New Life in Christ

What a joy it was to celebrate our goddaughter's baptism on Divine Mercy weekend. Carmina Irene Maria joined the universal Christian family and she will forever be a beloved daughter of God. Our God, whose name is Mercy.

All too often my gaze is scattered and interrupted. I find my eyes flitting from one interruption to the next, a notification on my phone, laundry to fold, hungry mouths to feed, spills to wipe or crumbs to sweep.

Day after day I am moving about, tending to the seemingly endless needs that surround me. No wonder I am worn out and ready for bed well before nightfall. My body craves stillness and restorative rest. The Lord, in his great mercy, patiently waits for me to turn my gaze to Him.

During this Easter season I am reminded that Jesus is not merely an intriguing historical person who lived long ago. In truth, Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. Jesus lives now and forever. 

When I take time to read Holy Scripture, I see Jesus knows well the so-called "tyranny of the urgent." People were drawn to crowd around him day and night, listening to parables, begging for healing, asking to be fed, thrusting sly questions and doubting his intentions. And yet, these abysmal demands did not steal his peace. 

Jesus remained present and attentive to each person he encountered. Time and again, Jesus extended mercy and kindness to those who humbled themselves. This remains true for us today. Especially for me.   

Jesus teaches me how to properly order my day. In the gospels I notice over and over: Jesus withdrew by himself to pray. 

When I begin my day with prayer, a simple: Thank you, Lord for your mercy fresh this morning, I am reminded who I am. I am a new creation and I am loved. 

And later on, when I dedicate time to read and ponder God's Living Word, I am grounded in His truth and His promises. His peace dwells in my soul and quiets my anxious thoughts. 

"I will not reject anyone who comes to me." - John 6:37

My most treasured time is when I kneel in quiet stillness in front of The Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is truly present. He is waiting for me. Jesus never tires gazing at me. I am refreshed and renewed in body, mind, spirit and soul.

"Lord, let your face shine on us. You put gladness into my heart." - Psalm 4:6-7

We are delighted to share that Josephine has been accepted to Holy Family Mission in Ireland. She has prayerfully discerned this opportunity for spiritual formation, personal growth and communal life that will begin in September.

Holy Family Mission's primary focus is "setting young people on fire with love for Christ so that they can share Him with the world."

All glory to God, Josephine is beginning her new life as a young adult with great joy and expectant faith!