Always Be Close to Jesus

     “To always be close to Jesus, that is my life plan."             St. Carlo Acutis

      I was very excited and felt encouraged, that two young people from “our time” were being canonized on September 7, 2025: Carol Acutis and Giorgio Frassati – both Italian laymen. 

     Although I was familiar with both “Blesseds,” because of my great love for Jesus in the Eucharist, Carlo’s journey resonated more deeply with me.

Trust--We Know the One Who Knows

      “Trust in the Lord with all you heart, on your own understanding rely not.” Proverbs 3:5

     As I awoke on New Years Day, 2024, a spirit of fear was threatening to take away my peace and acceptance.

Listen to Him

     “Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, ‘Lord, it is good we are here. If You wish, I will make three tents here, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the clouds came a voice that said, ‘This is My Beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell prostate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and do not be afraid.’ And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down the mountain Jesus charged them, ‘Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’”                                                                                                      Mt 17: 1-9                                                                                                                                                                       


     As I went about cleaning my upstairs, my thoughts were riveted on this scripture reading.
    
     It had been quite some time, since I have had a “Tabor” experience. I was most definitely down from the mountaintop, as I forced myself to perform the duty that lay before me.

"AH HA"

    “God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we have patience.”                 
                                                                                               Oswald Chambers


    “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

     There have been many times in my life when God has given me the vision: the ability to see the solution to a struggle I could not overcome. Along with this revelation, comes a great confidence in God and His willingness to help me overcome myself and my struggle. It is what we call an “ah ha” moment, when life’s problems seem to be surmountable. “Nothing will be impossible with God”   (Lk 1:37).

Begin Again

     “Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.”       St. Francis de Sales



     We are smack in the middle of the fourth week of Lent. We may have started out strong with our Lenten resolutions and practices. At times, it almost seemed effortless! We were pleased and amazed with our sacrifices and mortifications, well aware that it was indeed the grace of God that made it appear so easy. Then it happened – we left the valley of ease and began to spiritually scale the challenging peaks of Mt. Everest! We realize we are not mountain climbers and wondered how we even arrived here. It was not part of our plan. Our route was all mapped out. So what changed?