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Mind-boggling Friendship / Una amistad asombroso

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God, powerful and ever-living, Creator of all, mighty and all-knowing — this same God is seeking you. He is seeking your friendship. That truth can be difficult for us to accept, just as it was difficult for Phillip to accept.

At this point in John’s Gospel, Jesus has just told His disciples that in knowing him, they know the Father, but Phillip doesn’t seem to understand. “Show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” So Jesus patiently explains to Phillip and the rest of the disciples, that we come to know God by coming to know his Son. “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”

It’s not the first time Jesus has shared this message. Earlier in John’s Gospel, Jesus talks with Nicodemus and explains, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) This oft-quoted Scripture paves the way for a new relationship between Creator and created. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking to His disciples at the Last Supper. His time on earth is growing short; He is offering them a masterclass in all He has taught during his ministry. And He’s giving us the same.

God wanted a relationship with humankind, so he sent Jesus. Then He sent the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire Scripture and to remain with us. As Christians, we can generally wrap our minds around that. Harder to accept sometimes, though, is the truth that God still wants a relationship with humankind.

God knows each of us, and He wants each of us to know Him, so much so that He sent His Son to walk among us. Today’s Gospel message is clear: know the Son, know the Father. Now, 2,000 years after that message was delivered, the Holy Spirit remains, stirring in our hearts so that we can also come to know the Son as though we were sitting with Him at that Last Supper. 

God wants friendship and connection with YOU. God so loves YOU that he gave His only-begotten Son. God has offered His hand in friendship to each of us, and all we need to do is take that hand to get to know his Son. How? Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart as you read Sacred Scripture and as you receive the Sacraments. Come to personally know Jesus, and come to personally know God, powerful and ever-living, Creator of all, mighty and all-knowing. Mind-boggling, indeed.

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Dios, poderoso y eterno, Creador de todo, poderoso y omnisciente, este mismo Dios te está buscando. Está buscando tu amistad. Esa verdad puede ser difícil de aceptar para nosotros, tal como lo fue para Felipe.

En este punto del Evangelio de Juan, Jesús acaba de decirles a sus discípulos que al conocerlo a él, conocen al Padre, pero Felipe no parece entender. “Señor, muéstranos al Padre y eso nos basta”. Entonces Jesús explica pacientemente a Felipe y al resto de los discípulos que llegamos a conocer a Dios al llegar a conocer a su Hijo. “Créanme: yo estoy en el Padre y el Padre está en mí”.

No es la primera vez que Jesús comparte este mensaje. Anteriormente en el Evangelio de Juan, Jesús habla con Nicodemo y explica: “Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que dio a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que cree en él no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna”. (Juan 3,16) Esta Escritura, citada con frecuencia, prepara el camino para una nueva relación entre el Creador y la criatura. En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús habla a sus discípulos en la Última Cena. Su tiempo en la tierra se está haciendo corto; les ofrece una clase magistral de todo lo que ha enseñado durante su ministerio. Y nos da lo mismo a nosotros.

Dios quería una relación con la humanidad, por eso envió a Jesús. Luego envió al Espíritu Santo para que siguiera inspirando la Escritura y permaneciera con nosotros. Como cristianos, generalmente podemos entender eso. Sin embargo, a veces es más difícil aceptar la verdad de que Dios todavía quiere una relación con la humanidad.

Dios nos conoce a cada uno de nosotros y quiere que cada uno de nosotros lo conozca a Él, tanto que envió a su Hijo para que caminara entre nosotros. El mensaje del Evangelio de hoy es claro: conocer al Hijo, conocer al Padre. Ahora, 2000 años después de que se entregó ese mensaje, el Espíritu Santo permanece, moviéndose dentro de nuestros corazones para que también podamos llegar a conocer al Hijo como si estuviéramos sentados con Él en la Última Cena.

Dios quiere amistad y conexión contigo. Dios te ama tanto que te dio a su Hijo unigénito. Dios ha ofrecido su mano en amistad a cada uno de nosotros, y todo lo que tenemos que hacer es tomar esa mano para conocer a su Hijo. ¿Cómo? Invita al Espíritu Santo a tu corazón mientras lees las Sagradas Escrituras y recibes los Sacramentos. Conozca personalmente a Jesús y conozca personalmente a Dios, poderoso y eterno, Creador de todo, poderoso y omnisciente. Es realmente asombroso.

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Pamela Kavanaugh is a grateful wife, mother, and grandmother who has dedicated her professional life to Catholic education. Though she has done her very best to teach her students well in the subjects of language and religion, she knows that she has learned more than she has taught. She lives, teaches, and writes in southwest suburban Chicago.

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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.

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The Logic of Christ / La lógica de Cristo

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One of the big milestones in a baby’s mental development is the ability to understand sequences. First this, then that. After I eat, my hands get washed. When I hit this toy, it swings. If I smile at my mom she will smile back. Eventually, longer and more complicated sequences are understood and trusted to function consistently. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus proposes a new sequence to the apostles and challenges them to take their faith to the next level. He leads them along a logical line of thinking which draws their attention to the ultimate goal of Jesus’ mission: heaven and union with God. He starts with their collective faith in God the Father and draws them into His new trajectory for belief. This new perspective is grounded in trust and some very basic questions of faith: Do you trust God? If you trust God, trust me. Do you trust me and my words? Then don’t worry about what is going to come or where we are going. 

How quickly we forget to trust in God and not in ourselves. We shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves however, because St. Thomas has already beat us in that respect. He heard the words of Jesus first hand, and in his own way, demonstrates a lack of trust by asking Jesus how they can know the way if they don’t know where they are going. We always want to know where we are going. Thanks to the map apps on our phones we usually know exactly where to turn and when. The point isn’t usually the journey, it’s the conclusion. 

In a beautiful way, Jesus’ logic highlights both the journey and the destination as important considerations for our faith. The goal, or destination, is union with the Father. The way to the Father is union with the Son. Jesus is the way to the Father, and He is also one with the Father. So, both the journey and the destination are intimately united. 

In order to enter into this journey/destination dynamic, we have to trust the logic of Christ. We have to let go of our desire to control the journey of life, of where we think we want to go. If we allow Jesus to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life, then we have, in a certain sense, already found our destination. We can move through life with a peace and a joy that isn’t rooted in the passing circumstances of our situation. 

The logic of Jesus may seem counterintuitive to the logic of the world. But as people of faith we know we can trust that by following wherever Jesus leads we will always discover the way to the Father.

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Uno de los grandes escalones en el desarrollo mental de un bebé es la capacidad de comprender secuencias. Primero esto, luego aquello. Después de comer, me lavo las manos. Cuando golpeo este juguete, se balancea. Si le sonrío a mi mamá, ella me devolverá la sonrisa. Con el tiempo, se comprenden secuencias más largas y complicadas y se confía en que funcionen de manera consistente.

En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús propone una nueva secuencia a los apóstoles y los desafía a llevar su fe al siguiente nivel. Los guía a lo largo de una línea de pensamiento lógica que atrae su atención hacia el objetivo final de la misión de Jesús: el cielo y la unión con Dios. Comienza con su fe colectiva en Dios Padre y los lleva a Su nueva trayectoria de fe. Esta nueva perspectiva se basa en la confianza y en algunas preguntas muy básicas de fe: ¿Confías en Dios? Si confías en Dios, confía en mí. ¿Confías en mí y en mis palabras? Entonces no te preocupes por lo que vendrá o hacia dónde vamos.

¡Qué tan rápidamente nos olvidamos de confiar en Dios y no en nosotros mismos! Sin embargo, no debemos ser demasiado duros con nosotros mismos, porque Santo Tomás ya nos ha ganado en ese aspecto. Escuchó las palabras de Jesús de primera mano y, a su manera, demuestra una falta de confianza al preguntarle cómo pueden saber el camino si no saben a dónde van. Siempre queremos saber a dónde vamos. Gracias a las aplicaciones de mapas en los teléfonos, generalmente sabemos exactamente dónde girar y cuándo. El punto no suele ser el camino, sino la conclusión.

De una forma hermosa, la lógica de Jesús destaca tanto el viaje como el destino como consideraciones importantes para nuestra fe. La meta, o destino, es la unión con el Padre. El camino al Padre es la unión con el Hijo. Jesús es el camino al Padre y también es uno con el Padre. Así que, tanto el viaje como el destino están íntimamente unidos.

Para entrar en esta dinámica camino/destino, tenemos que confiar en la lógica de Cristo. Tenemos que dejar de lado nuestro deseo de controlar el camino de la vida, de adónde creemos que queremos ir. Si permitimos que Jesús sea el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida, entonces, en cierto sentido, ya hemos encontrado nuestro destino. Podemos transitar por la vida con una paz y una alegría que no tienen su raíz en las circunstancias pasajeras de nuestra situación.

La lógica de Jesús puede parecer contraria a la lógica del mundo. Pero como personas de fe, sabemos que podemos confiar en que, si seguimos a Jesús adondequiera que nos guíe, siempre descubriremos el camino hacia el Padre.

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Kate Taliaferro is an Air Force wife and mother. She is blessed to be able to homeschool, bake bread and fold endless piles of laundry. When not planning a school day, writing a blog post or cooking pasta, Kate can be found curled up with a book or working with some kind of fiber craft. Kate blogs at DailyGraces.net.

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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.

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The Model of Holiness / El modelo de santidad

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One of the most beautiful parts of our wedding day was when we washed each other’s feet at the reception. This has become a pretty common thing in Catholic circles and we wanted to show each other that we would be willing to serve. More than that though, we really did it for all of the people who came to our reception. We knew that many of them did not believe in a sacramental view of marriage, since some were not even Christian or weren’t practicing a specific religion. So we did this as a witness to others of what marriage should be. 

In the Gospel today we see Jesus giving this witness. Way before we had the idea, Jesus sat His disciples down and showed them through this action what it meant to lead and what it meant to serve. Have you ever looked at a beautiful stained glass window for any length of time? I used to work at a small little church out in the middle of nowhere that had the most beautiful stained glass. When the light hit the glass it would illuminate the story being told. Images do that for us. They let our imagination come alive. 

All throughout our Catholic tradition we have people who were models for us in the faith. We even call Mary the living icon of the Church because she reflects the love of her Son to the world. But in today’s Gospel we see Jesus as the model. Unlike holy sacramentals like statues, candles, and stained glass, Jesus is both an image of what to do, and the One who helps us do it. 

This is why Scripture is clear that He is the sacrifice and the priest all rolled into one. In the Alleluia verse for today we even hear that Jesus is a faithful witness but also the sacrifice who freed us from sin. 

Here in this 4th week of Easter, let’s take a step back and reflect on the past few weeks. Have we allowed God to be the example we need? Have we allowed His love to enter into our hearts? Have we allowed His sacrifice to change us and cleanse us? Stained glass will only have an effect on us if we look at it. Are you looking at Jesus to learn from His example and also thanking Him for giving you the grace to follow Him? Am I?

From all of us here at Diocesan, God bless!

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Uno de los momentos más hermosos de nuestro día de bodas fue cuando mi esposa y yo lavamos los pies el uno al otro durante la recepción. Esto se ha convertido en algo bastante común en los círculos católicos y queríamos demostrarnos mutuamente que estaríamos dispuestos a servir. Pero más que eso, realmente lo hicimos por todas las personas que vinieron a la recepción. Sabíamos que muchos de ellos no creían en una visión sacramental del matrimonio, ya que algunos ni siquiera eran cristianos o no practicaban una religión específica. Así que lo hicimos como un testimonio para otros de lo que debería ser el matrimonio.

En el Evangelio de hoy vemos a Jesús dando este testimonio. Mucho antes de que tuviéramos la idea, Jesús sentó a sus discípulos y les mostró a través de esta acción lo que significaba guiar y lo que significaba servir. ¿Alguna vez te has detenido a mirar un hermoso vitral? Antes trabajaba en una iglesia pequeña en una área remota que tenía unos vitrales muy hermosos. Cuando la luz golpeaba el vidrio, iluminaba la historia que se contaba. Eso es lo que hacen las imágenes. Hacen despertar a la imaginación.

Dentro de toda la tradición católica tenemos personas que fueron modelos en la fe. Incluso llamamos a María el icono viviente de la Iglesia porque refleja el amor de su Hijo al mundo. Pero en el Evangelio de hoy vemos a Jesús como el modelo. A diferencia de los sacramentales sagrados como las estatuas, las velas y los vitrales, Jesús es a la vez una imagen de lo que debemos hacer y Aquel que nos ayuda a hacerlo.

Por eso la Escritura es clara en que Jesús es ambos el sacrificio y el sacerdote, los dos en uno. Incluso en la Aclamación antes del Evangelio de hoy escuchamos que Jesús es un testigo fiel, pero también el sacrificio que nos liberó del pecado. 

En esta cuarta semana de Pascua, demos un paso atrás y reflexionemos sobre las últimas semanas. ¿Hemos permitido que Dios sea el ejemplo que necesitamos? ¿Hemos permitido que Su amor entre en nuestros corazones? ¿Hemos permitido que Su sacrificio nos cambie y nos limpie? Los vitrales sólo tendrán un efecto dentro de nosotros si los miramos. ¿Estás mirando a Jesús para aprender de su ejemplo y también agradeciéndole por darte la gracia de seguirlo? ¿Lo estoy haciendo yo también?

De parte de todos nosotros aquí en Diocesan, ¡Dios te bendiga!

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Tommy Shultz is a Business Development Representative for Diocesan. In this role he is committed to bringing the best software to dioceses and parishes while helping them evangelize on the digital continent. Tommy has worked in various diocese and parish roles since his graduation from Franciscan University with a Theology degree. He hopes to use his skills in evangelization, marketing, and communications, to serve the Church and bring the Good News to all. His favorite quote comes from St. John Paul II, who said, “A person is an entity of a sort to which the only proper and adequate way to relate is love.”

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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.

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The Greatest of These / El mayor de ellos

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When I was little I had a sign hanging in my bedroom that read: “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God cannot protect you.” That saying has stayed with me into adulthood and has gotten me through some tough times. Most of us could say that we have experienced events in our lives where we have felt abandoned by God and alone. Sometimes it is hard to believe Jesus when He says “I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” At least for me, most of the time I have no idea what God is doing, but that’s where love comes in. 

Faith, Hope and Love. And the greatest of these is Love…but why? 

Love, true love, demands trust. Imagine a marriage or friendship without trust, it might be ok at first but eventually it will fall apart. I believe this is where a lot of Christians get lost in their walk with Christ. It reminds me of The Proof of Your Love (The Monologue Mix) by For King + Country. The song includes a spoken bridge about how you can know the ins and outs of religion and repeat Scripture until you’re blue in the face, but if you have not fallen truly and deeply in love with Christ, your knowledge and memory will never be enough to aid you through difficult times in the journey. 

The Lord asks us to trust completely, and through that trust we can experience the deepest and truest love that our hearts were created for. When we reach that point of falling deeply in love with Christ, we will also trust Him to show us His will, knowing that His love will guide us wherever His will may lead us. 

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Cuando era pequeña tenía un cartel colgado en mi habitación que decía: “La voluntad de Dios no te llevará a donde la gracia de Dios no te pueda proteger”. Ese dicho se ha quedado conmigo hasta la edad adulta y me ha ayudado a superar algunos momentos difíciles. La mayoría de nosotros podríamos decir que hemos experimentado eventos en nuestras vidas en los que nos hemos sentido abandonados por Dios y solos. A veces es difícil creer a Jesús cuando dice: “a ustedes los llamo amigos, porque les he dado a conocer todo lo que le he oído a mi Padre”. Al menos para mí, la mayor parte del tiempo no tengo idea de lo que Dios está haciendo, pero ahí es donde entra el amor.

Fe, esperanza y amor. Y el mayor de ellos es el amor… pero ¿por qué?

El amor, el amor verdadero, exige confianza. Imagínate un matrimonio o una amistad sin confianza, puede que esté bien al principio, pero con el tiempo se desmoronará. Creo que aquí es donde muchos cristianos se pierden en su caminar con Cristo. Me hace acordar de The Proof of Your Love (The Monologue Mix) por For King + Country. La canción incluye un puente hablado sobre cómo puedes saber todo lo referente a la religión y recitar las Escrituras hasta que te canses, pero si no te has enamorado verdadera y profundamente de Cristo, tu conocimiento y tu memoria nunca serán suficientes para ayudarte en los momentos difíciles del camino.

El Señor nos pide que confiemos completamente, y a través de esa confianza podemos experimentar el amor más profundo y verdadero para el que fueron creados nuestros corazones. Cuando lleguemos a ese punto de enamorarnos profundamente de Cristo, también confiaremos en que Él nos mostrará Su voluntad, sabiendo que Su amor nos guiará a donde Su voluntad nos lleve.

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Lily is a Michigan native and cradle Catholic who has spent most of her life exploring her own reasons to embrace her faith fully. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she discovered the beauty of her personal relationship with Christ and the Church. After college, she worked in Montessori Education for three years and recently transitioned to nannying. She was recently married and spends most of her time reading, and enjoying her dog and family!

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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.

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My Sheep Hear My Voice / Mis ovejas escuchan mi voz

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Jesus “walked about in the Temple area on the Portico of Solomon”, a specific place in a specific time, with a specific meaning and purpose. The Temple was, according to ancient tradition, built on Mount Moriah, where Abraham was led to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:2), on the site of the threshing floor bought by King David (2 Kings 24), and where he erected an altar to the Lord. The first Temple was built by King Solomon, and a later iteration by Herod. 

The Portico was named after Solomon because it was likely built against the same eastern wall Solomon constructed as part of that original Temple; this east boundary of the Temple complex never changed. To the west was the Court of the Gentiles and the Temple itself. To the south was the Royal Porch of Herod, where Jesus sat among the doctors when he was 12 years old (Luke 2:46). To the east was the city wall and the Kidron Valley.

The Portico of Solomon was a grand covered walkway with massive columns, a very significant gathering place for theological discourse and debate. It was here, where great discussions took place, that Jesus taught, visited with people, and shared the Truth. After Pentecost, Peter and John would preach to a large crowd here, and heal the lame man (Acts 3:11-12). It became a gathering place for the early believers (Acts 5:12).

It was here, in a space rich with history and significance, that today’s Gospel takes place. It was Hanukkah. It was cold. And Jesus “walked about.” He was not taking a solitary afternoon stroll; as we’ve seen, this was a place where people gathered and serious debates took place. The Jews gathered around Him to demand an answer to their most pressing issue: “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” So Jesus told them, plainly: “I told you and you do not believe.” 

Then he took it a step further and called them out, saying they are not among His sheep. Speaking even more plainly, He called God his Father, saying, “The Father and I are one.” If we read a little further, we will see that they threatened to stone him to death, the penalty for blasphemy, because He claimed equality with God! He told them plainly, and they refused to accept His answer and tried to eliminate Him. As Jesus said, they do not believe because they are not among his sheep.

Who are His sheep? Those who believe in Him and hear His voice, the voice of Truth. “I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life… No one can take them out of my hand.” What consoling words for those who follow the words of the Good Shepherd, and allow Him to lead! If we continue to listen for His voice, no one can take us away from the One who has laid down His life for His sheep.

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“Jesús se paseaba por el templo, bajo el pórtico de Salomón”, un lugar específico en un tiempo específico, con un significado y propósito específicos. El Templo fue, según la antigua tradición, construido en el Monte Moriah, donde Abraham fue llevado a sacrificar a su hijo, Isaac (Génesis 22,2), en el sitio del patio de trilla comprado por el Rey David (2 Reyes 24), y donde erigió un altar al Señor. El primer Templo fue construido por el Rey Salomón, y una iteración posterior por Herodes.

El Pórtico recibió el nombre de Salomón porque se supone que fue construido contra el mismo muro oriental que Salomón construyó como parte de ese Templo original; este límite oriental del complejo del Templo nunca cambió. Al oeste estaba el Atrio de los Gentiles y el Templo mismo. Al sur estaba el Pórtico Real de Herodes, donde Jesús se sentó entre los doctores cuando tenía 12 años (Lucas 2,46). Al este estaba la muralla de la ciudad y el Valle de Cedrón. 

El Pórtico de Salomón era un gran pasillo cubierto con enormes columnas, un lugar de reunión muy importante para el debate y el discurso teológico. Fue aquí donde tuvieron lugar grandes discusiones, donde Jesús enseñó, visitó a la gente y compartió la Verdad. Después de Pentecostés, Pedro y Juan predicaron aquí a una gran multitud y sanaron al hombre cojo (Hechos 3,11-12). Se convirtió en un lugar de reunión para los primeros creyentes (Hechos 5,12).

Fue aquí, en un espacio rico en historia y significado, donde tiene lugar el Evangelio de hoy. Era Hanukkah. Hacía frío. Y Jesús “paseaba”. No estaba dando un paseo vespertino solitario; como hemos visto, este era un lugar donde la gente se reunía y tenían lugar debates serios. Los judíos se reunieron a su alrededor para exigir una respuesta a su problema más urgente: “¿Hasta cuándo nos vas a tener en suspenso? Si tú eres el Mesías, dínoslo claramente”. Entonces Jesús les dijo claramente: “Ya se lo he dicho y no me creen”.

Luego dio un paso más y los llamó, diciendo que no estaban entre sus ovejas. Hablando aún más claramente, llamó a Dios su Padre, diciendo: “El Padre y yo somos uno”. Si leemos un poco más, veremos que amenazaron con apedrearlo hasta la muerte, el castigo por blasfemia, porque afirmó ser igual a Dios. Se lo dijo claramente, y ellos se negaron a aceptar su respuesta y trataron de eliminarlo. Como dijo Jesús, no creen porque no están entre sus ovejas.

¿Quiénes son sus ovejas? Aquellos que creen en Él y escuchan su voz, la voz de la Verdad. “Yo las conozco y ellas me siguen. Yo les doy vida eterna… Nadie las puede arrebatará de mi mano”. ¡Qué palabras tan consoladoras para quienes siguen las palabras del Buen Pastor y le permiten guiarnos! Si seguimos escuchando su voz, nadie podrá alejarnos de Aquel que dio su vida por sus ovejas.

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Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and eleven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com

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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.

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Shepherd Me, Oh God / Pastoréame, Señor

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In just a few days, my husband and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary. And while this may not be considered a milestone by many, so much has happened in these short but long years. We have survived many storms: familial feuds, monetary muddles, infectious illnesses, chronic conditions, and the daily difficulties of raising five lively littles. I could compare it to the ebb and flow of an ocean tide. So many ups and downs, so many certainties and uncertainties, so much joy and pain. 

Yet this year has seemed like the best one yet in so many ways. While the marriages of several family members struggle and deteriorate, ours remains strong. While the world shines forth hatred and misunderstanding, our love and communication continue to grow. While others strive for material riches, we strive for poverty of spirit found in a quest for holiness. Constant pain is lifted up to the Lord as an offering and patience is refined through countless opportunities to practice it. 

We seek to provide a home where perfection is not required, flexibility is welcomed, and laughter and snuggles abound. And while we often fall short of this goal, our daily prayer and Tuesday evening Mass dates ground us over and over again. God has blessed us so abundantly through the sacrament of matrimony that all that is left is for us to be thankful. For as Fr. Mike Schmitz says, if you have gratitude, you have everything. Gratitude is all you need. 

Although the world often tempts us to lean towards a more glamorous marriage of fancy cars, a spotless home and elaborate vacations, we seek to follow the voice of our Good Shepherd, who “calls his own sheep by name and leads them… he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” We know He calls us by name with overwhelming love. We know He leads us along the path to eternal life with gentle care. We know His voice speaks truth and goodness with justice and mercy. And we believe when He says to us, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (see today’s Gospel)

What is God speaking to your heart today? Do you recognize His voice? Will you follow Him wherever he leads you? May the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom we honor in a special way this month, lead you into a deeper relationship with her Son. May her motherly prodding encourage you to break down any barriers that are preventing you from allowing Him to walk ahead of you. May whatever you experience this day, whether it be an illness, an anniversary, or just another Monday, be filled with gratitude for being able to live one more day as His beloved sheep.

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En tan solo unos días, mi esposo y yo vamos a celebrar nuestro 13° aniversario de bodas. Y aunque muchos no lo consideren un hito importante, han sucedido muchas cosas en estos cortos pero largos años. Hemos aguantado muchos aguaceros: pleitos personales, dilemas de dineros, dolencias difíciles, condiciones crónicas y las dificultades diarias de criar a cinco enanos energéticos. Podría compararlo con el flujo y reflujo de una marea oceánica: tantos altibajos, tantas certezas e incertidumbres, tanta alegría y dolor.

Sin embargo, este año ha parecido el mejor de todos en muchos sentidos. Mientras varios miembros de la familia batallan en sus matrimonios y se deterioran, el nuestro sigue sólido. Mientras el mundo irradia odio y malentendidos, nuestro amor y comunicación siguen creciendo. Mientras otros luchan por las riquezas materiales, nosotros luchamos por la pobreza de espíritu que se encuentra en la búsqueda de la santidad. Nuestro dolor constante se eleva al Señor como una ofrenda y nuestra paciencia se refina a través de innumerables oportunidades de practicarla.

Buscamos ofrecer un hogar donde no se requiera perfección, la flexibilidad es bienvenida y abundan las risas y los abrazos. Y aunque con frecuencia no alcanzamos esta meta, nuestra oración diaria y yendo a misa juntos los martes por la noche nos vuelvan a fundamentar una y otra vez. Dios nos ha bendecido tan abundantemente a través del sacramento del matrimonio que lo único que nos queda es estar agradecidos. Porque como dice el Padre Mike Schmitz, si tienes gratitud, lo tienes todo. La gratitud es todo lo que necesitas.

Aunque el mundo nos tienta a tendernos hacia un matrimonio más glamoroso de vehículos lujosos, una casa impecable y vacaciones elaboradas, buscamos seguir la voz de nuestro Buen Pastor, que “llama a cada una por su nombre y las conduce… camina delante de ellas, y ellas lo siguen, porque conocen su voz”. Sabemos que Él nos llama por nuestro nombre con un amor abrumador. Sabemos que nos guía por el camino de la vida eterna con gentil cuidado. Sabemos que Su voz habla verdad y bondad con justicia y misericordia. Y lo creemos cuando nos dice: “Yo he venido para que tengan vida y la tengan en abundancia” (ver el Evangelio de hoy).

¿Qué le está diciendo Dios a tu corazón hoy? ¿Reconoces su voz? ¿Lo seguirás adonde sea que te lleve? Que la Santísima Virgen María, a quien honramos de manera especial este mes, te conduzca a una relación más profunda con su Hijo. Que su estímulo maternal te anime a derribar cualquier barrera que te impida permitirle caminar delante de ti. Que cualquier cosa que experimentes en este día, ya sea una enfermedad, un aniversario o simplemente un lunes más, esté lleno de gratitud por poder vivir un día más como su oveja amada.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adulthood she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

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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.

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We Still Hear Jesus’ Voice / Todavía escuchamos la voz de Jesús

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“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” 

I have to admit for many years I had a certain idea of what Jesus’ voice sounded like. My assumptions came from the first verse of this Gospel. Sheep are not very intelligent animals and need a shepherd to protect them, make sure they are fed and healthy, and lead them to safe pastures. When I “heard” Jesus’ voice in my heart, it was always gentle, meek, caring, a “what can I do for you” type of voice. 

When I made my thirty-day Ignatian retreat I heard another type of voice when Jesus spoke to my heart: it was clear, firm, and understanding. It was the voice of authority that wanted the very best, and only the best for me. Sometimes that meant I had to confront areas of my life that needed repentance and healing. Other times I needed to know that I was loved even in my poverty and weakness. Still other times Jesus needed me to realize that he was the one who does things, not me. It was the voice of the One who died that I might live forever in communion with God. It was a voice of urgency and patience.

Jesus’ voice in the Gospels has many of these characteristics. Think of his words to Mary Magdalen in the garden of the resurrection. I would have expected Him to reach out to her, tell her that everything was going to be okay, and express his sympathy with what she had suffered. Instead, He calls her by name, tells her not to cling to Him, and to go and tell His brothers that He had risen. Clear, strong, real, amazing, urgent; the voice of authority, the voice of love.

Think of Zacchaeus, the Sermon on the Mount, or His words to Peter at various times during the three years of the public ministry. Remember how Jesus spoke to the Syrian Phoenician Gentile woman and His commanding words to the spirit that possessed the boy who was deaf and mute. What about the 5,000 people scattered across the fields listening to Jesus’ preaching. “You feed them yourselves,” He said to his disciples. And His words to His apostles at the Last Supper, “This is my body. This is my blood.” And in His appearance to His apostles after the resurrection, “Peace be with you.” 

There are a thousand different variations of tone and intent and desire and command and mercy in the voice of the Good Shepherd. 

We, the sheep, still hear Jesus’ voice today. “I absolve you from your sins.” “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” We hear his voice as we read the Scriptures. Our soul may be illuminated by a gesture that moves us deeply or by an unexpected kindness. How sweet and strong and true is the voice of our Shepherd!

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“Mis ovejas escuchan mi voz; yo las conozco y ellas me siguen”.

Tengo que confesar que durante muchos años tuve una cierta idea de cómo sonaba la voz de Jesús. Mis suposiciones surgieron del primer versículo de este Evangelio. Las ovejas no son animales muy inteligentes y necesitan un pastor que las proteja, se asegure de que estén alimentadas y sanas y las guíe a pastos seguros. Cuando “escuchaba” la voz de Jesús en mi corazón, siempre era suave, mansa, cariñosa, una voz del tipo “¿qué puedo hacer por ti?”.

Cuando hice mi retiro ignaciano de treinta días, escuché otro tipo de voz cuando Jesús hablaba a mi corazón: era clara, firme y comprensiva. Era la voz de la autoridad que quería lo mejor, y solo lo mejor para mí. A veces eso significaba que tenía que enfrentar áreas de mi vida que necesitaban arrepentimiento y sanación. Otras veces necesitaba saber que era amada incluso en mi pobreza y debilidad. Aún otras veces Jesús quería que me diera cuenta de que era Él quien hacía las cosas, no yo. Era la voz de Aquel que murió para que yo pudiera vivir eternamente en comunión con Dios. Era una voz de urgencia y paciencia.

La voz de Jesús en los Evangelios tiene muchas de estas características. Pensemos en sus palabras a María Magdalena en el jardín de la resurrección. Yo hubiera esperado que Él se acercara a ella, le dijera que todo iba a estar bien y expresara su compasión por lo que había sufrido. En cambio, la llama por su nombre, le dice que no se aferre a Él y que vaya y les diga a sus hermanos que había resucitado. Clara, fuerte, real, asombrosa, urgente; la voz de la autoridad, la voz del amor.

Pensemos en Zaqueo, el Sermón del Monte o sus palabras a Pedro en varios momentos durante los tres años de su ministerio público. Recordemos cómo Jesús le habló a la mujer gentil sirio-fenicia y sus palabras de mando al espíritu que poseía al muchacho sordomudo. ¿Qué decir de las 5.000 personas esparcidas por los campos escuchando la predicación de Jesús? “Denles de comer ustedes mismos”, dijo a sus discípulos. Y sus palabras a sus apóstoles en la Última Cena: “Esto es mi cuerpo. Ésta es mi sangre”. Y en su aparición a sus apóstoles después de la resurrección: “La paz esté con vosotros”. 

Hay mil variaciones diferentes de tono, intención, deseo, mandato y misericordia en la voz del Buen Pastor.

Nosotros, las ovejas, todavía hoy oímos la voz de Jesús: “Yo te absuelvo de tus pecados”. “He aquí el Cordero de Dios que quita el pecado del mundo”. Oímos su voz cuando leemos las Escrituras. Nuestra alma puede ser iluminada por un gesto que nos conmueve profundamente o por una bondad inesperada. ¡Qué dulce, fuerte y verdadera es la voz de nuestro Pastor!

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Sr. Kathryn J. Hermes

Sr. Kathryn James Hermes, FSP, is an author and offers online evangelization as well as spiritual formation for people on their journey of spiritual transformation and inner healing. Website: www.touchingthesunrise.com My Books: https://touchingthesunrise.com/books/
Public Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/srkathrynhermes/ HeartWork Spiritual Formation Group: https://touchingthesunrise.com/heartwork/

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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.

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To Whom Shall I Go? / ¿A quién iré?

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Have you ever gone through something that made you want to turn around and walk away from the problem, perhaps from your life, or maybe even from God? Some things challenge us so much that we intuitively revolt against them. Sometimes we are faced with something so distressing that it makes us doubt what we had believed to be true or doubt a decision we had made. 

In today’s Gospel, many of Jesus’ followers were so challenged by His teaching that they did walk away. They could not reconcile what they believed with what they were hearing from Him, so they gave up.

Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Do you also want to leave?” The disciples were confused too and did not know what to make of Jesus’ claim, but they knew they needed to see Him through to the end. They knew Him too well and had seen and heard enough that they could not abandon Him. I love Peter’s answer: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

There was a night this past summer when I was again at a breaking point. Life had been too heavy for too long, and many things were pressing in on me. Needing to clear my head, I ran out the door into the dark garage and backed the car down the driveway. Though I did not feel like praying and tried to avoid it, I ended up exactly where I knew I would: sitting in the car outside church.

Knowing Jesus was just beyond the wall of the church building, I repeated Peter’s words, “Lord, to whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life.” I could not deny the difficulty I was being asked to bear, but the difficulty did not erase the truth that Jesus is God and that He was right there with me, guiding me through this time.

To whom shall I go? To Jesus, always back to Jesus. To His arms, to His redeeming power, to His love and mercy. Like Peter and the apostles, I have experienced and seen enough that I have come to believe He is the Holy One of God and I cannot live my life without Him.

I wish I could say things became better immediately after that. They did not. I am continuing to live my brokenness in a very real way and continuing to face challenges I am not equipped to handle. But I continue to do my best to walk with Jesus because I know I cannot leave Him.

To whom shall we go? In good times and in bad, Jesus is Lord, and He has the words of eternal life. Even in difficult times, by His side is the best place to be.

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¿Alguna vez has pasado por algo que te hizo querer dar la media vuelta y alejarte del problema, tal vez de tu vida, o tal vez incluso de Dios? Algunas cosas nos desafían tanto que intuitivamente nos rebelamos contra ellas. A veces nos enfrentamos a algo tan angustiante que nos hace dudar de lo que habíamos creído que era cierto o dudar de una decisión que habíamos tomado.

En el Evangelio de hoy, muchos de los seguidores de Jesús se sintieron tan desafiados por su enseñanza que se alejaron. No podían conciliar lo que creían con lo que escuchaban de Él, así que se dieron por vencidos.

Entonces Jesús preguntó a los Doce: “¿También ustedes quieren dejarme?” Los discípulos también estaban confundidos y no sabían qué hacer con la afirmación de Jesús, pero sabían que debían acompañarlo hasta el final. Lo conocían demasiado bien y habían visto y oído lo suficiente como para no abandonarlo. Me encanta la respuesta de Pedro: “Señor, ¿a quién iremos? Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna; y nosotros creemos y sabemos que tú eres el Santo de Dios”.

Hubo una noche el verano pasado cuando ya no podía más. La vida había sido demasiado pesada durante demasiado tiempo y muchas cosas me presionaban. Con necesidad de aclarar mi mente, salí corriendo por la puerta hacia el garaje oscuro y retrocedí el carro. Aunque no tenía ganas de rezar e intenté evitarlo, terminé exactamente donde sabía que estaría: sentada en el carro afuera de la iglesia.

Sabiendo que Jesús estaba justo detrás de la pared del edificio de la iglesia, repetí las palabras de Pedro: “Señor, ¿a quién iré? Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna”. No podía negar la dificultad que se me pedía que soportara, pero la dificultad no borró la verdad de que Jesús es Dios y que Él estaba allí conmigo, guiándome a través de este momento.

¿A quién iré? A Jesús, siempre es volver a Jesús. A sus brazos, a su poder redentor, a su amor y misericordia. Al igual que Pedro y los apóstoles, he experimentado y visto lo suficiente como para llegar a creer que Él es el Santo de Dios y que no puedo vivir mi vida sin Él.

Me gustaría poder decir que las cosas mejoraron inmediatamente después de eso, pero no fue así. Soy una persona quebrantada y sigo viviendo esa realidad de una forma muy real. Sigo enfrentando desafíos para los que no estoy preparada. Pero sigo poniendo mi mejor esfuerzo para caminar con Jesús porque sé que no puedo dejarlo.

¿A quién iremos? En los buenos y en los malos tiempos, Jesús es el Señor y tiene palabras de vida eterna. Incluso en tiempos difíciles, a su lado es el mejor lugar que podemos estar.

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Kimberly Andrich writes from the perspective of having a hidden, chronic illness and experiencing a deep, continuous conversion through being yoked to Jesus in the day-to-day trials and joys of life. She is a wife, mother of 5, and daughter of the King. Kimberly also writes for Catholicmom.com and on fallingonhisgrace.substack.com.

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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.

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Our Full Potential / Nuestro máximo potencial

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Do you ever feel like you are no good or are not living up to your full potential? This is a classic effect of a fallen world that many, if not all of us, struggle with. We do not feel like we are good enough or worth as much as we could be. Of course, this is not true, but it is sometimes hard to believe the truth. 

When we struggle with this belief, the story of Paul from today’s first reading can be quite consoling. Here is a man who was actively persecuting Christians. Acts chapter 9 makes it very clear that he does not only hate the Christians, but he is breathing murderous threats against them. It is pretty astounding that we read about how treacherous Paul was in the very same book that was later written by him. 

In other words, God knew his full potential. Even if Paul felt that his purpose in life was to murder innocent people, God had bigger plans for him. It’s interesting to note that the invitation for Paul to live his life to the fullest came directly from God, not from anything that Paul did. No amount of self reflection or insight changed his behavior. Instead, God extended him a simple invitation. 

Now, it doesn’t hurt that God also made him blind and showed him wonders beyond his wildest dreams so he would come to believe. That is Paul’s story. What is yours? What is mine? What is God calling us to that we have not yet given our yes to? I find that the best way to get out of the rut of thinking that we are not living up to our full potential is by asking God what our full potential is. We are only going to find that in Him because He gave us our potential. 

During this Easter season, let’s take a moment to reflect on what more God is calling us to and how we can actively participate in the beautiful mysteries that God has placed before us. We might just come to find out that the things He has called us to will take us places we never dreamed of. 

From all of us here at Diocesan, God bless!

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¿Alguna vez has sentido que no eres tan bueno o que no estás viviendo a la altura de tu máximo potencial? Es un efecto clásico de un mundo decaído con el que muchos, si no todos, batallamos. No sentimos que seamos lo suficientemente buenos o que no valgamos tanto como podríamos. Por supuesto, no es verdad, pero a veces es difícil creer la verdad.

Cuando batallamos con esta creencia, la historia de Pablo en la primera lectura de hoy puede ser bastante consoladora. Aquí hay un hombre que perseguía activamente a los cristianos. El capítulo 9 de Hechos deja muy claro que no solo odia a los cristianos, sino que también los da amenazas de muerte. Es bastante asombroso que leamos sobre lo traicionero que era Pablo en el mismo libro que más tarde él mismo escribió.

En otras palabras, Dios conocía su máximo potencial. Incluso si Pablo sentía que su propósito en la vida era asesinar a personas inocentes, Dios tenía planes más grandes para él. Es interesante notar que la invitación a Pablo para vivir su vida al máximo vino directamente de Dios, no de algo que Pablo hiciera. Ninguna cantidad de introspección o pensamientos propios cambiaron su comportamiento. En cambio, Dios le extendió una invitación sencilla.

Ahora bien, no está de más que Dios también lo haya dejado ciego y le haya mostrado maravillas más allá de sus mejores sueños para que pudiera creer. Esa es la historia de Pablo. ¿Cuál es la tuya? ¿Cuál es la mía? ¿A qué nos está llamando Dios que todavía no hemos aceptado? Creo que la mejor manera de salir de la rutina de pensar que no estamos viviendo a la altura de nuestro potencial es preguntarle a Dios cuál es nuestro máximo potencial. Solo lo encontraremos en Él porque es Él quien nos dio nuestro potencial.

Durante esta temporada de Pascua, tomemos un momento para reflexionar sobre qué más Dios nos podría estar llamando a hacer y cómo podemos participar activamente en los hermosos misterios que Dios ha puesto delante de nosotros. Tal vez lleguemos a descubrir que las cosas que nos ha llamado a hacer nos llevarán a lugares que nunca hemos soñado.

De parte de todos nosotros aquí en Diocesan, ¡Dios los bendiga!

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Tommy Shultz is a Business Development Representative for Diocesan. In this role he is committed to bringing the best software to dioceses and parishes while helping them evangelize on the digital continent. Tommy has worked in various diocese and parish roles since his graduation from Franciscan University with a Theology degree. He hopes to use his skills in evangelization, marketing, and communications, to serve the Church and bring the Good News to all. His favorite quote comes from St. John Paul II, who said, “A person is an entity of a sort to which the only proper and adequate way to relate is love.”

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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.

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Taught By God / Enseñado por Dios

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“It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God.”  (John 6:45)

Although I’ve been blessed to write and speak about the Catholic faith for nearly two decades, my education in faith did not come from a prestigious college but from my hours spent in Eucharistic Adoration. There, reading the Word of God, listening to Jesus’s voice in the stillness of that chapel, and with my nose in spiritual books for hours, I believe God indeed taught me.

In those hours, I recognized God living among us, not distant nor invisible – the Divine Master and teacher. God, in the Person of the Son, Jesus, is truly present in the Eucharist. I could feel the grace as I sat in His presence, soaking up every grace and blessing He had for me in those precious moments. Never did I doubt I was interacting in real-time in a tangible way with my Lord and my God, sitting at the feet of my Father in heaven. Like a little child, I would soak up every ounce of wisdom and knowledge He blessed me with.

In the Scriptures, I would see in such a profound way how Jesus teaches us about the Father, the one who sent Him, “All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him” (Matthew 11:27). Now, with Jesus ascended, through the Holy Spirit, we receive the promised Paraclete, Counselor, and we continue to learn what we need to advance in wisdom and age and favor before God and man, just as He did (Luke 2:52). 

I did not grow up in a religious family. We didn’t speak of the faith at home. There were no Bibles to be found, no family rosaries (other than during thunderstorms), and no spiritual reading or Eucharistic holy hours. None of that was part of my childhood or my foundation of faith, yet God reached me! He nudged my heart again and again, especially in trials and challenges when my heart was at its lowest; He always reminded me I was never alone.

During more difficult or challenging times, I would drift back under His protective wing; when the ship righted itself, I’d return to my daily routine of self-sufficiency and self-absorption. Gratefully, God never abandoned me. He sent me subtle signs and lessons I could not ignore, people who were His hands and feet. During one of those moments of obedience, the greatest gift came in the inspiration to offer an earnest prayer never to let myself slip back away from the Flock. 

God kept His promise, as He is always apt to do. He filled me with every good thing I needed: wisdom, understanding, piety, knowledge – all the gifts and fruits of the Spirit – which keep me growing, seeking, and yes, believing, to this day, as only He could teach me.

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“Está escrito en los profetas: Todos serán discípulos de Dios.” (Juan 6,45)

Aunque he tenido la bendición de escribir y hablar sobre la fe católica durante casi dos décadas, mi educación en la fe no provino de una universidad prestigiosa, sino de mis horas pasadas en la Adoración Eucarística. Allí, leyendo la Palabra de Dios, escuchando la voz de Jesús en la tranquilidad de esa capilla y con la nariz metida en libros espirituales durante horas, creo que Dios realmente me enseñó como discípulo suyo.

En esas horas, reconocí a Dios viviendo entre nosotros, no distante ni invisible: el Divino Maestro e Instructor. Dios, en la Persona del Hijo, Jesús, está realmente presente en la Eucaristía. Podía sentir la gracia mientras me sentaba en Su presencia, absorbiendo cada gracia y bendición que tenía para mí en esos preciosos momentos. Nunca dudé de que estaba interactuando en tiempo real de una manera tangible con mi Señor y mi Dios, sentada a los pies de mi Padre en el cielo. Como un niño pequeño, absorbería cada onza de sabiduría y conocimiento con el que Él me bendijo.

En las Escrituras, vería de una manera tan profunda cómo Jesús nos enseña acerca del Padre, el que lo envió: “Todas las cosas me han sido entregadas por mi Padre; y nadie conoce al Hijo sino el Padre, ni nadie conoce al Padre sino el Hijo y aquel a quien el Hijo lo quiera revelar” (Mateo 11:27). Ahora, con Jesús ascendido, a través del Espíritu Santo, recibimos al Paráclito prometido, el Consolador, y seguimos aprendiendo lo que necesitamos para avanzar en sabiduría, edad y favor ante Dios y los hombres, tal como lo hizo Él (Lucas 2,52).

No crecí dentro de una familia religiosa. No hablábamos de la fe en la casa. No había Biblias, ni rosarios en familia (menos que durante tormentas fuertes), ni lecturas espirituales ni horas santas eucarísticas. Nada de eso fue parte de mi infancia ni de mi base de fe, ¡sin embargo, Dios se me acercó! Me dio un codazo en el corazón una y otra vez, especialmente durante las pruebas y los desafíos, cuando mi corazón estaba en su punto más bajo; siempre me recordaba que nunca estaba sola.

Durante los momentos más difíciles o desafiantes, volvía a dejarme llevar por su ala protectora; cuando el barco se enderezaba, regresaba a mi rutina diaria de autosuficiencia y egocentrismo. Afortunadamente, Dios nunca me abandonó. Me envió señales y lecciones sutiles que no podía ignorar, personas que eran sus manos y sus pies. Durante uno de esos momentos de obediencia, el regalo más grande llegó en la inspiración para ofrecer una oración sincera para nunca alejarme más del rebaño.

Dios cumplió su promesa, como siempre suele hacerlo. Me llenó de todo lo bueno que necesitaba: sabiduría, entendimiento, piedad, conocimiento – todos los dones y frutos del Espíritu – que me mantienen creciendo, buscando y sí, creyendo, hasta el día de hoy, como solo Él podía enseñarme.

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Allison Gingras (www.ReconciledToYou.com ) shares an everyday Catholic faith with humor and honesty. Her writing includes The Handy Little Guide to Novenas (OSV), Encountering Signs of Faith (Ave Maria Press), and the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (Our Sunday Visitor), with a new edition “Jesus Heals,” coming in 2025. Allison is the Director of Digital Evangelization for Family Rosary USA.

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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.

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Believe in Him / Creer en Él

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During my time writing reflections, I’ve come to see Sacred Scripture in a different light. These aren’t just words extracted from a page to discuss a certain theme at Mass, although we can certainly see parallels in the Mass readings, especially between the Old Testament readings and the Gospels. It’s something I had never really thought about before: Jesus is clear about who He is, and we need only accept it.

In today’s Gospel, He makes it clear who He is once again: “I am the bread of life.” In yesterday’s Gospel, the disciples asked Jesus to give them this “bread from heaven” always. In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that He is the Bread of Life. But Jesus then points out that they’ve seen Him and His signs, and they still don’t believe. 

We don’t need to be theological scholars, priests, or religious sisters to follow Him. We don’t need to understand things that go over our heads. We don’t need to have everything figured out today for tomorrow. We simply need to believe in Jesus and what He has done for the world and for us. Our spiritual hunger and thirst will be quenched if we turn to Him and His great gift of self in the Eucharist. 

Believe in Him, and watch Him fill you with every good gift. 

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Durante el tiempo que llevo escribiendo reflexiones, he llegado a ver la Sagrada Escritura bajo una luz diferente. No son sólo palabras extraídas de una página para hablar de un tema determinado en la Misa, aunque ciertamente podemos ver paralelismos en las lecturas de la Misa, especialmente entre las lecturas del Antiguo Testamento y los Evangelios. Es algo en lo que nunca había pensado antes: Jesús tiene claro quién es, y sólo tenemos que aceptarlo.

En el Evangelio de hoy, vuelve a dejar claro quién es: “Yo soy el pan de vida”. En el Evangelio de ayer, los discípulos le pidieron a Jesús que les diera siempre este “pan del cielo”. En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús deja claro que es el pan de vida, pero luego indica que lo han visto a Él y sus señales, y aún así no creen.

No tenemos que ser eruditos en teología, sacerdotes o hermanas religiosas para seguirlo. No tenemos que entender cosas que se nos pasan desapercibidas. No tenemos que tener todo resuelto hoy para mañana. Simplemente tenemos que creer en Jesús y en lo que ha hecho por el mundo y por nosotros. Nuestra hambre y sed espirituales serán saciadas si nos volvemos hacia Él y el gran don de sí mismo en la Eucaristía.

Cree en Él y observa cómo te colme de todo bien.

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Mary Thissen is a St. Louis native living in East Central Illinois with her husband and children. She is blessed with twin boys Earthside and four children now living in Heaven. When she is not working as a healthcare data analyst or caring for her boys, she enjoys studying and writing about the Catholic faith and ministering to women who are suffering through miscarriage or infertility. You can connect with Mary on Instagram @waitingonmiracles. 

Feature Image Credit: Christian_V, pixabay.com/photos/cup-believe-tree-garden-tea-5032232/

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.

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Trust in His Word / Confía en Su Palabra

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“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears. You always oppose the Holy Spirit. . . . You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it” (Acts 7:51, 53). The people Stephen spoke these words to were not ready for the coming of Christ. They received the Mosaic Law and they heard the preaching of Christ, but their heart and ears remained closed off to what they received and heard. 

The crowd that met Jesus in our Gospel seemed to have a different posture. “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?” (John 6:30). They wanted to believe in Jesus and stood ready to listen to what He had to say and believe in Him. But is it really that different? “What sign can you do?” “What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert” (John 6:31). It’s not that they were ready to listen to Jesus and believe Him already. It’s that they needed a sign from Him to know that He was trustworthy. They didn’t trust His word.

Jesus tells us that He does not just give us the bread from heaven: He is the bread from heaven. In order to receive the sign that they are looking for, they have to believe in Him and follow Him. The order is reversed: they had hoped to see a sign so that they might believe, but they had to believe in order for the sign to be possible.

Perhaps this is the same thing that happened with the people Stephen was speaking to. They had received the message of God, but they were waiting for a sign to give it credence. Yet God was asking them to trust His authority on the strength of His word — only then would they receive the blessings from following the Law and heeding the prophetic message.

Trust in the strength of His word. This is what we are asked to do when Jesus proclaims that He is the Bread of Life. We should expect great blessings from the Lord, but we should not feel that we are owed them for any reason. It is not our right to receive signs from God, and we shouldn’t follow Him simply in order to receive blessings. The blessings will come, but the trust and obedience are what come first.

This is easy to accept in theory, especially when we have heaps of evidence regarding the authority of God from the Bible alone, but it is difficult in practice. We are called to trust God at all times, remaining detached from signs and wonders. They will come, but we do not know when. Instead, we follow Him both day and night, both when we can see His path and when everything around us remains uncertain.

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“Hombres de cabeza dura, cerrados de corazón y de oídos. Ustedes resisten siempre al Espíritu Santo… Recibieron la ley por medio de los ángeles y no la han observado” (Hechos 7,51 y 53). Las personas a las que Esteban dirigió estas palabras no estaban preparadas para la venida de Cristo. Recibieron la Ley Mosaica y oyeron la predicación de Cristo, pero su corazón y sus oídos permanecieron cerrados a lo que recibieron y oyeron.

La multitud que se encontró con Jesús en el Evangelio parecía tener una postura diferente. “¿Qué signo vas a realizar tú, para que lo veamos y podamos creerte?” (Juan 6,30). Querían creer en Jesús y estaban dispuestos a escuchar lo que tenía que decir y creer en Él. Pero, ¿es realmente tan diferente? “¿Qué signo vas a realizar tú?” “¿Qué puedes hacer tú? Nuestros antepasados ​​comieron el maná en el desierto” (Juan 6,31). No es que ya estuvieran preparados para escuchar a Jesús y creerle. Es que necesitaban una señal de Él para saber que era digno de confianza. No confiaban en Su palabra.

Jesús nos dice que no sólo nos da el pan del cielo: Él es el pan del cielo. Para recibir la señal que están buscando, tienen que creer en Él y seguirlo. El orden es al revés: ellos habían esperado ver una señal para poder creer, pero tuvieron que creer para que la señal fuera posible.

Quizás esto es lo mismo que sucedió con la gente a la que hablaba Esteban. Habían recibido el mensaje de Dios, pero estaban esperando una señal que le diera credibilidad. Sin embargo, Dios les estaba pidiendo que confiaran en Su autoridad y en la fuerza de Su palabra; sólo entonces recibirían las bendiciones de seguir la Ley y prestar atención al mensaje profético.

Confiar en la fuerza de Su palabra. Esto es lo que se nos pide que hagamos cuando Jesús proclama que Él es el Pan de Vida. Debemos esperar grandes bendiciones del Señor, pero no debemos sentir que se nos deben por ninguna razón. No tenemos derecho a recibir señales de Dios, y no debemos seguirlo simplemente para recibir bendiciones. Las bendiciones vendrán, pero la confianza y la obediencia son lo primordial.

Esto es fácil de aceptar en teoría, especialmente cuando tenemos montones de evidencias sobre la autoridad de Dios que provienen únicamente de la Biblia, pero es difícil en la práctica. Estamos llamados a confiar en Dios en todo momento, sin apegarnos a las señales y los prodigios. Vendrán, pero no sabemos cuándo. En cambio, lo seguimos día y noche, tanto cuando podemos ver su camino como cuando todo alrededor nuestro sigue siendo incierto.

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David Dashiell is a freelance author and editor in the Nashville, Tennessee area. He has three children, a degree in theology, and enjoys writing about philosophy, theology, culture, music, and comedy. You can find his personal blog, Serious Daydreams, on Substack. He is also the editor of the anthology Ever Ancient, Ever New: Why Younger Generations Are Embracing Traditional Catholicism, available through TAN Books.

Feature Image Credit: Städel Museum, Public Domain, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/the-martyrdom-of-saint-stephen-6409/

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.