by Barbara | Aug 23, 2023
We can all relate to Jonah at times. We want people to get what is coming to them, good or bad- mostly bad- especially if they have hurt us. In this case, Jonah wanted Nineveh to die for the ill-treatment of his people. We're told in Scripture that "Jonah...
by Barbara | Jun 12, 2023
Novena Pray always in readiness to surrender, and you will receive from it great peace and great rewards, even when I confer on you the grace of immolation, of repentance and of love. Then what does suffering matter? It seems impossible to you. Close your eyes and say...
by Barbara | Jun 11, 2023
Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away on the flowing current of my grace; close your eyes and do not think of the present, turning your thoughts away from the future just as you would from temptation. Repose in me, believing in my goodness, and I promise...
by Barbara | Jun 9, 2023
Novena You are sleepless; you want to judge everything, direct everything and see to everything and you surrender to human strength, or worse – to men themselves, trusting in their intervention, – this is what hinders my words and my views. Oh how much I wish from you...
by Barbara | Jun 7, 2023
NovenaYou see evil growing instead of weakening? Do not worry. Close your eyes and say to me with faith: “Thy will be done, You take care of it”. I say to you that I will take care of it, and that I will intervene as does a doctor and I will accomplish miracles when...
by Barbara | Jun 6, 2023
Novena How many things I do when the soul, in so much spiritual and material need, turns to me, looks at me and says to me; “You take care of it”, then closes its eyes and rests. In pain you pray for me to act, but that I act in the way you want. You do not turn to...
by Barbara | May 31, 2023
Immediately you may balk at this title. Isn't surrendering for cowards? Not necessarily. If you are stressed, anxious, confused, or even frustrated with feelings of helplessness, I invite you to read on. Have you dreamed of an abiding peace that seems only to evade...
by Barbara | May 22, 2023
What memory, if any, do you have of a time you felt completely loved? Not the mushy fleeting feelings of giddiness and butterflies. Rather, a deep abiding love not dependent on conditions. A love given exclusively for your own good. No strings attached. Parental love...
by Barbara | Apr 12, 2023
Pt.3 /4 The previous articles covered what the Catechism and Sacred Scripture teach us about marriage and love. This week we will look at what makes a marriage sacramental. God provided all that was necessary to thrive for our first parents in the Garden of Eden;...
by Barbara | Jan 31, 2023
Crap happens in more ways than one, metaphorically speaking. Perchance, you remember the popular bumper sticker a few years back that explicitly proclaimed that very thing. So why are we so surprised when it does? We can tend to live life deluding ourselves that...
by Barbara | Aug 28, 2022
I had the pleasure of attending a meeting with young moms a few evenings ago. I've been honored to call many of them friend. Their dedication to marriage and motherhood is heroic. I would include my own daughters and daughters-in-law in this category. I am a mother...
by Barbara | Jul 19, 2022
I began the Bible in a Year podcast with Fr Mike Schmitz late last year. I have been plugging away (binging at times) and am pleased to report that I have reached day 278. Yeah me! I know it is still far off, but God’s timing is always perfect. I love that Fr Mike has...
by Barbara | Jul 1, 2021
Over the years with the continual alteration of the English language, we realized for a short time that sick was cool, the latest rendition of dope means neither dense nor drugs, and “spilling the tea” has nothing to do with the common drink. “Rotten” however, still...
by Barbara | Feb 13, 2021
It is a beautiful evening nearing sunset. The sky is ablaze with color, pinks and blues and greys. You can’t help but thank God for the eyes to see such beauty, and the legs to walk in freedom wherever you like. You are lost in thought as you round the corner out of...
by Barbara | Nov 14, 2020
I sit staring at my one-eyed gingerbread man who I have managed to dismember piece by piece. He is delicious by the way. When I contemplate my own talents, I get a sense of what they are as I look back at my life. If the “inability to say no” is a talent, I have tons...
by Barbara | Nov 7, 2020
Pray for us oh holy Mother of God! He approached the table where I was seated and took the seat next to mine posing a question about how I knew that Mary really interceded in my life, and could the blessings I encountered really be possible? Perhaps, I could give him...
by Barbara | Oct 31, 2020
It is Halloween 2020. Frankly, I feel like we have been living this crazy holiday nightmare for months. We have been wearing masks, dining out of bags we pick up outside of doors from other masked humans, and hope that the contents are safe to eat. I have observed...
by Barbara | Oct 24, 2020
I had a lot of time as I recuperated to consider this question. I believe it is imperative for every Catholic to ponder personally as well. For me, foremost is the fact that Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity, was Incarnated, gathered to Himself and formed...
by Barbara | Oct 17, 2020
What if at your next doctor’s appointment the conversation went something like this. Doctor: “How’s your diet? Getting enough exercise? Is that mole new? Where are you on the road to heaven?” Patient: “Excuse me, what? Did you ask about my son Devon?” Doctor: “I...
by Barbara | Sep 30, 2020
“There never was a time, O God of Love, when your mind and your heart were not concerned about me.” (St. J. Eudes) That is one powerful sentence! It bears deeper reflection. I cannot fathom this kind of pure, selfless love. How could this God of ours truly be...
by Barbara | Sep 3, 2020
“Lord, Lord open the door for us!” But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matt 25:13) I have had my share of bad news as many of you have. Getting a diagnosis which leaves us...