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Openness to God’s Will / Apertura a la voluntad de Dios

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Everyone finds themselves, at some point or another, faced with a seemingly impossible decision. All the choices seem awful and you’re just stuck. You have to pick one, even though you don’t like any of them. Joseph knows this feeling. He was faced with an impossible decision. 

Joseph was a good, upstanding Jewish man. He knew the laws of the Torah and followed them to the best of his ability. He was a simple man, a craftsman who worked hard to earn enough to be able to support a wife and one day, a family. He thought he was on the path to this very ordinary life when the extra-ordinary happened. Mary comes to him with this incredible news. She’s pregnant, and it’s not in the usual way.

Now what is Joseph to do, this average man who expected to lead an average life? He prays and he discerns. He knows the law and knows he has every right to have Mary cast out of the community and stoned for her supposed indiscretion. But he knows Mary, has likely known her all his life. He can’t bring himself to subject her to such an end, especially when she explains so clearly what happened. Even though he doesn’t understand the Annunciation, he can’t dismiss Mary’s words.

And so, after his prayer and wrestling with the Lord, he chooses to divorce her quietly. He thought he had come to the best solution to a horrible situation. Yet here is the genius and the sanctity of St. Joseph on display. He made a choice, but he remained open to God’s will following his decision. Joseph allowed his mind to be changed by the message in his dream.

When we find ourselves facing difficult decisions we can ask St. Joseph to accompany us in our moments of doubt and discernment. May we make the best decision available to us, no matter how painful. And, like St. Joseph, may we always remain open to God’s will, even after we think we have made the right choice.

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Todos nos encontramos, en algún momento, ante una decisión aparentemente imposible. Todas las opciones parecen horribles y uno se queda atascado. Tienes que elegir una, aunque no te guste ninguna. José entiende este sentimiento. Se enfrentaba a una decisión imposible.

José era un judío bueno y recto. Conocía las leyes de la Torá y las seguía al máximo de sus posibilidades. Era un hombre sencillo, un artesano que trabajaba duro para ganar lo suficiente para mantener a su esposa y, algún día, a su familia. Pensaba que estaba en el camino hacia una vida ordinaria cuando sucedió algo extraordinario. María acude a él con esta increíble noticia: está embarazada, y no es de la forma habitual.

¿Qué debe hacer José, este hombre ordinario que esperaba llevar una vida ordinaria? Reza y discierne. Conoce la ley y sabe que tiene todo el derecho a que María sea expulsada de la comunidad y apedreada por su supuesta indiscreción. Pero conoce a María, probablemente la ha conocido toda su vida. No puede someterla a ese fin, especialmente cuando ella explica con tanta claridad lo que sucedió. Aunque no comprende la Anunciación, no puede ignorar las palabras de María.

Y así, tras rezar y luchar con el Señor, decide divorciarse de ella en secreto. Creía haber encontrado la mejor solución para una situación terrible. Sin embargo, aquí se manifiestan la genialidad y la santidad de San José. Tomó una decisión, pero permaneció abierto a la voluntad de Dios. José permitió que el mensaje de su sueño cambiara su opinión.

Cuando nos encontremos ante decisiones difíciles, podemos pedirle a San José que nos acompañe en nuestros momentos de duda y discernimiento. Que tomemos la mejor decisión posible, por dolorosa que sea. Y, como San José, que permanezcamos siempre abiertos a la voluntad de Dios, incluso después de creer que hemos tomado la decisión correcta.

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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 Wisdom of God / La Sabiduría de Dios

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“O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!” 

I never knew my maternal grandfather; he died a year and a half before I was born. But I have learned the stories about him: how he lied about his age so he could join a brother in coming to America; how he drove an ambulance in France for the U.S. Army during World War I; how he, just like the usual Greek stereotype, owned a “greasy spoon” restaurant; how he was an older man when he married the feisty Sicilian woman who was my grandmother. It’s a little funny how, my whole life, I’ve been asked, “So, you’re Greek?” and I’ve always said, “Why, yes, on my mother’s side.”

Yes, people make assumptions (for example, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”) when they see that my last name is a Greek word (which means “fruit,” by the way). So I have to explain that I’m Polish on my father’s side, but I have no idea how a Polish family took a Greek word for their surname. I did know my grandfather on that side, perhaps the kindest and most generous man I’ve ever known. But he was also opinionated, opportunistic, and an alcoholic.

We can’t choose our ancestry, and yet it is very important in our lives because we are the culmination of it; it is the foundation of who we fundamentally are. Both Matthew and Luke use a genealogy of Jesus to show the importance of ancestry, especially how Jesus was the culmination of Old Testament prophecies and covenants, putting him in direct line with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and King David. 

No, we can’t choose our ancestors, but today’s Gospel shows that God can and does do that choosing. And for Jesus, as well as for us, that ancestry chosen by God contains both the faithful and the sinner. Judah, as the First Reading tells us, may have been destined for greatness, with kings as descendants; and he may have saved his brother Joseph from their other brothers’ wrath, but he also sold Joseph into slavery. Jesus is considered a descendant of David, but he’s also a descendant of Ahaz, the guy who wouldn’t listen to Isaiah about asking the Lord for a sign. And God, in his infinite wisdom, used them all to fulfill his plan. His promises to Abraham, Jacob, David, and even Ahaz, are fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.

I began this reflection with today’s “O antiphon,” the ancient exhortations the Church has used since the eighth century to accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops says on its website, the antiphons “are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well.” And today, when we say Come, O Wisdom, we know that that Wisdom is Jesus Christ, our very Lord and Savior. Christmas is just a week away: Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

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“¡Oh Sabiduría de nuestro Dios Altísimo, que guías con poder y amor la creación: ven a enseñarnos el camino del conocimiento!”

Nunca conocí a mi abuelo materno; murió un año y medio antes de que yo naciera. Pero me han contado sobre su historia: como mintió de su edad para poder unirse a un hermano para venir a los Estados Unidos; cómo condujo una ambulancia en Francia para el ejército de los Estados Unidos durante la Primera Guerra Mundial; cómo él, al igual que el estereotipo griego habitual, era dueño de un restaurante de “cuchara grasienta”; cómo era un hombre mayor cuando se casó con la fuerte mujer siciliana que era mi abuela. Es un poco divertido cómo, toda mi vida, me han preguntado: “Entonces, ¿eres griego?” y siempre he dicho: “Pues sí, por parte de mi mamá”.

Sí, la gente hace suposiciones (por ejemplo, “¿Puede salir algo bueno de Nazaret?”) cuando ven que mi apellido es una palabra griega (que significa “fruto”). Así que tengo que explicar que soy polaco por parte de mi padre, pero no tengo idea de cómo una familia polaca tomó una palabra griega como apellido. Conocí a mi abuelo por ese lado, quizás el hombre más amable y generoso que he conocido. Pero también era obstinado, oportunista y alcohólico.

No podemos elegir nuestra ascendencia, y sin embargo es muy importante en nuestra vida porque somos la culminación de ella; es la base de lo que somos fundamentalmente. Tanto Mateo como Lucas usan una genealogía de Jesús para mostrar la importancia de la ascendencia, especialmente cómo Jesús fue la culminación de las profecías y pactos del Antiguo Testamento, poniéndolo en línea directa con Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judá y el rey David.

No, no podemos elegir a nuestros antepasados, pero el Evangelio de hoy muestra que Dios puede y hace esa elección. Y para Jesús, como para nosotros, esa estirpe escogida por Dios contiene tanto al fiel como al pecador. Judá, como nos dice la Primera Lectura, pudo haber estado destinado a la grandeza, con reyes como descendientes; y pudo haber salvado a su hermano José de la ira de sus otros hermanos, pero también vendió a José como esclavo. Jesús es considerado descendiente de David, pero también es descendiente de Acaz, el tipo que no escuchó a Isaías acerca de pedirle una señal al Señor. Y Dios, en su infinita sabiduría, se sirvió de todos ellos para cumplir su plan. Sus promesas a Abraham, Jacob, David e incluso Acaz se cumplen en el nacimiento de Jesús, el Mesías.

Comencé esta reflexión con la “O antífona” de hoy, las antiguas exhortaciones que la Iglesia ha utilizado desde el siglo VIII para acompañar el cántico Magnificat de la oración de la tarde del 17 al 23 de diciembre. Como dice la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos en su sitio web, las antífonas “son una teología magnífica que usa imágenes bíblicas antiguas extraídas de las esperanzas mesiánicas del Antiguo Testamento para proclamar la venida de Cristo como el cumplimiento no solo de las esperanzas del Antiguo Testamento, sino también del presente.” Y hoy, cuando decimos Ven, oh Sabiduría, sabemos que esa Sabiduría es Jesucristo, nuestro mismo Señor y Salvador. Falta una semana para la Navidad: ¡Ven, Señor Jesús, ven!

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Mike Karpus is a regular guy. He grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, graduated from Michigan State University and works as an editor. He is married to a retired Catholic school principal, raised two daughters who became Catholic school teachers at points in their careers, and now relishes his three young grandchildren. He serves on a Catholic school board and has served on pastoral councils, a building committee and a parish stewardship committee. He currently is a lector at Mass, a Knight of Columbus, vice president of a memorial scholarship committee and a board member of the local Habitat for Humanity organization. But mostly he’s a regular guy.

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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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A Burr in the Saddle / Una espina en el zapato

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Jesus really is a burr in the saddle of the authority of his time. The scribes and Pharisees are so secure in their position of high-standing and so assured of their own wisdom, yet here is this nobody from Nazareth telling them that they are getting it all wrong. And worse yet, supposedly there are tax collectors and prostitutes who are getting it right.

These ancient leaders in the faith are so focused on the implementation of the Law that they have lost sight of the Author of the Law. They are not trying to prove that Jesus is their long-awaited Messiah. Instead, they are trying to prove he is not. The arrival of the Messiah threatens their position in the world, and they will not surrender their authority easily. Like the second son in today’s Gospel, they say the right things, but their actions don’t back it up. Sadly, when all that their people had hoped for for centuries finally comes to pass, they do not recognize Him. 

But the lost see Him. The broken and despairing see Him. Like the first son, they may have rejected the idea of a Savior at first, but when He arrives, their hearts turn, and they follow Him.

As we read the Gospel today, it can be easy to write off those chief priests and elders as the villains of a centuries-old story. But no word of Scripture is wasted. We don’t hear of their missteps to add a bit of drama to the story of salvation. We hear about these leaders, the scribes and the Pharisees, because we need to hear about them. Theirs is a cautionary tale. It is a heart check.

Where are our hearts today? We may faithfully stick to our prayer routine, attend Mass every Sunday and then some, read and study the faith. In that, we are saying, “Yes, sir.” But have those beautiful actions moved fully into both our heads and our hearts? Are we living out the call to follow Jesus, to let Him see us, flaws and all? Are we humble enough to recognize how much we really need Him and brave enough to help others recognize the same?

And what about today’s lost, broken, and despairing? Are we humble enough to see ourselves in them, to see hope in them, and celebrate every hard-fought step of a redemption story with hope and surrender?

Perhaps we each need that burr in our saddle. We need that opportunity to recognize where we have grown complacent, where we have lost the thread of this beautiful faith we have been given to share. Yes, it may be uncomfortable to see in ourselves the foibles of the scribes and Pharisees, but what an opportunity to be like the social castaways in the story, to turn our hearts toward Him, see Him more clearly, and bask in the light of His boundless mercy. 

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Jesús es realmente una espina en el zapato para la autoridad de su tiempo. Los escribas y fariseos están tan seguros de su posición de autoridad y de su propia sabiduría, pero aquí está este don nadie de Nazaret diciéndoles que están malinterpretando todo. Y peor aún, supuestamente hay recaudadores de impuestos y prostitutas que sí han entendido.

Estos antiguos líderes de la fe están tan centrados en la implementación de la Ley que han perdido de vista al Autor de la Ley. No intentan demostrar que Jesús es su Mesías tan esperado. En cambio, intentan demostrar que no lo es. La llegada del Mesías amenaza su posición en el mundo, y no cederán fácilmente su autoridad. Como el segundo hijo del Evangelio de hoy, dicen lo correcto, pero sus acciones no lo respaldan. Tristemente, cuando todo lo que su pueblo había esperado durante siglos finalmente se cumple, no lo reconocen.

Pero los perdidos lo sí lo reconocen. Los quebrantados y desesperados sí lo reconocen. Al igual que el primogénito en el Evangelio, al principio pudieron haber rechazado la idea de un Salvador, pero cuando llega, sus corazones se transforman y lo siguen.

Al leer el Evangelio de hoy, es fácil descartar a esos sumos sacerdotes y ancianos como los malos de una historia antigua. Pero ninguna palabra de la Escritura se desperdicia. No oímos hablar de sus errores para añadir un poco de dramatismo a la historia de la salvación. Oímos hablar de estos líderes, los escribas y los fariseos, porque necesitamos saber de ellos. Su historia es una advertencia. Es un examen de conciencia.

¿Dónde está nuestro corazón hoy? Podemos apegarnos fielmente a nuestra rutina de oración, asistir a misa todos los domingos y quizás unos días entre semana, leer y estudiar la fe. Con eso, decimos: “Sí, señor”. Pero ¿esas hermosas acciones han tocado fondo en nuestra mente y en nuestro corazón? ¿Estamos viviendo el llamado a seguir a Jesús, a dejar que Él nos vea, con nuestros defectos y todo? ¿Somos lo suficientemente humildes para reconocer cuánto lo necesitamos realmente y lo suficientemente valientes para ayudar a otros a reconocer lo mismo? ¿Y qué hay de los perdidos, quebrantados y desesperados de hoy? ¿Somos lo suficientemente humildes para reconocernos en ellos, para ver esperanza en ellos y celebrar con esperanza y entrega cada paso de la historia de la redención, recorrida con esfuerzo y entrega?

Quizás cada uno de nosotros necesitamos una espina en el zapato. Necesitamos esa oportunidad para reconocer dónde nos hemos vuelto complacientes, dónde hemos perdido el hilo de esta hermosa fe que se nos ha dado para compartir. Sí, puede ser incómodo ver en nosotros mismos las debilidades de los escribas y fariseos, pero qué gran oportunidad para ser como los marginados de la historia, para volver nuestro corazón hacia Él, verlo con más claridad y disfrutar de la luz de su infinita misericordia.

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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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Sincerely Seeking / Buscar Sinceramente

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Jesus is often verbally jousting with “the chief priests and elders,” but why? He has come to save them too, but they refuse to humble themselves or let go of their authority or open themselves to the truth. And so, in today’s Gospel, as this group questions him about his own authority in turning over tables in the temple, Jesus agrees to answer their question IF they will answer one question from Him. This question is a test. A test of what? A test of their sincerity. 

Jesus will only answer them on the one condition that they sincerely want to receive His answer. But they do not. They are too busy balancing the way the people will perceive them against their own self-righteousness. They are not sincerely seeking to know what is true; they are working to protect their own position. They refuse to answer Jesus’ question, and so Jesus refuses to answer theirs. It is Wisdom in action. Divine wisdom acting powerfully against human “wisdom.”

Today’s Responsorial Psalm can be a profound examination of conscience for our own sincerity: Do we want to know the Lord’s ways and follow his paths? Are we humble enough to be guided in the truth and taught by the Savior? Do we know in our bones that the Lord shows sinners the way and guides the humble to justice? How do we understand the truth that the Lord teaches the humble his way? Are we sincerely seeking to know what is true?

As we enter the third week of Advent, how are we opening ourselves more fully and allowing ourselves to let go of all that is in us that keeps us from the complete freedom necessary to receive the great Gift of Salvation? Are we sincerely awaiting the angelic message that our Savior has come?  Are our hearts like humble mangers, conscious of their emptiness of any riches and ready to receive the King of the Universe, who comes to us as a gentle Infant in the quiet of a starry night?

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Jesús a menudo discute verbalmente con los sumo sacerdotes y los ancianos, pero ¿por qué? Él también vino a salvarlos, pero ellos se niegan a humillarse, a renunciar a su autoridad o a abrirse a la verdad. Así, en el Evangelio de hoy, mientras este grupo lo interroga sobre su propia autoridad para volcar las mesas en el templo, Jesús acepta responder a su pregunta si ellos responden a una pregunta suya. Esta pregunta es una prueba. ¿Una prueba de qué? Una prueba de su sinceridad.

Jesús les responderá con la única condición de que sinceramente deseen recibir su respuesta. Pero no la desean. Están demasiado ocupados balanceando la percepción que la gente tendrá de ellos con su propia autocomplacencia. No buscan sinceramente saber qué es la verdad; se esfuerzan por proteger su propia posición. Se niegan a responder la pregunta de Jesús, y por lo tanto, Jesús se niega a responder la de ellos. Es la Sabiduría en acción. La sabiduría divina actuando poderosamente contra la sabiduría humana. 

El Salmo Responsorial de hoy puede ser un profundo examen de conciencia para nuestra propia sinceridad: ¿Queremos conocer los caminos del Señor y seguir sus sendas? ¿Somos lo suficientemente humildes para dejarnos guiar por la verdad y ser enseñados por el Salvador? ¿Sabemos en nuestra interior que el Señor muestra el camino a los pecadores y guía a los humildes hacia la justicia? ¿Cómo comprendemos la verdad de que el Señor enseña a los humildes su camino? ¿Buscamos sinceramente la verdad?

Al entrar en la tercera semana de Adviento, ¿cómo nos abrimos más plenamente y nos permitimos desprendernos de todo aquello en nuestro interior que nos impide la completa libertad necesaria para recibir el gran Don de la Salvación? ¿Esperamos sinceramente el mensaje angelical de la llegada de nuestro Salvador? ¿Son nuestros corazones como humildes pesebres, conscientes de su vacío de riquezas y listos para recibir al Rey del Universo, que viene a nosotros como un tierno Niño en la quietud de una noche estrellada?

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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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Finding Joy Amid Pain / Encontrando alegría en medio del dolor

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The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. I find the Gospel reading of the day particularly fitting, but especially the second half. Jesus asks His disciples who they went into the desert to see, namely, the messenger that He sent ahead of Himself, to prepare the way for His coming. I believe that the call of John the Baptist is also the call of all Christians, especially in this time when the world is so focused on creating division and sadness. There is a noticeable darkness spreading in the world. People are hurting and that hurt makes them sad, and the sadness makes them lonely and the cycle continues. 

You may have heard the term “trauma dumping”, that is, sharing every negative thing that has happened in your life in hopes that someone will relate to you and help fix the hurt. But this has had an adverse effect where people try to ‘one up’ each other’s trauma experiences, which ultimately widens the void of loneliness when everyone realizes that no one will truly understand their personal hurt. I believe that this is a major contributor to the darkness that seems to loom over the world these days. John the Baptist undoubtedly had difficulties in life: he lived uncomfortably, he experienced loneliness in the desert, away from anything easy, yet people flocked to him. This leads me to believe that although his life remained difficult, he never sought to preach to people about his hardship, instead he had the joy of God and was excited to share His coming with everyone who listened. 

I don’t want to discredit anyone who may have experienced particularly difficult things in life; those wounds are real and necessary in our fallen states, and sometimes the hurt never goes away. However, we can turn to the Lord for strength – the joy of the Lord is our strength. I’m the first to admit that sometimes wallowing in and holding on to our pain like a vice grip seems like the only safe thing to do when you’re in the midst of it. But when we turn to Him, place our pain into his pierced hands and let Him strengthen us, we cannot help but rejoice and share the joy of His word with everyone who listens. 

This is how we can dispel the darkness that is taking over our world. Our wounds are what make us human, but through His strength, Christ heals, and the joy that follows helps us grow in holiness. 

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El tercer domingo de Adviento se llama el Domingo Gaudete (Alegría). Me parece muy apropiado el Evangelio de hoy, pero especialmente la segunda mitad. Jesús pregunta a sus discípulos a quién fueron a ver al desierto: al mensajero que envió delante de sí para preparar el camino de su venida. Creo que el llamado de Juan el Bautista es también el llamado de todos los cristianos, especialmente en estos tiempos en que el mundo está tan centrado en crear división y tristeza. Hay una oscuridad notable que se extiende por el mundo. La gente sufre y ese dolor los entristece, y la tristeza los hace solitarios, y el ciclo continúa.

Quizás hayas escuchado el término “descarga de traumas”, es decir, compartir todo lo negativo que te ha sucedido en la vida con la esperanza de que alguien se identifique contigo y te ayude a superar el dolor. Pero esto ha tenido un efecto negativo, ya que las personas intentan compartir experiencias traumáticas que son mayores a las de los demás, lo que en última instancia amplía el vacío de la soledad cuando todos se dan cuenta de que nadie comprenderá realmente su dolor personal. Creo que esto contribuye en gran medida a la oscuridad que parece cernirse sobre el mundo hoy en día. Juan el Bautista, sin duda, tuvo dificultades en la vida: vivió incómodamente, experimentó la soledad en el desierto, lejos de todo lo fácil, pero la gente acudía a él. Esto me lleva a creer que, aunque su vida siguió siendo difícil, nunca buscó predicar a la gente sobre sus dificultades; en cambio, tuvo el gozo de Dios y se entusiasmó al compartir su venida con todos los que lo escucharon.

No quiero desacreditar a nadie que haya experimentado momentos particularmente difíciles en la vida; esas heridas son reales y necesarias en nuestra estado de seres humanos caídos, y a veces el dolor nunca desaparece. Sin embargo, podemos acudir al Señor en busca de fortaleza; el gozo del Señor es nuestra fuerza. Soy el primero en admitir que a veces, hundirse en el dolor y aferrarse a él como una tenaza parece ser la única opción segura cuando uno está en medio de él. Pero cuando nos volvemos a Él, ponemos nuestro dolor en las heridas de sus manos santas y dejamos que nos fortalezca, no podemos evitar regocijarnos y compartir la alegría de su palabra con todos los que nos escuchan.

Así es como podemos disipar la oscuridad que se apodera de nuestro mundo. Nuestras heridas nos hacen humanos, pero mediante su fuerza, Cristo sana, y la alegría que viene después nos ayuda a crecer en la santidad.

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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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A Prophet for Every Season / Un profeta para cada época

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Peter, James, and John descend the mountain, shell-shocked by the miracle they had witnessed moments before, the glorified Jesus with Moses and Elijah. 

The exchange between Jesus and His closest Apostles is meant to prepare them for what is to come: His suffering, death, and resurrection. When they ask about the second coming of Elijah, Jesus tells them that he had already come in the person of John the Baptist. Or rather, that John the Baptist continued the mission of Elijah to help restore the union between God and man. He came, “and they did not recognize him,” Jesus says. 

This Advent season is also a time of preparation, reminding us that God comes to us in ways that we often do not recognize. God speaks to us through unexpected prophets who say what we don’t want to hear but need to heed, or are too afraid to accept. He often speaks into our lives as a father giving his clueless daughter dating advice, a friend encouraging our dreams, a stranger lending a hand, or a spouse helping us to grow in virtue.  

Do we recognize Him in those moments? When confused about our vocation as young adults or in life-altering circumstances, we question our path. We agonize about whether God intends to reveal Himself or cruelly let us struggle through the unknown. Other times, we don’t even ask if God wants more for us in this life. Advent reminds us that God always reveals Himself to us. He entered time definitively on that first Christmas and daily approaches us as the infant Jesus, calling us deeper into the mystery. Like the Maji, we walk closer to the newborn King, but do we allow Him to work more deeply within us? Or do we monotonously drift through the season like every other one of the year?

No one ever expected God to come to Earth, to share in the human experience as a man. No one ever expected the all-powerful God to come to Earth as an infant. Few expect God to show up in their life in a profound way and draw them unto Himself. Advent is the perfect time to look for the prophets that God sends to you. Be attentive. Gaze upon this new creation of the infant God-man and let Him “restore all things” in you. Permit Him to shatter your expectations and bring you new life. 

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Pedro, Santiago y Juan descienden de la montaña, conmocionados por el milagro que habían presenciado momentos antes: Jesús glorificado con Moisés y Elías.

El diálogo entre Jesús y sus apóstoles más cercanos tiene como objetivo prepararlos para lo que está por venir: su sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección. Cuando preguntan sobre la segunda venida de Elías, Jesús les dice que ya había venido en la persona de Juan el Bautista. O mejor dicho, que Juan el Bautista continuó la misión de Elías para ayudar a restaurar la unión entre Dios y el hombre. Vino, “y no lo reconocieron”, dice Jesús.

Este tiempo de Adviento es también un tiempo de preparación, que nos recuerda que Dios se acerca a nosotros de maneras que a menudo no reconocemos. Dios nos habla a través de profetas inesperados que dicen lo que no queremos oír, pero que debemos escuchar o que tememos aceptar. A menudo habla en nuestras vidas como un padre que da consejos sobre salir con los chicos a su hija despistada, un amigo que anima nuestros sueños, un desconocido que nos da una mano o un esposo que nos ayuda a crecer en la virtud. 

¿Reconocemos a Dios en esos momentos? Cuando nos sentimos confundidos sobre nuestra vocación como jóvenes adultos o en circunstancias que cambian la vida, cuestionamos nuestro camino. Nos angustiamos preguntándonos si Dios piensa revelarse o si nos va a dejar luchar cruelmente a través de lo desconocido. Otras veces, ni siquiera nos preguntamos si Dios quiere algo más para nosotros en esta vida. El Adviento nos recuerda que Dios siempre se nos revela. Entró en el tiempo definitivamente en la primera Navidad y cada día se acerca a nosotros como el niño Jesús, llamándonos a profundizar en el misterio. Como los reyes magos, nos acercamos al Rey recién nacido, pero ¿le permitimos obrar más profundamente dentro de nosotros? ¿O nos dejamos llevar monótonamente por esta temporada como cualquier otra del año?

Nadie esperaba que Dios viniera a la Tierra para compartir la experiencia humana como hombre. Nadie esperaba que Dios todopoderoso viniera a la Tierra como un niño. Pocos esperan que Dios se manifieste en sus vidas de manera profunda y los atraiga hacia sí. El Adviento es el momento perfecto para buscar a los profetas que Dios te envía. Mantente atento. Contempla esta nueva creación del niño Dios y deja que Él restaure todo en ti. Permítele que derrumbe tus expectativas y te traiga nueva vida.

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Former NPS Park Ranger, Catholic educator, and Youth Minister, Melissa Lucca now spends her days evangelizing family and neighbors as a stay-at-home mom. She holds an MA in Theology from the Augustine Institute and pursues personal study in her spare time. Melissa loves Ignatian Spirituality, Mother Mary, and rock climbing. If you don’t hear her and her kiddo laughing at home, then they are probably out on an adventure!

Feature Image Credit: Public Domain, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/saint-john-the-baptist-21473/

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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Blessed Are You Who Believed / Dichosa tú que has creído

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Today’s Gospel tells us how Mary became the mother of Jesus: “Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” She then becomes the new Ark of the Covenant. 

When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, a poor farmer in Mexico in December of 1531, we have a sense of the same image described in the first reading from the Book of Revelation: “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day we celebrate today, left her image on Juan Diego’s tilma. 

On it, she is surrounded by the rays of the sun and stands on the moon. Her hands are clasped in prayer. She wears a rose-colored tunic with a blue cloak dazzled with stars. Her eyes are cast down, showing humility. She is pictured with a black ribbon around her belly meaning she’s with child. Her complexion matches that of the mestizos, the indigenous people. Juan Diego was very humbled to see her, as Our Lady appeared to him and spoke in his native language. (The image on the tilma can currently be seen at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.)

She appeared in a place called Tepeyac Hill, on the land where a pagan Aztec temple had once been. Word spread about her miraculous appearances to Juan Diego and about the tilma. That led to the conversion of millions of indigenous people. Even today more and more people around the world love Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her words to Juan Diego are so pure, “Am I not here, I who am your mother?”

There have been many apparitions of Mary around the world. She has visited in various ways in different countries. It’s easy to have a favorite, or one that resonates more with us. Just as Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in a specific manner for Juan Diego, she relates to each of us in a personal way as well. No matter our country of origin, we can love our Mother Mary as our own. 

Even if our own birth mother has passed away, we will always have Mary as our Blessed Mother. If we never knew our mother or did not have a close relationship with her, we can get close to our loving Mother Mary. She is right there with us as we recite the rosary.

Because of Mary’s belief in the angel Gabriel whom God sent to her, we have an eternal Mother in Heaven and with us spiritually on this earth. “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:45)

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

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El Evangelio de hoy nos relata cómo María se convirtió en la madre de Jesús: “El ángel le dijo: ‘No temas, María, porque has hallado gracia ante Dios. Vas a concebir y a dar a luz un hijo y le pondrás por nombre Jesús.’” Ella se convierte entonces en la nueva Arca de la Alianza.

Cuando la Santísima Virgen María se apareció a Juan Diego, un campesino pobre de México, en diciembre de 1531, nos hace reflexionar sobre la misma imagen descrita en la primera lectura del Apocalipsis: “Apareció entonces en el cielo una figura prodigiosa: una mujer envuelta por el sol, con la luna bajo sus pies y con una corona de doce estrellas en la cabeza.” Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, cuya fiesta celebramos hoy, dejó su imagen en la tilma de Juan Diego.

En ella, la Virgen está rodeada por los rayos del sol y parada encima de la luna. Sus manos están unidas en oración. Está vestida de una túnica rosa con un manto azul deslumbrado por estrellas. Está mirando para abajo, mostrando humildad. Se la representa con una cinta negra alrededor del vientre, lo que significa que está encinta. El color de su piel coincide con el de los mestizos, los indígenas. Juan Diego se sintió muy humilde al verla, ya que Nuestra Señora se le apareció y le habló en su lengua materna. (La imagen en la tilma se puede ver actualmente en la Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en la Ciudad de México).

Se le apareció en un lugar llamado el cerro del Tepeyac, en el terreno donde antiguamente había un templo pagano azteca. Se corrió la voz sobre sus apariciones milagrosas a Juan Diego y sobre la tilma. Esto llevó a la conversión de millones de indígenas. Incluso hoy en día, cada vez más personas en todo el mundo aman a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Sus palabras a Juan Diego son tan puras: “¿No estoy yo aquí, yo que soy tu Madre?”

Maria ha aparecido muchas veces en muchas partes del mundo. Ha visitado diversos países de diversas formas. Es fácil tener una aparición favorita o una que nos resuene más. Así como Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe se apareció de una manera específica a Juan Diego, también se relaciona con cada uno de nosotros de forma personal. Sin importar nuestro país de origen, podemos amar a la Madre María como nuestra propia madre.

Aunque nuestra madre biológica haya fallecido, siempre tendremos a María como nuestra Santísima Madre. Si nunca conocimos a nuestra madre o no tuvimos una relación cercana con ella, podemos acercarnos a nuestra querida Madre María. Ella está ahí con nosotros mientras rezamos el rosario.

Gracias a que María creyó en las palabras del ángel Gabriel, enviado por Dios, tenemos una Madre eterna en el Cielo y con nosotros espiritualmente aquí en esta tierra. “Dichosa tú, que has creído, porque se cumplirá cuanto te fue anunciado de parte del Señor”.

¡Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros!

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Christine Arata is a San Francisco, California native. She lives a few blocks away from the ocean and a park. She finds nature inspiring. Her cat brings her comfort. She loves being creative not only with her writing but with almost everything, including her home cooking. Her studies in the Catholic faith are ongoing. In 2019, when she discovered St. Hildegard of Bingen was underrepresented by Catholics, she found a purpose. Her latest website, St. Hildegard’s Wisdom features blog posts about all of that: https://sthildegardswisdom.com.

Feature Image Credit: Grant Whitty, unsplash.com/photos/a-mosaic-of-the-virgin-mary-of-guadalupe-9CiOeQQ7m9Y

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 Precursor / El Precursor de Jesús

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Jesus came into the world to save us from sin and lead us to the Father. He alone is the holy One, He alone is the Lord. From Him and through Him and for Him all things are (Rom 11:36). No one goes to the Father except through Him (Jn 14:6). He is the way, and the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6). Ultimately, He will be “all in all” (1 Cor 15:28). Yet Jesus praises John the Baptist, saying that among those born of women, there is none greater than John. That is high praise from the King of Heaven!

John is the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first prophet of the New; from his mother’s womb, he rejoiced at the presence of the Savior in the world. Later, he would explain his true joy by saying, “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete” (Jn 1:29-30).

His whole life was a mission to announce the coming of the Savior of the World, and he emptied himself completely in order to fulfill this mission, proclaimed before his conception and confirmed by the words of his father, Zechariah: “You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will go before the Lord to prepare his way” (Lk 1:76-79). John the Baptist summarized his position and his mission by saying, “He must increase, I must decrease” (Jn 1:30).

While Jesus praises John, he says that “the least in the Kingdom of Heaven” are greater than he is, reminding us of the glory to which each of us are called. We are reminded that in order to become great in the Kingdom, we must decrease so that we are better able to proclaim the One Who IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life! It is not about me, but about HIM. I cannot save anyone from anything. He can save everyone from everything that obstructs the way or the light. I am small and weak, but if I allow what is not of Him to decrease and fade away, His power and strength increase in and through me.

During Advent, we are called to look to the Gift that is given and prepare ourselves to receive the One Who can do all things, Who makes all things new. Let us pray for the grace to let go of our selfward selves so that our spiritual arms are free to fully embrace Him.

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Jesús vino al mundo para salvarnos del pecado y guiarnos al Padre. Solo Él es el Santo, solo Él es el Señor. De Él, por Él y para Él son todas las cosas (Rom 11,36). Nadie va al Padre sino por Él (Jn 14,6). Él es el camino, la verdad y la vida (Jn 14,6). Finalmente, Él será “todo en todos” (1 Cor 15,28). Sin embargo, Jesús alaba a Juan el Bautista, diciendo que entre los nacidos de mujer, no hay nadie mayor que Juan. ¡Esa es una gran alabanza del Rey del Cielo!

Juan es el último profeta del Antiguo Testamento y el primer profeta del Nuevo Testamento; desde el vientre de su madre, se regocijó con la presencia del Salvador en el mundo. Más tarde, explicaría su verdadera alegría diciendo: “El que tiene a la novia es el novio; el padrino, que está de pie y lo escucha, se alegra enormemente con la voz del novio. Así se ha cumplido mi alegría” (Jn 1,29-30).

Toda su vida fue una misión para anunciar la venida del Salvador del mundo, y se entregó por completo para cumplir esta misión, proclamada antes de su concepción y confirmada por las palabras de su padre, Zacarías: “Tú, hijo mío, serás llamado profeta del Altísimo, porque irás delante del Señor para preparar su camino” (Lc 1,76-79). Juan el Bautista resumió su posición y su misión diciendo: “Es necesario que él crezca, y que yo disminuya” (Jn 1,30).

Mientras Jesús alaba a Juan, dice que “el más pequeño en el Reino de los Cielos” es mayor que él, recordándonos la gloria a la que cada uno de nosotros está llamado. Se nos recuerda que, para alcanzar la grandeza en el Reino, debemos disminuir para poder proclamar mejor a Aquel que ES el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. No se trata de mí, sino de ÉL. Yo no puedo salvar a nadie de nada. Él puede salvar a todos de todo lo que obstruye el camino o la luz. Soy pequeño y débil, pero si permito que lo que no es de Él disminuya y se desvanezca, su poder y fuerza aumentan en mí y a través de mí.

Durante el Adviento, estamos llamados a contemplar el Don que se nos da y a prepararnos para recibir a Aquel que todo lo puede, que todo lo hace nuevo. Pedimos la gracia de soltar nuestro egocentrismo para que nuestros brazos espirituales estén libres para abrazarlo plenamente.

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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

Feature Image Credit: Phil Botha, unsplash.com/photos/a-statue-of-jesus-holding-a-cross-in-a-church-UjRy5jlYHEI

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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Yoked Together / Uncidos

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In the days before modern farm machinery, farmers and homesteaders would harness two oxen, horses, or mules together using a yoke – a wooden beam or crosspiece that lies across the necks of the animals and is attached to a plow – so that the animals can work the fields together as a team. The work was made lighter for each animal as they pulled together, each taking part of the burden. For this reason, they were able to do more together than they would have been able to do on their own. 

The team needed to learn to work together, to pull steadily at the same pace and with the same force, turning, when necessary, at the same time and at the same angle. The animals learned to work as one unit as they spent time yoked together, laying their own wills aside for the sake of the task they shared. 

This image is what comes to mind when I hear today’s Gospel passage: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart”. Jesus invites us to be yoked to Him, not so He can enslave us or impose limitations on us but so He can help and support us. We learn to work together with Him, so that we are not burdened with doing all the work ourselves. He will give us rest as He takes our burden upon Himself, carrying our load alongside us. 

He wants us to rely on Him, following His lead and laying our wills aside for the sake of the interior and exterior work to which He calls us, to come to Him for assistance and for strength. As we spend more time with Him, taking His yoke upon ourselves and working with Him, we come to know Him and His ways. We learn from Him and begin to emulate Him, following His lead through each twist and turn of our lives. 

I appreciate meditating on this Gospel especially as we prepare for Christmas, celebrating Jesus’ coming to us and joining us in our humanity, not leaving us alone. He humbled Himself to become human, walking among us and alongside us under the yoke, bearing our burdens with us. 

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En la época anterior a la maquinaria agrícola moderna, los agricultores y granjeros unían dos bueyes, caballos o mulas con un yugo (una viga o travesaño de madera que se coloca sobre el cuello de los animales y se fija al arado) para que los animales pudieran trabajar los campos juntos como un solo equipo. El trabajo se hacía más ligero para cada animal, ya que tiraban juntos, cada uno asumiendo parte de la carga. Por esta razón, podían hacer más juntos de lo que hubieran podido hacer solos.

El equipo necesitaba aprender a trabajar unido, a tirar con firmeza al mismo ritmo y con la misma fuerza, girando, cuando era necesario, al mismo tiempo y en el mismo ángulo. Los animales aprendieron a trabajar como una sola unidad al pasar tiempo unidos, dejando de lado su propia voluntad por el bien de la tarea que compartían.

Esta imagen es la que me viene a la mente cuando escucho el pasaje del Evangelio de hoy: “Tomen mi yugo sobre ustedes y aprendan de mí, que soy manso y humilde de corazón”. Jesús nos invita a unirnos a Él, no para esclavizarnos ni imponernos limitaciones, sino para ayudarnos y apoyarnos. Aprendemos a trabajar junto a Él, para que no nos agobie la tarea de hacer todo nosotros mismos. Él nos dará descanso al tomar nuestra carga sobre Sí, llevándola junto con nosotros.

Él quiere que confiemos en Él, siguiendo su guía y dejando de lado nuestra voluntad por el bien del trabajo interior y exterior al que nos llama, para acudir a Él en busca de ayuda y fortaleza. A medida que pasamos más tiempo con Él, tomando su yugo sobre nosotros y trabajando con Él, llegamos a conocerlo y sus caminos. Aprendemos de Él y comenzamos a imitarlo, siguiendo su guía en cada giro de nuestras vidas.

Aprecio meditar en este Evangelio, especialmente mientras nos preparamos para la Navidad, celebrando la venida de Jesús a nosotros y uniéndose a nuestra humanidad, sin dejarnos solos. Se humilló para hacerse ser humano, caminando entre nosotros y junto a nosotros bajo el yugo, llevando nuestras cargas con nosotros.

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz, pexels.com/photo/cattle-with-plow-on-field-14217940/

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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Searching for the Lost One / Buscar al perdido

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In today’s Gospel we hear, “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?” 

I have often wondered how it feels to be “the one” in this parable. While these days I am happily more often part of the ninety-nine — steady, faithful, staying put — the truth is, not too long ago, I was the lost one. Even when Jesus gently carried me back, I would find myself focusing on the wrong path, and before I knew it, I was lost again. Sometimes I wandered by accident, distracted by the noise of the world. Other times, if I’m honest, I chose my way, ignoring the Shepherd, because I wanted my will and was unwilling to trust in His will. 

What amazes me is that Jesus never lets me stay lost. He doesn’t sigh in frustration or weigh whether I’m worth the trouble. He comes after me — every time. He knows my name. He knows my broken places and is willing to mend and heal when and where I let Him in. And when He finds me, He lifts me onto His shoulders with joy and carries me back to safety. Oh, He will gently correct later, not to make me feel guilty, but more out of love and a desire to prevent me from straying too far and risking being hurt. 

In this Gospel, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father: it is not His will that anyone be lost. He loves us all without condition and would go to the ends of the earth to bring us back to the fold. Every soul is precious to Him, uniquely loved, and worth the pursuit. That includes you. That includes the person you’ve been praying for who seems far from God. That includes the parts of your own heart that are still afraid or rebellious.

Today, I invite you to place yourself in the scene, wandering and afraid in the pasture alone. Let Jesus find you. Feel the relief of being rescued. Then, ask Him to make your heart like His — ready to notice who’s missing, ready to leave your comfort zone to help bring the lost back to the fold, ready to rejoice when even one comes home.

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En el Evangelio de hoy escuchamos: “¿Qué les parece? Si un hombre tiene cien ovejas y se le pierde una, ¿acaso no deja las noventa y nueve en los montes, y se va a buscar a la que se le perdió?”

A menudo me he preguntado cómo se siente ser “el perdido” de esta parábola. Si bien hoy en día, felizmente, más frecuentemente formo parte de los noventa y nueve —firmes, fieles, que se quedan en el mismo lugar—, la verdad es que, no hace mucho, yo era el perdido. Incluso cuando Jesús me llevaba de vuelta con ternura, me encontraba centrándome en el camino equivocado y, sin darme cuenta, estaba perdida de nuevo. A veces vagaba por accidente, distraída por el ruido del mundo. Otras veces, si soy honesta, elegía mi propio camino, ignorando al Pastor, porque quería hacer mi voluntad y no estaba dispuesta a confiar en la suya.

Lo que me sorprende es que Jesús nunca me deja perdida. No suspira de frustración ni se pregunta si valgo la pena. Siempre viene a buscarme. Sabe mi nombre. Conoce mis partes rotas y está dispuesto a sanar y reparar cuando y donde lo dejo entrar. Y cuando me encuentra, me carga sobre sus hombros con alegría y me lleva de regreso a un lugar seguro. Por cierto me corregirá con dulzura más tarde, no para hacerme sentir culpable, sino más bien por amor y por el deseo de evitar que me desvíe demasiado y corra el riesgo de ser lastimada.

En este Evangelio, Jesús revela el corazón del Padre: no es su voluntad que nadie se pierda. Nos ama a todos incondicionalmente e iría hasta los confines de la tierra para traernos de vuelta al redil. Cada alma es preciosa para Él, amada de manera única y vale la pena buscarla. Eso te incluye a ti. Eso incluye a la persona por la que has estado orando y que parece estar lejos de Dios. Eso incluye las partes de tu propio corazón que aún tienen miedo o se rebelan.

Hoy, te invito a ponerte en la escena, vagando y asustado en el prado solo. Deja que Jesús te encuentre. Siente el alivio de ser rescatado. Luego, pídele que haga tu corazón como el suyo: listo para notar quién falta, listo para dejar tu zona de confort para ayudar a traer de vuelta al redil a los perdidos, listo para regocijarte cuando incluso uno solo regrese a casa.

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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.

Feature Image Credit: SonnyLeroy, pixabay.com/photos/sheep-lamb-lentje-pasture-2219836/

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 Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary / La Inmaculada Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María

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Let us pause for a minute and reflect on how the Blessed Virgin Mary was given the grace of being Immaculate not because she said yes to Christ at the Annunciation but rather because of her Immaculate Conception in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. The Lord prepared her for the critical and vital role she plays in Salvation History by protecting her from original sin.  

Today we recall the great Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this feast day, we recognize that from Mary’s conception, she was protected from original sin. Blessed Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8, 1854. In this declaration, he stated, “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” 

In today’s Gospel reading, we read how the Angel Gabriel says to Mary, “Rejoice, oh highly favored! The Lord is with you.” These words must have invoked such a deep and profound wonder. But the Angel continued with, “Mary, do not be afraid you have won God’s favor.” By responding “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let what you have said be done to me”, Mary activated her role in Salvation History through the powerful example of complete and free cooperation with God. How can we say, “Yes” to the Lord in our own lives?

The Lord offers us what we need to endure both the joyful and sorrowful aspects of our life; our life is meant to be lived in the state of grace and with grace to guide us and lead us. Without grace, we miss beautiful encounters, moments, and heavenly gifts that we need to be united with God forever in heaven. 

May we also invite Mary, the Mother of God, to lead us closer to Christ and live out God’s will through her intercession and prayers. Today let us not only unite our hearts by attending Holy Mass in honor of our Lady but also give God our hearts so that we can follow the path of Mary and say yes to Christ. 

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Hagamos una pausa por un minuto y reflexionemos sobre cómo se le dio a la Virgen María la gracia de ser inmaculada no porque le dijo que sí a Cristo en la Anunciación, sino por su inmaculada concepción en el útero de su madre, Sta. Ana. El Señor la preparó para el papel crítico y vital que desempeña en la historia de la salvación al protegerla del pecado original.

Hoy recordamos la gran solemnidad de la inmaculada concepción de la Santísima Virgen María. En este día de fiesta, reconocemos que desde la concepción de María, estaba protegida del pecado original. El Bendito Papa Pío IX proclamó el dogma de la Inmaculada Concepción de María el 8 de diciembre de 1854. En esta Declaración, dijo: “La Santísima Virgen María fue, desde el primer momento de su concepción, por una gracia singular y un privilegio de Dios todopoderoso y en virtud de los méritos de Jesucristo, Salvador de la raza humana, preservada inmune de todas las manchas del pecado original”.

En la lectura del evangelio de hoy, leemos cómo el ángel Gabriel le dice a María: “Alégrate, llena de gracia, el Señor está contigo”. Estas palabras deben haber invocado una maravilla tan profunda y profunda. Pero el ángel continuó con: “No temas, María, porque has hallado gracia ante Dios.” Al responder “Yo soy la esclava del Señor; cúmplase en mí lo que me has dicho”, Mary activó su papel en la historia de la salvación a través del poderoso ejemplo de cooperación completa y libre con Dios. ¿Cómo podemos nosotros decir “sí” al Señor en nuestras propias vidas?

El Señor nos ofrece lo que necesitamos para soportar los aspectos alegres y tristes de nuestra vida; Nuestra vida está destinada a ser vivida en el estado de la gracia y con gracia para guiarnos. Sin gracia, nos hacen falta los hermosos encuentros, momentos y dones celestiales que necesitamos para estar unidos con Dios para siempre en el cielo.

Que también invitemos a María, la Madre de Dios, a llevarnos más cerca de Cristo y vivir la voluntad de Dios a través de su intercesión y oraciones. Hoy no solo unamos nuestros corazones asistiendo a la Santa Misa en honor de Nuestra Señora, sino que también le damos a Dios nuestros corazones para que podamos seguir el camino de María y decir que sí a Cristo.

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Emily Jaminet is a Catholic author, speaker, radio personality, wife, and mother of seven children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mental health and human services from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.  She is the co-founder of www.inspirethefaith.com and the Executive Director of The Sacred Heart Enthronement Network www.WelcomeHisHeart.com. She has co-authored several Catholic books and her latest one, Secrets of the Sacred Heart: Claiming Jesus’ Twelve Promises in Your Life, came out in Oct. 2020. Emily serves on the board of the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference, contributes to Relevant Radio and Catholic Mom.com.

Feature Image Credit: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/the-immaculate-conception-21556/

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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Prepare the Way of the Lord /Preparen el Camino del Señor

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I remember going to Mass at my parish during Advent and hearing Father sing “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” (from the musical Godspell) to start his homily. I was completely confused because the singing felt like it came out of nowhere. But he went on to explain how that song summed up the Advent season. We are preparing the way of the Lord. 

In today’s Gospel, we see that John the Baptist knew that Jesus’s ministry was coming, saying “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.” He was helping people repent so they could be ready for Jesus’ world changing ministry. As ridiculous as he might’ve sounded, the people who listened were able to repent and prepare. Just like actors and actresses practice for the big show, preparing themselves to perform, we need to prepare ourselves for his Second Coming.

This can also apply to modern-day society. While we are preparing for the Christmas parties and all the gift giving, we sometimes forget, myself included, what we are truly preparing for. One thing that helps is remembering to fit in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to repent of my sins and be fully present to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.

As we prepare for the Lord, I pray that each of you can truly enjoy the Advent season and the Christmas season. Let’s also take time to pray for those who aren’t practicing Christians, that this Christmas season can help them see the good that God can do in each one of our lives. 

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Recuerdo ir a misa en mi parroquia durante el Adviento y escuchar al Padre cantar “Preparen el Camino del Señor” (del musical Godspell) para comenzar su homilía. Estaba completamente confundido porque el canto parecía surgir de la nada. Pero continuó explicando cómo esa canción resumía el tiempo de Adviento. Estamos preparando el camino del Señor.

En el Evangelio de hoy, vemos que Juan el Bautista sabía que el ministerio de Jesús se acercaba, diciendo: “Yo los bautizo con agua, en señal de que ustedes se han convertido; pero el que viene después de mí, es más fuerte que yo, y yo ni siquiera soy digno de quitarle las sandalias. Él los bautizará en el Espíritu Santo y su fuego”. Estaba ayudando a la gente a arrepentirse para que estuvieran listos para el ministerio transformador de Jesús. Por ridículo que pudiera parecer, quienes lo escucharon pudieron arrepentirse y prepararse. Así como los actores y actrices practican para el gran espectáculo, preparándose para actuar, nosotros también debemos prepararnos para su Segunda Venida. 

Esto también aplica a la sociedad moderna. Mientras preparamos para las fiestas navideñas y todos los regalos, a veces nos olvidamos, yo incluido, para qué nos estamos preparando realmente. Algo que ayuda es recordar incluir el Sacramento de la Reconciliación para arrepentirme de mis pecados y estar plenamente presente para celebrar el cumpleaños de Jesús.

Mientras nos preparamos para el Señor, le pido a Dios que cada uno de ustedes pueda disfrutar verdaderamente del Adviento y la Navidad. Dediquemos también un tiempo a orar por quienes no son cristianos practicantes, para que esta Navidad les ayude a ver el bien que Dios puede hacer en cada una de nuestras vidas.

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Ben Hooper is originally from Maryland, having been adopted from Korea and growing up in the Catholic faith. He went to Franciscan University to dive deeper into his faith and eventually graduated with a degree in Business Management. He loves musical theater, sports, spending time with his wife Lily and their dog Kolbe.

Feature Image Credit: Jessica Lewis, thepaintedsquare, pexels.com/photo/nativity-scene-table-decor-1652405/

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.