1-1" prayer, I discovered that it was inspired by Blessed Teresa but that Fr. Corapi, now John Corapi after his recent resignation from the priesthood, coined the term "Spiritual 9-1-1" (the three numbers used to call for Emergency Help in the US).

The prayers Blessed Teresa used are 9 Memorares, 1 Rosary and 1 Divine Mercy Chaplet. My friend changed the format for St. Joseph by praying 9 Memorares to St. Joseph, 1 Rosary (Joyful Mysteries since they include St. Joseph) and 1 Litany to St. Joseph. (For prayers, see below)

I liked this idea so much that I decided to use it myself, with a few changes. Since I usually follow the traditional schedule of praying the Joyful Mysteries on Mondays and Saturdays, I decided to devote Mondays to St. Joseph. (Saturdays are already traditionally devoted to the Blessed Mother, and I like to practice the Five First Saturdays devotion, so it seemed inappropriate to use that day to devote to St. Joseph.) I also did not want to repeat the St. Joseph Memorare 9 times but instead searched for 9 different prayers to St. Joseph. I like the variety of these prayers because they involve the various titles under which St. Joseph is invoked.

This is the third Monday I've devoted to St. Joseph, and I am already experiencing blessings from this devotion. He is such a powerful intercessor!

Without further ado, here are my Spiritual 9-1-1 prayers to St. Joseph:

1. An Ancient Prayer to Saint Joseph

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me.

2. Memorare to St. Joseph

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted.
Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection.
Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.

3. A Prayer in Honor of St. Joseph, Protector of the Church and Consecration to St. Joseph

O glorious Saint Joseph, chosen by God to be the foster-father of Jesus, the chaste spouse of Mary ever Virgin, the head of the Holy Family and then appointed by the Vicar of Christ to be the heavenly patron and defender of the Church founded by Jesus, most confidently do I implore at this moment thy powerful aid for all the Church militant on earth. Do shield with thy truly paternal love especially the Supreme Pontiff and all the Bishops and priests who are in union with the Holy See of Peter. Be the defender of all who labor for souls amidst the trials and tribulations of this life, and cause all the peoples of the earth to submit themselves in a docile spirit to that Church which is the ark of salvation for all men. Be pleased also, dear Saint Joseph, to accept this consecration of myself which I now make unto you, that you may ever be my father, my patron and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me great purity of heart and a fervent devotion to the interior life. Grant that, following your example, I may direct all my actions to the greater glory of God, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate heart of Mary and in union with you. Finally pray for me that I maybe a partaker in the peace and joy which were yours at the hour of your holy death. Amen.

4. Prayer of Pope Leo XIII to St. Joseph

To you, O Blessed Joseph, we come in our trials, and having asked the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently ask your patronage also. Through that sacred bond of charity which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the fatherly love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you to look graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by his blood, and to aid us in our necessities with your power and strength.

O most provident guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. Most beloved father, dispel the evil of falsehood and sin. Our most mighty protector, graciously assist us from heaven in our struggle with the powers of darkness. And just as you once saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Shield each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your help, we may be able to live a virtuous life, to die a holy death, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

5. Prayer to St. Joseph

Glorious St. Joseph, foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ! To you I raise my heart and my hands to implore your powerful intercession. Please obtain for me from the kind Heart of Jesus the help and the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare. I ask particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor I now implore.

[Mention your request here.]

Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel animated with confidence that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

V. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His Name.
R. Hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen.

6. Thirty Days Prayer to Saint Joseph
To be prayed any 30 days of the year.

Ever blessed and glorious Joseph, kind and loving father, and helpful friend of all in sorrow! You are the good father and protector of orphans, the defender of the defenseless, the patron of those in need and sorrow. Look kindly on my request. My sins have drawn down on me the just displeasure of my God, and so I am surrounded with unhappiness. To you, loving guardian of the Family of Nazareth, do I go for help and protection. Listen, then, I beg you, with fatherly concern, to my earnest prayers, and obtain for me the favors I ask.

I ask it by the infinite mercy of the eternal Son of God, which moved Him to take our nature and to be born into this world of sorrow.

I ask it by the weariness and suffering you endured when you found no shelter at the inn of Bethlehem for the holy Virgin, nor a house where the Son of God could be born. Then, being everywhere refused, you had to allow the Queen of Heaven to give birth to the world's Redeemer in a cave.

I ask it by that painful torture you felt at the prophecy of holy Simeon, which declared the Child Jesus and His holy Mother future victims of our sins and of their great love for us.

I ask it through your sorrow and pain of soul when the angel declared to you that the life of the Child Jesus was sought by His enemies. From their evil plan you had to flee with Him and His Blessed Mother to Egypt. I ask it by all the suffering, weariness, and labors of that long and dangerous journey.

I ask it by all your care to protect the Sacred Child and His Immaculate Mother during your second journey, when you were ordered to return to your own country. I ask it by your peaceful life in Nazareth where you met with so many joys and sorrows.

I ask it by your great distress when the adorable Child was lost to you and His Mother for three days. I ask it by your joy at finding Him in the Temple, and by the comfort you found at Nazareth, while living in the company of the Child Jesus. I ask it by the wonderful submission He showed in His obedience to you.

I ask it by the perfect love and conformity you showed in accepting the Divine order to depart from this life, and from the company of Jesus and Mary. I ask it by the joy which filled your soul, when the Redeemer of the world, triumphant over death and hell, entered into the possession of His kingdom and led you into it with special honors.

I ask it through Mary's glorious Assumption, and through that endless happiness you have with her in the presence of God.

O good father! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows, and joys, to hear me and obtain for me what I ask.

(Here make your request for Saint Joseph's intercession.)

Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Finally, my dear patron and father, be with me and all who are dear to me in our last moments, that we may eternally sing the praises of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

7. Prayer to St. Joseph for Purity

Guardian of virgins, and holy father Joseph, to whose faithful custody Christ Jesus, Innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were committed; I pray and beseech thee, by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart, and chaste body, ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life. Amen.

8. A Parent's Prayer to St. Joseph

O glorious St. Joseph, to you God committed the care of His only begotten Son amid the many dangers of this world. We come to you and ask you to take under your special protection
the children God has given us. Through holy baptism they became children of God and members of His holy Church. We consecrate them to you today, that through this consecration they may become your foster children. Guard them, guide their steps in life, form their hearts after the hearts of Jesus and Mary.

St. Joseph, who felt the tribulation and worry of a parent when the child Jesus was lost, protect our dear children for time and eternity. May you be their father and counselor. Let them, like Jesus, grow in age as well as in wisdom and grace before God and men. Preserve them from the corruption of his world, and give us the grace one day to be united with them in heaven forever. Amen.

9. A Workman's Prayer to St. Joseph

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in a spirit of penance for the expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my inclinations; to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever recoiling before weariness or difficulties; to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account which I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after your example, O Patriarch Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and in death. Amen.

1. Rosary, Joyful Mysteries

1. The Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Renowned offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.

Joseph most just, pray for us.
Joseph most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph most strong, pray for us.
Joseph most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph most faithful, pray for us.

Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of artisans, pray for us.
Glory of home life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of families, pray for us.
Solace of the wretched, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of demons, pray for us.
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. He made him the lord of his household.
R. And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray.
O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever.
R. Amen.

Note: Not part of my 9-1-1 prayers, but interesting to know about...

Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph

1 - The doubt of St. Joseph. (Matt. 1:19)
2 - The poverty of Jesus' birth. (Luke 2:7)
3 - The Circumcision. (Luke 2:21)
4 - The prophecy of Simeon. (Luke 2:34)
5 - The flight into Egypt. (Matt. 2:14)
6 - The return from Egypt. (Matt. 2:22)
7 - The loss of the Child Jesus. (Luke 2:45)

Seven Joys of St. Joseph

1 - The message of the Angel. (Matt. 1:20)
2 - The birth of the Savior. (Luke 2:10-11)
3 - The Holy Name of Jesus. (Matt. 1:25)
4 - The effects of the Redemption. (Luke 2:38)
5 - The overthrow of the idols of Egypt. (Is. 19:1)
6 - Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth. (Luke 2:39)
7 - The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. (Luke 2:46)

Building Cathedrals

2011-06-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

Has it really been nearly a month since I last wrote? For those of you who are breathlessly waiting for my next blog post, I apologize! ; ) As I've posted before, we're building a new house, and the deadline for my new book is in just 3 weeks, so things have been a bit crazy.

I wanted to share this wonderful essay that a friend of mine forwarded. You might have seen it before in those forwarded emails, but it is so lovely, it's well worth reading again. Based on a little research it appears to be an excerpt from a book by Nicole Johnson (just added to my Amazon cart...) The title reminds me of the Blessed Mother somehow. I recently watched a Nova show on how the great cathedrals were built, so this especially hit home today.

Invisible Mother......

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.

Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously, not.

No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible.   The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this?   Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated sum a cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.   She's going; she's going; she is gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England ..

Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in..

I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.   It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.  These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof?   No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over.. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction.   But it is not a disease that is erasing my life.
It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness.   It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself.. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Thoughts on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery and a great video clip

2011-05-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

After a recent surgery and a longer-than-expected recovery, I am finally able to run again. I used my Rosary Workouts, walking for a decade then running for a decade until I can run a full Rosary, about 2-2.5 miles for me. Today, I was almost able to run all five decades. The last decade was particularly challenging, but I was glad that I was praying the Sorrowful Mysteries. My mild discomfort was certainly nothing compared to Jesus' intense suffering during the Crucifixion. As I ran that last half mile, I wanted to meditate during each Hail Mary to distract myself from my aching feet and tired legs. I decided to meditate on the Seven Last Words of Christ:

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do! (Luke 24:34)
This day thou shall be with me in Paradise. (Luke 24:43)
Woman, behold thy son.... Behold thy mother. (John 19:26, 27)
My God, My God! why have you forsaken me? (Matt 27:26; Mark 15:34)
I thirst! (John 19:28)
It is finished. (John 19:30)
Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 24:46)

I still had 3 Hail Marys to go and wasn't sure how to continue my meditations. A great idea popped into my head (Thank you, Holy Spirit!), and I contemplated the thoughts and emotions of the the three people who stood at the foot of the cross-- Mary Magdalene, John and the Blessed Mother.

Mary Magdalene was a very close friend of Jesus', so much so that He appeared to her shortly after He rose from the dead. How she must have wept with grief! When she looked at Jesus' pierced and bleeding feet, did she remember how she perfumed them with fragrant oil and dried them with her hair?

John was also one of Jesus' most beloved companions. When he watched the soldier pierce Jesus' heart with a lance, did he remember how he leaned against Jesus' chest during the Last Supper when the Sacred Heart still beat strong?

Then, there's Mary, her heart pierced by a sword, her grief unimaginable. Yet she, probably unlike the other two, knew that her beloved Son would soon rise and triumph over death, the very definition of bittersweet.

I slowed to a walk, having run further than I had intended. The Rosary is a powerful tool for spiritual and physical strength!

Note: I've just ordered this book of meditations on the Seven Last Words of Jesus from Magnificat magazine. I just discovered it today in a google search. It would have been nice to have for Lent, but I'm sure it will come in handy during future Holy Hours.

In case you didn't know, the month of May is devoted to the Blessed Mother. Each year, a wonderful group of young people creates a video to honor Mary called "May Feelings." This year's video is especially good.

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There Be Dragons

2011-05-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to see this movie! More info is available at the official website.

Motherhood and the Joyful Mysteries

2011-04-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

In an effort to boot myself out of my Lenten doldrums, I decided to get out in the beautiful sunshine for a Rosary power walk along my favorite riverside trail. I offered up the Rosary for my children. As I prayed the Joyful Mysteries, I meditated on how they applied to motherhood.

The Annunciation:
"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)

As I prayed the first decade, I thought of Mary's unequivocal acceptance of the vocation of motherhood. She had planned to live her life as a consecrated virgin, dedicated to the service of God but humbly accepted her new role as Mother of the Savior. I am ashamed to admit that I sometimes resent my primary vocation as wife and mother, seeking other means of "fulfillment." Inevitably, I always come to the realization that motherhood is a Divine calling and that I need to put my heart and soul into this vocation to do it justice. I turn to the Blessed Mother as my role model. She never needed a day at the spa, tennis lessons or a new pair of perfect spring sandals. Instead, she devoted her entire life to serving her family and raising the holiest of all children. I do like to think that every now and then, St. Joseph or even Jesus Himself led her by the hand to the most comfortable of their meager chairs, poured her a glass of wine, and offered to do the dishes.

The Visitation:
Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-40)

I think that the example this mystery sets for motherhood is to help other members of our community, especially other women. We women can be so catty, judging one another's appearance, parenting styles, home decor, choice of clothing and any other number of things. Instead, we should follow Mary's example and offer charity to our neighbors and to other women. We can do little things like bake an extra casserole for the new mother across the street, leave flowers on the doorstep of the lonely widow or offer to watch a neighbor's obnoxious children so that she can go to the grocery store by herself. These little acts of charity not only help our neighbors but they also help us as we become more like the Blessed Mother, and ultimately, her Divine Son.

The Nativity:
And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

Children grow up so fast! In the blink of an eye, they grow from tiny babies to kindergarteners, then teens and before you know it, they're off on their own. As mothers, we often wish that our children will get older. We sigh and say, "I can't wait for the day when this child can finally take his own shower so I don't have to bend over the bathtub every night." Then we sadly reminisce about those bygone days when he giggled and splashed in the tub. Mary had the right idea, treasuring every moment of Jesus' life and reflecting on these moments in her heart. Each child is a precious gift from God and a huge responsibility. Live in the moment and enjoy your children. Keep a journal and write about the funny little things that they do. You will treasure it forever.

The Presentation:
They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (Luke 2:22)

Mary and Joseph obediently consecrated their newborn Son to the Father at the Temple in Jerusalem. They placed Him in God's hands, trusting that He would guide them in raising the Messiah. We mothers should also place our children tenderly in God's care, trusting that He will choose the best course for both all of us. We must also pray for guidance in helping our children to determine their vocation. We may have aspirations for our children's future, but it is important that we let God decide how to use them in His Divine Plan. Teach your children not only to pray but to listen to God's gentle guidance in their lives. One way to do this it to teach them to pray the Rosary. One of the Promises of the Rosary is that those who pray it will receive signal graces-- little signs to let us know if we are on the right path.

The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple:
The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. (Luke 2:33)

Jesus was considered a man in the Jewish culture at age 12, and He began to act like a man. He took His place among the Jewish leaders and amazed them with His knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. Even Mary and Joseph, who knew of the Divine nature of their Son, were astonished. As mothers, it is so important that we prepare our children to enter the world of adults as Soldiers of Christ. We are the primary educators of our children in the Catholic faith, a huge responsibility. Pray for guidance, do lots of research, and teach your children all that you know about your faith. This, of course, requires that YOU know your faith first. Read the Catechism, study the Bible and cultivate a rich prayer life. Pass this on to your children, and some day they will amaze not only you but others in the community.

Sorry for the break

2011-04-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

I had planned on posting a reflection on the Rosary mysteries for each day of Lent, but this last week was a bit stressful. Due to a lingering sickness. being a bit behind on deadlines for my upcoming book, Tending the Temple, and finding myself in a bit of Lenten funk, for lack of a better term, I had to take a break from blogging this week. In the meantime, here are a few articles I've written for my new column on Catholic Lane, in case you're interested:

Fasting for Body and Soul (includes a recipe for Fasting Brown Bread)

If you'd like more motivation to fast, read this terrific article by Christine Watkins on CatholicMom.com

I really enjoyed watching a DVD set called Charlton Heston Presents The Bible. You can read my review at this link as well as my interview with the producer of the DVDs and Charlton Heston's son, Fraser Clarke Heston.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Assumption and The Coronation

2011-03-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we're already halfway through Lent? If you've been having a hard time keeping your Lenten resolutions or spiritual goals, you still have 20 more days to get back on track.

These last two Glorious Mysteries conclude the first part of my Lenten reflections on the Rosary mysteries. Beginning tomorrow, I'll write about the virtues embedded in each of the 20 mysteries.

The 4th and 5th Glorious Mysteries focus on the Blessed Mother. After Mary's death or dormition ("falling asleep"), she was assumed into heaven and given the gift of a glorified body. We have no record of how this event transpired, but the Church teaches that Mary was assumed into heaven, body and soul.

At some point (time has no meaning in heaven), Mary was also crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Again we have no record of this event, but the Church honors the feast of the Queenship of Mary on August 22nd. Of course, Mary is known under many titles as Queen of...

Mary‘s Assumption and Coronation are implied in Revelation Chapter 12 and in other Biblical references, but neither is directly stated in the Bible. Both events are part of Catholic Tradition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the Assumption in Sections 966 and 974. (Catholic Culture has a wonderful and very comprehensive series of articles on Mary's Assumption and on Marian apologetics at this link.)

During Lent, spend some time meditating on Mary's role in Jesus' life. At the foot of the cross, Christ gave all us the gift of Mary as our Blessed Mother. She wants to help us imitate her virtue and that of her Divine Son. Keep praying the Rosary, and she will lead you to Him.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Descent of the Holy Spirit

2011-03-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's post on The Ascension, I wrote about how the Apostles were probably a bit lost and confused after Jesus departed from them. They had a pretty big order, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15), but no specific instructions as to how to carry it out.

We can often feel the same emotions. We too are called to spread the Good News, but it can be difficult to discern just how to do that. The answer can be found in today's mystery, The Descent of the Holy Spirit. Once filled with the Holy Spirit, the Apostles took action. They spoke in tongues, converted thousands and began their work of establishing Jesus' Church on earth. The Holy Spirit can lead people to do great things.

We receive the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, but it is important to continue to pray for His help to become a true soldier of Christ. The Holy Spirit is often overlooked in prayer, but He is a very powerful Advocate. If you are ever in doubt as to what to say when questioned about your faith, say a quick prayer to the Holy Spirit before replying.

You might also add this Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Spirit to your daily prayers:

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen

I really love the painting above, Pentecost, by Jean Restout II because Mary is the central figure. (The original is hanging at the Louvre, one more reason to go someday...) She stands tall with her hands over her Immaculate Heart, looking toward heaven with a serene expression while the Apostles turn away in fear. Mary is not afraid because she is again encountering her Holy Spouse. Just imagine the graces she receives! Recall that at the Annunciation, she was full of grace before the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, filling her with even more grace. Now at Pentecost, she again receives the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is clear, to me at least, why the Blessed Mother was chosen by God to give graces to us through her intercession. One of the best ways to receive her favor is to pray the Rosary every day.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Ascension

2011-03-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

The Bible gives us few details about Jesus' Ascension into heaven. Only Mark and Luke mention it in the gospels, and the details are very sparse. The Acts of the Apostles provides us with a little more information. I find it interesting that after Jesus disappears into heaven, two men in white robes suddenly appeared (angels?) and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?" (Acts 1:11) These mysterious men almost seem to be trying to snap the Apostles out of a trance and bring them back to reality. I'm sure these chosen leaders of the new Church were a bit afraid and were thinking, "Okay, now what do we do? Jesus is obviously sending us out on our own now."

We often have the same doubts and fears. We're on our own, unsure as to how we should spread the Good News. How do each of us fit into the Divine Plan? The answer can be found in the next chapter of the Acts of the Apostles and in the next Glorious Mystery. More tomorrow...

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Resurrection

2011-03-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

During Lent, we take a little break each week on Sunday to celebrate The Resurrection. (Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent.)

"Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day." (Mark 2:19-20)

Jesus' suffering and His Resurrection are forever linked by the wounds on His glorified body. He pleads for us at the right hand of the Father, begging mercy for all our sins. I found a wonderful reflection on this topic by Fr.James Farfaglia. Since he is far more eloquent and knowledgable that I am, I direct you to his article, Reflection on the Resurrection: Why Did Jesus Rise With Wounds?

Happy Feast of The Annunciation and The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Crucifxion

2011-03-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting juxtaposition of today's Feast of The Annunciation and the next mystery in my Lenten series of reflections, The Crucifixion, at noon today. I was alone in our little Daily Mass Chapel praying my traditional Lenten Friday Holy Hour after Mass. I was reading a book on the Seven Sorrows of Mary when the bells in the chapel rang at noon, reminding me to pray The Angelus. The Angelus is a short devotion in honor of the Incarnation, which of course, we also honor with today's feast. As the bells continued to chime, it occurred to me that noon is traditionally honored as the hour that Jesus was crucified. I love it when I get heavenly aid for my blog entries!

When I meditate on The Crucifixion, I often recall the Seven Last Words of Jesus:

1. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Lk 23:34)

2. "Amen, I say to thee: this day thou shalt be with me in paradise." (Lk 23:43)

3. “Woman, behold thy son.” To the disciple, “Behold your mother.” (Lk 19:26-27)

4. "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Mk 15:34)

5. “I thirst.” (Jn 19:28)

6. “It is consummated.” (Jn 19:30)

7. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk 23:46)

During Lent, spend some time meditating on these last words. It's helpful to read commentaries such as this one by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Carrying of the Cross

2011-03-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

This entry will be rather brief as I am not feeling so well (allergies maybe?). I'm going to drink some homemade Nyquil (warm red wine with honey and lemon juice) and crawl into bed with my Magnificat magazine and my favorite guilty pleasure, In Style.

When I mediate on the fourth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary, I usually find myself thinking of the Stations of the Cross. The first ten stations describe the Via Dolorosa ("Way of Sorrows") as Jesus carries His cross to Calvary. (BTW, in case you didn't know Golgotha and Calvary are words to describe the same place-- the hill where Jesus was crucified. Golgotha is a Greek translation of the Aramaic term for "place of the skull," while Calvary is an Anglicized Latin translation of the same phrase.)

During Lent, most parishes pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays and often conclude with a meatless soup and bread dinner. This year, make an effort to participate at least once. Take your children too! (You can find simple prayers and meditations for Stations of the Cross for children online to print out beforehand.) Bring a crockpot of soup or a good loaf of bread from the bakery and meet some of your fellow parishioners.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Crowning With Thorns

2011-03-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those really great days. As always, after I get everyone off to school, I started the day with prayer, reading from my Magnificat magazine. I spent the morning writing two entries for my new book, Tending the Temple. While writing, I learned about two fascinating new saints, St. Teresa of the Andes and St. Lidwina (who has been canonized since the article at that link was written). I got my grocery shopping done in under half an hour, and my cute new rose-colored flats (30% off!) didn't hurt my feet and perfectly matched a spring sweater I already own.

I also enjoyed a Rosary Workout bike ride. I mapped out a new route and was rewarded with a few challenging hills and beautiful scenery. As I pedaled down a road I had not traveled before, I was surprised to see a camel, of all things, grazing next to a donkey. My first thought was that I was praying the wrong Rosary mystery for this scene! As I turned the corner, I was brought back to the Sorrowful Mysteries as a rooster crowed loudly.

According to the gospels, Peter denies Jesus three times and hears the foretold cock crow shortly before Jesus is mocked by the Roman soldiers. They place an old purple cloak on His shoulders and fashion a crown out of thorns from a nearby bush. I'm sure they were not gentle when they placed it on His head.

I often wonder if the centurion who declared that Jesus was the Son of God at the foot of the cross participated in this mock coronation. Did he watch Jesus silently suffer this humiliation with unimaginable dignity? Did he see how Jesus' eyes still looked upon the soldiers with love? Did he realize that he was in the presence of the Incarnation?

There is a lesson for us here. When we are humiliated, scorned and mocked, how do we act? Do we lash back in anger or do we endure the humiliation with quiet dignity? Do we love our enemies and pray for them? Do we let others see the presence of Christ within us? Our words and actions, while following the example of Jesus, can change hearts and minds. Think of those who watch you as possible centurions who might experience a sudden conversion at the foot of the cross.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Scourging at the Pillar

2011-03-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

It wasn't until a few years ago that I began to understand how my own sins contributed to Christ's suffering and death. When I pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, walk the Stations of the Cross, or meditate on Jesus' passion and death, I feel a profound sorrow for my sins and a renewed zeal to try to live a sinless life.

When I meditate on The Scourging at the Pillar, I often recall the scene from The Passion of the Christ. When I watch the film, I always weep when Jesus (as played by Jim Caviezel) sinks to the ground and then slowly gets back up so that the soldiers can continue to scourge Him. It's almost as if He's saying, "It's not enough yet. There are still so many sins for which I must atone." To think that I caused part of that suffering!

I also recall how the actress who played Mary (can't recall her name...) sobbed as if her heart were pierced by a sword as she carefully mopped up the Precious Blood. We should have that same sorrow for our own sins, even if they are relatively minor venial sins.

During Lent, you can make some progress toward leading a sinless life by going to Confession often. Frequent Confession gives us more grace to help in avoiding sin. If it's been awhile, find a good Examination of Conscience booklet or check online for one. If you can't make your parish's regular Confession times, then call the parish office and make an appointment with a priest. Remember the 5 steps to a good Confession:

1. Think about your sins and examine your conscience
2. Express true sorrow for your sins
3. Resolve never to sin again
4. Confess your sins to a priest
5. Complete the penance that the priest gives you

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Agony in the Garden

2011-03-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

For me, the words that stand out in the Biblical account of the Agony in the Garden are, "Could you not watch one hour with me?" For most of my adult life, even during the height of my very lukewarm Catholic days, I attended Mass on Holy Thursday and stayed afterward to pray for an additional hour during Eucharistic Adoration. I figured that was the least I could do since Jesus' chosen Apostles did not.

Last year, I took this practice a step further and set a goal to make a Holy Hour every week during Lent. I found it so profitable for my spiritual life that I decided to pray a Holy Hour at least once a month. I wish I could say that I kept that up, but my monthly Holy Hours were rather sporadic. To get back on track, I have renewed my weekly Lenten Holy Hour this year.

I usually spend my hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament after daily Mass, usually on a Friday. (I am blessed that our chapel is open most afternoons.) I bring prayer books, a rosary and my Bible. I try to offer up each Holy Hour for a special intention. I often pray the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross, then spend some time just being in the presence of Christ. Occasionally I'll bring one of the booklets of Holy Hour prayers and meditations that I picked up in a Catholic gift shop.

I am almost always the only person in the chapel, and I enjoy the silence. Our chapel is nearly 100 years old and has a beautiful altar and stained glass windows. We are blessed to have a relic of the True Cross and St. Jude as well.

I have come to enjoy these weekly visits with Jesus. I rarely have any big moments of revelation or even an overwhelming feeling of the presence of Christ. That's fine because I know that He is there and that He appreciates my little visits. I leave with a sense of peace, ready to take up my cross again and follow Him.

Happy Feast Day, St Joseph and The Institution of the Eucharist

2011-03-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

First of all, Happy Feast Day, St. Joseph! (For the final novena prayer, see this link. While you're at the site, sign up for email reminders so you won't miss the novena next year. They also send notices for other popular novenas throughout the year.)

We recently bought 20 acres of beautiful land with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The man who sold the land to us showed my husband a pile of rocks at the base of a giant oak tree. He told my husband that he often walked to that site early in the morning and watched the sun rise over the mountains as he said a prayer for a special intention. After he finished the prayer, he placed a rock on the pile by the tree. The pile was already quite large, and my husband assured him that we would treat the site with respect and would likely add our own prayer rocks to the pile.

Today my family gathered at that pile of rocks and asked St. Joseph to watch over the construction of our new home and to help us grow in holiness as a family. We placed a rock on top of the pile, the first of many, I'm sure. As a military family, we have often called upon St. Joseph to help us sell our old home and find a new one. Now that my husband has retired from the Air Force, I hope we will enjoy many wonderful years in this newest home.

Now, back to the Rosary Mysteries for Lent...

I recently bought one of the wonderful Glory Stories CDs and played it for my two middle school-age children in the car. (The CDs are aimed at slightly younger children, but the stories are told so well that all of us enjoy them.) We listened to the story of Blessed Imelda, the patron saint of First Communicants.

During Imelda's lifetime, children did not receive First Communion until about the age of 14, but Imelda did not want to wait that long. She watched longingly as others at Mass waited in line for the Body and Blood of Jesus. She often said, ""Tell me, can anyone receive Jesus into his heart and not die?" At age 11, a miracle occurred, allowing her to finally receive her First Communion. She returned to her pew in a state of ecstasy and literally died of happiness.

During Lent, spend some time meditating on the 5th Luminous Mystery, The Institution of the Eucharist. As you wait in line for Communion, think of Blessed Imelda's words. Are you so filled with joy at the prospect of actually receiving Jesus' Body and Blood that you could die of happiness?

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Transfiguration

2011-03-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

The weather was beautiful once again today. I think we reached 80 degrees! I just had to go out for a bike ride again, but I ended up fighting a pretty strong wind. At times, I felt like I wasn't going anywhere. As I pedaled furiously, the mountains in the distance reminded me of the fourth Luminous Mystery, The Transfiguration.

I wondered if Peter, James and John were working as hard as I was on my bike when they climbed Mount Tabor with Jesus. Jesus frequently went "up the mountain to pray" and was no doubt accustomed to arduous climbs, but I'm not so sure about Peter, James and John. Like most Jews of that time, they walked everywhere, but I don't know if they often climbed steep peaks like Mount Tabor. They might have wondered where they were going and why, exactly, they had to work so hard to get there. The reward for their efforts was to see Jesus in His glory, a brief glimpse at the possibilities of the Resurrection.

Lent can sometimes feel like fighting a strong headwind or like an arduous climb up a mountain. At times we're not sure where we're going or why we're working so hard. If you feel discouraged, reflect on the mystery of The Transfiguration. Remember that our ultimate goal is heaven, where we too will some day experience a transfiguration at our own resurrection.

Reminder: Today is Day 8 of the St. Joseph Novena. His feast day is tomorrow!

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

2011-03-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Since I'm Irish, I wore green all day and made a delicious Beef and Guiness Stew.

I finally dusted off my road bike for the first time in quite awhile. An injury has kept me from riding, and it was wonderful to get outside and pray the Rosary as I enjoyed the beautiful spring weather. The sheep and cows were grazing, the grass was a beautiful shade of emerald green, and a few wildflowers added color to the backdrop of the rolling hills with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

As I prayed the Luminous Mysteries, I reflected on The Proclamation of the Kingdom. Jesus tells us that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 10:7) Lent is the perfect time to reflect on how we live that reality each day. Heaven is ours to enter if we follow in the footsteps of Christ. A good place to start is to carefully read The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), which are often cited as part of this third Luminous Mystery. Spend some time reflecting on how they apply to your daily life.

Reminder: Today is Day 7 of the St. Joseph Novena.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Wedding Feast at Cana

2011-03-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

My parents had to obtain a special dispensation to get married during Lent. My dad had just joined the Air Force and received orders to Japan, so the wedding had to happen quickly in order for my mother to accompany him.

We don't usually think of weddings during Lent, but Jesus actually begins His road to Calvary with this first miracle at Cana. He says to Mary, "My hour has not yet come," letting her know that if he works this miracle then he will manifest His divinity and change both their lives forever.

I often wondered why Mary chose to push Jesus out in the world, in a manner of speaking, at this point. One day I was praying all the decades of the Rosary in chronological order during a long bike ride when a possible answer came to me. I had recently mediated on the 5th Joyful Mystery (The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple) and was thinking of how Mary held Jesus back in the Temple when He was on fire and ready to begin His ministry at age 12 when a Jewish boy becomes a man. Mary took Him back home and He went obediently. As I thought about the Wedding Feast at Cana, it occurred to me that since Jesus obeyed Mary in not beginning His public ministry, He patiently waited until she decided it was time. I was so surprised by this revelation that I actually stopped my bike to think about it. Of course, this is my own thought and not Church teaching or interpretation as I have not seen this idea anywhere in print. I do know though, that the more often I pray the Rosary, the better I understand the mysteries so perhaps this understanding was the work of the Holy Spirit.

Today is Day 6 of the St. Joseph Novena.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Baptism of Jesus

2011-03-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

After Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, "the Spirit immediately drove Him out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness forty days, temped by Satan..." This passage also calls to mind last Sunday's Gospel reading describing the temptations that Satan presented to Jesus after His extended fast. These 40 days in the wilderness are the foundation of Lent. Jesus spent time alone with His heavenly Father, fasting and praying, before beginning His adult ministry. In the same way, Lent is a time of renewal, a time to focus on what is truly important. Like Jesus, we too will be tempted as we strive to improve in virtue and holiness. Be watchful, as Satan and his minions will hover nearby, ready to pounce as soon as they perceive any progress in your spiritual life. I try to pray the St. Michael prayer every day during Lent. In case you don't know it, I'll post it here:

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Note: If you are praying the St. Joseph Novena, here's the link to Day 5.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

2011-03-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

I often think about the bittersweet aspects of the 5th Joyful Mystery. Like all parents, I can identify with Mary and Joseph's intense anxiety as they frantically search for young Jesus as well as their overwhelming joy when they finally find Him in the Temple.

To me, Lent often evokes the same conflicting emotions of anxiety and sorrow as well as joy and relief. I worry that I'm "doing enough" for Lent and become frustrated if I don't accomplish my planned prayers and devotions for a particular day. I do better when I try to realize that my efforts are bringing me closer to God and not farther away. This allows me to focus on the joy of learning more about my faith and enriching my prayer life through my Lenten practices.

I find the most joy in a practice I started two years ago of making a weekly Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament during Lent. It calls to mind Jesus' words to Mary and Joseph in the Temple, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49)

Note: Today is Day 4 of the St. Joseph Novena.

No reflection today, but don't forget the St. Joseph Novena

2011-03-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

Sundays are not considered to be part of Lent as it would be inappropriate to fast or do penance on the day we celebrate the Resurrection, so no reflection today.

If you're praying the St. Joseph Novena, then today is Day 3. Here's a link to the novena prayer.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Presentation

2011-03-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

In the Biblical account of The Presentation (Luke 2:22-40), the devout and righteous man Simeon is a key character. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Through the Holy Spirit, Simeon instantly recognized the infant in Mary's arms as the long-awaited Savior, but I imagine he was at least somewhat surprised that the Redeemer was a tiny baby in the arms of a poor woman.

Most Israelites expected that the Messiah would be a mighty warrior king who would defeat all their enemies and restore the earthly kingdom of Israel to the Jewish people. The image of a tiny helpless baby who was born into poverty would not exactly fit the mold, but the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that this child was indeed the "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." (Luke 2:32)

During Lent, spend some time reflecting on your expectations of God. Do you expect Him to "fix" your problems or those of others? Are you angry or discouraged if your prayers aren't answered the way you want them to be? Do you think of God as a driving taskmaster, a lenient Father who overlooks your faults, or a distant and vague authority figure? Pray to the Holy Spirit to lead you in your search for God and be open to finding Him in unexpected people, places or events.

Note: If you're praying the Novena to St. Joseph, today is Day 2. Here's a link to the novena prayer.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Nativity

2011-03-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

I often read Luke's account of the Nativity, but today I decided to read the other account, written by Matthew. Interestingly, Matthew focuses on St. Joseph's role. He must have been shocked, hurt and perhaps humiliated when he discovered that his fiancee was pregnant. Even so, he did not want to report Mary's possible infidelity to the authorities as she would have been put to death. His plan was to "send her away quietly," no doubt to distant relatives who could shelter her until she gave birth. Fortunately, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that the child in Mary's womb was the promised Savior. St. Joseph, no doubt relieved and probably surprised to discover his new role as foster father of the Redeemer, took Mary into his home as his wife.

I think that a good lesson for Lent in this story is to realize that even St. Joseph jumped to conclusions and made an incorrect assumption. We often quickly make our own judgments and assume that people are guilty of some sin without knowing all the facts. We can resolve to leave the judging to the Just Judge and to pray for the person we think might be in trouble. Of course that doesn't mean that we shouldn't speak up or ask what's going on in a charitable manner. Instead, we should "remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5)

Note: There are two theories about St. Joseph and Matthew's Nativity story. The more popular theory is the interpretation above, that St. Joseph really thought that Mary was pregnant by another man. The other theory is that St. Joseph knew that Mary was pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit but felt afraid and unworthy to be the foster father of the Messiah. You can read an insightful and interesting defense of this theory here. I'm not sure which theory to believe, but I do know that St. Joseph is a very powerful intercessor. Many Catholics believe that St. Joseph was sanctified at some point, although he was born with Original Sin like the rest of us. This makes sense because as the foster father of Jesus, he would have to be obeyed according to the Fourth Commandment. The question then becomes, if he was sanctified, then when? Perhaps it occurred when the angel appeared to him in the dream. Lots of food for thought!

It's no coincidence that St. Joseph is the topic of my post today. Interestingly, yesterday another blogger (John-Paul, what a great name!) sent me an email and asked me to post a link to a novena to St. Joseph. The novena begins today (his feast day is March 19th, one of the few feasts the Church celebrates during Lent). Since I am very devoted to St. Joseph, I had planned to post the link at the end of my Nativity reflection. Imagine my surprise when I felt compelled to turn to Matthew's gospel and his emphasis on St. Joseph. While you're visiting John-Paul's blog, be sure to sign up for more novena reminders. I did.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Visitation

2011-03-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

The first thing Mary does after consenting to be the Mother of God is to pack her bags to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Charity is her first concern, and she will be bringing the Son of God out into the world although He is still hidden in her womb. The first two people to encounter Him are overwhelmed by His presence. John the Baptist, still in utero, leaps for joy while his mother Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. She cries out,

"Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." (Luke 1:42-45)

We imitate Mary in The Visitation every time we receive the Eucharist for we are taking Jesus, hidden inside us, out into the world. During Lent, be aware that you are carrying Jesus to every person you encounter after Mass. You have many opportunities to overwhelm them with His presence. Pray for the graces to emulate the Blessed Mother in your words and actions.

The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Annunciation

2011-03-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday blessings to everyone! I thought it might be helpful to post reflections on the Rosary mysteries in the context of Lent for the next 40 days. Since there are 20 mysteries, I'll go through them twice, in chronological order.

While reading the Biblical account of the first Joyful Mystery, The Annunciation, the words "May it be done to me according to your word," always stand out for me. They bring to mind the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours, be done." Both Mary and her Divine Son were in perfect unity with God's plan. They did not rebel but simply did what the Father asked.

Too often, I find myself rebelling. I get angry and think, "I am right to be angry! That person was wrong!" I know in my heart that I should forgive and ask for forgiveness, but I just don't want to. It can be difficult to do what God asks of us, even when we know in our hearts it is the right thing to do.

During Lent, pray and listen carefully to what God is asking of you. Work harder to make your answer be, "May it be done to me according to your word."

The Sorrowful Mysteries at Planned Parenthood

2011-02-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

Last fall, for the first time, I prayed in front of Planned Parenthood during the 40 Days For Life campaign. I was a bit fearful (Will I get arrested?), but the experience was humbling and incredibly moving as I joined a group praying the Rosary on the sidewalk.

After the 40 Days campaign was over, I often found myself driving to Planned Parenthood and praying on the sidewalk by myself. I didn't have any "Choose Life" signs, but I did have my bright red Rosary dangling in front of me as I prayed. I don't know if anyone realized what I was doing, but I was proud to be a silent prayer warrior, speaking for those tiny babies whose voices were silenced before they could ever be heard.

Today I prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries on the sidewalk as Wednesday's suggested Glorious Mysteries just didn't seem right. As I meditated on each mystery, I reflected on how abortion tied in with Jesus' sorrows.

In the Agony of the Garden, I imagine Jesus must have felt a profound agony at the thought of mothers callously murdering their own children. This thought brought to mind a statue I saw several years ago when my family was traveling through Texas on I-40. We saw a giant cross in the distance, and I told my husband to pull over and stop. To our surprise, there was a ring of beautiful statues around the cross, depicting the Stations of the Cross. There was also a statue of Jesus on one knee in front of a gravestone. In His hand, he held a tiny fetus, and the gravestone honored the millions of babies who had been aborted. It was so moving, and I think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, weeping over the loss of these precious lives. (You can see a photo of the statue at the Cross Ministries site. Scroll down the page a bit. While you're on the site, be sure to check out the other photos, especially those of the construction of the cross. If you ever pass through Groom, Texas, on I-40 you simply MUST stop and see it.)

As I prayed the second decade and meditated on Jesus' scourging, I thought about how much those tiny babies suffer during an abortion. They are scourged by their own mothers in what should be the safest place on earth, the womb. I can't even begin to imagine the horror as I fervently beg for an end to this holocaust.

During the third mystery, the Crowning of Thorns, I think of how the soldiers mocked Jesus as they pretended to do Him homage. Abortion mocks the sanctity of life, it mocks the sacrament of marriage and it mocks the Blessed Trinity of which a family is an image.

Abortion is a heavy cross to bear, as I meditate during the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery. Women who have had abortions report depression and grief among other negative effects. The person often forgotten is the father of the child, who must also deal with grief. There is an incredibly moving video on youtube by rapper Flipsyde who raps a tale of grief on the "would have been" birthday of his aborted child.

Meditating on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery gives me renewed hope as the virtue that shines forth in The Crucifixion is Mercy. We must pray for mercy for those who have abortions, those who encourage others to have abortions, the doctors, nurses and administrators who run abortion clinics and those who cry for a woman's "right to choose."

Our prayers can be powerful pleas to change hearts and minds. If you can't pray the Rosary outside an abortion clinic, then please pray your next Rosary for an end to abortion and for those poor helpless babies who have no choice.

The Holy Face of Jesus in the Sorrowful Mysteries

2011-02-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love those first signs of spring this time of year? The sky is just a bit lighter each morning when you wake up and the sun begins to feel more warm and welcoming. Birds start to appear again, and the winter boots and coats start their migration to the back of the closet.

I decided to go for a walk in the sunshine, and I prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries as I hiked up and down the long, steep driveway to our home. Occasionally, to help with my meditation, I'll view the mysteries I'm praying through a sort of "lens," for lack of a better word. Today, I reflected on the Holy Face of Jesus in the Sorrowful Mysteries.

In the Agony of the Garden, Jesus' face is human perfection-- He is still the "unblemished lamb," about to be led to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). I imagine that His eyes are gentle and loving but probe to the depths of one's soul. As He fervently prays, His holy face is lifted to heaven in agony as he pleads for the cup of suffering to be taken away. Yet, He obeys the will of His Father rather than the weakness of His human flesh.

By the time Jesus is scourged at the pillar, His face is likely bruised and battered by the enemies among His own people. The cruel whips of the Roman soldiers increase the damage as they strike His head and face, tearing flesh away and causing unbearable suffering. Yet Jesus patiently endures this torture, all the while looking upon those who beat Him with love and mercy.

When Jesus is mockingly crowned with thorns by the Roman soldiers, He still looks upon these pagan men with love and mercy. The sharp thorns pierce His scalp and forehead, causing blood to run down His face and into His eyes. How could these men not be moved by His loving and kind countenance, despite the swelling and bruises that disfigured His holy face?

During the Carrying of the Cross, Jesus looks at several people on the way, profoundly affecting each one. The most painful meeting must have been with His own beloved mother. Can you imagine the sword of sorrow that pierced her Immaculate Heart when she looked upon the face of her beloved Son? Simon the Cyrenean, an unwilling bystander, must have looked upon the Holy Face and been profoundly affected. We know that Simon's sons were involved in the early Church, and I'm sure he told the story of carrying the cross with the Savior to anyone who would listen. Veronica, a woman brave enough to push past the soldiers, weeps as she offers her veil to Jesus so that He can wipe the blood from His eyes, leaving an imprint on her veil as well as on her heart. The women of Jerusalem weep as Jesus passes by, but He turns His Holy Face to them and tells them not to weep for Him but for themselves and their children.

By the time Jesus is crucified and hangs on the cross, His Holy Face calls to mind the words of the prophet Isaiah:

"There was in Him no stately bearing to make us look at Him, nor appearance that would attract us to Him. He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, One of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held Him in no esteem. Yet it was our infirmities that He bore, our sufferings that He endured, While we thought of Him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. But He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, Upon Him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by His stripes we were healed." (Isaiah 53:2-5)

The crowd turned their faces from Him, just as we often do. Pray the Rosary, every day if possible, and your reward will be to see that Holy Face in all its glory in eternity.

Related links:
Website devoted to The Holy Face of Jesus

St. Therese of Lisieux (The Little Flower) was very devoted to the Holy Face. Here's a link to her Holy Face Prayer for Sinners

Walking the Joyful Mysteries

2011-02-14T14:54:00.001-08:00

As the author of The Rosary Workout, I like to practice what I preach and pray the Rosary during my workouts. I've prayed the Rosary while outside biking, hiking, running, swimming and walking. I've prayed the Rosary in the gym on the elliptical trainer, the Stairmaster, the rowing machine, the treadmill and the Spinning bike. Although I usually pray the mysteries that are traditionally designated for each day of the week (Monday and Saturday - Joyful, Tuesday and Friday - Sorrowful, Wednesday and Sunday - Glorious, and Thursday - Luminous), I occasionally mix it up a bit. If my workout is going to be touch and grueling, I'll pray the Sorrowful Mysteries as meditating on Jesus' suffering makes my own more bearable. If the weather is particularly beautiful outside, I might pray the Glorious Mysteries. If I'm going to walk or hike, then the Joyful Mysteries are my favorite choice.

The Joyful Mysteries involve quite a lot of walking! Although The Annunciation is a pretty sedentary mystery, I imagine that Mary would likely have gone for a walk after the Angel Gabriel left, just to process the amazing news she had just heard. Then she would have quickly prepared for her journey to visit Elizabeth in The Visitation. Mary lived in Nazareth and would have had to walk about 67 miles to the hill country where Elizabeth lived. On the way, I imagine that she prayed and reflected on the Scriptures, particularly Hannah's canticle in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. When Mary bursts forth with her beautiful Magnificat (Luke 1: 46-55), it's a completion of Hannah's cry to the Lord thousands of years earlier.

The Third Joyful Mystery also involves quite a bit of walking since the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 70 miles.. Mary is usually depicted riding on a donkey in artwork, but that is not likely as St. Joseph was a poor man and probably could not afford a donkey. Imagine Mary's excitement and joy as she awaited the birth of her Divine Son. She quietly trusted that God would provide a suitable place as St. Joseph patiently sought shelter for his family.

The next journey for the Holy Family was a trip from Bethlehem to Jerusalem for The Presentation, a fairly short journey of about 5 miles. On the way, Mary probably carried Jesus for part of the time, marveling that she was taking God's own Son to the Temple to present Him back to His Heavenly Father.

The final journey of the Joyful Mysteries is the return trip from Jerusalem to Nazareth, a journey of about 120 miles. According to the account in Luke 2:420-52 Mary and Joseph has already traveled for a day before they realized that He was missing. Then they walked for an additional three days searching for Him. When I walk during this mystery, I pick up my pace as Mary must have, frantic with worry.

Next time you're out walking, pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary and walk in Mary's footsteps. If you get distracted, simply imagine Mary walking next to you and ask her to help you better comprehend the depth of these mysteries as she leads you closer to Christ.

Related link:

I really enjoyed this site with detailed information on the Miles That Jesus and Mary Walked.

My recent articles:

Get your children excited about exercise! I have plenty of tips in my latest column on CatholicMom.com,
Ideas for Fun Family Fitness

Do you need help to convince someone not to use birth control? I found a wonderful parallel in the story of Moses and the Burning Bush which inspired me to write an article for The Integrated Catholic Life e-magazine, A Lesson on Birth Control From.... Moses?

Guest post: Tying Your Prayers in Knots

2011-01-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled that my first guest post is by my good friend, Theresa Doyle-Nelson, author of Saints of the Bible and More Saints of the Bible. We "met" when our articles appeared in the same issue of Canticle magazine (now Women of Grace, in a new journal format). Since then, we have traded emails, Facebook messages, writing encouragement and prayers for each other. Without further ado, I present her unique article on prayer ropes, which originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of Ligourian magazine and is reprinted here with permission.

Tying Your Prayers in Knots: An Ancient Prayer Form

by Theresa Doyle-Nelson

“For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, a simple glace directed to heaven, a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy.” ―St. Thérèse of Lisieux

If you are like many people, you might often find your mind floating about after just a moment or two of prayer time with nonprayer thoughts … pondering your upcoming weekend, planning what to fix for dinner, reminding yourself to run to the dry cleaners, and so forth. If so, you might want to consider trying an ancient form of prayer, known as a prayer rope, to help you stay on task while praying. The prayer rope is somewhat similar to the Rosary, though it is far less known among Western Catholic Christians.

Also known as a chotki (Russian) or komboskini (Greek), the prayer rope is a tool that has evolved over the centuries to help Christians follow Saint Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes 5:17). Although the precise origin of the prayer rope is uncertain, it is believed that some of the earliest desert hermits and monks who lived in the 200s and 300s used either prayer ropes or similar devices to encourage their prayer. It is also believed that oftentimes some of these monks, desiring to spend stretches of time at prayer, would get a sack of pebbles and then say one prayer for each pebble as it was tumbled into a bowl. Another legend states that an early desert monk, perhaps saint Antony the Abbot, recited prayers using a knotted cord, but the devil would sneak in and until each knot in an attempt to foil the holy man. So, Antony tied extra sturdy knots that thwarted the devil.

Others claim Saint Pachomius started the prayer-on-a-string concept. One story says he taught illiterate monks to say one Jesus Prayer for each knot on a string instead of memorizing the Psalms. Whatever the truth is, for many centuries now, people have used string with knots or beads to put a bit of structure into their prayer and to help keep their hearts, souls, and minds focused on God.

Prayer ropes have many variables. They usually have thirty-three (symbolizing the number of years Jesus spent on earth), fifty, one hundred, or one hundred and fifty (symbolizing the Psalms) knots or beads. They were originally made with black wool – black to signify the mourning of one’s sins and wool to represent being of the flock of Christ. Sometimes red wool is mixed into the tassel at the end of the rope to symbolize the blood of Christ. Some recommend that the tassel be used for wiping away tears of remorse. Nowadays, prayer ropes can be found in many colors, sizes, and types of cord. While an ample selection is available for purchase online, they can also be homemade by tying the desired number of knots on a simple piece of string.

No matter the design of the prayer rope, the crucial part is the prayer. Jesus was clear about the great importance of prayer, and if a prayer rope helps one draw closer to God, then it is a favorable tool. What prayer or prayers to say with the prayer rope can be a personal choice as well. The Jesus Prayer is an ancient and much-loved choice that seems to bring a great sense of inner peace to many. It is believed to have derived from the parable of the tremendously sorrowful tax collector who cried out in the Temple area, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” (Lk. 18:9-14). Although several versions of the prayer exist, the basic tenet is to implore God’s mercy.

Other prayers can be a heartfelt thought, a verse from the Bible, or part of another prayer. Keeping the prayer simple yet meaningful is key when using a prayer rope. You can use one prayer throughout the whole rope or you can change after a certain number of knots (some prayer ropes have dividers). Practicing deep breathing while praying not only adds health benefits, but can also help to slow down the tempo of your prayer rhythm. This in turn might help the meaning of the words settle more deeply into your heart and mind, as each knot gently nudges you to keep praying.

When we Catholics think of prayer, we usually think of the Mass, the Our Father, the Rosary, or maybe the Stations of the Cross. But, the reality is that we have along and rich prayer tradition. It is just as authentic for a Catholic to meditate in total silence as it is to dance with a tambourine, shouting alleluia. While there is only one gateway to God, namely Jesus Christ, there are many languages, and not all of them are suitable for each individual.

This is one of the great things about being Catholic. We have so many authentic prayer forms from which to choose. The prayer rope is one of the lesser-known, at least among us Westerners, but it can prove to be very rich and rewarding. As Saint Paul reminds us, how we pray is not nearly as important as that we do pray. So if you’re having difficulty in your prayer or just want to try something a little different, grab yourself a piece of rope and start tying those knots.

Prayer Rope Suggestions

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

(The Jesus Prayer, longer version)

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.

(The Jesus Prayer, shorter version)

Jesus, I trust in You!

(Divine Mercy)

My God, I love You!

(St. Thérѐse’s last words)

Teach me your way, O Lord.

(Psalm 27:11)

A clean heart create for me, God.

Psalm 51:12

I will praise you always.

Psalm 52:11

Lord, hear my prayer.

Psalm 86:6

Note: I highly recommend Theresa's blog, Bible Saints. She was the featured guest on this week's Catholic Vitamins podcast, Vitamin N: Names. (You can also hear my brief weekly segment, Fitness for Faith, on Vitamin N: Nature)

Ask Them What They Mean By Choice -- I Say Choose Life!

2011-01-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

My blog post today was inspired by pro-lifer Jill Stanek who issued a challenge to Catholic bloggers to respond to the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) "Blog For Choice" day today. According to NARAL,

"Blog for Choice Day gets more people reading and talking about reproductive rights online on one of the most important days surrounding a woman’s right to choose: the Roe anniversary. Plus, it lets your readers and the mainstream media know that a woman's right to choose is a core progressive value that must be protected."

(Participating NARAL blogs are listed here, so feel free to leave charitable but Truth-filled comments to these tragically misguided bloggers.)

Regarding her Catholic blogger counter-campaign, Jill Stanek states:

"The idea is simple. Any time any of us reads pro-aborts spouting their obscure “choice” rhetoric on a blog, website, Facebook, or Twitter, we call them out on it. We ask them to explain what the “choice” is. Is it to eat carrots rather than broccoli? To wear red instead of blue? No, of course “choice” is code for killing babies. What’s their problem with the A-word?"

It's tragic that an unborn baby's life has become a "choice" for self-centered women or forced upon the many unfortunate young girls and women who are bullied into abortions by others.

The word "choice" calls to mind a DVD about the life of St. Gianna entitled Love Is a Choice. St. Gianna was a devout Catholic wife, mother, physician and athlete who bravely and unselfishly chose death over aborting her child. She found out she had cancer while pregnant and was given the option of essentially aborting her child with a hysterectomy or a less invasive surgery that would save the life of her child. St. Gianna chose the surgery but died shortly after childbirth.

The word "choice" also reminds me of two Bible quotes in the January issue of Magnificat Magazine:

"I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore, choose life..." (Deut 30:19)

Also, "Before a man are life and death, good and evil, and whichever he chooses will be given to him." (Sirach 15:17)

It seems that the Word of God is pretty clear about the meaning of "choice."

This tragic pro-choice movement and the unspeakable tragedy of over 50 million aborted babies in America since Roe vs. Wade took effect makes me think of the 3rd Sorrowful Mystery, The Crowning of Thorns. Jesus models love for His enemies in this mystery by actually loving and forgiving the brutal soldiers who mocked and tortured Him.

I have to realize that Jesus LOVES these vocal pro-choice supporters and bloggers, along with the women who have abortions, the men who pay for, encourage or ignore them and the doctors, nurses and others involved in the abortion industry. Jesus offers endless mercy to these people if only they will turn to Him and ask for forgiveness. If Jesus loves them, then I must too. Please join me in praying a Rosary for a change of heart for those who think that LIFE, rather than LOVE is a choice.

Unrelated but still important:
Today is the feast of the virgin martyr, St. Agnes, patron of young girls and chastity. Today, ask St. Agnes to watch over your daughters and protect their chastity. If you have sons, ask St. Agnes to do the same for their future wives.

The Rosary and New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's already January 20th? If you made any New Year's Resolutions, I hope that they're going well. If you don't make them or have forgotten them already, I have an idea for you: Turn to the virtue of the Fourth Luminous Mystery, The Transfiguration, and resolve to become a new person in Christ.

To learn more, read my article on this topic at The Integrated Catholic Life e-magazine. I wrote a similar article, but applied the concept to fitness resolutions in my monthly column at CatholicMom.com

Please try to pray the Rosary every day, whether you pray it while exercising, in the car running errands, in front of the Blessed Sacrament, a decade at a time throughout the day, or before you fall asleep. Your life will be richly blessed if you do.

Another good reason to pray the Rosary every day is that you'll be able to offer your prayer for so many intentions. I often pray for personal intentions and for my family, but I also pray for random strangers, people I encounter on a regular basis (like the cashier at the grocery store or the homeless man who hangs out at the library), for our nation and its leaders or for people who have no one to pray for them. Find more inspiration at one of my favorite websites, How To Pray The Rosary Every Day.

Epiphany Proclamation 2011

2011-01-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

Since today is the feast of Epiphany, I thought it would be fun to share an old-fashioned tradition from earlier days of the Church. In the Liturgical Year, many important feast dates are based on the date of Easter, which varies from year to year. Before there were widely-disseminated calendars and computer programs that could calculate significant dates years in advance, an Epiphany Proclamation was read after the Gospel on today's feast. In the spirit of tradition, it is still posted annually (although not usually read during Mass.) It's a beautiful proclamation, so I'm sharing the Epiphany Proclamation for 2011:

Dear brothers and sisters,
the glory of the Lord has shone upon us,
and shall ever be manifest among us,
until the day of his return.
Through the rhythms of times and seasons
let us celebrate the mysteries of salvation.
Let us recall the year's culmination,
the Easter Triduum of the Lord:
his last supper, his crucifixion, his burial,
and his rising celebrated
between the evening of the twenty-first day of April
and the evening of the twenty-third day of April,
Easter Sunday being on the twenty-fourth day of April.

Each Easter -- as on each Sunday --
the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed
by which Christ has for ever conquered sin and death.
From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy.
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent,
will occur on the ninth day of March.
The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated on the second day of June.
Pentecost, joyful conclusion of the season of Easter,
will be celebrated on the twelfth day of June.
And, this year the First Sunday of Advent will be
on the twenty-seventh day of November.
Likewise the pilgrim Church proclaims the passover of Christ
in the feasts of the holy Mother of God,
in the feasts of the Apostles and Saints,
and in the commemoration of the faithful departed.
To Jesus Christ, who was, who is, and who is to come,
Lord of time and history,
be endless praise, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Another fun way to celebrate Epiphany is to watch the fascinating documentary The Star of Bethlehem on DVD. (I bought it last year and our whole family enjoyed it.)

We Won't Forget You Theotokos!

2011-01-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope you are all richly blessed in 2011.

Today is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Sadly, most Catholics will not realize this since the US bishops have decided that it's not a Holy Day of Obligation. This year. That's right-- American Catholics cannot be inconvenienced by being asked to attend Mass two days in a row, so certain holy days are "abrogated" (i.e. swept under the carpet) if they fall on a Saturday or a Monday. This is not the case in all countries though, so if you're reading from another nation, you may be mystified. I share your confusion.

I can't imagine a better way to welcome the New Year than to attend Mass and honor the Blessed Mother as we receive our first Bread of Life in 2011. Today we celebrate Mary's role as Mother of God. She is not simply the mother of Christ's human nature nor is she a Jewish girl chosen at random to bear the Messiah. Mary is truly the Mother of God and was chosen and created by God for this role. The ancient word that describes this title of Mary is Theotokos or "God bearer." This title and its meaning were so important in the early Church that the Council of Ephesus declared in 431:

"If anyone does not confess that the Emmanuel is truly God and therefore that the holy Virgin is the Mother of God (Theotokos) (since she begot according to the flesh the Word of God made flesh), anathema sit." [Anathema sit is an ancient form of excommunication that no longer exists in the Church, but does show the significance of this statement by the Council.]

Since there was no Solemnity Mass to attend today in my diocese, I decided to celebrate the occasion by reading from my new Magnificat magazine (worth every penny!) and by praying 10 decades of the Rosary. I know that many other Catholics join me in celebrating anyway, but we really do need to get this important feast back into the US Catholic Church, even if it is on a Monday or a Saturday. Perhaps we can write to our bishops and encourage them to remove the abrogation. Theotokos, we won't forget you!

Today is also the First Saturday, if you honor the Five First Saturdays devotion. Yet another reason to pray the Rosary today!

Notes:
EWTN has two good articles on Theotokos and today's Solemnity.

The Glorious Mysteries and the Holy Family

2010-12-27T18:43:00.000-08:00

A belated Merry Christmas!

I took a break from writing for the past few weeks to focus on my family and our trip to California to visit my parents and sisters. Many thanks to those who have prayed for my dad. He is now off all antibiotics and does not require open heart surgery at this point. We're still praying that the next few check-ups and tests show that the infection is completely gone.

Yesterday, I did a late-night Rosary Workout on the treadmill in our hotel as I knew I would be sitting on airplanes all day today. As I prayed the Glorious Mysteries, I thought about Jesus, Mary and Joseph since it was the Feast of the Holy Family.

As I prayed the first decade, I contemplated Jesus descending to the dead and seeing his foster father, St. Joseph. Jesus loved him dearly, and I imagined the joy that St. Joseph must have experienced at seeing his beloved foster son and knowing that he would soon enter heaven. I also pondered Jesus appearing to His beloved Mother after He rose from the dead. Even though Scripture does not record such a meeting, I'm pretty certain that Jesus put her at or near the top of His list of people to visit after rising from the dead.

During the second decade, I thought of Jesus' and Mary's bittersweet parting before He ascended to heaven. I imagined the emotions that Mary must have felt knowing that she would be briefly separated from her beloved Son but also knowing that it was time for Him to take His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. Although I have no concept of what heaven is like, I think it likely that Jesus must have greeted St. Joseph with special attention when He arrived, although Joseph, in his great humility, would never have expected it. The bond of the Holy Family must have been so very powerful. It gives us a model for the holiness in our own families.

As I meditated on the third decade, I thought of Mary in the Upper Room, again filled with grace by the Holy Spirit. At the Annunciation, she was "full of grace," even before the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, multiplying the grace exponentially. At Pentecost, she received even more grace. She will bestow it upon us, if only we ask. I thought of St. Joseph and how his role was to be Mary's protector, while the Holy Spirit is her true spouse. (For an excellent article covering this somewhat confusing topic, see Catholic Culture's The Holy Spirit and Mary.)

As I ran up an incline with a burst of late-night energy, I prayed the fourth and fifth decades. During my meditation, it occurred to me that the Holy Family was finally reunited after Mary's Assumption and Coronation. What a joyful day that must have been! We are blessed to be able to ask for their heavenly intercession and protection for our own families.

I try to pray the Rosary every day (although I occasionally fall short of this goal), and at times it can almost seem monotonous, which is my own fault. Yet when I try a fresh perspective like meditating on the Glorious Mysteries through the eyes of the Holy Family, I see the mysteries in a new light. I am continually amazed by the depth of the Rosary every time I put a little more effort into praying it. The next time you pray the Rosary, try a new perspective in your meditation and see if that doesn't bring new revelations. If so, please share them!

A Slice of Rural Southern RV Life on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

2010-12-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, when Catholics celebrate the day Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, free from Original Sin. Mary is the only person in human history to be granted this gift.

Many Catholics mistakenly believe that the Immaculate Conception refers to the day Mary conceived Jesus in her womb. Simple math proves that this could not be correct. The Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8^th and Christmas on December 25^th. Mary would have had either the longest, or the shortest, pregnancy in history! Of course, Jesus’ conception in Mary’s womb is honored on the feast of The Annunciation. It is celebrated, appropriately, on March 25^th.

Today I had an occasion to call on Mary in her role as the Immaculate Conception. While we wait for a new house to be built, we are living in our RV, which presents many challenges in the winter. Although our RV is roomy, cozy and built for four seasons, we can’t keep water outside from freezing. Since our campground is “down in the holler,” temperatures are often colder than the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, it has been so cold that the water froze inside our hose as well as in the spigot to which it is attached. We quickly depleted the water in our tank, and I had to find a way to thaw the hose to get more water despite the fact that the temperature was still below freezing.

As is the case in situations where I need help, I mentally searched for a saint who could assist me in getting running water. I quickly thought of St. Bernadette and the miraculous water in Lourdes. Then it occurred to me that Mary told St. Bernadette, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” After praying to both Mary and St. Bernadette, I was confident that I would have running water. I bundled up and went outside to check the hose. It was still frozen solid, but I spied another hose we use occasionally, lying under the RV. It had only a little ice in it, which boiling water quickly removed. I connected it to the RV and filled the tank, grateful for the heavenly assistance.

I had just enough time to wash the dishes before heading out to watch my son’s swim meet and then take him to Boy Scouts. During the Scout meeting, I headed to the gym, not to work out as usual, but to take a long hot shower. By the time I returned home, the water would be frozen again, and I needed to save the precious water in the tank for morning.

As I stood under the hot water, I heard the voices of a bevy of young swim team girls as they converged into the shower room.

Girl #1: Jasmine, do you have a pool in your back yard?

Jasmine: No, but we’ve got a creek.

Girl #1: A creep?

Jasmine: No! A creek. C-R-E-E-K. My daddy says he’s going to make us a pool in the creek next summer.

Girl #2: Every time my daddy says he’s goin’ to do somethin’ awesome, he never does.

Girl #1: Hi Brittany! How come you’re always the last one in the shower?

Brittany: I don’t know.

Girl #2: Well, who do you talk to since everyone's done?

Brittany: I don’t know. Myself, I guess. I just like to sing too.

(I was never treated to Brittany’s singing since Girl #1 thoughtfully lingered to talk to her for a few minutes so she wouldn't be left alone.)

Girl #1: Brittany, are you going to church tonight? (Southern Baptists go to church on Wednesday nights.)

Brittany: I don’t know.

Girl #1: Well if I don’t see you at church, then I’ll see you tomorrow! Bye!

Brittany: See ya! Bye!

I like to think that the Blessed Mother enjoyed eavesdropping on this delightful, innocent girl talk as much as I did.

The Power of Prayer

2010-11-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend and that Advent has not caught you by surprise. Can you believe that we're already 3 days into Advent? What are your plans during this holy season? I enjoy the daily readings and meditations in the Magnificat Advent Companion which my generous mother buys for the whole family each year. I also ordered a Daily Meditations booklet and CD from Belmont Abbey College. The gorgeous artwork alone is worth the cost of the set. I'm currently attending a weekly Bible study, taught by my wonderful pastor. Of course we light our Advent candles each night during dinner, and I'd really like to make a Jesse Tree with my children. If you have any interesting Advent practices, please leave a comment and share them.

I received some wonderful news! My dad, who was in the ICU recently with an infection so serious that I flew home to see him, just saw his doctor yesterday. Apparently, the antibiotics are curing his infection and he longer seems to need surgery. He will rest at home and should be able to return to work at the beginning of next year. Many thanks to those of you who prayed for him. My family is famous for our prayer chains, and we had people all over the US and around the world praying for him. Studies show that prayer can have a remarkable impact on illness and recovery. Perhaps during Advent we can all pray for sick people who have no one to pray for them.

My Journey Home

2010-11-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post the information about my Journey Home appearance on EWTN, but I have been a bit distracted as my dear dad is in intensive care, clear across the country. He has the same infection that resulted in open heart surgery and an artificial heart valve 11 years ago. He has been feeling better, but I would very much appreciate your prayers for his speedy recovery, without additional surgery.

I was honored to be a guest on The Journey Home to tell the story of my "reversion" to Catholicism. For many years, I was a lukewarm Catholic, despite being raised in a very devout Catholic home.

The show will also air on EWTN on Thursday, Nov 11th at 2:00 pm ET and Saturday at 11:00 pm ET. If you don't have EWTN or can't watch the show, I've posted the youtube video below.

Sorry for the break

2010-11-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the long break in posts, but I needed to leave the Latin Mass article up for awhile since the link was posted in my parish paper. (If you're looking for the Latin Mass article, it's on the Oct 21st entry, below)

Before I resume my "Minute Meditations" on the Rosary mysteries, I wanted to share this wonderful video I came across. It's just over 3 minutes, but is so interesting and inspiring:

Missa Cantata in Mayberry

2010-10-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today's post is an extension of an article I wrote for my diocese newspaper, the Catholic News Herald. If you are visiting my blog for the first time, welcome! You may also be interested in the Rosary "Minute Meditations" series I'm writing for the month of October. You can find them below this entry or in the Archives, at right. If you would like to receive updates, please subscribe through the links on the right-hand column. I always welcome comments! You can leave one at the end of the post.

As a Vatican II-era child, I had no recollection of attending Latin Mass (known as the Tridentine Mass or Mass in the Extraordinary Form), so I was very curious about the recent revival of this ancient form of the liturgy. I hoped for the opportunity to attend a Latin Mass and finally found one several years ago while on vacation. I was instantly struck by the reverence and the formality of the Extraordinary Form. As I followed along in the Latin-English missal, a simple question came immediately to mind: Why on earth isn't the Ordinary Form a closer translation? I think that the upcoming changes are a positive step in that direction. In fact, I think it’s worthwhile to buy a copy of the Latin-English missal even if you never intend to attend a Latin Mass. The beautiful prayers included in the booklet alone are worth the price.

Last year, my husband got a job in a little town called Mount Airy in the Appalachian foothills of North Carolina. I was surprised to discover that it was also known as "Mayberry" since it is Andy Griffith's boyhood home and the inspiration for that idyllic small town. I was even more surprised to discover that Mount Airy was home to more Quakers than Catholics! There’s a Baptist church on every corner, but only one small Catholic Church, named in honor of the Holy Angels.

I knew I had found the right parish when I learned that Holy Angels pastor, Father Eric Kowalski, offers Latin Mass every Sunday at noon. Once a month, a Schola (Gregorian Chant choir) sings the Missa Cantata (“Sung Mass”). We occasionally attend Mass in the Ordinary Form, but even my children prefer the Latin Mass. My non-Catholic husband notes that although he can’t understand the words, he has an appreciation for the solemn reverence of the Extraordinary Form.

When I was recently hired as a freelance writer for the diocese newspaper, the first article I proposed to my editor was one on the Latin Mass in our parish. Father Kowalski graciously offered his assistance and suggested that I interview those who attend the Latin Mass regularly. He even allowed me to take a few photographs during Mass.

Everyone I interviewed praised Father Kowalski to the skies, and rightly so, expressing sincere gratitude for his generosity and commitment to offering Mass in the Extraordinary Form every Sunday. Not only does he have to pray the Mass in a language he doesn’t use every day, but he also has to prepare two separate homilies as the readings and Gospels are different for each form.

Father Kowalski had no idea that he would be offering Mass in the Extraordinary Form when he was assigned to Holy Angels in 2001. One of his first projects was to renovate the beautiful granite chapel, built in 1921. He discovered gorgeous hardwood floors under layers of carpet and tile, not realizing that he was improving the acoustics so that one day in the future the Schola could “make the walls sing.”

Father often states that offering Mass in the Extraordinary Form has changed him personally. “If you’re not careful, when you offer Mass [in the Ordinary Form], it’s very easy to make it about yourself. With the Extraordinary Form, the ritual itself takes all of that away because you’re focused on the meaning behind certain gestures. It’s not about the quip or the funny joke. It’s about you offering the sacrifice In Persona Christi, standing before God and realizing your own unworthiness.”

The first group I interviewed was the Schola, led by Winston-Salem resident and attorney Robin Shea, who showed me the unique musical notations of the Gregorian Chant on her ipad. Yes, there’s an App for that! (It’s called “Liber Pro” if you’re interested.) She was first introduced to Gregorian Chant when she was “volunteered” to learn it for the Latin Mass offered at the Wake Forest campus chapel. Sue Harmer-Sommer, of Kernersville, also volunteered and serves as the group’s Latin pronunciation expert as she studied Latin and Gregorian Chant in school. Patricia Donadio completed the group and jokes that the most difficult aspect is getting along with the other two ladies.

When the Wake Forest Latin Mass was discontinued, the trio kept practicing, hoping to find another venue for their talents. They discovered that Father Kowalski was offering the Extraordinary Form in Mount Airy and quickly volunteered to bring the Missa Cantata to Mayberry, much to Father’s delight and relief. As he stated, “When the Schola is singing, I’m offering my prayers. It fits seamlessly, unlike the Ordinary Form where everything is blocked. It flows and it’s a very intimate moment with God.”

Robin agrees. “The music is really beautiful and adds so much reverence to the Mass. I’ve been praying the whole time and didn’t even realize it.” Robin would love to add more members to the Schola. (If you're interested, you can talk to her after Mass.)

If you do attend the Latin Mass in Mount Airy, you’ll likely be welcomed by Sid Cundiff. He drives from Winston-Salem every Sunday to serve as an usher. He’s also the informal “communications officer” and keeps an email list to update anyone interested in the Extraordinary Form in the state of North Carolina. You can add your name to his list by emailing sidcundiff@gmail.com

Sid points out that Mass in the Extraordinary Form has three important characteristics. It is serious, it is a solemnity and it is holy. He is quick to add that he is not opposed to the Ordinary Form or that it lacks these characteristics, but that the Extraordinary Form is more focused on these three aspects of liturgy and “that something out of the ordinary is being done.”

Ron and Libby Boyd attend Latin Mass every Sunday, driving nearly two hours from Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, because it reminds them of their childhood. As Libby stated, "We were raised in the Latin Mass. It is solemn and respectful. It's quiet and you can pray. We like that atmosphere."

Holy Angels parishioners Paul and Joan Zomberg attend daily Mass in the Ordinary Form where Paul is a lector. Paul says that they prefer the Extraordinary Form because "it's more spiritually satisfying." Joan adds, "We praise God because He is good. Latin Mass is more about praising God that petitioning God."

Robert and Doris Cross are also Holy Angels parishioners who attend both the Ordinary and the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Robert, as a convert, had only seen Latin Mass on TV and was curious about it. Doris, on the other hand, grew up with the Latin Mass. She says that she likes the wider range of Scriptures in the Ordinary Form, but the Extraordinary Form "is very focused on being prayerful and quiet and you focus on Jesus. You can kneel for Communion like we used to do back home."

Gerald and Billy Healy drive from Yadkinville because "they were raised with the Latin Mass and love it." Billy, a convert for nearly 60 years, declares that at Latin Mass they are "home again." Their grandson, Patrick Healy, is a Greensboro resident and a grad student studying Chemistry. He became an altar server for the Latin Mass over 15 years ago and fills in when young trainee Michael Kafant is not available. Patrick is grateful that Mass in the Extraordinary Form is "close by with a regular schedule."

Winston-Salem resident Emmanuel Kafant is a convert from the Greek Orthodox Church. His six adorable, well-dressed children behave perfectly and are so reverent. Emmanuel drives his family of eight to Latin Mass every Sunday because it expresses "the faith of Catholicism-- what we believe about the Mass, what we believe about the Eucharist-- without any ambiguities. It's distinctly Catholic." He's a Belmont Abby College graduate and has been attending Latin Mass since 1991. His son, Michael, an altar boy, says that Latin Mass and serving in Latin “just feels normal” as that’s all he has known.

Michael Long, also a Winston-Salem resident, found a Latin Missal several years ago in a thrift shop. He said it's the best dollar he ever spent. He doesn’t mind the drive to Mount Airy every Sunday because he feels that he “has gone the extra mile and that God has brought me to a very holy time and place.” Opening his missal, he reads, “Send forth your light and your fidelity to lead me on and to bring me to your holy mount.” Michael thinks that there is no coincidence that he is driving to Mount Airy. As he points out, “God has richly provided for this faith community… Father had the inspiration to restore this chapel and brought back the altar rail [not knowing] that we would bring back this liturgy… The choir members had an inspiration to start studying Gregorian Chant. I’ve seen the altar boys and where they got their training, and it’s very good training. God was preparing all these things to happen, and who knew when the time was going to come when the pope would say, ‘Let’s make this more available.’ God had even prepared me through finding this [Latin] missal.”

Indeed!

Notes:

There will be a special Missa Cantata in honor of All Souls Day on Tuesday, November 2nd, at 6:30 pm at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Mount Airy. During the Mass, the new black vestments will be blessed.

Sid Cundiff provided the following links for more information on the Mass in Extraordinary Form:

Sancta Missa is a highly informative site that is well worth your time to read if you are planning to attend a Latin Mass (or even if you aren't). You can read the English-Latin Missal online at this link.

Minute Meditations: The Transfiguration

2010-10-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

When I reflect on the Fourth Luminous Mystery, The Transfiguration, I think not only of Jesus changing His appearance to strengthen the resolve of the future leaders of the Church, but also of my own transformation through the power of the Rosary. I was not always a devout Catholic, despite my solid Catholic upbringing in a very devout family. I made many mistakes as a young adult, and I mourn for those lost years. Yet the one relative constant in my life is the Rosary. I often think of the words of St. Louis de Montfort in his must-read book, The Secret of the Rosary:

“... Even if you are now on the brink of damnation, even if you have one foot in hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil, sooner or later you will be converted. Heaven will amend your life and save your soul if you say the Rosary devoutly every day of your life.”

I can definitely attest that heaven WILL amend your life if you are devoted to the Rosary. Over the past few years, I have become aware of sinful practices in my life and have worked to eliminate them, one by one. Some have come fairly easily and others were fierce battles, but I am slowly but surely trying to live a holier life. I still have a long way to go, but the Rosary is a powerful weapon.

Minute Meditations: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

2010-10-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

John the Baptist was the first to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2), and he was also known as the "Voice crying out in the wilderness," (Matthew 3:3) fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3. I often think of these two Scripture verses while meditating on the Third Luminous Mystery, The Proclamation of the Kingdom.

I reflect on how I can proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand through my actions, words and deeds. I resolve to act as a true Christian and treat all people as brothers and sisters in Christ and pray for them, even when they are rude or insensitive or just plain sinful. It is a difficult task, and I often fail, but I continually pray for the grace to accomplish this.

I also want to be a "voice crying out in the wilderness." In our secular society, too often we Catholics are reluctant to speak up for what is right. Sometimes we just don't know what to do, but we can pray that God will show us.

As an example, a few weeks ago, I read an article in a local church bulletin about the 40 Days For Life campaign. A group would be praying daily outside an abortion clinic in a nearby city during the campaign. The next week, I had a hair appointment in the city but didn't feel comfortable joining the group. I was afraid of being arrested or accosted or any number of other possible negative consequences. Later that day, I wrote a blog entry which had nothing whatsoever to do with abortion or praying outside an abortion clinic. Then two people wrote comments on the entry about praying outside an abortion clinic. I instantly knew that God was telling me to go. I had to drive to the city twice that week to get my car repaired, and both times I prayed outside the abortion clinic. I wept as I prayed the Rosary, overcome by emotion at what was being done to the most innocent human beings. I was not arrested or accosted. Instead, I met several wonderful people and felt that I was at least doing something to end this horrible abomination in our country.

Pray the Rosary today and ask for the courage and the resources to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven.

Minute Meditations: The Wedding Feast at Cana

2010-10-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

I often think of Mary's intercessory powers when meditating on the Wedding Feast of Cana, but I also reflect on the institution of the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1613):

The Church attaches great importance to Jesus' presence at the wedding at Cana. She sees in it the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and the proclamation that thenceforth marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ's presence.

My own wedding was one of the happiest days of my life, and I am blessed that God sent me such a wonderful husband. Yet sadly, the sanctity of marriage is quickly eroding in this country and around the world. It's easy to target the acceptance of gay "marriage," but as Catholics we must also pray and act to end other mockeries of marriage such as fornication, cohabitation before marriage, "trial" marriages and divorce. We must be charitable but firm in expressing our beliefs that marriage is sacred.

As Jesus Himself stated in Mark 10: 7-9

"Jesus said to the Pharisees, 'God made them male and female. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother, and the two shall become as one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no man must separate...'"

Minute Meditations: The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

2010-10-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

When I meditate on the mystery of Jesus' Baptism, I often think of the book of Exodus. The journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land parallels our lives today. They first passed through water (the Red Sea), which prefigures Baptism. Next, they wandered in the desert for 40 years (a generation), which parallels our time on earth. Only then could they reach the Promised Land, or heaven. In order to reach the Promised Land, they must cross the Jordan River, led by Joshua. Joshua is a "Christ figure" who leads the people through the Jordan River, prefiguring the Baptism of Jesus who will lead us to eternal life.

Sadly, few Catholics study the Bible, let alone the Old Testament. The rewards to those who do are priceless. The entire Old Testament shouts out that the Savior is coming, but you must study it and reflect on it. The Rosary Mysteries are a perfect place to start. Pick up a Scriptural Rosary booklet as a good resource for Old Testament passages that relate to the Rosary mysteries.

For a more in-depth Bible study, check out The Great Adventure Bible study program. If you can't find a study group or seminar near you, look into bringing it to your parish. It literally changed my spiritual life, and I can't recommend this program enough.

Speaking of Bible studies, it was such an honor to be a guest on Marcus Grodi's EWTN Radio program, Deep In Scripture. We discussed several Bible verses that relate to exercise and healthy eating. I recorded the show on Wednesday in Ohio after filming The Journey Home. Since the radio program was videotaped in the studio, you can watch/listen at the Deep in Scripture website. It will be on the main page until the next episode airs on Oct 20th. After that, you can access it through the archive link on the left side of the page. The date of the show I recorded is Oct 13th.

My Journey Home segment will air on Monday, Nov 8th on EWTN. If you can't catch the show, it will be posted on EWTN's youtube channel.

Short Break for Minute Meditations

2010-10-12T07:27:00.001-07:00

I will be taking a short break from the Rosary Minute Meditations as I'm leaving today for Ohio to tape an episode of EWTN's The Journey Home. It will air on Monday, November 8th. I'll also be taping an EWTN radio program called Deep In Scripture. It will air on Wednesday, October 13th at 2 pm eastern at this link. It will also be archived on the website if you can't listen on Wednesday.

Wednesday is the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, so I've been praying a novena to Our Lady of Fatima. Please pray for me!

Minute Meditations: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

2010-10-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget the time we lost our daughter briefly at a very busy night at the county fair. She was only about two years old, and one moment she was at my side and the next she vanished. Panicked, my husband and I quickly searched through the crowd as I silently prayed Hail Marys. We found her a few minutes later, trustingly holding the hand of a kind older woman who was helping her to find us. Thank heaven she was found quickly and unharmed!

When I meditate on The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, I can relate to Mary and Joseph's distress while searching for their beloved child. My frantic search lasted only about 3 minutes but seemed like an eternity. Imagine Mary and Joseph's panic after 3 DAYS spent looking for the Son of God! Then imagine their relief and joy in finally finding Jesus in the place where they should have looked for Him first.

I compare this distress followed by joy to the times in my life where I have been searching for Jesus but could not find Him. Sometimes I was not physically aware that I was searching, but my soul longed for something greater than the lukewarm faith that I was practicing at the time. At other times, I experienced spiritual dryness and felt abandoned and lost. There's nothing quite like the joy at finally finding Jesus when you thought He was lost. Of course, like Mary and Joseph, I always find Him in the obvious place, every time-- in His Father's House (Luke 2:49)

Minute Meditations: The Presentation

2010-10-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Although it's not written in the Bible, Catholic tradition states that Mary was a consecrated virgin who lived in the Temple from childhood until she was betrothed to St. Joseph. Simeon and Anna, both mentioned in Luke's gospel account of The Presentation in the Temple, were Mary's teachers during her time in the Temple. When I think of The Presentation, I imagine Simeon hitting himself on the forehead and thinking, "Why on earth did I not realize that this holy young woman, right under my nose, would be the mother of the Savior since I was to see Him before I died!"

Take a better look at those people you see every day. Consider that they are instruments of God's Divine Plan and may be destined for great things. Treat them accordingly!

I posted the video below on this blog a few months ago, but it's worth repeating during the Month of the Most Holy Rosary. I hope it will inspire you to pray the Rosary today.

Minute Meditations: The Nativity

2010-10-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

When I think of the mystery of The Nativity, I like to think of the day when each of my two children was born. Along with the day I married my husband, those two days are my most memorable. There is nothing quite like finally holding the child who grew in your womb for nine months, looking into the tiny face with wonder and delight.

Yet the wonder and delight can turn to frustration and helplessness when the tiny baby cries inconsolably or demands to be fed at 3 a.m. There is also the process of working through selfishness as a mother. The baby's needs must come before the needs of the mother and sacrifices are required which are not always met with joy and acceptance.

I then reflect on the perfect love between the holiest of all mothers and her Divine Son. Since Mary was conceived without Original Sin and Jesus was God Incarnate, there were no barriers of selfishness to interfere with that mother-son bond. I think of my own love for my children and multiply it a million times. Then it occurs to me that Jesus has the same love for me! How can I not devote 20 minutes a day to pray the Rosary as a small return of that enormous, unfathomable love?

Minute Meditations: The Visitation

2010-10-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Month of the Most Holy Rosary, I'm running a series of "Minute Meditations" on the 20 mysteries of the Rosary.

When I contemplate the second Joyful Mystery, The Visitation, I like to think of the great joy Mary must have experienced as she hiked to the hill country to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. Mary was around 14 years old and must have been full of youthful energy. Add to that the joy of being chosen to become the mother of the Messiah, and she must have been literally bursting with joy. I wouldn't be surprised if she even skipped and danced a bit on the long journey.

When Mary arrives at her cousin's home, she proclaims her beautiful canticle, The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). A canticle is a song, and I imagine Mary had the loveliest singing voice.

Every time we pray the Rosary, we fulfill the prophecy in Mary's Magnificat that all generations will call her "blessed." When you pray your Rosary today, ask Mary to share her great joy with you.

Minute Meditations: The Annunciation

2010-10-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Month of the Most Holy Rosary, I'm going to post a series of "Minute Meditations" on each of the 20 mysteries. I'll start this week with the Joyful Mysteries. These are just short little thoughts on a particular mystery that I hope will inspire you to learn more and to try to pray the Rosary every day during October (and beyond, if you can!).

The Annunciation is truly one of the most pivotal moments in human history. Imagine! God became a man for us! He took on a human form and human weakness and suffering so that we might have eternal life.

I've always been fascinated by the stories of Greek and Roman mythology, but their gods are so petty. They usually take on human form so that they can seduce some beautiful maiden. They certainly do not suffer or humble themselves. Yet our God, the One True God, became flesh through a miraculous conception, AFTER He asked a humble Jewish girl if she would be the God Bearer (Theotokos, in Greek). Of course this Jewish girl was far from ordinary, yet she thought she was less so. A humble God incarnate chose a humble woman to be His mother to teach us that humility and serving others is the way to heaven, not glory and riches.

This blessed moment of The Annunciation is literally shouted from the pages of the Old Testament, if you know where to look. Study the Bible devoutly, and you will see types and precursors of Jesus and Mary throughout the Old Testament books.

Related links:

I found this terrific article about how to deal with distractions while praying the Rosary.

I'm thrilled to be a part of the wonderful Catholic Vitamins podcast. My regular segment, "Fitness For Faith" starts with the Vitamin A podcast, posted today. (Click on the "Podcast" link and then the "Vitamin A' link.)

Happy Feast Day St Therese and Happy Month of the Rosary

2010-10-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today is the feast of one of my favorite saints, St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as The Little Flower. I really admire her approach of offering up all the "little things" that grate on one's nerves during a typical day. Annoyances like rude people, slow drivers, overly chatty acquaintances and bad hair days can be turned into blessings by offering them up.

I also like her analogy of souls to different types of flowers:

Jesus set before me the book of nature. I understand how all the flowers God has created are beautiful, how the splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not take away the perfume of the violet or the delightful simplicity of the daisy. I understand that if all flowers wanted to be roses, nature would lose her springtime beauty, and the fields would no longer be decked out with little wild flowers. So it is in the world of souls, Jesus' garden. He has created smaller ones and those must be content to be daisies or violets destined to give joy to God's glances when He looks down at His feet. Perfection consists in doing His will, in being what He wills us to be.
- from Story of a Soul

St. Therese is also known as "St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face." That is the name she took when she entered the Carmelite Monastery due to her devotion to the infant Jesus and her fascination with the image of Jesus' suffering face imprinted on Veronica's veil.

My mother recently gave me a holy card with the image of Jesus' face, at right, and I always carry it in my purse. It was created by NASA using the negatives from the shroud of Turin. I love His eyes in this image. They are so gentle and loving yet they stare straight into your very soul.

October 1st also ushers in the Month of the Most Holy Rosary. It's a perfect opportunity to begin (or renew) a devotion to the Blessed Mother's favorite prayer. Try to pray the Rosary every day this month. Ask St. Therese to help you.

A Rose Garden

2010-09-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

The word Rosary comes from the Latin word rosarium, which means a rose garden, often circular. In Catholicism, the images of a garden, a rose and a circle are rich in symbolism.

To see how the rosary beads are like a garden, place then in front of you in a circle with the crucifix pointing toward you. The short chain, known as the pendant chain, is like a pathway leading to a garden, which is
represented by the circular part of the rosary.

The crucifix marks the opening prayer of the Rosary, The Apostles’ Creed. The Creed (and our corresponding faith) is the key to unlock the garden gate, where uur Blessed Mother will lead us to a deeper
understanding of the mysteries of the Rosary.

The five beads on the pendant chain represent a pathway into the garden as we recite the prayers they represent-- The Our Father, three Hail Marys and the Glory Be. The three Hail Mary are traditionally prayed for an increase in the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity. The three beads are also said to honor the three persons of the Blessed Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We enter the garden, or circle of beads, when we begin the first decade of the Rosary. While we‘re in the garden, we meditate on five mysteries, leading us to a deeper understanding of the Gospels. We exit the garden after making a final prayer of praise and petition to our Blessed Mother, the Hail Holy Queen.

The Rosary is ultimately a path to the garden which we most long to enter: Paradise.

Note: The lovely painting of Mary as a gardener, above, is called "Mary, Nazarene" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. This is an unusual image of Mary, but it's so beautiful. Since there is a small dove by her shoulder, then perhaps it represents The Annunciation. I always like to think of Mary in a garden during The Annunciation. I like the image of her humbly working in the garden, reversing Eve's long ago "No" in the Garden of Eden.

Why God Matters

2010-09-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

This summer, I attended the Catholic Marketing Network Conference and the Catholic Writer's Guild Live Conference in the Philadelphia area. I met so many wonderful Catholic writers, including fun, fedora-wearing Karina Fabian. We have a lot in common in addition to our love for writing. We're both former Air Force officers who fell in love with non-Catholic men (Karina's husband converted before they married), and we both homeschool and enjoy sci-fi.

Karina has recently published a book that she co-wrote with her father, Deacon Steve Lumbert. The book is titled Why God Matters: How To Recognize Him in Everyday Life. Just 114 pages, this little book can easily be read in an afternoon and is full of inspiring quotes and little "slice of life" stories about God and the Catholic faith. It reminds me a bit of the Chicken Soup series.

Each chapter has a different theme such as "So help me God, I Didn't Do It," or "Love in a Pot of Rice." Karina and her dad alternate their stories and include related Bible quotes or excerpts from the Cathechism of the Catholic Church. Some stories made me smile and others brought tears to my eyes, but all of them were touching and inspiring.

I especially appreciated the questions scattered throughout the book and the list of references at the end. Why God Matters would make a nice gift for a newly married couple or a friend or family member who is lukewarm in their Catholic faith.

More reviews are posted on publisher Tribune Books' site, and there's a tab to post your own story of "Why God Matters." You can order the book through Amazon.

Speaking of reviews, Catholic Exchange published my movie review of the excellent film, Like Dandelion Dust. If it's not showing in your area, then be sure to rent it when it comes out on DVD.

A Fresh Perspective

2010-09-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

After a long weekend out of town helping to chaperone my husband's Junior ROTC cadets, I was eager to get on my road bike and burn off some of the indulgent food I'd eaten. (Once a year I get to eat a corn dog with lots of mustard!)

As I set off for one of my favorite routes, I spontaneously decided to ride the route backwards. The ride seemed completely new as I was now going up hills I that I usually raced down. This gave me a fresh perspective on the scenery. I noticed cute little farm houses that I usually whizzed right by, as well as hidden ponds and a few acres of peaceful forest.

As I prayed the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, I recalled a reflection on The Visitation I had recently read. Unfortunately, I can't remember where or by whom, but the gist of the piece was that we imitate Mary in The Visitation every time we receive Communion. Just as Mary carried Jesus, hidden inside her womb, to Elizabeth, so we carry Jesus, hidden inside us in the Eucharist, to everyone we encounter.

What a fresh perspective! I had never considered that I am like Mary after I receive Jesus in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Just imagine how many people would be drawn to the Catholic faith if all us acted as Mary did when she first carried the hidden Savior out to the world. If only, like Mary, we were so overjoyed that we could declare, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior." (Luke 1:46-47) Then perhaps those we encounter might leap for joy as the unborn John the Baptist did.

The next time you receive Holy Communion, pause a moment on your way out of the church to consider the importance of carrying the hidden Christ to everyone you meet.
___________________
On a lighter note, I have a new guest post out today on my friend Sarah Reinhard's blog. It's a new endeavor for me-- a video post. I had to do about 10 "takes" before I was finally satisfied with the final product. The topic is "Healthy, Holy Lunch Boxes."

Bring Back Baptism

2010-09-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

I love my new road bike so much that I want to ride it nearly every day. For me, biking is the best way to really reflect on the Rosary mysteries. My mind just completely clears, and all the burdens I'm carrying almost magically slip from my shoulders. My Rosaries somehow stretch into 40 minutes or more while I ride. My mind sometimes wanders or my attention is diverted by traffic or a country dog, but I often have revelations that surprise me.

Today as I prayed the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, the First Luminous Mystery, The Baptism of Jesus, held my attention. I recalled the days when I was a lukewarm Catholic, attending Mass every Sunday mainly as an insurance policy against hell. On the days when the "Reserved" signs on the front pews and the babies dressed in white frills indicated a Baptism, I'd impatiently look at my watch.

"Great! Mass is going into overtime!" I'd think, despite the fact that I rarely had anything important to do the rest of the day. I fear many Catholics have the same thoughts since Baptisms are rarely performed during Mass these days. What a shame!

Imagine what would have happened nearly 2000 years ago if that attitude had prevailed. What if the people passing by the Jordan River sometime around January of 30 A.D., rolled their eyes and said, "There's that John the Baptist again, blocking the roads with crowds watching some guy get dunked in the river!" They would have missed an amazing event.

The Son of God, the Word Made Flesh, the Messiah, the Redeemer was about to initiate the Sacrament of Baptism by humbly undergoing it Himself. That too-busy-to-find-15-minutes-to-watch-a-Baptism crowd would have missed the opening of heaven when "... the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'" (Luke 3:21-22) I don't think even the Super Bowl could top that!

I think that it is important to baptize babies and new Catholics during a Mass, in front of the congregation. Baptism is a sacrament of initiation, and should be celebrated publicly, not in some side room on a Saturday afternoon.

Another benefit of Baptism during Mass is the opportunity to renew our own Baptismal promises. We should occasionally reflect on these promises and what they mean in our lives. Are we really remaining true to these promises? (Especially the ones about rejecting Satan's work and empty promises!)

Next time you see the Reserved signs and the babies swathed in white lace, rejoice at the opportunity to welcome another lamb or sheep into the fold and to renew your own promises to truly live your life as a follower of Christ.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Most Holy Cross

2010-09-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Most Holy Cross, a feast I had never heard of until very recently. I showed up at daily Mass, as I usually do on Tuesdays, and was surprised to smell incense. Apparently, this must have be an important feast!

I should have known better since I am aware that our parish is blessed with a relic of the True Cross. Usually, it is partly out of view in the tabernacle, but today it sat on the altar for all to see (similar to the photo at left). At the beginning of Mass, Father X told us that we would be able to venerate the relic and receive a blessing after Mass. The usual daily Mass group was present, but I wondered, "Why is the church not overflowing with parishioners and visitors at the prospect of this great honor?"

The readings for Mass today remind us that the foretelling of Jesus' death on a cross goes all the way back to Moses and the book of Exodus. The cross, an instrument of torture and death, has become a symbol for eternal life through Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. Every time we make the Sign of the Cross, we recall this sacrifice and proudly show the world that we are Catholic Christians.

The Sacrifice of the Mass moved me to tears today as Father X said the Eucharistic Prayer in Latin, and the presence of the relic on the altar really focused my attention on the fact that we offer Jesus' sacrifice to the Father during every Mass.

After Mass, it was a supreme honor to venerate the relic with a kiss and then to be blessed by the relic as Father X touched it gently to my forehead, then made the Sign of the Cross with the relic over my head. Being so close to the instrument of Jesus' sacrifice has has a profound effect on me today. I only hope that it will aid me in my quest to become more Christ-like.

Related links:

Excellent article about the history of this feast on Catholic Culture. I especially enjoyed the story of the Emperor Heraclius' inability to carry the True Cross up to Calvary.

As I posted before, The Living Wood, by Louis De Wohl, is a terrific book about St. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, and how she discovered the True Cross.

Happy Birthday, Mary and an Unexpected Gift

2010-09-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

Today is the Blessed Mother's birthday! I wrote an article for The Integrated Catholic Life about the history of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin and a few ideas to celebrate the feast, along with a lovely prayer I found online.

My daughter placed her statue of Mary in the middle of our kitchen table to honor her birthday. As I passed it throughout the day, I thought of the Blessed Mother and offered prayers of thanksgiving for the many favors and blessings she has bestowed upon me and my family.

This morning, I reorganized a cabinet in my bedroom as I searched for a missing receipt. To my surprise, I came across a little book called The Sorrows of Mary. I have no idea where this book came from as I do not remember purchasing it or receiving it as a gift. I tucked it into my purse and took it out to read it this evening after Mass.

While reading the first chapter, I discovered that the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is just one week from today-- September 15th. As I continued reading the beautiful meditations, it occurred to me that Mary had given me a gift on her birthday. She wanted me to read this little book in preparation for her feast day next week. She never ceases to surprise and amaze me!

I searched for this book online, and the only link I could find to purchase a copy is at the Life of Christ Newsletter Bookstore. Many of the meditations are taken from a book called The Mystical City of God by Venerable Mary of Agreda. This is a multi-volume set that is not exactly an easy read, but I've read parts of the abridged version, The Divine Life of the Most Holy Virgin, and it's much shorter and a beautiful reflection on the life of Mary.

Related links:

You can learn more about the Seven Dolors (Sorrows of Mary) at http://www.7dolors.com/

Another intersting site I discovered is an Italian devotion to Bambina Maria (Baby Mary).

Finding Friends on The Road to Emmaus

2010-09-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

It was a glorious morning yesterday, so I jumped on my bike to enjoy a workout in the great outdoors. As I pedaled up and down the rolling hills in the countryside, I prayed the Glorious Mysteries. I offered my Rosary for my friend, author Theresa Doyle-Nelson. She was scheduled for her first interview on The Catholic Revolver With Jerry to talk about her upcoming book, More Saints of the Bible, and had asked me to pray for her.

As I meditated on the First Glorious Mystery, The Resurrection, I recalled the story of "The Road to Emmaus," (Luke 24:13-31) where Jesus appeared to two disciples traveling to the town of Emmaus on Easter Sunday. I recalled that I had literally met Theresa on the Road to Emmaus when I first read her interesting article on this topic in Canticle magazine. I contacted her about the article, and we have become good friends. We pray for each other and encourage each other in our writing endeavors. Theresa is the type of person who makes my heart "burn within me" (cf Luke 24:32) because she encourages me to truly live the gospels.

I have been so blessed to have encountered many others on the Road to Emmaus-- good Christian people whom I have met in person or online who challenge, encourage or inspire me on my faith journey. I hope and pray that I too have helped others on their journey.

The next time you feel your heart "burning within you" when you're with a particular person, thank Jesus for sending you a friend on your Road to Emmaus.

Mary's Persuasion

2010-08-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

This morning, I ran on a path that meandered by a tree-shaded river, enjoying the cool air and a light breeze. As my feet pounded the pavement, I prayed the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. On my third mile, I began the 5th decade and reflected on The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple.

At 12 years old, Jesus was considered a man in the Jewish community. For the first time, He entered the area of the temple denied to Him when He was a child, and He was eager to get to His Father's work. His mother, however, was not so eager. Perhaps Simeon's warning, "... and you yourself a sword will pierce," was still very fresh in her mind. Mary knew the Scriptures and Isaiah's prophecy of the Suffering Servant and no doubt was beside herself at the thought of such a young man-- her young man-- suffering so greatly. Mary gently led her Son back home, and He obediently complied.

As I contemplated the joyful additional 18 years that Mary spent quietly with Jesus, I actually stopped running and exclaimed "OH!" aloud as I connected the 5th Joyful Mystery to the 2nd Luminous Mystery, The Wedding Feast at Cana. It was Mary who propelled Jesus back to His Father's work when she gently urged Him to perform His first miracle, changing water into wine.

Jesus loves His mother so much that He permitted her to time the beginning of His Father's work on earth. When she held Him back in the Temple, He obeyed. He waited patiently for 18 years until she was prepared to finally let Him go. When she gently urged Him to perform a miracle at Cana, He changed His mind ("My hour has not yet come...") and agreed to manifest His Godly power through a miracle, thus beginning His final journey to the cross and our salvation.

By prayig the Rosary, we too can compel Jesus to hold back or to take action, through the intercession of His beloved Mother.

A Great Resource: Catholic Parents Online

2010-08-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

I can't remember how I came across the Catholic Parents Online (CPO) website, but I subscribed to their newsletter, and they always send interesting and relevant information. Their website is definitely worth a visit. I really like the Prayer For Consecration of the Family.

One of the recent emails they sent me included a lovely Triduum (Three Days) of Prayer to St. Monica. It's a perfect way to start of the school year. I couldn't find it on their website, so I'm reproducing the prayers below.

Saint Monica Triduum of Prayer

August 26th, 27th and 28th

Feast of Saint Monica: August 27th & Feast of Saint Augustine: August 28th

Daily Novena Prayer

Dear Saint Monica, once the sorrowing mother of a wayward son, be pleased to present our petition to the Lord God of heaven and earth. (Pause to mention intentions in silence.) Look down upon our anxieties and needs, and intercede for us, as you did so fervently for Augustine, your firstborn.

We have full confidence, that your prayers will gain favorable hearing in heaven. Mother of a sinner-turned saint; obtain for us patience, perseverance, and total trust in God's perfect timing. In His appointed hour, in His merciful way, may He respond to your prayer and ours, which we offer through you. Amen.

Parents' Prayer to Saint Monica

Saint Monica, patron of Christian parents, we entrust to your protection, the children whose names you can read in our hearts. Pray for them, that they may be granted strength to combat weakness, victory over temptation, guidance to resolve their doubts, and success in all their undertakings.

May they enjoy good health of mind and body, see beauty and worth in all created things, and serve the Lord with firm faith, joyful hope and enduring love. Amen.

Prayer for Our Children

Dear Saint Monica, patroness of all parents, please take our children, especially those who have turned from the ways of Christ and His Church, under your protection. Let them always remain faithful to their Baptismal vows. Give them the strength to walk always in the ways of the Lord, despite the temptations and false values they find in the world today. Pray for them that they may share with you the joys of eternal life. Amen.

Prayer in Adversity

O Blessed Saint Monica, after a lifetime of tearful prayers, fasting and sacrifice, you were at last granted the happiness of witnessing the conversion to Christ Jesus and His Church of both your son and husband.

Intercede for us that we might experience the same peace, faith and acceptance of God's will so that we may live all our years in serenity and go joyfully to our heavenly home secure in the knowledge that our loved ones are on the way of Christ. Amen.

Prayer of Petition

Dear Saint Monica, once sorrowing mother of a wayward son, be pleased to present our petition to the Lord God of heaven and earth. (Pause to mention intentions in silence.) Look down upon our anxieties and needs, and intercede for us, as you did so fervently for Augustine, your firstborn.

We have full confidence that your prayers will gain a favorable hearing in heaven. Mother of a sinner-turned saint; obtain for us patience, perseverance, and total trust in God's perfect timing. In His appointed hour, in His merciful way, may He respond to your prayer and ours, which we offer through you. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

We turn to you with grateful hearts, dear Monica, as we rejoice and render thanks for your powerful intercession. You 'have carried our pressing needs to God and have obtained for us the trust, perseverance and patience we desired.

Please continue to plead for us in all our needs, spiritual and temporal, and teach us to be truly thankful for all the blessing bestowed upon us. Amen.

Make Sure Your Child Knows the Hail Mary!

2010-08-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

I taught my children the Hail Mary, and other Catholic prayers, when they were very little. They love to memorize new prayers, and our tradition was to repeat the prayers every night before bed until they know them. You'd be amazed at how quickly even very young children can memorize these prayers, even if they don't understand the words.

Now that my children are older, I am teaching them the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Angelus. I remind them to pray throughout the day, even when I'm not there to prompt them. This is especially important now that school is starting. My children attend public school after being homeschooled for over four years. We live in a small, conservative, Christian town, but not all children in their school are good influences.

I think it is so important that my children pray every day in order to develop what I hope will be a lifelong habit. I always begin each day by consecrating them to the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart and asking their guardian angels to protect and guide them.

This morning, I came across the following article on the website, America Needs Fatima:

Hail Mary Saves Student From Hell; Companion Not So Lucky

Consider the following instance of the great mercy of Mary:

In the year 1604, in a city in Belgium, there were two young students who gave themselves up to a life of debauchery instead of following their studies.

One night they were at the house of an evil woman; but one of the two, who was named Richard, stayed only a short time and then returned home. While he was preparing to retire, he remembered that he had not yet said the few Hail Marys that were his daily practice.

He was very tired and half inclined to omit them; nevertheless, he forced himself through the routine, saying the words half asleep and with no particular devotion. Then he lay down and fell asleep.

Suddenly he was wakened by a violent knocking at the door. The door was closed, but the figure of a young man, hideously deformed, passed through it and stood before him.

"Who are you?" Richard cried. "You do not know me?" asked the other. "Ah yes, now I do," said Richard; "but how changed, with all the appearance of a devil!"

"Alas, unhappy creature that I am," said his companion, "I am damned! When I was leaving that house of sin, a devil came and strangled me. My body lies in the street; my soul is in Hell.

"And know this — the same fate awaited you, except that the Blessed Virgin spared you for that little act of homage of the Hail Marys. If you are not a fool, profit by this warning which the Mother of God has sent." He then opened his mantle, showing the flames and serpents by which he was tormented, and disappeared.

Breaking into a flood of sobs and tears, Richard went down on his knees to give thanks to Mary his protectress. Then as he pondered how to change his life he heard the bell of the Franciscan monastery ringing for matins. "It is there," he said, "that God calls me to do penance."

He went immediately to the monastery and begged the Fathers to admit him. Since they knew his wicked life, they were hardly willing to do so. But sobbing bitterly, he told them all that had happened. And when two Fathers had been sent to the street and had found the strangled body, which was charred and blackened, they admitted him.

From that time on he led an exemplary life and at length went to preach the Gospel in India, and thence to Japan. There he had the happiness of giving his life for Jesus Christ, being burnt alive for the faith at Nagasaki on September 10, 1622.

*Taken from The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus de Liguori.

Please teach your children the Hail Mary, the Rosary and as many Catholic prayers as you can. Instill in them a love for the Blessed Mother and she will always protect them. (Obviously, you want to also instill in them a love and reverence for the Holy Trinity. I like to think of St. Louis de Montfort's slogan "To Jesus [and ultimately, the Father] through Mary.")

Hail Holy Queen!

2010-08-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the feast of the Queenship of Mary. We reflect on Mary's role as the Queen of Heaven and Earth every time we pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. In fact, we honor her EVERY time we pray the Rosary, as the final prayer is the "Hail Holy Queen."

The painting above, "Mary, Queen of Heaven," captivated me when I first saw it at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. It's painted by a artist know simply as the "Master of the St. Lucy Legend." The painting dominates the gallery hall where it hangs, and I was instantly drawn by the vivid colors. Mary's gown and cloak look so real that you want to reach out and touch them. Each angel has a unique robe that appears to have been woven by the finest craftsmen. The angels guide Mary to heaven, where the Holy Trinity anticipates her arrival and queenship with a golden crown.

Every time I visit the National Gallery, I always return to this painting. I often think of it while mediating on the fourth and fifth Glorious Mysteries. If you ever visit Washington, D.C., you must view this exquisite work of art. To learn more about the painting and artist, see this link.

To better understand Mary's queenship, read this imformative article on Catholic Culture

Reflections on the 3rd Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

2010-08-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

As part of my children's religious education, I rent a variety of DVDs from the fabulous Catholic online rental club, Pius Media. The monthly membership fee is comparable to other online rental businesses, and they offer a huge selection of Catholic, patriotic and wholesome secular movies and documentaries.

I find that my children learn and retain more information when they can process it visually. For example, when we were studying the Old Testament, I'd read a Bible story such as Abraham and Isaac, then we'd rent a DVD from Pius Media. I'd pause the DVD occasionally to relate the film to the Bible reading and ask a few questions. It was a very effective lesson.

The most recent DVD we rented was an animated film titled, "The Kingdom of Heaven." It offered the perfect opportunity to help my children understand the Third Luminous Mystery, The Proclamation of the Kingdom. I even find this mystery difficult to comprehend.

The DVD used a series of Jesus' parables and the actions of a few spectators in the crowd to explain the Kingdom of Heaven. The parables included the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4: 1-20, Matthew 13: 1-23, Luke 8: 1-15), the Parable of the Wheat and Tares/Weeds (Matthew 13: 24-30), the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13) and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13: 44-46).

After each parable was illustrated in the film, I paused the movie and asked my children if they could figure out what Jesus was trying to teach. By the end of the 30-minute movie, they had a much better understanding of Jesus' parables on the Kingdom of Heaven. (My children are 11 and 13, but younger children could easily understand this film.)

One very important point made in the film illustrates the hierarchy of the Church:

"The disciples approached him and said, 'Why do you speak to them in parables?' He said to them in reply, 'Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.'" (Matthew 13: 10-11)

We, the people in the crowd, need to rely on our Church leaders to help us to interpret and understand the teachings of Jesus. We need to study the writings of the early Church Fathers, the successors of the Apostles. We should participate in Bible studies (alone or in a group), read the Catechism and the writings of the Doctors of the Church. Our efforts will be rewarded.

Of course, certain Scripture passages may speak to us in a personal way, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but as Catholics, we do not interpret the Bible ourselves. Read this address by Pope Benedict to better understand why.

By learning more about the Kingdom of Heaven, we can help proclaim it on earth and attain it for eternity.

Pleading For Us at the Right Hand of the Father

2010-08-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

I prayed the Rosary tonight during Eucharistic Adoration, before Mass. As I meditated on the Second Glorious Mystery, The Ascension, I gazed at the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His right hand reaches out toward the congregation, beckoning us, with the wound from the nail clearly visible.

Jesus' glorified body could have been perfect, just as His human body was "without blemish." Yet He chose to retain the five wounds of His Passion-- two on His hands, two on His feet and the wound in His side from the soldier's spear.

I could not explain why any more eloquently than Caryll Houselander, in her lovely book, The Essential Rosary:

Christ,

ascended into Heaven,

You bear the wounds

of the whole world

in Your hands and feet

and in Your heart.

They plead for us,

shining like stars

before the secret face of God.

By Your five wounds

purify our five senses;

lift up our hearts into Heaven.

While You draw down

God's mercy to us,

showing our wounds

in Your glorified Body,

let us draw men up to You,

showing Your wounds to the world,

scored on our grey dust

in the bright crimson

of Your love.

~ Caryll Houselander

THE BEST MARY VIDEO EVER MADE

2010-08-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

This is a bit long, but worth every minute of your time. You can also find this same information (and more!) in Scott Hahn's excellent book, Hail Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God.

False Assumptions About Mary

2010-08-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

This morning, I attended Mass in a parish near my brother-in-law's house, as we were visiting them for a few days. Since today is the Feast of the Assumption, I was looking forward to hearing the priest's homily in hopes of learning more about this Fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary.

Unfortunately, Father X decided to use Mary's Magnificat in the Gospel reading as a platform for his political beliefs. He concluded by daring talk radio hosts to brand Mary as a Communist! Even worse, he characterized the Blessed Mother as a self-centered teenager, randomly chosen by God, who hesitated to give her fiat to the Angel Gabriel because "she had her whole life ahead of her..." (I'm quoting Fr. X here.) As if Mary could possibly have had a better plan for her role in Salvation History!

I prayed that someone would educate Fr. X in Marian history. Anyone who has studied the Blessed Mother knows that she was never a "typical teenager" or a typical girl or woman, for that matter. Nor was she chosen out of a hat for her role as the Mother of God. She is God's masterpiece of Creation, planned from all eternity.  Mary is the Immaculate Conception, free from sin from the very moment the egg was fertilized in St. Anne's womb. Due to this special gift, Mary did not have concupiscence, or a tendency to sin. Although she is very different from us, Jesus gave her to all humanity as our mother as part of His Seven Last Words from the cross: "Behold your mother." (John 19:27)

Mary also received another special gift, which we honor today. God would never allow his new ark of the covenant (Rev 11:19) to decay in the earth. Instead, Mary likely experienced a "dormition" or "falling asleep." It was not like the death that we will experience, but she probably did go through a type of "death" before receiving the gift of a glorified body before the Second Coming. There is still some debate about the death of Mary (see second link below for more), but Catholics do believe that Mary was assumed, or brought up into heaven, body and soul.

On this great feast, we look with hope to the future and our own glorified bodies. Mary has given us a tool to fulfill that hope-- the Rosary. Don't forget to pray it today. (Please also pray for Fr. X.)

Related links:
- A great article on the Assumption/Dormition by my friend, Lisa Hendey, whom I finally had the privilege to
  meet in person last week at the Catholic Writers' Guild Conference last week
- A blog post on the Assumption by another friend, Sarah Reinhard (whom I just missed meeting in person at
   another conference in Boston)
- A brief article on the Assumption and Dormition at Catholic Culture
- Another good article at New Advent
- A wonderful collection of resources on the Assumption, again at Catholic Culture (If you want to learn
more about the Assumption and Marian doctrine and Apologetics, this link is well worth your time
to investigate.)

Getting out of a "Rosary rut" with a treadmill and the Sorrowful Mysteries

2010-08-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

Since I try to pray the Rosary every day, usually in conjunction with a workout, I occasionally get into a "Rosary rut." I find it difficult to meditate and get easily distracted. Part of this can be a stage of ongoing spiritual dryness, but I sometimes get out of the rut by changing things up a bit.

I make use of resources such as Scriptural Rosaries, online Rosaries, or audio Rosaries. I might re-read one of my favorite books on the Rosary or visit a website devoted to the Rosary. Sometimes a simple change of location helps such as praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament, during Eucharistic Adoration or a in beautiful place in nature.

This morning, I needed to get a workout and decided to use my brother-in-law's treadmill since we're staying at his house. I didn't have my ipod audio Rosary or my trusty finger Rosary, so I searched the treadmill console for 10 buttons I could use to keep track of the Hail Marys in each decade. I found a series of 10 labeled buttons across the bottom of the screen, and I decided to be creative and incorporate them into my meditation. The buttons were meant to be used to program a variety of workout programs, but I found a way to make them apply to the Sorrowful Mysteries. I'll give an example of how I did this, using the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery, The Carrying of the Cross. The button labels are in bold type, and my new meaning for them as well as my reflection for each Hail Mary follows:

1. Manual - An overall view of the mystery, imaging myself panning across the scene with a camera. I took in the scene of the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows), with Jesus patiently, painfully making his way toward Calvary, carrying the heavy cross through the jeering crowds.

2. Fat Burning - This button made me think of flesh, so I focused on how much Jesus suffered from the open wounds from the scourging, the pressure of the cross digging into his shoulder, the sheer physical exhaustion of all He had endured so far.

3. Hill - The obvious hill in this mystery is Golgotha, "place of the skull," where Jesus will die. Yet He turns it into the "place of Redemption," sanctifying the ground with His Precious Blood.

4. Cardio - This made me think of Jesus' heart and how it must have been so heavy as He listened to the taunts of the crowd and felt the cruel blows from the Roman soldiers on His battered body. He loved every single one of them, yet they returned only scorn and hate.

5. Strength - Imagine how much strength it took to get up from under the heavy cross after falling not once, nor even twice, but three times, knowing that even more cruel torture lies ahead.

6. Interval - I applied this label to just a snapshot of the mystery, viewed through Jesus' eyes. I imagined what it must have felt like, at the end of the road to Calvary (the Latin word for "skull"), looking up at the place where He would die, knowing that the intense suffering He had endured so far was just the beginning.

7. User 1 - I used this button to view the mystery through the eyes of a bystander at the scene. In this case, I thought of Simon the Cyrenean, pulled from the crowd to help Jesus carry the burden of the cross. What must if have been like to walk, side by side, with the Son of God? Simon was obviously affected as we know that his sons, Rufus and Alexander (Mark 15:21), were well-know Christians. No doubt, their father told the story of how he carried the cross with the Savior over and over.

8. User 2 - Another bystander, this time Veronica. Although she is not mentioned in the Bible, the story of how she wiped Jesus' face with her veil is recalled in the Stations of the Cross. How brave she must have been to push past the Roman soldiers to give a small measure of comfort to the suffering Messiah. Did she know Jesus personally, or was she so overcome watching the "lamb led to the slaughter" that she had to do something -- anything -- to ease His pain?

9. Heart Rate 1 - I used these last two buttons to consider the perspective of two people beloved by Jesus who were at the scene of the mystery. The first person is His mother, Mary. She must have recalled the words of Simeon, "... You yourself a sword will pierce." (Luke 2:35), as she watched her Divine Son stagger through the streets of Jerusalem. Yet she must have known that it was all for us, that we would be saved through the shedding of His Precious Blood.

10. Heart Rate 2 - The second person is St. John. Since he was present at the foot of the cross, he somehow managed to quietly follow Jesus on the road to Calvary. Did he have to duck into alleys or side streets or did he boldly walk the Via Dolorosa? He was the only Apostle with enough courage to do so.

I hope this gives you some ideas to aid in your Rosary meditation. You don't need buttons on a treadmill, but simply look at a given mystery from different angles to find a new perspective. Ask the Blessed Mother, your Rosary guide, to help you.

The 5th Luminous Mystery and 2 New Sacraments

2010-08-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

We have been traveling and visiting family for the past two weeks, so it has been a bit of a challenge to meet my goal of a daily Rosary. On some days, we pray in the car as a family, taking turns leading the decades. Other days, I listen to the Rosary on my ipod as I squeeze in a quick workout in the hotel fitness room. Today, I prayed the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary in the car as I ran errands, one or two decades at a time as I drove from place to place.

As I meditated on the Fifth Luminous Mystery, The Institution of the Eucharist, I recalled that two new sacraments were initiated by Christ on Holy Thursday. The obvious sacrament is, of course, Holy Communion. In my parish, there is a beautiful carving of the Last Supper underneath the altar, serving as a visual reminder that the Last Supper is actually the first Mass.

The second, less obvious, sacrament is Holy Orders. When Jesus tells His Apostles, "Do this in remembrance of me..." he has ordained them as priests, giving them the authority to say Mass and to repeat the miracle of changing bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Remember that priests are the representatives of Jesus on earth. Even if you dislike or don't agree with a particular priest, always respect this role. Don't forget to pray for your parish priest and all priests. In fact, why not offer your next Rosary for this intention.

Related links:
Beautiful meditations on the 5th Luminous Mystery at How To Pray the Rosary Everyday
Questions about the Holy Eucharist
Sacrament of Holy Orders

Belated Notice: Taking a Much-Needed Vacation Break

2010-08-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the sporadic blog posts this summer. Our hectic summer vacation has left me little time for writing, and I had to hand over the laptop to my husband earlier this summer so that he could complete two masters classes in 4 weeks.

Now, we're on an extended family American history tour of New England. I had hoped to write blog entries on the road, but the precious laptop battery time was used finding hotel rooms and backing up the quirky GPS routes.

I'll return next week with plenty of material for future blog posts. Please pray for me and my family and know that you are in my prayers.

Happy Feast Day, St. Martha!

2010-07-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

I've always liked St. Martha, despite the fact that she is "anxious and worried about many things." (Luke 10:41). She and her siblings, Mary (Magdalene) and Lazurus, were very close friends of Jesus. Can you imagine entertaining Jesus in your home?! No wonder poor Martha was anxious and worried! Talk about an important guest!

I once read somewhere that Jesus had a human personality and was no doubt drawn to certain people and personalities and not so much to others. We all know the feeling of meeting someone and instantly "clicking" as well as the experience of meeting a person who doesn't seem to be our "type". Of course, Jesus loved every person He encountered, but it is likely that He was especially fond of a select few. Since St. Martha is one of those lucky people who was close to Jesus on earth, she must be a very powerful intercessor.

Today, on her feast day, pray to St. Martha to deepen your friendship with Jesus and to serve Him as she did. You might also want to add a prayer to learn to listen to His good advice, a lesson St. Martha wisely learned. For more on this topic, read my article at The Integrated Catholic Life, Lessons On Hospitality From St. Martha.

You might also enjoy an article by my friend, Theresa Doyle-Nelson on Catholic Exchange: Un-Named Holy Ones of the Bible.

The Our Father and the Rosary

2010-07-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Since yesterday's Gospel reading focused on the Our Father, I thought it would be a good topic for a (brief) blog post.

It is most appropriate that the Our Father begins each decade of the Rosary. It is the prayer taught to us by Jesus Himself (Matthew 6: 9-13), and it focuses our attention to the heavenly origin of the mystery on which we are about to meditate.

"There are two kinds of prayer, one of praise with humiliation, the other petitions and is more subdued. When then you pray, do not first break forth into petition; but supplicate God as if of necessity forced to. When you begin to pray, forget all visible and invisible creatures, but commence with the praise of Him who created all things."
~ St. Basil

The next time you pray the Rosary, pray the Our Fathers slowly, thinking and meditating upon this prayer that we so often mindlessly rattle off. Take it one step farther by offering the Rosary as praise to the Blessed Trinity rather than for a particular petition.

Happy Feast Day, St. Bridget of Sweden!

2010-07-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Bridget of Sweden. It's interesting that it falls on a Friday this year as St. Bridget was very devoted to Jesus' Passion and Crucifixion. You can read more in my article on The Integrated Catholic Life e-magazine, "How St. Bridget Taught Me Perseverance in Prayer."

I bought a translation of St. Bridget's book, Revelations of St. Bridget on the Life and Passion of Our Lord and the Life of His Blessed Mother It's short and easy to read, and offers a fascinating account of the lives of Jesus and Mary.

Totally unrelated to St. Bridget, but too good not to share: A Pool Noodle Rosary!

Have a blessed weekend!

A Healthy, Portable Breakfast-- Breakfast Cookies!

2010-07-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is a bit of a departure from my usual posts, but I just finished an interview with Jerry Weber on his blog radio show, The Catholic Revolver. (You can listen to the podcast at the link.) During a discussion on healthy foods, I mentioned that I made Breakfast Cookies this morning. A listener asked for the recipe, so I thought I'd post it here.

Breakfast Cookies are healthy and nutritious and can be eaten "on the run." You can whip them up at night (no mixer required!), refrigerate the dough and then bake them in the morning. I always double the recipe so that I can make them throughout the week. They do contain some sugar, and even real butter, but the total calories are just 200 per cookie. Add a glass of milk, and you're out the door. The recipe is based on a Cooking Light recipe for Breakfast Fig and Nut Cookies. I've modified the original recipe a bit to suit our tastes:

Peggy's Breakfast Cookies

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 large eggs

1/3-1/2 cup Craisins

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of one orange

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal (not quick-cooking)

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in cranberries, vanilla and zest. Add flours, oatmeal, baking soda and spices until just moist. Gently fold in nuts. Drop by level 1/4 cup measures on a cooking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Place cookies about 2" apart. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until almost set. (Cookies should look a little gooey as they will continue to cook while cooling.) Cool 2 minutes in the pan, then transfer to wire racks and cool completely. Makes 10 servings.

Nutrition information (per cookie): Total calories: 201; Fat: 8.8 grams; Protein: 4.5 grams; Carbs: 26.4 grams

Modifications: I've also made these with fresh blueberries instead of the Craisins. In this case, I use lemon zest instead of orange. If I don't have whole wheat flour on hand, I'll increase the all-purpose flour to 1 1/4 cups and add 1/4 cup of ground flax seeds.

Happy Feast Day, St. Mary Magdalene! (With an apology)

2010-07-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today is the feast day of one of Jesus' very close friends, St. Mary Magdalene. Before I begin, I want to first apologize to St. Mary M. for the fact that unscrupulous popular writers have recently dragged her good name through the mud. I'm referring, of course, to The DaVinci Code and its offshoots and imitators. I read the book several years ago, just to see what all the fuss was about. (I got it at the library so as not add to Dan Brown's coffers.) This ridiculous book poses the notion that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were not only married, but had a daughter called "The Black Madonna." Even more implausible is the theory that Leonardo DaVinci painted Mary Magdalene (as opposed to, say, St. John) seated next to Jesus in The Last Supper.

Imagine! As there are plenty of rebuttals to these audacious claims, I won't go into detail other than to note that "The Black Madonna" is actually the Blessed Mother. It refers to a painting by St. Luke the Evangelist and is also known as "Our Lady of Czestochowa." The faces of the Madonna and Child appear black due to soot residue from candles lit under the painting.

I often think of St. Mary Magdalene when I pray the Rosary. She was present at the foot of the cross when Jesus died, so she is tied to the 5th Sorrowful Mystery. She is also part of the 1st Glorious Mystery, The Resurrection, as she is the first person to whom the Risen Lord appeared. Obviously, she was much beloved by Jesus.

There is some confusion as to the exact identity of Mary Magdalene. There are three (possibly four) Marys mentioned in the Gospels: the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany (the sister of Martha and Lazarus) and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph. In the eastern church, there are thee separate saints called Mary. However, the Latin church argues that Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany are the same person.

If you read the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection, there are clearly at least two different Marys at the scene. But is one Mary perhaps Mary of Bethany/Mary Magdalene while the other is Mary, the mother of James and Joseph? If you read the other Biblical references to Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene, children are never mentioned.

After doing some preliminary research, I'm more inclined to believe that Mary of Bethany is also Mary Magdalene. Jesus obviously loved Mary of Bethany ("She has chosen the better part..."), and it's clear that she must have been a very good friend as He visited their house frequently. It makes sense that this same Mary would follow Him to the cross and become the first person to witness the Resurrected Christ. Perhaps the confusion arises from the word "Magdalene" which can mean "curly hair". It may have just been an adjective to describe her appearance, which again makes sense as she was likely the woman who dried Jesus' feet with her hair.

I found the following articles very helpful, especially the first one:
St. Mary Magdalene: A Model Penitent
Who Really Was Mary Magdalene?
St. Mary Magdalene: Redeeming Her Gospel Reputation

You can read a short biography of St. Mary M. at Catholic Culture.

Do Whatever He Tells You

2010-07-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday is the traditional day to pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, and I'm reflecting on the Second Luminous Mystery, The Wedding Feast at Cana.

Although Mary is one of the most pivotal characters in the story of Salvation History, she is rarely mentioned in the Gospels. When she is, her few words speak volumes. Such is the case at the wedding in Cana. After informing her Divine Son of the host's embarrassing problem of insufficient wine, she patiently listens to His protest that the time is not right. Then Mary does something unexpected. She does not meekly walk away nor does she in any way acknowledge her Son's reluctance. Instead, Mary takes action. She turns to the servants and gives the instruction, "Do whatever He tells you." (John 2:5)

Why does she do this? Why would Mary seemingly ignore Jesus' protest? Perhaps she was moved by the Holy Spirit. By looking deeper into this mystery, we can discover another reason: Jesus wants us to know that His mother has great influence over Him. Mary is able to move her Son to action even when He does not want to act. This has a tremendous impact on those who are devoted to the Blessed Mother. We have a very powerful intercessor in heaven who is so beloved by Our Lord that He might overcome reluctance to give aid if His mother pleads for us.

We can use the Rosary, Mary's favorite prayer, to tap into this amazing source of heavenly assistance. Of course it's then up to us to follow Mary's instructions, "Do whatever He tells you."

Catholic Potpourri

2010-07-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

As I'm tired and not particularly inspired today, I'm going to direct you to a few excellent articles on a variety of Catholic topics, including, of course, the Rosary.

First, please read this excellent article entitled, 12 Easy Ways to Find Time to BE a Catholic. I thought it was interesting that the #1 suggestion is to pray the Rosary. (The author promotes Rosary Workouts by suggesting that one can pray the Rosary while hiking or walking.) The other 11 are equally good suggestions and include a few ideas that are rather unique.

I found another great article at a new e-magazine for which I occasionally write, The Integrated Catholic Life. The title of the article, What Catholics Can Learn From Lady Gaga, certainly piques your interest, and the young woman who wrote it cleverly contrasts our modern culture's obsession with "celebrities of the moment" with the lasting truths of Catholicism.

I keep seeing links and references to a new apostolate, Catholics Come Home. The author of the Lady Gaga article, Katie Petereson, is part of this organization, which is well worth checking out. I think all of us know at least one lapsed Catholic, and perhaps a brief mention or link to Catholics Come Home might lead a few more souls back to the Church.

The last article is not religious at all, but the information presented is critical for parents and anyone who swims or cares about someone who does. The author teaches us to recognize the true signs of drowning, which are very different from those shown in movies or on TV. Drowning is not all splashy and noisy, but very quiet and easily missed. My children are both former swim team members, so I didn't worry much until I saw a news item about a 12 year-old swim team champion who drowned in 3 feet of water. Now I will definitely be more vigilant after reading Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning.

Reflections on the Sorrowful Mysteries

2010-07-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

Since today is Tuesday, I follow tradition and pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. I find that the Sorrowful Mysteries are the most difficult to meditate upon. I live in a happy and secure little world where I am the picture of health, rarely get sick, am blessed with much more than I deserve and truly suffer very little. My crosses are mere toothpicks, yet I often get caught up in my silly little woes, magnifying my minor trials and inconveniences into more than they ought to be.

When I contemplate the great suffering that Jesus endured for me and all sinners, I feel so unworthy. How could He suffer so much, yet give me so little to bear? Others shoulder the great burdens of disease, poverty, hardship, loss of loved ones and other heavy crosses. I wonder if perhaps I am spared because I am weak. I also sometimes fear that my heavier crosses lie ahead, which makes me anxious and fearful.

Instead, I really should rejoice in the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. I must learn to shine with the light of Our Lord's presence within me, which recalls Jesus' words in Matthew 5:13-16

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

I must remember that we all have different vocations and unique roles to play in the Divine Plan. Perhaps I am not called to suffer great hardship or to bear a heavy cross. I must pray that I can become the best instrument of His will. What better example to follow than the Blessed Mother, echoing her words, "May it be done to me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38) The Rosary is truly the path to salvation if we follow in the footsteps of Mary, who will ultimately lead us to her Divine Son, and in turn, to our Heavenly Father.

Reflections on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery

2010-07-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading an enjoyable and thought-provoking book called The Living Wood by Louis de Wohl. It's historical fiction and tells the fascinating story of St. Helena and her son, St, Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome. The climax of the story is when St. Helena finds the True Cross on Calvary, which had been hidden for centuries.

This story is especially interesting to me because the little chapel where I attend daily Mass holds a relic of the True Cross. It fills me with awe that I am participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass right in front of a part of the True Cross on which our Savior died. When I pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary after Mass, I often focus on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery, The Crucifixion, as I gaze upon the relic of the Tree of Life.

The Tree of Life represents immortality and is first introduced to us in Genesis 2:9 in the Garden of Eden. Man lost access to it and Paradise through the sin of Adam and Eve. The cross on which our Savior died is the new Tree of Life. Through His Precious Blood, we can now enjoy eternal life in heaven. Yet we must all take up our own crosses (Luke 9:23) in order to do so. Our sins added to the burden of that Tree of Life that Our Lord carried to Calvary, but our willing sacrifices can make us like Simon the Cyrenean, helping Jesus along the Via Dolorosa.

In our modern world, suffering is to be avoided at all costs. Yet as Catholics, we understand the value of redemptive suffering-- offering up our burdens as a form of penance or for the benefit of others. It is how we make sense of suffering. We don't know why God has chosen this particular burden for us, but we can give it back to Him with love just as His Son did on the Tree of Life.

One last note: Today is the feast of St. Maria Goretti. She is truly an inspiration of purity, virtue and heroic courage to young girls today. Read more about this amazing saint at this link. I think you'll find that her life and death ties in very well with the theme of this post.

Prayers for the 4th of July

2010-07-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend, as we honor the birthday of our great nation, don't forget to pray for our country and its leaders. I found a compilation of several lovely prayers for America at one of my favorite sites, 2heartsnetwork.org

Do you know that nations have guardian angels? Please pray to the angel who guards the United States of America that we will remain "One nation, under God".

I also came across a very thought-provoking article by one of my online friends, Genevieve Kineke. (Her husband is an Anapolis graduate, so we like to tease each other about the Air Force - Navy rivalry.) In any case, her article is a well-written and insightful reaction to a piece on women's bodies written by an Australian woman. Genevieve shoos off male readers at the beginning of the article, but I think most men can handle this and will appreciate her viewpoint. The article, "Racks and Ruin," is posted on Today's Catholic Woman at CatholicExchange.com and is well worth the minute or two it takes to read. You'll be thinking about this one all weekend.

Peter, Paul and Mary

2010-06-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today is the solemnity of two great saints, St. Peter and St. Paul. Although I think that St. Paul wrote some of the most beautiful words ever recorded, I relate more to St. Peter. I picture him as Mr. Edwards from the TV show, Little House on the Prairie. The actor captured so well the image I have of St. Peter as kind-hearted, loyal and sincere, but rough around the edges.

Both these remarkable men were responsible for spreading Christianity throughout the world, but both had pretty rough beginnings. St. Paul (known initially as Saul) was actually responsible for persecuting the Christians until a significant event occurred on the Road to Damascus. His conversion story is so fascinating that it would easily net EWTN millions of viewers on "The Journey Home" if it was broadcast today. It's important to note that he received the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17) and then proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:20). Interestingly, St. Peter did the reverse. As we heard in today's Gospel, Peter proclaimed that Jesus is "... the Christ, the Son of the living God," (Matt 16:16) but he did not receive the Holy Spirit until Pentecost.

Compare pre-Pentecost Peter with post-Pentecost Peter: Before receiving the Holy Spirit, St. Peter had moments of greatness such as his heartfelt declaration that Jesus is the Son of God, but he also had moments of weakness and cowardice, most notably the three denials in the early morning hours of Good Friday. Yet after Pentecost, he became worthy of his office as first pope of the new Catholic Church. He was so filled with courage and humility that he asked to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die as Jesus did. That's what the Holy Spirit can do for you!

Of course, Mary ties in with this solemnity because she is known as a "type" of the Church. This concept is difficult to grasp at first, but read this article to learn more. Mary was present at the birth of the Church on Pentecost Sunday, where she was filled with the Holy Spirit for the second time. (The first was at the Annunciation,)

Finally, the Rosary tie-in: Did the Apostles Pray the Rosary? This brief but insightful article explains how the Rosary is truly a compendium of the Gospel and why it is essential that we ask Mary to lead us closer to Christ through the Rosary.

Note: Isn't it interesting that it was just a few weeks ago that the oldest icons of St. Peter and St. Paul were uncovered in the catacombs? It's almost as if they wanted the most realistic portrayals of themselves to be discovered in time for their solemnity. I tried to find a clear photo of the icons but couldn't. If anyone has a link, please share it. If you'd like to learn more, read this article.

Interview today on The Catholic Revolver

2010-06-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

A recent trip to visit family in Florida and my husband's attempt to complete two masters courses online in two weeks (!) have prevented me from my regular blogging. This post is a departure from my usual content, but it's something I can squeeze in while my husband takes a break. In any case, I hope you'll find the links below helpful.

Does anyone listen to Catholic internet radio? There are quite a few Catholic stations that broadcast online so that you can listen at any time. Here is a comprehensive list.

There are also quite a few Catholic podcasters out there producing high-quality programs. Many of them are hosted at SQPN.com and you can listen at any time or download them to your ipod. You don't need any special equipment to listen to these podcasts.

I have been honored to be a guest on several of these great programs. I am continually amazed by the wonderful support I've received from various Catholic media outlets. I think it's terrific that these savvy Catholics are taking advantage of new media forms like podcasting, internet radio and blogging to spread the Good News of the Gospel and Catholicism.

Tonight, I'll be a guest on a relatively new, but very high-quality internet radio program called The Catholic Revolver. My interview is scheduled for 6:00 pm EST tonight. If you can, listen live at this link. If you can't a podcast version will be posted in the next day or so at the same site.

Try a few of these different Catholic media outlets to see if you find a program you enjoy. They are so much more uplifting and informative than the worldy and often offensive programs on secular radio.

Finding Hope in Discouraging Times

2010-06-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Since I'm on a mini-vacation, visiting family in Florida, I'm going to be a bit lazy and send you to an article I wrote today on a fantastic new Catholic e-magazine, The Integrated Catholic Life. Here's the link to the article. While you're there, check out some of the other excellent articles on the site.

The Rosary: Our Weapon

2010-06-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

I found this lovely Rosary video on youtube. There are many inspiring quotes and pictures, but the choice of music simply puzzles me. Why "China Roses" by Enya? It's odd to pair New Age music with the Rosary, so I just muted the sound. Personally, I would have used "Ave Maria" or another Marian song, but perhaps that has been overdone? In any case, the visual is very nice, if not the audio.

Travels and Mass

2010-06-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

I love to travel and part of the fun is finding new Catholic churches. I've attended Mass in tiny Revolutionary-era chapels and giant mega-churches that seat thousands. I prefer the former, but it IS nice to see huge churches filled with Catholics.

I don't think I've ever been in a location where I couldn't find a Mass to attend within ten miles of where I'm staying. I rely on a wonderful website, MassTimes.org but it's always a good idea to check the parish website or to call the parish office to verify the Mass times and to make sure none are seasonal or have been canceled for an event. We showed up for a Sunday evening Mass in one location, only to find the parking lot deserted. A parishioner hurrying out of the building informed us that they were having a parish picnic that evening.

When I arrive at a new church, the first thing I look for is the tabernacle and the red sanctuary lamp. Sadly, many modern churches have hidden the tabernacle away in some little side room like an embarrassing relative. I understand that these Blessed Sacrament chapels are often used for daily Mass or for private adoration, but to attend Mass without the tabernacle front and center makes me feel as if something is missing.

I find it odd that the last two Sundays we have attended Mass in two different churches, in two separate states, and neither had a tabernacle on the altar nor kneelers. These were not "temporary" churches but finished churches with pews that had no kneelers. This always presents me with a dilemma. Should I kneel anyway? I don't want to call attention to myself or distract others, so I usually just follow the congregation knowing that I'll soon be back in my own parish with its tabernacle, beautiful statues, bells and kneelers.

At such churches that thumb their noses at traditional Catholic practices, I tend to be too judgmental. I look with a more critical eye at the way the congregation is dressed, at the music selection, the lack of bells during the consecration and other things that distract me during Mass. I have to remind myself that I am still at Mass, that Jesus is still present and that the congregation and the pastor are doing their best and might not like the lack of tradition either. So yesterday at this tabnernacle-less, kneeler-free and bell-lacking church I resolved to look for the good.

I found it in the beautiful Baptism ceremony. Two adult men were becoming Catholics that day and were led to the Baptism area in the back of the church. The priest called down the Holy Spirit on the waters, reminding me of Genesis 1:2. The men wore gowns and their feet were bare as they stepped into the shallow water. The priest poured water over their heads from a shell, drenching them. It made me think of John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River and it all seemed somehow right, even if the ceremony was being broadcast by video to a screen that magically rolled down over the altar.

After their Confirmation, the priest remarked that both men had taken deep breaths as they were baptized. He said that the water was not cold and that they were breathing in the Holy Spirit.

I know that we are having a faith crisis in our country and in fact throughout the world, but I need to always have hope and faith in the Holy Spirit who is alive and well and watching carefully over His church.

Angels and the Rosary

2010-06-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt from my book, The Rosary Workout:

The presence of angels is invariably linked to the Rosary. Consider that the Hail Mary was previously known as the Angelic Salutation since it begins with the Angel Gabriel‘s words to Mary in Luke 1:28. One of Mary‘s many titles is Queen of the Angels. St. Louis de Montfort writes in the Treatise on the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin:

"Mary has authority over the angels and the blessed in heaven." He paraphrases the words of other saints regarding Mary‘s role as Queen of Angels: "According to St. Bonaventure, all the angels in heaven unceasingly call out to her: 'Holy, holy, holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God.' They greet her countless times each day with the angelic greeting, 'Hail, Mary‘, while prostrating themselves before her, begging her as a favor to honor them with one of her requests."

Pope Leo XIII elaborates the role of angels in the Rosary in his papal encyclical, On the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary:

"...In reciting the Rosary, we meditate upon the mysteries of our Redemption… [and] in a manner emulate the sacred duties once committed to the Angelic hosts. The Angels revealed each of these mysteries in its due time; they played a great part in them; they were constantly present at them… What more divine, what more delightful, than to meditate and pray with the Angels? With what confidence may we not hope that those who on earth have united with the Angels in this ministry will one day enjoy their blessed company in Heaven? Praying the Rosary devoutly can actually connect us with the holy angels.

St.Alphonsus Liguori taught by praying the Hail Mary, we attract the angels and repel the demons. The next time you pray the Rosary, ask the angels to join you!

You can purchase the beautiful Guardian Angel rosary pictured above at Catholic Shopper. It would make a lovely gift for a new baby, Baptism, First Communion or a child's birthday.

The Rosary Prayer

2010-06-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

During my research on the Rosary, I came across a prayer called "The Rosary Prayer" which is an optional prayer to add at the conclusion of the Rosary. I very rarely hear it recited, but it is such a beautiful way to end Our Lady's favorite prayer. My goal is to memorize it and to begin incorporating it into my Rosary devotion. Maybe you can too (if you don't already). I especially like the invocation of the Two Hears at the end. Here it is:

The Rosary Prayer

(Verse) Let us pray:

(Response) O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Verse) Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

(Response) Have mercy on us.

(Verse) Immaculate Heart of Mary,

(Response) Pray for us.

Happy Birthday, Stars and Stripes!

2010-06-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Did you know that today is the American flag's birthday? I found this delightful video from the Apostleship of Prayer on youtube. I love how Fr. Kubicki weaves the Catechism of the Catholic Church into his commentary on Flag Day. Enjoy!

Happy Feast Day, St. Anthony of Padua!

2010-06-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I don't normally blog on the weekends, but I just can't let these two feast days pass by unnoticed. Yesterday, I wrote about the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Today is the feast of St. Anthony of Padua. Since my two children and I are San Antonio natives, we are particularly devoted to him. Furthermore, we invoke his intercession constantly since we are forever losing things.

A few weeks ago, I started thinking about how there are certain things he doesn't find for us, which led me to write this article on the Integrated Catholic Life e-magazine.

Check out this link for a variety of prayers to St. Anthony.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Be Our Salvation

2010-06-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

From the website, The Sacred Heart:

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY - Saturday after the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - The feast springs from contemporary piety but has its roots in the Marian apostolate of St. John Eudes (1680), and outstanding apostle of devotion to the the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. After repeated requests and repeated refusals between 1669 and 1729, on December 8, 1942, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima, Pope Pius XII dedicated the Church and the human race to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He placed the feast on August 22 and extended it to the entire Latin Church. It has now been moved closer to the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus always falling on the Saturday after the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Both this blog and my book, The Rosary Workout, are dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I consecrate my family to the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart with this prayer:

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I give myself and my family to you [add names of your family members]. And to show our devotion this day we consecrate to you our eyes, our ears, our hearts, our minds, our entire beings without reserve. Wherefore dear Mother and sweet Jesus, as we are your own, guide us and keep us always as your property and possession. Amen.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Be Our Salvation!

Related websites:
- Lots of great links and prayers at TheSacredHeart.com
- Many beautiful prayers, novenas and chaplets to the Immaculate Heart at 2HeartsNetwork
- History and nature of the devotion to the Immaculate Heart at the Catholic Encyclopedia

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy on Us!

2010-06-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Interestingly, this is a "moveable" feast day since it is dependent upon the date of Easter and is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost Sunday. My blog is dedicated to the Two Hearts: the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary (a feast we'll celebrate tomorrow-- more then.)

Since my real name is Margaret Mary (Peggy is an Irish nickname-- don't ask me how!), it is only natural that I should be devoted to the Sacred Heart as that particular devotion was given to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Our Lord revealed to St. Margaret Mary 12 Promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

I took my children to daily Mass today, and we sat in front of the statue of the Sacred Heart. At the conclusion of Mass, our parish priest prayed the Litany of the Sacred Heart, which he also prays on First Fridays. Afterwards, my children and I prayed the Stations of the Cross together. It seemed a fitting way to celebrate this special feast day.

To learn more about the Sacred Heart and a campaign to renew this important devotion, check out the excellent website, Heart to Heart.