In our readings today we are given the divine goal in a distinct word: Peace. In the entire liturgical reading for the day, 10 instances. Peace is the imperative of the divine love. Man constantly divides the human family into clans, families, tribes, dominions, and countries. The division among us is deep, real and from time immemorial, that is, as early as the fall from grace.
Jesus came to (1) break down the dividing wall of enmity; and (2) abolish the law with its commandments and legal claims by way of the sacrifice of his Flesh. Uniting us as one flesh, not two, much as the gift of marriage offers but this time for all and at once. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” Genesis 2:24.
We have become fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God.
Reflection
Peace is work. A particular work of vulnerability and acceptance. We struggle so mightily with these quotes: Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.
Jesus, Prince of Peace.
Why? Because kindness and truth are very difficult for us to co-express in our behavior side-by-side. We often consider them to be opposites. Yet, in the divine logic, Truth without kindness is cruelty. Kindness without truth is patronizing.
Peace for those who know nothing but pain.
Why? Justice and peace are very difficult for us to co-exist in our behavior side-by-side. We often consider them to be opposites. Yet, in the divine logic, Justice without peace is revenge. Peace without justice is slavery.
Divine Justice is subordinate to Mercy
To which Jesus says: hey, “Gird your loins and light your lamps”. To gird means to encircle yourself with a belt and to prepare is to do something difficult.
The belt is to surround yourself with the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together. The preparation is to grow into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Jesus promises that those who work together for peace: Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. You become the peace you work for. OR. You can continue to be a source of division.
Personal Reflection
The work I do for the kingdom can only be truly fruitful if it is built on/in/with the belt of the Church and impelled in the gift of the person of the Holy Spirit. Only then, with divine inspiration, can I imagine kindness and truth coexisting in me and justice and peace living in harmony in my proximity. It’s work. In the heart. It’s work. In the body. But it’s the work of the Father. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work (Jn 5:17).
Call to Action
Light your lamp! Let’s go! Consider ways to bring truth in kindness. Imagine ways you can be peace with justice.
For he is our peace, he made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one Body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Responsorial
The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Gospel Acclamation
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Readings: 2 COR 9:6-10; PS 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9; JN 12:24-26
Diakonia
Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Autocrats
Papal influence has been a problem for many dictators and autocrats who have tried to reduce it by, for instance, translating it into military terms. Stalin’s rhetorical question is well known: “The Pope! How many divisions has he got?” (Souce: The International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS))
Reflection
Diakonia service is not a battle of territory but of hearts. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? (Matt 26:53).
Brothers and sisters: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Responsorial
Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Gospel Acclamation
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, says the Lord.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Readings: JER 3:14-17; JER 31:10, 11-12ABCD, 13; MT 13:18-23
Yield
Has two meanings.
The first is to produce an outcome.
The second is to give way to another argument, demand or pressure.
Summary
In our readings today, in particular the prophet Jeremiah, we discover the yield-yield paradox.
Return, rebellious children, says the LORD, for I am your Master.
Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the LORD’s blessings: The grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen.
All the striving we can muster, all the effort, all the planning and coniving yields nothing in comparison to the yielding of our person to The Way.
Reflection
In our gospel portion today, Jesus describes the parable of The Explanation of the Parable of the Sower. For the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.
Personal Reflection
We pause to reflect.
What do I hear?
What do I understand?
and, #3, how does it change my yielding?
Dissatisfaction in life has many roots. A blog I follow that describes the situation well. I put a blog button below to test blog buttons. It’s the blob post that is perfect for today.
Intelligence without love makes you perverse The justice without love, makes you implacable Diplomacy without love, makes you a hypocrite Success without love, makes you arrogant Wealth without love, makes you greedy The docility without love makes you servile Poverty without love Or makes proud Beauty without love, makes you ridiculous The truth without love, makes you hurtful Authority without love, makes you tyrant Work without love, makes you a slave Simplicity without love makes you indifferent The law without love makes you a dictator Politics without love makes you egomaniac Faith without love, makes you fanatic Coexistence without love becomes torture And life without love has no meaning." Credits to its author, taken from the web.
They will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness.
Responsorial
The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the parable of the sower.
But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.
Greetings on this the Feast of Saint James, Apostle Readings: 2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6; Mt 20:20-28
Summary
Saint James, Apostle. Ossuary – what he had – he could not contain within as a prison but shared forever.
St Paul says we hold holiness in earthen vessels, that is, ourselves. Not as if we can contain or constrain the will of God. Yet we are honored to hold the message of salvation inside us to be given out to all of us.
Reflection
The sons of Zebedee wanted their reward for the work they are doing, now and later. What were they seeking? If we understand Jesus’ teaching immediately afterwards the answer would be power.
Personal Reflection
How do we handle the grace and mercy given us from the Lord?
Does it entice us to consolidate power?
Does it encourage us to become servants?
But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.
Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels.
Responsorial
Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Gospel Acclamation
I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
Gospel
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Picture is not broadcast sowing but AI is not smart enough to give me a good image
Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Jer 1:1, 4-10; Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15 and 17; Mt 13:1-9
Sow what
A little word play there. Here is the NABRE commentary on the Parable of the Sower.
Since in Palestine sowing often preceded plowing, much of the seed is scattered on ground that is unsuitable. Yet while much is wasted, the seed that falls on good ground bears fruit in extraordinarily large measure. The point of the parable is that, in spite of some failure because of opposition and indifference, the message of Jesus about the coming of the kingdom will have enormous success.
Sowing is to broadcast seed in a sweeping motion across the field to be later harvested. The sowing action is the first step. After sowing the farmer will then plow the earth to break up the soil and provide two benefits: (1) cover the seeds to protect them from birds; and (2) to make the soil ready to receive and hold the rain water.
Astro Science
If you want to take a cosmic view then this video on the James Webb Telescope Summary of Amazing Discoveries is a great place to start.
Astroscience reveals the scattering of all the elements of Earthly life, from the very beginning
Summary
The seeds of God’s love is sown in a broadcast form. Meaning that the Lord does not scatter seed in little increments or for a select few but generously and completely across the entirety of living things, past, present and future. In particular for men a broadcast of the needed forgiveness and mercy we so desperately need.
In this natural state people respond, well, naturally. Sometimes responsive and sometimes not so well. Yet the Lord is not done. There is the plowing to come. In this second phase the Lord helps us to integrate these blessings into a fruitful life and a happy life.
The gift of the Son and the Holy Spirit is the covering over and aiding in the protection and growth of the seed within our hearts. Ya gotta dig a little dirt to get the best out of the blessings.
Reflection
Scattering blessings is a starting point. It is the evidence of the generosity of the Lord. He does not stop there. He sends gifts of himself (the Son and the Holy Spirit) to make the scattered seed grow.
Personal Reflection
It is always a cooperative effort between the divine and the human to bring about fruitfulness. You are not alone. You’re covered.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
Responsorial
I will sing of your salvation.
Gospel Acclamation
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.
Gospel
The Parable of the Sower.
On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables.
“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Greetings on this the Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Am 7:10-17; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Mt 9:1-8
Amos the Shepherd and Dresser of Sycamores
Amos was a regular guy and he had a tough job. He was given the task to warn Israel of its errors and be a voice of reason to get back to right relations.
His climactic denunciation for Israel, whose injustice and idolatry are sins against the light granted to her. Israel could indeed expect the day of the Lord, but it would be a day of darkness and not light (5:18) … Amos’s message stands as one of the most powerful voices ever to challenge hypocrisy and injustice. He boldly indicts kings, priests, and leaders (USCCB commentary).
Summary
It is a popular thing to discuss free-will and the divine patience – derided by some as constraining! and by others too patient!
Justice now – if it is for me.
Free Will – only for me, not him.
Amos shatters that by reminding everyone that hypocrisy and injustice are the true sins. In our gospel portion today, we are given an even more marvelous truth! If Amos is given the task of reminding us to keep right relations, then Jesus is reminding us that the LORD has given every power under heaven to build the righteous kingdom (absence of hypocrisy and injustice). Read these words again when Jesus heals the man with a withered hand. He forgave his sin and he cured his body.
When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.
Reflection
For those who rail at Gos fail to recognize He has turned over every power and duty to us. Amos is one example. Jesus another.Here these words as well: Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? (Jn 10:34).
Personal Reflection
We just need to own our responsibility, power and duty this Fourth of July. I am in awe that we have been given the power to forgive, to heal and to be just and avoid hypocrisy. Seems to me that is the right relation.
Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now hear the word of the LORD!”
Responsorial
The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
Gospel Acclamation
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Gospel
Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.
Greetings on this the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Ez 17:22-24; Ps 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34
Parables are seeds of hope
Parables are like the seeds in the gospel portion today. Once you hear or read a parable it works in ways we do not completely understand.
It is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”
Kingdom is as a good tree
The kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”
Reflection
Our first reading today is the promise of restoration and return having suffered the conquest of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar and losing both Jehoiachin and Zedekiah, the last Kings of Judah. The Lord will overcome these setback of men and restore a kingdom of peace. Ezekiel is a retrospective prophet. He considers the Mosaic and Davidic covenants, their meaning and purposes, as a way to encounter the then current times and the then current future. His optimism is based on a considered retrospective of the history of Israel.
Reaching out to all of us, Jesus offers parables to achieve the same end in us the ordinary folks. To develop a retrospective view of our lives. How has the Lord helped us in days gone by? Have things turned out better or worse than my greatest fears? Parables are puzzles, yes, but with a teaching purpose. To allow deeper thoughts and longer reflection of the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord.
Personal Reflection
Writing you with the discomfort of the flu does not make it more difficult to praise God. Rather it allows for retrospective deepening of the ancient and sacred promises. We get sick, sure. We usually recover, yes! And ultimately return to the Lord at the end of our days. Whatever the outcome there is love. In this life I choose to sit under the Olive tree of friendship. In this life I choose the the mustard tree for my safety.
I’m going to let the seeds of faith, hope and love grow within me. How it works I do not know. But work it does. Jesus reveals to us in private the same as he did the disciples. Only for us the “in private” is the interior of our hearts.
I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar, from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot, and plant it on a high and lofty mountain; on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs.
Responsorial
Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
Second Reading
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.
Gospel Acclamation
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live forever.
Gospel
Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.
Greetings on this the Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 2 Tm 2:8-15; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Mk 12:28-34
Notes
Yesterday I did not post as I was attending the PBC Food Bank grand opening of a new kitchen and dining room for the food insecure. I made a Wordless Wednesday out of it which will publish in two weeks time. Here is the news report. At 1:17 Guillermo and I are walking out of the kitchen toward the dining room for the homeless. We are two old men! I’m the hunched over one.
Guillermo Carrasco Deacon Gerry
Summary
In our sacred readings today we learn the great lessons of faith.
Early Saying (x-ref Creedal values)
Die to live.
Persevere to reign.
Remain faithful and do not deny Christ.
Argumentative and Unproductive Talk
Wordiness and minor theological disputes are worthless.
Topics that are not concerned with salvation useless and unworthy of our time.
Present Yourselves
To God without disgrace.
As a workman for righteousness.
With truthful speech and no add-ons, deviations, conjecture, idle secular inserts.
The Psalmist helps us further
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy.
Keep his covenant and his decrees.
Act with friendship of the LORD in awe.
Allow the New Covenant in Jesus to give its instruction.
Gospel says it succinctly
God is One.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Reflection
The sacred Scripture portions today remind us to act rightly toward God and our fellow man. These two commandments are inseparable and the greatest.
Love with your heart – do right things with love. Love as noun and verb (affection and interest).
Love with your soul – with the most interior nature of yourself. Go deep!
Love with your strength – employing all you have of time, talents and treasures.
Personal Reflection
I rely upon the psalmist promise: Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. I stumble through as often as I am deliberate in action and thought. Often the stumbling and bumbling have the best outcomes.
Stop disputing about words. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
Responsorial
Teach me your ways, O Lord.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction.
Gospel Acclamation
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Gospel
Which is the first of all the commandments?
Jesus replied, “The first is this:
The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Pope Francis in the Elevation of the Holy Eucharist
Greetings on this the The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Corpus Christi Readings: Ex 24:3-8; Ps 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18; Heb 9:11-15; Mk 14:12-16, 22-26
In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present — body, blood, soul, and divinity — under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the “Real Presence” of Christ in the Eucharist. Source: https://www.usccb.org/eucharist
Reflection
Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna; I shall also give a white amulet upon which is inscribed a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it.” (Rev 2:17)
In our celebration today we recall the progressive elaboration of theophany culminating in the Real Presence of the Lord in the species of the Bread and Wine.
Personal Reflection
Back in the days when I taught RCIA (OCIA) I would discuss the hidden manna and the white stone after the Eucharistic theology was given. It has such powerful meaning although not completely understood. I would teach the Hidden Manna was the Eucharist itself – Transubstantiation, appearance is the same, the substance has changed. The White Stone references can be found here: Rev 3:12; 19:12; Is 62:2; 65:15. Your intimate connection to the Lord is as a lover’s name, shared one to the other, unique and personal.
I would give them a White Stone to remember this promise of an intimate love name. I would encourage them to receive the Eucharist daily as a living intimate moment.
White Stones – symbol of a new name
The height of the Mass for the priest, as priest, is the Institutional Narrative. The height of the Mass for the priest, as man, and for all of us is the Holy Communion.
This is why we come. This is why we try to be Holy as God is Holy. Because we want to commune with the Lord, that is, an intimate sharing of self, one to the other, at the physical, mental and spiritual levels. Completely, entirely, fully.
First Reading
Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, “All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do.” Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”
Responsorial
I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
Second Reading
The blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Gospel
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb.
While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.
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Can. 823 §1. In order to preserve the integrity of the truths of faith and morals, the pastors of the Church have the duty and right to be watchful so that no harm is done to the faith or morals of the Christian faithful through writings or the use of instruments of social communication. They also have the duty and right to demand that writings to be published by the Christian faithful which touch upon faith or morals be submitted to their judgment and have the duty and right to condemn writings which harm correct faith or good morals.
These 33 affirmations are specifically for women. Your spiritual journey is of the feminine genius of God. I sit in silent wonder and amazement of the love of God that comes from women. However, I fall short of recognizing your person, your dignity and your autonomy.
These reflections are a sort of list. A catalog, if you will, of the qualities that set you as glorious expressions of the Lord. Read them, in sequence, one each day for 33 days.
The reality is ordinary life and life events may be weighing you down. There is a need to be reminded of your amazing personhood. You know these things. I want to affirm them about you. It helps us both. For you realizing all joy and potential. For me proper awe of you.
Take this 33 day journey of affirmation. I am but a man but not without senses and appreciation. Allow this male voice to affirm your true interior voice about the wonder of your person.
Day 1
Our help is in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth (PS 128:8).
Affirmation: I affirm you are not alone. You are most precious to the Lord. Your help has come, is coming, and will always come from the Lord. I affirm you are worthy of all gifts from God because you are made of the image and likeness of God and he desires it so.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 2
You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know (PS 139:13-14).
Affirmation: I affirm you are known. At times you may feel invisible or tangential or unimportant. But that is not the case. The Lord is delighted in you and in your person.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 3
You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing (PS 145:16).
Affirmation: I affirm that you have the open hand of the Lord presented to you. He knows your deepest desires. He offers all for you. All is for you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 4
My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see your face, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.” (Song of Songs 2:14).
Affirmation: I affirm you deserve a love coo from all of us. No harshness, no demands, no threats, and no judgement. Only encouragement to trust and allow yourself to be seen and heard. No more oppressive secrets!
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 5
Yet your desire and longing will be for your husband, And he will rule [with authority] over you and be responsible for you (Amplified version). Eve gave birth to a son whom she called Seth. “God has granted me another offspring in place of Abel,” she said, “because Cain killed him.” (Gen 3:16, 4:25b).
Affirmation: I affirm the deep attribute of the genius of woman is peace, harmony and family. We may poo poo these things but it is a gift directly from the hand of God. Remember the last words of Adam was to accuse his wife. The last words of Eve was gratitude for Seth. Adam betrayed. Cain slayed. Seth, through Eve, was the hope of the future.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 6
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to go back and abandon you! Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God (Ruth 1:16).
Affirmation: I affirm you are loved by many and they want to help. We walk with you. We will not abandon you. Accept this love.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 7
May the favor of the Lord our God be ours. Prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands! (PS 90:17).
Affirmation: I affirm your efforts to be good and make good things happen for your family. Know, with certainty, the Lord desires to prosper the work of your hands!
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 8
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear (1 Jn 4:18).
Affirmation: When traumatized by others, fear is a natural result. Fear can invade every part of your psyche and even sink into your bones. But fear is powerless by the effects of love. I affirm, the Love of God, given for you, drives out – literally pushes fear away and out of every crevice and crevasse where it hides within you. Let perfect love remove this trauma.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 9
May your mercy, LORD, be upon us; as we put our hope in you (PS 33:22).
Affirmation: The world would like nothing more than to weigh you down with doubt and self-loathing. It is in the mercy of God that this is not our future. Our hope is in the Lord and his mercy soothes our hearts. I affirm this loving balm is yours, mercy and hope. Let your dreams flow!
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 10
Blessed be the LORD, who has heard the sound of my pleading. The LORD is my strength and my shield, in whom my heart trusts. I am helped, so my heart rejoices; with my song I praise him (PS 28:6-7).
Affirmation: I affirm, when you look closely, the Lord has heard your prayers, the Lord has strengthened you and shields you from all manner of harm. Courage, daughter, courage!
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 11
Like a merchant fleet, she secures her provisions from afar (Pv 31:14).
Affirmation: I affirm you work so hard to provide for your family. You seek, high and low, far and wide, for the soothing remedies and joyful moments.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 12
She picks out a field and acquires it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard (pv 31:16).
Affirmation: I affirm your choices. We must make choices all the time. You picked, you acquired and you make fruitful from that which you have. You are self-directed, as you should be.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 13
She girds herself with strength; she exerts her arms with vigor (Pv 31:17).
Affirmation: I affirm as you self-direct, you strengthen yourself, build confidence in yourself and work with renewed vigor and strength. You are girt, surrounded, secure and prepared to master your life.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 14
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come (Pv 31:25).
Affirmation: I affirm your dignity comes from God and in that strength you build strength. Soon, if not already, difficulties recede as the joy and laughter of life becomes your constant companion.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 15
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her (Pv 31:28).
Affirmation: Children often delay their thanksgiving until later in life. I’m sorry that happens. But you rest assured, in the final analysis, you will be praised for your love and hard work. I affirm your children, spouse and all who know you will express awe in your personhood and praise you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 16
She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue (Pv 31:26).
Affirmation: How often you bite your lip! So many things could have been said, even ‘should’ have been said but you chose wisdom, kindness. Your speaking-tongue is not a lash of punishment but a source of renewal.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 17
When I say, “My foot is slipping,” your mercy, LORD, holds me up. When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy (PS 94:18-19).
Affirmation: I affirm the Lord is present for you, helps you when you slip, and His comfort seems more real when the times are more difficult. His mercy is always present but we are more aware under duress.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 18
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you (Jn 16:21-22).
Affirmation: My favorite. I reflect on this so much in awe. Pain becomes an echo without sound in the presence of new life. I affirm your joy of Motherhood shall never pass from you and always be present for you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 19
Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Gen 1:26a-27).
Affirmation: This Old Testament passage expressed the worth of human beings who have value in themselves (NABRE commentary). There is no separation of you from God. Life may feel that way but there is no distance between you and God.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 20
Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a pure heart (1 PTR 1:22).
Affirmation: I affirm love is strong in you. The obedience of truth and love is mocked by the world. You go right on loving! Intensely. Purely. Allow the gravitas of love to overcome the world.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 21
To the LORD who spoke to her she gave a name, saying, “You are God who sees me”; she meant, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after he saw me?” (Gen 16:13).
Affirmation: I affirm in you the twin message of this sacred Scripture. God sees me as God is my protection – he understands all my needs. It also means I live in the presence of God. Hagar was the first to name God: El-ro’i at the place of Beer-lahai-roi (the well of the living sight).
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 22
So she put the child down under one of the bushes, and then went and sat down opposite him, about a bowshot away; for she said to herself, “I cannot watch the child die.” As she sat opposite him, she wept aloud. God heard the boy’s voice, and God’s angel called to Hagar from heaven: “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not fear; God has heard the boy’s voice in this plight of his. Get up, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand; for I will make of him a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water, and then let the boy drink (Gen 21:15-19).
Affirmation: I affirm you are like Hagar, wise to hand over your child to the Lord. However the difficulty comes, the solution is surrender. Let the boy drink of life. Be at peace.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 23
Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home (Jn 19:27).
Affirmation: I affirm, Mother, your person has the attention of the entire Church. Jesus himself will not leave his Mother, any Mother, alone and without aid. Yet, even more deeply, done so in the unity of family. Do not fear for your children. You will always have a beautify place in the home of the heart of your children. Behold, your Son. Behold, you are Mother.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 24
With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life (Pv 4:23).
Affirmation: Even as you progress in these affirmations the temptation to return to Stinkin’ Thinkin’ is very strong. It takes effort to reject the negative echoes bouncing around in the mind and bruising the heart. No to all that. I affirm your efforts to guard your heart. Flee from the devil and this enticement. Instead restore the natural creation of your hormones from healthy sources of thought and actions. Pray and stay.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 25
Instead you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.” (Jas 4:15).
Affirmation: Plan, consider options and make decisions. This is your right. In all this planning and consideration, conditio Jacobaea, ‘If the Lord wills it’, is not a statement of resignation and futility but of fruitfulness and abundance. I affirm you plan, consider and make the best decisions you can. Now rest in these decisions. Especially in regards to children. Allow the will of the Lord to bless your fruitfulness and abundance.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 26
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Saint Francis of Assisi.
Affirmation: Saint Francis of Assisi took the commandment of love to degrees I can only imagine. But I affirm in you that you are on a path similar to his. The Salting of Fire, which Jesus promised, is working in you. Francis gives you today this simple advice. “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 27
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered (Jas 5:10-11a).After he had prayed for his friends… Thus the LORD blessed the later days of Job more than his earlier ones. After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren. Then Job died, old and full of years. (Job 42:10b, 12a, 16-17).
Affirmation: I affirm you have experienced many hardships and need to be very patient with so many in your life. Pray for them. The Lord knows and will restore to you all that is good.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 28
Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Ptr 4:8).
Affirmation: I affirm your loving heart for all those in your life. It is clear you have allowed your love to be intense even as others bruise and harm. Your love is not wasted! Forgiveness comes and reconciliation is an eventuality. Don’t seek bruises but if they come, love through them.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 29
Sisters: For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Rom 8:14-16)
Affirmation: Be freed from all fear. I affirm you are favored by the Lord.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 30
Jesus, looking at him, loved him. For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God. (MK 10:21, 27).
Affirmation: I affirm you attempt the impossible every day. Managing a household and children day in and day out is not easy. From the gospel message remember, Jesus looks at you, loves you, and calls you into the divine-human friendship. In that friendship all things are possible.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 31
Live your life in mutual charity … for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.Aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands.(1 Thes 4:9-11)
Affirmation: Being triggered is an instinctive response. I affirm you try to live your life in mutual charity even when some attempt to trigger you as if for amusement.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 32
Behold, you desire true sincerity; and secretly you teach me wisdom (PS 51:8)
Affirmation: I affirm your sincerity. Sincerity is the beginning of wisdom. Continue to ask your questions and wisdom will blossom within you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 33
But the LORD said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart (1 Sam 16:7).
Affirmation: Empowered by grace and healed with mercy, I affirm your future and your right to look in the heart of all you have business with or personal relationships. Choose wisely.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Concluding Reflection and Prayer
Artwork: Lemasle, Louis-Nicolas “Relevailles De La Duchesse De Berry Dans L’église De Vernouillet “, 1788-1876.
These thirty-three days are similar to the thirty-three years of Jesus incarnate. Each day brings a new awareness and trust that you matter, your efforts are remembered and your personhood is restored in the life of Christ.
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy (LK 1:44). Like the Blessed Mother, when the sound of your greetings reach my ears, the ‘infant’ in me leaps for Joy. Have confidence in your feminine genius, a whole gift of God.
Let us pray.
Almighty everlasting God, who by means of the blessed Virgin Mary’s childbearing has given every Christian mother joy, even in her pains of bringing forth her child; look kindly on this servant of yours who has come in gladness to your holy dwelling to offer her thanks. And grant that after this life, through the merits and prayers of that same blessed Mary, she and her child may be deemed worthy of attaining the happiness of everlasting life; through Christ our Lord.
