Gospel Reading today The Beatitudes Mathew 5:1-12
"Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised." Mathew 5:5
This past week has been so challenging for our family. Being a baking family is similar to being a farming family. As the storm clouds brew upon the farm and the family fears of their crop being hailed-out, I was saying the divine mercy chaplet as I walked into the post office in prayer their was a check that we had been waiting for. We depend on nothing but faith to keep our business going. Through our life, I am reminded often of the pioneers. My ancestors who settled the ranch I grew up on. Even though life was tough, they were happy. They would pull up the rug on a saturday night and the neighbor played the fiddle while they danced into the wee hours of the morning. Last night was a glimpse of the past for me. After a long and grueling week, we all danced in the kitchen to country music and at that moment we were all blissfully happy. We don't have much, but we have love. After dancing and laughing, we all gathered around to pray the family rosary. We turn off all the lights in the house and lit a candle. We prayed and then I played the guitar. I am reminded that this is what life is all about. I am so thankful we have been given less so I can experience these blissful moments of Heaven on earth. Time stood still last night and I realized that "blessed are the poor in spirit, the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them." As we have been spiritually poor this past week, we were given the Kingdom of Heaven last night.
As my Grandad always use to say when my Grandmother wanted a Cadillac "that will get you in trouble". I never understood what that meant until now. As we yearn for worldy goods, they truly will get us in trouble. Being happy and thankful with what you have been given, is living God's Kingdom on earth. As Father Patrick Peyton says "The Spirit of simplicity avoids extremes. Jesus lived a simple life. Do I?" Something to ponder on this morning....
All I use to care about while living a "christian life" was materialism....wearing couture clothing, having the big fancy home, driving the Lexus SUV...all that silly nonsense. I can honestly say, I do not want that anymore. Even someday if our business is blessed abundantly, I want to drive my ford and live in a sweet and humble home. This is the only way I will be able to be a net to catch souls....for the other will get me in trouble, but living a humble life before the Lord will catch souls for eternity. It is also crucial that our children witness this in us.
Have a blessed Friday and dance with your family this weekend! It is good for the soul!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
ENOUGH WITH THE DEMANDS OF THESE LITTLE CHILDREN!
Gospel Reading today Luke 11:29-32
"How demanding are the people of this day! They ask for a miracle, but none will be given except the miracle of Jonah." Luke 11:29
The first thought that came to my mind when I read the gospel today is how demanding our children are in today's times. What happened to children obeying their parents the first time and being happy with a big red juicy apple as a treat? Now children demand box juices, sponge bob fruit snacks, chips, crackers, movies, more and more toys...and the list goes on. My son, Benjamin, just started his T-Ball practice. I was amazed to hear all of the demands of these little 4 and 5 year olds. Needing a drink of their Gatorade after 10 minutes of practice and asking for a snack after practice. This is absurd if you ask me! Our children are accustomed to being doted on constantly. We are doing nothing but providing them a disservice in today's world. Children need to be happy to use the water fountain at baseball practice and okay with waiting to get home to eat supper on the dinner table that his mother so lovingly prepared. Enough with all of the handouts of needless fruit drinks and snacks at their beck-and-call!
As of late, I have stopped buying snacks. I load up on fresh fruit and vegetables and a source of protein for every meal. No juice....just water or milk at the Cooper household. I was sick and tired of my children going to the pantry to get full of snacks and then not eating their supper. Now they are delighted with a banana or apple slices. Not that I do everything right, I am still learning what works and what doesn't but I do know one thing, I refuse to have demanding, spoiled rotten children.
When, as mothers raising disciples of Christ, do we stop the nonsense? You all know I am a big believer in the old fashion way of doing things. I think if we continue to pick up their toys, give them everything they demand we are only raising children that will demand the life they want, not the life that is best for them...God's Will. We are teaching are children to be weak by giving them all of these excess, needless supplies of food, drink and "stuff". They need to toughen-up if you ask me! Less is more and teaching our children the simple ways of using the water fountain, a pay phone (do they have those anymore), making their bed, cleaning up their messes, setting the table, cleaning off the dinner table, less TV and more floor time of legos and baby dolls, less entertainment in the backyard and more use of their imaginations. Think about the old ways of our loved ones who have gone before us. Somehow, they enjoyed life and were thankful for each and every little thing given to them. More than likely it is because their parents didn't hand them everything they wanted. They either had to work for it or did without. Sure we want our children to have a wonderful childhood, but the less we dote, the more wonderful they will turn out. Enough with the demands of our children and let's demand some respect.
Blessings to you this Wednesday!
"How demanding are the people of this day! They ask for a miracle, but none will be given except the miracle of Jonah." Luke 11:29
The first thought that came to my mind when I read the gospel today is how demanding our children are in today's times. What happened to children obeying their parents the first time and being happy with a big red juicy apple as a treat? Now children demand box juices, sponge bob fruit snacks, chips, crackers, movies, more and more toys...and the list goes on. My son, Benjamin, just started his T-Ball practice. I was amazed to hear all of the demands of these little 4 and 5 year olds. Needing a drink of their Gatorade after 10 minutes of practice and asking for a snack after practice. This is absurd if you ask me! Our children are accustomed to being doted on constantly. We are doing nothing but providing them a disservice in today's world. Children need to be happy to use the water fountain at baseball practice and okay with waiting to get home to eat supper on the dinner table that his mother so lovingly prepared. Enough with all of the handouts of needless fruit drinks and snacks at their beck-and-call!
As of late, I have stopped buying snacks. I load up on fresh fruit and vegetables and a source of protein for every meal. No juice....just water or milk at the Cooper household. I was sick and tired of my children going to the pantry to get full of snacks and then not eating their supper. Now they are delighted with a banana or apple slices. Not that I do everything right, I am still learning what works and what doesn't but I do know one thing, I refuse to have demanding, spoiled rotten children.
When, as mothers raising disciples of Christ, do we stop the nonsense? You all know I am a big believer in the old fashion way of doing things. I think if we continue to pick up their toys, give them everything they demand we are only raising children that will demand the life they want, not the life that is best for them...God's Will. We are teaching are children to be weak by giving them all of these excess, needless supplies of food, drink and "stuff". They need to toughen-up if you ask me! Less is more and teaching our children the simple ways of using the water fountain, a pay phone (do they have those anymore), making their bed, cleaning up their messes, setting the table, cleaning off the dinner table, less TV and more floor time of legos and baby dolls, less entertainment in the backyard and more use of their imaginations. Think about the old ways of our loved ones who have gone before us. Somehow, they enjoyed life and were thankful for each and every little thing given to them. More than likely it is because their parents didn't hand them everything they wanted. They either had to work for it or did without. Sure we want our children to have a wonderful childhood, but the less we dote, the more wonderful they will turn out. Enough with the demands of our children and let's demand some respect.
Blessings to you this Wednesday!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Mothers Share In The Passion of Christ
Gospel reading today Mathew 6:7-15
"..may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
This morning as I was meditating on the Passion of Christ while praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary, the thoughts were so clear of how mothers share in the Passion of Christ. (ofcourse on a much much lighter note.)
The first sorrowful mystery, The Agony in the Garden. How many of us have read that pregnancy test and fell to our knees in tears begging the Lord to not let this be....pregnant with a child that was not in your plan. Tears, fears, agony in the heart of what was to come fill your soul. But you look up with tears streaming down your eyes and you say..."not my will, but yours be done, Lord."
The Second sorrowful mystery, The Scourging at the Pillar. How many of us have painful and agonizing pregancies? Or Births? My pregnancies continue to get worse.....I have horrifying vericose veins in a place that will make you cringe! So painful I can barely walk all the while lifting up and caring for toddlers. This is a form of scourging at the pillar....when you walk daily in agonizing pain for the Lord's will to be done in in you. Or another example is the days where all of your children are screaming at once and you kneel to the floor and feel like you are being scourged (or that you think you might lose your mind!).
The Third sorrowful mystery, The Crowning of the Thorns. I came across a woman with nine children yesterday in the Donut Shop. She is devout Catholic and radiates love and peace. I have watched her for two years now as we cross paths around town. I couldn't help but think yesterday the mockering and judgement she must endure everyday. She might as well wear a crown of thorns for all of the laughs, snares and bad looks she receives daily. Her work is not of this earth, but only for the Kingdom of God.
The Fourth sorrowful mystery, The Carrying of the Cross. How many of us help carry one of our children's crosses everyday? From the moment we found out Ben had a hearing loss, I have helped carry his cross. I share in his suffering and frustration as I walk daily with him.
The Fifth sorrowful mysterday, The Crucifixion. I hope none of us reading this right now will ever have to witness one of our children's suffering and death. But for the mothers who do, they share in the crucifixion of Christ as their hearts are crucified with heart break. For the mothers reading this who have lost a child in the womb and had to deliver a baby who was born into Heaven, shared at that moment the crucifixion of Christ and the heart break Mary must have felt as Jesus breathed his last.
There is just no other work on earth like motherhood, that will bring us closer to Christ in so many different forms. The hard times of sharing the cross of Christ is nothing but a gift. For we are growing in holiness and there is no other virtue that is more pure and perfect.
Blessings to you this Tuesday.
"..may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
This morning as I was meditating on the Passion of Christ while praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary, the thoughts were so clear of how mothers share in the Passion of Christ. (ofcourse on a much much lighter note.)
The first sorrowful mystery, The Agony in the Garden. How many of us have read that pregnancy test and fell to our knees in tears begging the Lord to not let this be....pregnant with a child that was not in your plan. Tears, fears, agony in the heart of what was to come fill your soul. But you look up with tears streaming down your eyes and you say..."not my will, but yours be done, Lord."
The Second sorrowful mystery, The Scourging at the Pillar. How many of us have painful and agonizing pregancies? Or Births? My pregnancies continue to get worse.....I have horrifying vericose veins in a place that will make you cringe! So painful I can barely walk all the while lifting up and caring for toddlers. This is a form of scourging at the pillar....when you walk daily in agonizing pain for the Lord's will to be done in in you. Or another example is the days where all of your children are screaming at once and you kneel to the floor and feel like you are being scourged (or that you think you might lose your mind!).
The Third sorrowful mystery, The Crowning of the Thorns. I came across a woman with nine children yesterday in the Donut Shop. She is devout Catholic and radiates love and peace. I have watched her for two years now as we cross paths around town. I couldn't help but think yesterday the mockering and judgement she must endure everyday. She might as well wear a crown of thorns for all of the laughs, snares and bad looks she receives daily. Her work is not of this earth, but only for the Kingdom of God.
The Fourth sorrowful mystery, The Carrying of the Cross. How many of us help carry one of our children's crosses everyday? From the moment we found out Ben had a hearing loss, I have helped carry his cross. I share in his suffering and frustration as I walk daily with him.
The Fifth sorrowful mysterday, The Crucifixion. I hope none of us reading this right now will ever have to witness one of our children's suffering and death. But for the mothers who do, they share in the crucifixion of Christ as their hearts are crucified with heart break. For the mothers reading this who have lost a child in the womb and had to deliver a baby who was born into Heaven, shared at that moment the crucifixion of Christ and the heart break Mary must have felt as Jesus breathed his last.
There is just no other work on earth like motherhood, that will bring us closer to Christ in so many different forms. The hard times of sharing the cross of Christ is nothing but a gift. For we are growing in holiness and there is no other virtue that is more pure and perfect.
Blessings to you this Tuesday.
Monday, February 22, 2010
WE ARE THE POPE OF OUR FAMILIES
CHAIR OF PETER
Gospel Reading today Mathew 16:13-19
"And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it." Mathew 16:18
Today in the Catholic church we celebrate, The Chair of Peter, which is the Pope of the Catholic Church. As I read the gospel today, we are like the "Pope of our homes". Mothers are the ROCK of their families. We set the mood of our homes. We dictacte what goes on throughout the day while our husbands make a living. We walk with our children every moment of their lives from the moment of conception into our death or our children's death. A mother's job is to build a strong foundation upon where she builds up her family for the Kingdom of God. If the foundation is not good, her family will not be good and fruitful. So how do we make sure this foundation is solid? By Fathers and Mothers teaching the faith diligently to their children and raising them up to be soldiers of Christ. With a mother's presence in their lives day in and day out, we are slowly but surely building something beautiful for the Kingdom of God....SOULS! So as Pope of our home, it is important to discern what God's will is for our lives each and every day. What things in your day, while raising your children, are of this world and not of God? Too much television? Lack of discipline? A negative or cold environment? This is why it is so important to be in daily prayer so the world doesn't take the "chair of your home". It is a battle of the chairs and through prayer you will keep your seat of being the pope of your home. Someday when you are in Heaven, you will see the beautiful cathedral that you slowly, painfully built each and every day of your life the moment you became a mother. Don't let someone else take the reigns in building your Cathedral. They will do as builders do today, cut corners and build your Church on rocky ground. Stand up and be the Pope of your family today. Don't stand for anything less than the absolute best for your family. Make sure the ground is rock solid in faith and the tools to build your church are purchased from Heaven, not the hardware store of this world.
Blessings to you this Monday!
Gospel Reading today Mathew 16:13-19
"And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it." Mathew 16:18
Today in the Catholic church we celebrate, The Chair of Peter, which is the Pope of the Catholic Church. As I read the gospel today, we are like the "Pope of our homes". Mothers are the ROCK of their families. We set the mood of our homes. We dictacte what goes on throughout the day while our husbands make a living. We walk with our children every moment of their lives from the moment of conception into our death or our children's death. A mother's job is to build a strong foundation upon where she builds up her family for the Kingdom of God. If the foundation is not good, her family will not be good and fruitful. So how do we make sure this foundation is solid? By Fathers and Mothers teaching the faith diligently to their children and raising them up to be soldiers of Christ. With a mother's presence in their lives day in and day out, we are slowly but surely building something beautiful for the Kingdom of God....SOULS! So as Pope of our home, it is important to discern what God's will is for our lives each and every day. What things in your day, while raising your children, are of this world and not of God? Too much television? Lack of discipline? A negative or cold environment? This is why it is so important to be in daily prayer so the world doesn't take the "chair of your home". It is a battle of the chairs and through prayer you will keep your seat of being the pope of your home. Someday when you are in Heaven, you will see the beautiful cathedral that you slowly, painfully built each and every day of your life the moment you became a mother. Don't let someone else take the reigns in building your Cathedral. They will do as builders do today, cut corners and build your Church on rocky ground. Stand up and be the Pope of your family today. Don't stand for anything less than the absolute best for your family. Make sure the ground is rock solid in faith and the tools to build your church are purchased from Heaven, not the hardware store of this world.
Blessings to you this Monday!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Motherhood: An Honorable Job In Heaven's Eyes
First Reading today Isaiah 58:1-9
"Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8-9
The first reading today reminds me of how holy motherhood is. We feed the hungry everyday by feeding our families, we clothe the naked everyday as we clothe our children. We have the Lord at our side who is our guard each and every moment....guiding us on how to love His children and take care of them the best we can. What an honor it is to be a mother.
I can't write much this morning, but before I go, I wanted to mention fasting today since it is friday. My entire life, I have had a hard time seeing the fruits of fasting up until this year. As my stomach growls, I feel my soul being cleansed. I also see things clearer on things I am discernng about. This might sound strange, but I just wanted to share that thought. As you want to dive into the peanut butter your children are eating, instead, lift up prayers for what is heavy on your heart. You will see much fruit from your fasting and our Lord Jesus will be pleased that you turned away from self and turned to Him.
Off to care for my little flock. Have a blessed Friday!
"Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8-9
The first reading today reminds me of how holy motherhood is. We feed the hungry everyday by feeding our families, we clothe the naked everyday as we clothe our children. We have the Lord at our side who is our guard each and every moment....guiding us on how to love His children and take care of them the best we can. What an honor it is to be a mother.
I can't write much this morning, but before I go, I wanted to mention fasting today since it is friday. My entire life, I have had a hard time seeing the fruits of fasting up until this year. As my stomach growls, I feel my soul being cleansed. I also see things clearer on things I am discernng about. This might sound strange, but I just wanted to share that thought. As you want to dive into the peanut butter your children are eating, instead, lift up prayers for what is heavy on your heart. You will see much fruit from your fasting and our Lord Jesus will be pleased that you turned away from self and turned to Him.
Off to care for my little flock. Have a blessed Friday!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Losing our life to our family is a good thing!
Gospel Reading today Luke 9:22-25
"And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" 9:23-25
The gospel reading today is very contradictory to the world's views. I hear more and more the saying "what's in it for me?" or "I feel like I am losing my self in the midst of motherhood." If you feel at times you have "lost" yourself, be grateful because you are actually saving your life as Jesus tells us. When we give up ourselves and our lives for others, we are saving ourselves from this corrupt and self centered world and gaining eternal salvation. However, it is important for us to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our family. Ways that I take care of myself is having an afternoon alone on sunday while my husband is home with the kids. I usually go to Borders and have a cup of coffee and look at books. Sometimes, I go sit in Eucharistic adoration and just "be" with Jesus. In the afternoons, we go to Lifetime Fitness as a family after I put dinner in the oven (around 4:30). I excersise while listening to podcasts such as EWTN, Father Robert Barron at wordonfire.org or twoedgetalk.com, which all help me grow in my faith. We get home around 6:00 and sit down as a family to eat dinner. This works really great for us now but I know it will change soon as my children get older.
What I don't get filled with is turning my time alone to shopping or self indulgences. We are told by our world we need to be at the spa because we need to take care of ourselves. Usually when I leave the Spa, I am not spiritually filled. It is instant gratification.....where it feels good at the moment but it does nothing for my soul afterwards. Not to mention it is a mere fortune...money we don't have. Or shopping....it only stresses me out because I have such a limited amount of time away. When I come home with a shopping bag, yes it feels good to have something new to wear, but I don't come home filled with peace and goodness in my soul. This is why to truly take care of ourselves in order to better take care of our family, we have to spend our time away nurturing our souls....refilling your vessels with life giving water. The next time you have "quiet time", go sit in silence in the church or Echauristic adoration. Take a good book and sit in silence at a park while you sip your coffee and read about the Saints. Prayer time in the morning is also vital in nurturing yourself. This is my Gasoline that keeps my motor running.
This morning I woke up and my body was beat to the core. From serving our families every day and losing our lives, it can be nothing but exhausting. However, doesn't the exhaustion feel good sometimes? Because we are doing work that is Eternal.....that has such meaning. I know someday I will have as much quiet time as I need. When my kids are off at school or someday gone to college. I hope by then, I will be filled with Thanksgiving of all of the times I served the Lord and lost my life in the chaos as I yearned for just one moment of quiet time. I hope to be filled with good memories and not regret. For I think the worst feeling in the world for a woman would be the regret of wishing she would have spent more time with her children or possibly spent more time growing in holiness instead of turning to world's desires. And hopefully by the time our children have children, we can still be their first teachers on how to balance the craziness of babies, toddlers, and quiet time.
Blessing to you this Thursday. Be grateful you that you are losing your life to your family in order to save it.
"And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" 9:23-25
The gospel reading today is very contradictory to the world's views. I hear more and more the saying "what's in it for me?" or "I feel like I am losing my self in the midst of motherhood." If you feel at times you have "lost" yourself, be grateful because you are actually saving your life as Jesus tells us. When we give up ourselves and our lives for others, we are saving ourselves from this corrupt and self centered world and gaining eternal salvation. However, it is important for us to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our family. Ways that I take care of myself is having an afternoon alone on sunday while my husband is home with the kids. I usually go to Borders and have a cup of coffee and look at books. Sometimes, I go sit in Eucharistic adoration and just "be" with Jesus. In the afternoons, we go to Lifetime Fitness as a family after I put dinner in the oven (around 4:30). I excersise while listening to podcasts such as EWTN, Father Robert Barron at wordonfire.org or twoedgetalk.com, which all help me grow in my faith. We get home around 6:00 and sit down as a family to eat dinner. This works really great for us now but I know it will change soon as my children get older.
What I don't get filled with is turning my time alone to shopping or self indulgences. We are told by our world we need to be at the spa because we need to take care of ourselves. Usually when I leave the Spa, I am not spiritually filled. It is instant gratification.....where it feels good at the moment but it does nothing for my soul afterwards. Not to mention it is a mere fortune...money we don't have. Or shopping....it only stresses me out because I have such a limited amount of time away. When I come home with a shopping bag, yes it feels good to have something new to wear, but I don't come home filled with peace and goodness in my soul. This is why to truly take care of ourselves in order to better take care of our family, we have to spend our time away nurturing our souls....refilling your vessels with life giving water. The next time you have "quiet time", go sit in silence in the church or Echauristic adoration. Take a good book and sit in silence at a park while you sip your coffee and read about the Saints. Prayer time in the morning is also vital in nurturing yourself. This is my Gasoline that keeps my motor running.
This morning I woke up and my body was beat to the core. From serving our families every day and losing our lives, it can be nothing but exhausting. However, doesn't the exhaustion feel good sometimes? Because we are doing work that is Eternal.....that has such meaning. I know someday I will have as much quiet time as I need. When my kids are off at school or someday gone to college. I hope by then, I will be filled with Thanksgiving of all of the times I served the Lord and lost my life in the chaos as I yearned for just one moment of quiet time. I hope to be filled with good memories and not regret. For I think the worst feeling in the world for a woman would be the regret of wishing she would have spent more time with her children or possibly spent more time growing in holiness instead of turning to world's desires. And hopefully by the time our children have children, we can still be their first teachers on how to balance the craziness of babies, toddlers, and quiet time.
Blessing to you this Thursday. Be grateful you that you are losing your life to your family in order to save it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Hot Dog it's Lent!
ASH WEDNESDAY
Gospel Reading today Mathew 6:1-6, 16-18
"Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven. Mathew 6:1
Happy & Blessed Ash Wednesday to you all! I am so excited today is Ash wednesday because that means we have a new beginning! A fresh start in becoming holier and drawing closer to Christ during this lenton season. As of late, I have been down on myself about some of the things I have done and some of my interior thoughts and outer actions. However, this morning as I sat in Mass and looked up at the Crucifix, I was reminded of how merciful Jesus is and how he is constantly calling us to forgive ourselves. Lent is a reminder that we always have a fresh start through His mercy and Grace. What awesome news this day!
The gospel today reminds me that in motherhood, we are constantly fasting.....fasting from selfishness. The holy work we do and the humble sacrifices we make are hidden in our quiet (sometimes very loud) homes. We are not out on the side of the road with huge signs saying "look at me!"...."look at the work I do each day in raising these children!". We humbly offer our joys, works and sufferings up to the Lord each day as we do this very hard, selfless, exhausting task of motherhood. Our rewards are abundant in Heaven....Father John Corapi says mothers have the highest places in Heaven prepared for them for the work they do on earth.
So today, don't beat yourself up on trying to go serve in soup kitchens or trying to save the world during this lenton season. Remember you perform an act of fasting everyday. The other fasting you perform this lenton season, be it fasting on bread and water or from chocolate, can be an added bonus to help you grow in holiness. This lenton season I am going to try to do less complaining and more praising in the midst of this chaotic vocation called Motherhood. More smiling and less frowning, more laughter and less crying. More singing and less screaming. More dancing and less sulking. All for the Glory of God!
Blessings to you this Ash Wednesday!
Gospel Reading today Mathew 6:1-6, 16-18
"Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven. Mathew 6:1
Happy & Blessed Ash Wednesday to you all! I am so excited today is Ash wednesday because that means we have a new beginning! A fresh start in becoming holier and drawing closer to Christ during this lenton season. As of late, I have been down on myself about some of the things I have done and some of my interior thoughts and outer actions. However, this morning as I sat in Mass and looked up at the Crucifix, I was reminded of how merciful Jesus is and how he is constantly calling us to forgive ourselves. Lent is a reminder that we always have a fresh start through His mercy and Grace. What awesome news this day!
The gospel today reminds me that in motherhood, we are constantly fasting.....fasting from selfishness. The holy work we do and the humble sacrifices we make are hidden in our quiet (sometimes very loud) homes. We are not out on the side of the road with huge signs saying "look at me!"...."look at the work I do each day in raising these children!". We humbly offer our joys, works and sufferings up to the Lord each day as we do this very hard, selfless, exhausting task of motherhood. Our rewards are abundant in Heaven....Father John Corapi says mothers have the highest places in Heaven prepared for them for the work they do on earth.
So today, don't beat yourself up on trying to go serve in soup kitchens or trying to save the world during this lenton season. Remember you perform an act of fasting everyday. The other fasting you perform this lenton season, be it fasting on bread and water or from chocolate, can be an added bonus to help you grow in holiness. This lenton season I am going to try to do less complaining and more praising in the midst of this chaotic vocation called Motherhood. More smiling and less frowning, more laughter and less crying. More singing and less screaming. More dancing and less sulking. All for the Glory of God!
Blessings to you this Ash Wednesday!
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