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Side note: I don't typically repost things, but this is an exception! This was an essay that wrote for my theology class last December, but had to cut it down because I had too many words. This is the full version of that essay. Since Hebrews 4:12 is part of the second reading today, I thought it might be a nice reflection. God bless!! :-) One thing that I read in the readings assigned this week that I didn’t recognize the importance of before was in Hebrews 4:12. In this verse, the author writes, “Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” At the beginning of the verse the author says, “Indeed, the word of God is living and effective…”. How can a word be living? Only creatures are alive. The word of God is different. We know from John 1:14 that Jesus is the Word of God. (“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” ) The fact that Christ is the Word of God also makes sense because when one comes to know the Word of God, he or she comes to know Christ. When people do not know the Word of God they cannot know Christ as deeply as He’d like to reveal Himself to them. As St. Jerome once famously said, “Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ.” If Christ is the Word of God, then all of the things that the author of Hebrews uses to describe the Word of God must also apply to Christ. The first thing that the author of Hebrews says about the Word of God is that it is living and effective. If Jesus is the Word of God, as John said, then He must also be living and effective. This makes sense because although Christ died here on earth and was then resurrected, He never died after that. He ascended into Heaven, body, and soul, but He did not die. If someone did not die, we can logically assume that they are not dead, and therefore was are alive. He is effective because His life, death, and resurrection had a tremendous effect on all of the universe and all of human history, and Christ continues to affect the lives of all in major ways to this very day and will do so for eternity. The next things that the author of Hebrews uses to describe the Word are “…sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating between even soul and spirit, joints and marrow…” Does this make sense when applied to Christ as the Word? Absolutely. In Matthew 10:34, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” When we as Christians know the Word of God as it was meant to be interpreted through the help of Christ and the magisterium of the Church, we will be given knowledge of things by the Word of God and Christ which are one and cannot be separated. When this happens we will not be able to help but share them and the one who gave us that knowledge. Both spreading our knowledge of Christ, the Word, and His Church, are highly controversial, and, sadly, are not agreed upon by all Christians. We may be disliked because we know the Truth. Our beliefs may bring division between us and our loved ones. So, as crazy as it seems, the Word of God is divisive, and so is Christ. The last thing that the anonymous author of Hebrews says about the Word of God in this verse is that it (He) is “able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” Any ordinary word that is spoken cannot do anything even remotely similar to this! This line, along with the text of the next verse when the word is referred to as “He", proves that Jesus is the Word being spoken of. When we pray with the Word of God, we come closer to Christ and He alone can discern our reflections and thoughts, and help us to more deeply understand Him through the things we are reading. This study of this verse makes me want to read my Bible more often so that I can further come to know Christ in all of His forms, specifically as the Word made man. I find it very interesting how everything in the Old Testament as well as in the new, points to Christ. This makes sense now after reading this verse, as He is the Word of God! This discovery found in reading the book of Hebrews helps me to further understand Christ’s role in Scripture and to be more excited to soak up the Word of God- Jesus Christ- through the mysteries and stories of the Bible.

In today's Gospel reading (the one for Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time, not for St. Faustina's Feast Day) we hear the story of Mary and Martha. (You can read it in Lk 10:38-42) What a beautiful story this is, and a wonderful lesson for those of us who are pretty busy people! (I think that's mostly everyone...) As Martha learned, when we put Jesus first, giving up our worries, chores, homework, and any other pressing activities, for a few moments just to lift our thoughts to Him, He will bless our efforts afterward and we will still get done all that needs to be done. I've noticed this in my own life. If I'm feeling overwhelmed and I just take a few minutes to spend time with my Lord, I'm more at peace while I'm working on whatever I need to do, which in turn helps me to be more efficient and cheerful while I work. Being busy can be overwhelming. Thinking about the future and everything you have to do to get to where you want to go can be overwhelming. But, as Martha learned two thousand years ago, when we put God first, making time to spend with Him- even for just a moment, everything will fall into place.

Our culture has thrown aside the fact that a woman of worth and dignity is more precious than almost anything else in the world. Fortunately, we can remind our world of this by striving to live out God's plan for women. This Summer I've been attending a Bible study on Proverbs 31 at my parish. I got so much out of it, and it has completely changed my outlook on femininity, marriage, and motherhood. I would like to share some of my notes from the Bible study with you in this post. I pray that it will touch your heart as it did mine and inspire you to live out God's plan for your life. This blog post is sort of long, so you might need to read it in more than one sitting, but I encourage you to get your Bible out, take some notes, and read along with me! Please let me know in the comments section if you enjoy this post and would like to see other Bible study posts like it (or any other comments or questions you might have). Enjoy! General Notes: Proverbs 31 is the only known chapter in the bible written by a woman. It is written as a poem so needs some dissection to understand the true meaning. In this chapter, a queen is writing to her son telling him what kind of woman he should marry. Proverbs 31 provides a model for women in all Vocations, not only married life. Being a Proverbs 31 Woman is impossible without Christ. Proverbs 31:1-9~ Queen Mother giving her son advice... not yet the main part of the chapter, but still valuable. Proverbs 31:10~ "Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value." A Godly woman is infinitely valuable to her family and society. She knows her dignity and expects to be treated with it. Proverbs 31:11~" Her husband trusts her judgment; he does not lack income." Her husband trusts her with the household affairs and is able to provide for the family as a result. Her husband trusts her in everything because he knows that she trusts God. Ways to cultivate trust in any relationship: Good, structured prayer time Purity of thought Forgive from the heart, even when it’s hard Thankfulness Try not to talk about other people badly behind their back Avoid gossip Speak the truth in love (communicate with respect) Never lie Practice discretion Modest dress Take full advantage of the sacraments Bottom line: Imitate Mary! She and Joseph, (and she and God) had to trust each other completely. Proverbs 31:12~ “She brings him profit, not loss, all the days of her life” *THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE!!* Marriage is a life of service to another. Marriage is a covenant, (an exchange of persons), not a contract (exchange of goods or services). Her husband’s work increases in quality under her supervision and help. A woman’s ultimate purpose is to be a helper. Imitate Christ, who withheld nothing from His spouse, the Church. Would you be willing to die on a cross for the other person? She is committed to her future husband, even before they are married. She is frugal in her time and money. She offers all she can to her family, church, and community. She brings her husband gain in all areas of his life: physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, financially, etc. She loves her husband and brings out the best in him. He flourishes under her love. She knows how to disagree and how to argue well. She is forgiving and knows how to handle her emotions. Proverbs 31:13~ “She seeks out wool and flax and weaves with skillful hands.” She works joyfully She values her identity as a wife and mother (Or spouse of Christ if she is in religious life) She smiles frequently She is cheerful! Teenage application: Help around the house, but do it with a smile. :-) Proverbs 31:14~ “Like a merchant fleet, she secures her provisions from afar” She knows how to get what she and her family need. Grocery shopping! Laundry! She’s organized and saves money and time. Proverbs 31:15~ “She rises while it is still night and distributes food to her household, a portion to her maidservants.” She will put her family before her own desires Makes time to pray before she begins her day. Wakes up before her family to prepare for their day. Even takes care of non-household members before providing for her own desires Teenage Application: Get up 10 minutes earlier than usual and spend some time with God before you start your day. Proverbs 31:16~ “She picks out a field and acquires it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.” She budgets and spends her money wisely, in turn, putting it to good use. She is wise with money and doesn't spend extravagantly. Teenage Application: Budget your money and begin saving for the future. Proverbs 31:17~ “She girds herself with strength; she exerts her arms with vigor.” She keeps herself spiritually, mentally, and physically strong. Teenage application: Keep your prayer life strong and exercise your brain and your body. Proverbs 31:18~ “ She enjoys the profit from her dealings; her lamp is never extinguished at night.” She enjoys what she does, knowing that even if she doesn’t make any extra money (stay-at-home/homeschool mom) that the profits of her work are happiness and holiness for her family. Her light is always on for others. She is supportive and is there when someone needs her. Proverbs 31:19~ “She puts her hands to the distaff. Her fingers ply the spindle.” She works hard. Proverbs 31:20~ “She reaches out her hands to the poor and extends her arms to the needy.” She is a helper. She is frugal. She cares for people in need. She doesn’t live in her own little world but is in tune with the needs of her family and community. Teenage application: Get involved in a service group at your school or parish, or find another way to serve those in need. Proverbs 31:21~ “She is not concerned for her household when it snows- all her charges are doubly clothed.” Her family is cared for. Her household is in order. She is prepared for pretty much anything! She is prepared to meet Jesus when she dies. Proverbs 31:22~ “ She makes her own coverlets. Fine linen and purple are her clothing.” She is modest and takes care of her appearance. She makes sure that she is dressed decently, even just around the home. She dresses her children in a modest, decent manner. Teenage Application: Dress like the BEAUTIFUL woman that you are! Proverbs 31:23~ “Her husband is prominent at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land.” She doesn’t want to disappoint her family. She recognizes that her actions and speech matter in the lives of her family. She knows that she needs to act like the Christian that she is. Proverbs 31:24~ “She makes garments and sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts.” She has a hobby and uses it to profit her family. Proverbs 31:25~ “ She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come.” She is positive, trusting that Jesus will take care of her and her family no matter what. She surrenders her future to God. Teenage Application: Trust God with your future. Ask Him what He wants for your life. Proverbs 31:26~ “ She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue.” She speaks lovingly and with wisdom. She gives advice She speaks gently She is a teacher Proverbs 31:27~ “She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.” She takes care of her household. She does not make others do the work for her. She manages her time wisely and does not allow distractions to overcome her. Teenage Application: Don’t waste your time on social media! Try to go a day without social media or digital games. See how much time you save! Proverbs 31:28~ “Her husband and children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband too, praise her.” Her family respects her. When her children are grown they realize all she has done for them and who she is as a woman of God. Her husband is proud of her! Proverbs 31:29~ “Many are women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.” This is the ultimate praise from a husband! She is noticed, loved, and appreciated by her family, mainly her husband. Proverbs 31:30~ “Charm is deceptive and beauty, fleeting, but the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” She lives her faith and Vocation boldly. She makes herself beautiful on the inside because she knows that she won't be physically beautiful forever. Proverbs 31:31~ “Acclaim her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates.” Her community knows her holiness, servitude, and goodness by her works. God knows her deeds. She will go to Heaven! I know what you’re probably thinking… HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS POSSIBLE?? This woman that the queen is describing seems soooo perfect. The fact is until we get to Heaven, perfection isn’t possible. But we can try. God gives us each all the graces we need in order to get to Heaven. The bottom line of the Proverbs 31 Woman is that she strives for perfection, recognizing her littleness and imperfection, and yet knowing that God will make her holy through her efforts to fulfill her Vocation. Another thing to recognize, any woman can be a Proverbs 31 Woman as long as she has Christ: nuns, religious sisters, single women, wives, mothers, girlfriends, anyone. What I most admire about the Proverbs 31 Woman is her ordinary holiness. It is through the fulfillment of her inherent Vocation as a woman, to be a lover and a helper, that God makes her holy. She, as Saint Mother Teresa said, “does small things with great love.” Lord, I want to live my life as the woman that You’ve created me to be. Please help me to put into practice the qualities and actions of the Godly woman described in Proverbs 31. Thank you for your Word and the ability to read, study, and understand it. Help me to do all things in love, and to be a cheerful giver in all of my relationships. I trust that You desire to make me holy and that You will give me the qualities necessary to fulfill Your plan for my life. Jesus, I trust in You!

"Blessed be God who filled my soul with fire!" This beautiful verse is found in the responsorial psalm of the daily readings for today, the feast of Saint Clare. In reading it this morning, another recent verse from the daily readings came to mind: "As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the LORD." ~ Exodus 34:29 Do you know someone who just seems to radiate the love, joy, and peace of Christ? They seem not to know that they do it, but somehow, through their words and actions, they radiate Christ. I believe that this "radiation" is caused by the "fire" that is spoken of today in the responsorial psalm. When one is on fire for God, they cannot help but spread His Love to all they meet. I met a priest like this, once. He smiled at me from a distance away, in a room filled with a thousand teenagers, and immediately I felt that Christ was with Him, smiling through him. It has impacted me deeply and made me realize what an immense and individual love that our Father has for us. And I really don't think the priest knew how deeply his smile impacted me. Just like Moses, he was radiant with the love and presence of God. He didn't have to do anything special. All he did was smile. When we allow God to set our souls on fire with His divine love and grace, amazing things will happen in our lives and in the lives of those we encounter. So, how can we, as teenagers, radiate this amazing joy? How can our own souls be set on fire with Christ's love? If we look to other places in Scripture, we will easily find the answer. Psalm 34:5- " "Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed." Look to God. It's as simple as that. Look to God and you will be radiant with joy. When we look to God in all things, finding His presence in the simple, ordinary things of life, we cannot help but radiate joy. Christ will dwell in us, and us in Him, and He will shine His light to the world through us. Lord Jesus, I look to You. I ask you to come and set my soul on fire and make me radiant with joy. Dwell in me and work through me that more souls may be set on fire for love of You. You, O Lord, are my joy!

This past weekend I was at a Steubenville Youth Conference weekend with a group from my parish. It was my second time going, and while it was a lot different from last time, we all still had an amazing time with lots of laughter and tears, prayer, dancing, changed hearts and lives, and honestly just silliness! :-) I learned so much, but here are some highlights: God has a plan for each of us, and He loves each of us totally and without reserve. God will guide us, but we have to be the ones to be courageous and take a leap into the unknown Prayer is a conversation between friends. Our God is a God of surprises. He knows our names. How to discern if something is the will of God: 1. You have a sense of peace 2. It is not against God's will 3. God's people confirm it God cares about the little things. The first lived experience of a woman on earth was of being delighted in. Intercessory prayer is SO powerful. Sometimes we think God is going to do one thing, and then He does something completely different, And that's okay. Mamma Mary is amazing, and a super-duper powerful intercessor for her children. Our desires, gifts, and talents are all factored in by God in His plan for our lives. Steubenville conferences are so powerful, and both I've been to have truly changed my life. God is a God of love, and of surprises. He loves and cares about even our smallest desires. This year's Steubenville conference theme was "Restored" from Psalm 80:3. God is the restorer of hearts, minds, and souls. He restores our wounded hearts by showing us that He is Love itself, and we will never be at peace without Him. God restores our minds by purifying us of our guilt and shame and helping us to turn our minds to the things of Heaven. He restored our souls by redeeming us by His sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and by leaving us His body and blood, soul, and divinity in the Most Holy Eucharist, and in thousands of other ways! I encourage everyone who reads this to look at your life (prayerfully) and write down which areas you need God to restore you in. You might need your heart to be restored from past sins, you might need to forgive someone, or you might need a relationship to be healed (with God or with another person). Whatever it is, ask God to enter into that and to heal you. You can be restored. There is no need to live in darkness, in pain, fear, and regret. I can't stress enough how much God wants to heal you and restore you to new life! Let go of the pain, let go of the grudges, let go of everything that is holding you back from abandoning yourself into your Father's arms! Turn back to Him, let Him heal you! He wants to heal you more than anything else in the world. He is your Father and He loves you unconditionally and without reserve. How do I know this? One, because that's pretty much what I spent my weekend learning about, and two, because I've experienced firsthand the power of God's redeeming love and His working in His plan for my life. It is truly amazing what happens when you open up your life and let God in. Please know that I am praying for you, and I hope you will let God restore your heart, mind, and soul so that you can become the saint that He has made you to be! Want to learn more about Steubenville Youth Conferences? Go to https://steubenvilleconferences.com/youth/ If you've been to a Steubenville conference and would like to share your experience, I'd be happy to hear about it! You can contact me through the "contact" form on the home page of the blog or leave a comment below. God bless you!

So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. John 19:17 Think of Christ carrying his cross through the streets. Historians estimate that the cross weighed approximately 300 pounds. Even with Simon of Cyrene to help carry it, the mental and physical pain from carrying that weight while being beaten, spit at, and yelled at, would have been excruciating. However, Jesus carried much more than his cross that day. He carried the weight of every sin that had ever been and would ever be committed. And those sins- our sins- are infinitely heavier than a cross. Jesus didn't need to do this. He was God! He could've just as easily taken himself out of the situation. But he didn't. He chose to carry his cross and eventually die out of pure love for us. Here's the link to the scene where Jesus carries his Cross from the movie, The Passion of the Christ. It's a very powerful clip. I will caution you though, it's very difficult to watch. https://youtu.be/yzKighUf4UY

Today is an amazing day. Today is the day that we celebrate Christ's total gift and sacrifice of Himself to and for us under the form of bread and wine in the Most Holy Eucharist. What a gift our Savior has given us! All that He is, His body, blood, soul, and divinity, is made one with us as we receive the Blessed Sacrament. We all wonder sometimes what Jesus looked like while here on earth. The fact is, He is still here. He is among us, not just spiritually, but physically. I took a psychology class this Spring semester, and this analogy helped me to understand what is meant when we say that Christ takes on the form of bread and wine in the Eucharist. Just as a statue is made up of stone, marble, or some other material, and yet has the form of whatever the statue is depicting, so the Eucharist is made up of Jesus' body, blood, soul, and divinity, and is under the form of bread and wine. We do see Christ. We touch Him. We hold Him. We consume Him, and He, us, with His love. We become one. Since this most Holy Sacrament is truly Christ's Body and Blood, and since we truly receive Him into our bodies and souls, He deserves the utmost respect and love from all of His followers. It is so sad and disappointing that so many Catholics and other Christians do not believe that Jesus meant what He said and that others choose to receive Him and yet live their public lives in direct contradiction to His teachings. Our Jesus waits for us in the tabernacle night and day. He waits for us to come to Him. When we say that "Amen" we are vowing to Jesus Christ and to His entire Church that we believe Him, we trust Him. God wants to give Himself to us, freely and totally, and He asks for our hearts and souls just the same. It is through the Holy Eucharist that we receive Him and He, us. I hope and pray that on this The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, all may witness the power, the beauty, and the love found in Christ's total gift of Himself in the Most Holy Eucharist. *To any non- Catholics or Catholics not sure about the Church's teaching on the Eucharist who are reading this blog, first of all, thank you for reading! Secondly, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me through the form on the home page of the blog, and I will try my hardest to find you some resources and answers to your questions. God bless!

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Octave of Pentecost! The Holy Spirit is alive and working in hearts and lives during these busy times. I pray that He will continue to work in your lives and shower down many graces to help us, the young Church, to be a light in the darkness of our crazy world. I encourage you to read about the wonderful feast days that are happening this week and read the daily readings. Our Church provides so many opportunities for us to learn more about Her and all of the blessed men and women who make up the Church Triumphant! We are so blessed to make up the Body of Christ as His chosen people. Here's a great song by Catholic artist, Matt Maher that is very fitting for this time in the Liturgical year: Come Holy Spirit by Matt Maher Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Podcasts have become increasingly popular tools for sharing the faith and have brought so many closer to Jesus Christ (including me!). Here are a few of my favorites. Do you host a podcast or have a favorite one to listen to? Feel free to let me know using the contact form on the home page of the blog. Please pray for hearts to be touched and lives to be changed by the influence of Catholic media. Blessed Carlo Acutis, please pray for us! The Counsel of Trent "In this podcast, Trent Horn gives you an entertaining, informative, and practical explanation of the Catholic faith as well as interviews with the best writers and speakers in the Church today." (From Google Podcasts description) This podcast also covers random topics that Mr. Horn likes to talk about. Some recent ones have been industrial safety videos, corporate mascots, Disneyland, and Choose your own adventure books. It's a lot of fun! The Counsel of Trent on Youtube The Counsel of Trent on Google Podcasts Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World "Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious world is an exploration of the weird, the strange, the unusual, and the fascinating phenomena in the physical world around us—and beyond—from a Catholic perspective. Join Jimmy Akin and his co-host Domenico Bettinelli as they examine ancient mysteries, folk tales, urban legends, and miraculous stories with a methodical, logical, well-reasoned but not entirely skeptical eye." (From Google Podcasts description) Another amazing podcast hosted by a Catholic Answers apologist and speaker! It's extremely fascinating, and there's something for everyone. Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World on Google Podcasts Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World on Youtube Let Love: A podcast with the Sisters of Life "God is Love. 'Let Love' is about giving God permission in your life, letting go, and receiving the Love that frees you to live in the truth of who you are. In the Let Love podcast, join the Sisters of Life (www.sistersoflife.org) for conversations looking at life through the lens of love. You are loved. You are made in God’s image, and your life matters. Let’s talk about it." (From Google Podcasts description) This podcast is SO beautiful and helpful. In my opinion, pretty much anyone of any faith could listen and gain so much from it. And the Sisters are funny, too. I like to hear about the squirrels of New York, haha! Let Love: A Podcast with the Sisters of Life on Google Podcasts Let Love: A Podcast with the Sisters of Life on Youtube The Catholic Talk Show "The Catholic Talk Show is a hilarious, entertaining, and informative Catholic podcast featuring Ryan DellaCrosse, Ryan Scheel, and Fr. Rich Pagano." (From Google Podcasts description) I've only listened to a few episodes of this podcast, but what the description says is true- it's hilarious! The Catholic Talk Show on Google Podcasts The Catholic Talk Show on Youtube Catholic Answers Live and Catholic Answers Focus "Catholic Answers LIVE is a daily, call-in radio program of Catholic apologetics and evangelization airing live from 6-8 pm ET." (From Google Podcasts description) Of all the podcasts on this list, this is my absolute favorite. I listen pretty much every single day. Seriously. Although it's technically a radio show and not a podcast, I'm still counting it because it's so amazing. Catholic Answers Live on Google Podcasts Catholic Answers Live on Youtube "Catholic Answers Focus, the world's premier podcast on Catholic apologetics, helps you explain and defend the Catholic Faith. If you want to take a deep dive into the reasons behind Church teaching, Catholic Answers Focus is for you." Also from Catholic Answers (can you tell how much I love it, yet?!) this podcast covers apologetics topics as well as current events in the Church. Catholic Answers Focus on Google Podcasts Catholic Answers Focus on Youtube

Our God works in the little things. He uses little signs, little gifts in our everyday lives just to say, "Hey. I'm here. You're not alone." I've been noticing this a lot more lately, particularly in nature. God gave us so many beautiful things that reflect His love for us! Last night the sunset was so beautiful, and all I was thinking was "Wow. That must be what Heaven looks like." I love this time of year because flowers are blooming and with them, dandelions! I love dandelions. They're so simple, and so disliked by many, but at the same time so beautiful! They spread quickly, bringing their delicate beauty everywhere they land, and they just won't give up. There are so many lessons and gifts that God gives to us through these little flowers/ weeds and through all of His creation! It's these little "God moments" that are so powerful. God is so involved in our everyday lives. Yes, He waits for us in the tabernacle for us to visit and receive Him, but He also meets us where we are. We are given so many gifts. Some of them are amazing coincidences that let us know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God was with us. I recently experienced one of these amazing coincidences. I mentioned in my last post that I was going on a come and see retreat weekend. During the retreat, we were talking about this blog and one of the other young ladies (who'd I'd never met before) mentioned that she is a subscriber! What a coincidence that we both happened to be on the retreat at the same time! God is so good, and He gives us so many gifts, even in the little things :-) There were many other Divine coincidences during the retreat, and I received so many graces. Thank you to all who were praying for me! I encourage you to look for God in the little things. He is so good to us, and signs of His precious love surround us. He is so interwoven in our lives, and He wants us to talk to Him about them! God cares. He knows our hopes and dreams, joys, and struggles. It's the signs of His love, both the little and big, that give us a glimpse of our Heavenly home.

How is God calling you to love? Who are you meant to be? Where are you being called to serve? These are all things to pray about on this day, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations (and every day!) God has a plan for each one of us. He does not make us do exactly what He wants- we're not robots- but He does guide us and lead us to what is best for us, just as any good father and friend would. Even if at this time we have absolutely no idea what His plan is, we can trust Him. God's got it all under control. I encourage you to pray for all discerning vocations to marriage, the priesthood, or consecrated life, that we may go where God is calling us. I also ask for your prayers, as I will be on a "Come and See" retreat when this post is published! To get more vocation resources, as well as read some interviews with those living out their vocations to the fullest, please go back to my posts from National Vocation Awareness Week 2020 and check out the thousands of Catholic Vocation resources online! Please be assured of my prayers for you this weekend! Do not be afraid to follow where God is leading. Be joyful! He will lead us on this journey and He loves us immensley. :-)

Jesus is amazing. There’s no other way that I can describe it. He is amazing, and He is gracious. I read the Gospel today and all I can think is “Wow.” Here, you can read it for yourself: "Jesus said to the crowds: 'No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.'” Jn 6:44-51 God gave His body for us. He gave us His flesh as food and His blood as drink. And He is so explicitly clear about it that it’s impossible to deny it without denying Christ Himself. Yes, it is a hard saying. Yes, it is difficult to believe. But if we truly trust that what Jesus said is true, we will believe that He gave us His body and blood under the form of food and drink so that He might be with us forever, and we with Him. He could not have possibly been more clear about this in both John 6, and in the Last Supper narratives, as well as in other places where He alludes to His being the Bread of Life. As is touched on in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles today, we need someone to instruct us in order to even begin to comprehend these mysteries. Thankfully, we have the magisterium of the Church to help with that. Along with leaving His apostles the ability to turn bread and wine into His own body and blood by the power of God, He also left them with evangelization skills and knowledge that could not be achieved without divine intervention. These things are still passed down even to this day by the Sacrament of Holy Orders (ordination)! Jesus meant what He said. It’s undeniable. He continues to give Himself to the Church in the sacraments to this very day. He is here and He is constantly waiting for you and me to come to Him. We must never be afraid to approach Jesus in the sacraments. He is our one, true King, and He has established His Kingdom on earth in the form of a united, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, which remains strong even 2000 years after being established. Yes, it’s confusing. God is so beyond what our tiny human brains can even begin to fathom, But thankfully he’s given us a church to help to explain these concepts! Come to Him. He is waiting specifically for you! He is here, physically present to us in the most blessed sacrament in Catholic churches around the world. Our God is alive! Go and be with Him in Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, receive Him at Mass. Meet Him in the confessional and have your sins washed away. He is waiting for you and loves you so much! *If you have any specific questions regarding the Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, please feel free to contact me using the contact form on the home page of this blog. I will try the best I can to answer your question or give you some resources. God bless you! -Catholic Teen