Saint Monica, also known as Monica of Hippo, is St. Augustine of Hippo’s mother. She was born in 331 A.D. in Tagaste, which is present-day Algeria.
When she was very young, she was married off to the Roman pagan Patricius, who shared his mother’s violent temper. Patricius’ mother lived with the couple and the duo’s temper flares proved to be a constant challenge to young Monica.
While Monica’s prayers and Christian deeds bothered Patricius, he is said to have respected her beliefs.
Three …
From all eternity, O Lord, You planned my very existence and my destiny. You wrapped me in Your love in baptism and gave me the Faith to lead me to an eternal life of happiness with You. You have showered me with Your graces and You have been always ready with Your mercy and forgiveness when I have fallen. Now I beg You for the light I so earnestly need that I may find the way of life in which lies the best fulfillment of Your will. Whatever state this may be, give me the grace necessary to …
My grandson, who is now 4 years old, likes to pretend he is a character from one of his books, movies or TV shows, and the rest of his family gets assigned roles, too. After spending a week in Florida, he was Mickey for the longest time, his mom was Minnie, his baby sister was assigned Pluto and Dad got to be Goofy. Sorry, Dad.
Not too long ago, he was telling Grandma and me that he had been reading stories in his children’s Bible. “Dad makes a good Adam,” he told us over FaceTime. “Mom is Eve, and Marie is the snake.” Poor Marie. But what about you, Michael? “I am God.”
In his innocence, he instinctively seems to choose what he sees as the most important role for himself. Thus, in the Garden of Eden story, he went straight to the top. But the little guy is 4, and he is just playing make-believe — what about us? We are adults, or at least teens. We have life experience; we “know better.” But how often do we put ourselves first, choose ourselves over others, put ourselves in the place of God, decide we know better than God?
Paul wrote to the Corinthians nearly 2,000 years ago, but he just as easily could be talking about us in 2022. Back then, as now, people thought they had it all figured out. They thought they knew how things should be and how they were. Salvation through a savior who is violently killed in a criminal’s execution? There’s no way that could be, in so many people’s minds, then and now. “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,” Paul observes, “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Christ crucified is a stumbling block and foolishness to those who decide they know better than God himself, but “to those who are called … Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
We are called. All of us. Every day. What do we do with that call? Do we answer it? I think we all like to think we are answering the call, but our Gospel today tells us it has to be more than that. Are we among the virgins who go out to meet our Lord well-prepared? You can go into any room full of people, and you can be pretty sure a majority there believe in God, and even if they don’t, even more will believe they are good people. The problem is we, as people, are not the best judges of how good we are. We’re much better at deciding our faults aren’t “that bad.” Or that God “doesn’t really care about that.” There we are, putting ourselves in the place of God, and when doing so, we’re going out to meet our Lord far from prepared.
So what do we do? Jesus told us: repent and believe in the Gospel. We will fail, but we must start over, every day if necessary, every hour! And we must pray, pray always. Pray for grace, mercy, help to love and serve the Lord and our neighbors. We have been redeemed by a crucified and risen Savior. Believe it. Internalize it. Live it like nothing else matters.
A mi nieto, que ahora tiene 4 años, le gusta fingir que es un personaje de uno de sus libros, películas o programas de televisión, y al resto de su familia también se le asignan roles. Después de pasar una semana en Florida, fue Mickey por mucho tiempo, su mamá era Minnie, su hermanita fue asignada a Pluto y papá fue Goofy. Lo siento, Papá.
No hace mucho, nos estaba contando a su abuela y a mí que había estado leyendo historias en la Biblia de niños. “Papá es un buen Adán”, nos dijo por FaceTime. “Mamá es Eva y Marie es la serpiente”. Pobre María. Pero, “¿y tú, Miguel? ¿tú quién eres?” “Yo soy Dios,” nos dijo.
En su inocencia, instintivamente parece elegir lo que considera el papel más importante para él. Así, en la historia del Jardín del Edén, escogió el más superior. Pero el pequeño tiene apenas 4 años y solo está jugando a la fantasía. ¿Qué hay de nosotros? Somos adultos, o al menos adolescentes. Tenemos experiencia de vida; nosotros “sabemos mejor”. Pero, ¿con qué frecuencia nos ponemos a nosotros mismos en primer lugar, nos elegimos sobre los demás, nos ponemos en el lugar de Dios, decidimos que sabemos más que Dios?
Pablo escribió a los corintios hace casi 2000 años, pero fácilmente podría estar hablando de nosotros en 2022. En aquel entonces, como ahora, la gente pensaba que lo tenía todo resuelto. Creían que sabían cómo debían ser las cosas y cómo eran. ¿La salvación a través de un salvador que es asesinado violentamente en la ejecución de un criminal? No hay forma de que pueda ser así, en la mente de tantas personas, entonces y ahora. “la predicación de la cruz es una locura para los que van por el camino de la perdición”, observa Pablo, “en cambio, para los que van por el camino de la salvación, para nosotros, es fuerza de Dios”. Cristo crucificado es piedra de tropiezo y locura para aquellos que deciden que saben más que Dios mismo, pero “para los llamados… Cristo es la fuerza y la sabiduría de Dios”.
Somos llamados. Todos nosotros. Todos los días. ¿Qué hacemos con esa llamada? ¿Le respondemos? Creo que a todos nos gusta pensar que estamos respondiendo al llamado, pero nuestro Evangelio de hoy nos dice que tiene que ser más que eso. ¿Estamos entre las vírgenes que salen bien preparadas al encuentro de nuestro Señor? Podrías entrar en cualquier habitación llena de gente y estar bastante seguro de que la mayoría cree en Dios, e incluso si no, aún más creerán que son buenas personas. El problema es que nosotros, como personas, no somos los mejores jueces de lo buenos que somos. Somos mucho mejores para decidir que nuestras fallas no son “tan malas”. O que a Dios “realmente no le importa eso”. Ahí estamos, poniéndonos en el lugar de Dios, y al hacerlo, estamos saliendo al encuentro de nuestro Señor lejos de estar preparados.
¿Asi que, que hacemos? Jesús nos dijo: arrepientense y creen en el Evangelio. Fracasaremos, pero empezamos de nuevo, todos los días, si es necesario, ¡cada hora! Y debemos orar, orar siempre. Oren por gracia, misericordia, ayuda para amar y servir al Señor y a nuestro prójimo. Hemos sido redimidos por un Salvador crucificado y resucitado. Créenlo. Interiorizenlo. Vívenlo como si nada más importara.
Mike Karpus is a regular guy. He grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, graduated from Michigan State University and works as an editor. He is married to a Catholic school principal, raised two daughters who became Catholic school teachers at points in their careers, and now relishes his two grandchildren, including the 3-year-old who teaches him what the colors of Father’s chasubles mean. He has served on a Catholic School board, a pastoral council and a parish stewardship committee. He currently is a lector at Mass, a Knight of Columbus, Adult Faith Formation Committee member and a board member of the local Habitat for Humanity organization. But mostly he’s a regular guy.
Feature Image Credit: Nicholas BL, www.cathopic.com/photo/10893-muerte-crucificado
Foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Born in Catalonia, Spain, she overcame many difficulties in her youth and eventually became a teacher at Lerida. Desirous to enter the religious life, she failed to win entry into the convent at the advice of her spiritual director, decided to launch her own congregation. On January 27, 1872, at Barbastro, Spain, she began the Little Sisters of the Poor, called the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Age. Considerable zeal, she had founded by the time of …
Heavenly Father,
Your infinite love for us has chosen a blessed angel in heaven
and appointed him our guide during this earthly pilgrimage.
Accept our thanks for so great a blessing.
Grant that we may experience the assistance
of our holy protector in all our necessities.
And you, holy, loving angel and guide,
watch over us with all the tenderness of your angelic heart.
Keep us always on the way that leads to heaven,
and cease not to pray for us
until we have …
How ironic that I write about today’s Gospel, which includes the words “stay awake” while on a red-eye flight from Boise, Idaho, back to the east coast. Sadly, following Jesus’ warning, at least while a passenger on that airplane, was not difficult, thanks to the noise and turbulence. In life, however, it is harder for me to stay awake, especially in the figurative sense, distracted by the continual din and busyness of the world around me. Even worse, allowing myself to fall asleep on maintaining a relationship with Jesus; forgetting the dire consequences Jesus warns will come upon those left unaware and unprepared for the Master’s imminent return.
Attentive to this warning, I strive to be the blessed servant who will be found doing what the Master directs. Even though I live with many fears and some anxiety, I go where the Lord sends me, hence the red-eye home from Boise after giving a retreat. Serving Him and the people He loves, bringing them the Good News and messages of hope, is worth every uncomfortable moment. I never want to waste the gifts God has graced me with, knowing these are mine because He willed each one for a particular purpose and according to His perfect plan. I am honored to be His hands and voice, though perhaps I enjoyed doing so just a tiny bit more during the two years my life and ministry work, for the most part, was virtual.
I long to be a faithful and prudent servant, focusing on what I can do in any situation, especially challenging ones, and trusting Jesus to do the rest. Being awake to me means turning to the Lord in prayer in all things and seeking the grace needed to accomplish whatever mission is presented before me—leaning into God’s abundant grace and trusting in all His promises because I believe them to be trustworthy.
Many years ago, driving home from adoration with many things heavy on my heart, I asked the Lord for assurance that He truly does keep His promises. As I sat at the stoplight in front of my house, continuing to ponder and pray upon this question, a giant truck passed by with the words “keeping promises” emblazoned across the side. I laughed at the sweet “godcidental” timing of the truck crossing my path. Tears welled in my eyes as I thanked the Lord for His merciful and speedy response to my prayer.
Being awake and aware of His faithfulness, goodness, and abundant grace helps me prepare for that unknown hour when the Son of Man will come. Blessed by a willingness to be courageous and brave, to serve as I keep watch, even if that means being petrified 30,000 feet in the air. It is incredible what grace can do. St. Katharine Drexel’s sister offered her an all-expense paid cruise, but she kindly declined, saying she only gets on boats for Jesus. I totally get it, St. Katherine, as I only get on planes for Jesus!
Qué irónico que estoy escribiendo sobre el Evangelio de hoy, que incluye las palabras “mantente despierto” durante un vuelo nocturno desde Boise, Idaho, de regreso a la costa este. Lamentablemente, seguir la advertencia de Jesús, al menos como pasajero en ese avión, no fue cosa difícil, a causa del ruido y la turbulencia. En la vida, sin embargo, me es más difícil mantenerme despierto, especialmente en el sentido figurado, distraído por el continuo estruendo y el ajetreo del mundo que me rodea. Peor aún, permitirme dormirme en mi relación con Jesús; olvidándome de las terribles consecuencias que Jesús advierte que vendrán sobre aquellos que no sepan y no estén preparados para el inminente regreso del Maestro.
Atento a esta advertencia, me esfuerzo por ser el siervo bendito que se encontrará haciendo lo que el Maestro le indique. Aunque vivo con muchos miedos y algo de ansiedad, voy donde el Señor me manda, y por eso me encontraba regresando a casa de Boise después de dar un retiro. Servir a Él y a las personas que Él ama, llevándoles la Buena Nueva y los mensajes de esperanza, vale la pena cada momento incómodo. Nunca quiero desperdiciar los dones que Dios me ha dado, sabiendo que son míos porque Él quiso cada uno para un propósito particular y de acuerdo a Su plan perfecto. Me siento honrado de ser sus manos y su voz, aunque tal vez disfruté hacerlo un poco más durante los dos años en los que mi vida y mi ministerio, en su mayor parte, fueron virtuales.
Anhelo ser un siervo fiel y prudente, enfocándome en lo que puedo hacer en cualquier situación, especialmente en las desafiantes, y confiando en que Jesús hará el resto. Estar despierto para mí significa volverme al Señor en oración en todas las cosas y buscar la gracia necesaria para cumplir cualquier misión que se me presente, apoyándome en la abundante gracia de Dios y confiando en todas Sus promesas porque creo que son dignas de confianza.
Hace muchos años, cuando regresaba a casa después de la adoración con muchas cosas que me pesaban en el corazón, le pedí al Señor que me asegurara que Él verdaderamente cumple Sus promesas. Mientras estaba sentado en el semáforo frente a mi casa, sin dejar de meditar y orar sobre esta pregunta, pasó un camión gigante con las palabras “cumpliendo promesas” estampadas en el costado. Me reí de la dulce “Dios-cidencia” del momento preciso que el camión se cruzó en mi camino. Las lágrimas brotaron de mis ojos mientras agradecía al Señor por su misericordiosa y rápida respuesta a mi oración.
Estar despierta y consciente de Su fidelidad, bondad y abundante gracia me ayuda a prepararme para esa hora desconocida en la que vendrá el Hijo del Hombre. Bendecida por la voluntad de ser valiente, de servir mientras vigilo, incluso si eso significa estar con un miedo a los 30,000 pies de altura. Es increíble lo que la gracia puede hacer. La hermana de St. Katharine Drexel le ofreció un crucero con todos los gastos pagados, pero ella lo rechazó amablemente, diciendo que solo se sube a los barcos para Jesús. Lo entiendo totalmente, St. Katherine, ya que ¡yo solo me subo a los aviones para Jesús!
Allison Gingras is a Deacon’s wife and seasoned mom of three. Allison works for Family Rosary as a social media and digital specialist, as well as a new media consultant for Catholic Mom and the Diocese of Fall River. She is the author of Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Fall 2022, Ave Maria Press). Allison developed the Stay Connected Journals for Women series including her two volumes – The Gift of Invitation and Seeking Peace (OSV). She’s hosted A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras podcast since 2015.
Feature Image Credit: DaniloBueno, pixabay.com/photos/night-flight-plane-airport-2307018/
The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.
St. Louis, King of France, patron of Tertiaries, was the ninth of his name. He was born at Poissy, France, in 1214. His father was Louis VIII, and his mother was Blanche, daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castille, surnamed the Conqueror. At the age of twelve he lost his father, and his mother became regent of the kingdom. From his tenderest infancy she had inspired him with a love for holy things. In 1234, he married Margaret, the virtuous daughter of Raymond Berenger, Count of Provence, and two …
O gracious Father, Maker and Preserver of heaven and earth, who in the beginning didst institute matrimony, thereby foreshadowing the mystical union of the Church with our Savior Christ, who, during His ministry upon earth, did honor marriage with His first miracle: help me, I pray Thee, by Thy grace to live in holiness and purity with the wife whom Thou hast given me. Mortify in me all violence of earthly passion, all selfishness and inconsiderateness (here name any besetting sin which may be …
Come and see. When I heard this phrase for the first time, it was used in the context of a discernment retreat. A “Come and See” retreat is an opportunity offered to discerners to do exactly that: come and see. Come to a seminary or a monastery or a convent and see what their life is like for yourself. Pray with them, talk to them, eat with them, share their life with them for a day or a weekend. It is an important step in discernment if a man or woman ultimately decides to enter seminary or religious life.
We can take this same “come and see” concept and practice it outside the walls of a convent or a seminary. It applies to all of us and we can use it for more than just vocational discernment. Rather, come and see is one of the basic tenets of discipleship and evangelization – what we are all called to do as Catholic Christians.
Today’s Gospel gives us a firsthand look at this practice. In the first chapter of the Gospel according to John, Jesus personally invited Philip to follow Him, to come and see for himself, and so Philip became one of the first disciples. Then Philip went to Nathanael and extended the invitation himself – come and see. Philip brought Nathanael to Jesus and Nathanael became a disciple. And so on and so on, all the way up to you and I today.
We share this same mission. By virtue of our Baptism, we have the same call as the first disciples. Sometimes we shirk away from the responsibility but sometimes we take it on and we make the task so much more difficult than it has to be. All we have to do to start is extend the invitation: come and see.
First, take a moment of prayerful consideration: who in your life needs to hear this invitation? Once you have identified that person, consider what kind of invitation you will make, what come and see you will offer: “Come to Mass with me and see” or “come and join me in a moment of prayer and see” or something different? And then be ready to accompany that individual in their journey of discipleship. After Jesus invited Philip and Philip invited Nathanael, they didn’t just leave them on their own.
Disciples making more disciples. And it starts with an invitation.
Ven y verás. Cuando escuché esta frase por primera vez, era en el contexto de un retiro de discernimiento. Un retiro de “Ven y verás” es una oportunidad que se ofrece a los discernidores para hacer exactamente eso: venir y ver. Ven a un seminario o a un monasterio o a un convento y mira cómo es su vida por ti mismo. Oren con ellos, hablen con ellos, coman con ellos, compartan su vida con ellos por un día o un fin de semana. Es un paso importante en el discernimiento si un hombre o una mujer finalmente decide ingresar al seminario o a la vida religiosa.
Podemos tomar este mismo concepto de “ven y verás” y practicarlo fuera de los muros de un convento o un seminario. Se aplica a todos nosotros y podemos usarlo para algo más que el discernimiento vocacional. Más bien, ven y verás es uno de los principios básicos del discipulado y la evangelización, lo que todos estamos llamados a hacer como cristianos católicos.
El Evangelio de hoy nos da una mirada de primera mano a esta práctica. En el primer capítulo del Evangelio según Juan, Jesús invitó personalmente a Felipe a que lo siguiera, a que viniera y viera por sí mismo, y así Felipe se convirtió en uno de los primeros discípulos. Entonces Felipe fue donde Natanael y él mismo le extendió la invitación: ven y verás. Felipe trajo a Natanael a Jesús y Natanael se hizo discípulo. Y así sucesivamente, hasta llegar a ti y a mí hoy.
Compartimos esta misma misión. En virtud de nuestro Bautismo, tenemos la misma llamada que los primeros discípulos. A veces eludimos la responsabilidad, pero a veces la asumimos y hacemos que la tarea sea mucho más difícil de lo que tiene que ser. Todo lo que tenemos que hacer para comenzar es extender la invitación: ven y verás.
Primero, tome un momento de para considerar en la oración: ¿quién en su vida necesita escuchar esta invitación? Una vez que hayas identificado a esa persona, considera qué tipo de invitación harás, qué “ven y verás” que ofrecerás: “Ven a Misa conmigo y verás” o “ven y únete a mí en un momento de oración y verás” o algo diferente. Y luego esté preparado para acompañar a esa persona en su camino del discipulado. Después de que Jesús invitó a Felipe y Felipe invitó a Natanael, no los dejaron solos.
Discípulos haciendo más discípulos. Y comienza con una invitación.
Erin is a Cleveland native and graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is passionate about the Lord Jesus, all things college sports and telling stories and she is blessed enough to get paid for all three of her passions as a full-time youth minister and a freelance sports writer.
Feature Image Credit: Andrew Dunstan, unsplash.com/photos/qdUDnCjo7e0
St. Bartholomew, 1st. century, one of the 12. All that is known of him with certainty is that he is mentioned in the synoptic gospels and Acts as one of the twelve apostles. His name, a patronymic, means “son of Tolomai” and scholars believe he is the same as Nathanael mentioned in John, who says he is from Cana and that Jesus called him an “Israelite…incapable of deceit.” The Roman Martyrology says he preached in India and Greater Armenia, where he was flayed and …