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Blessed Are They Who Hope in the Lord / Dichoso el hombre que confía en el Señor

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A while back, my siblings and I started a tradition of getting together for a meal and wholesome conversation every few months. It’s just us, those who grew up together under the same roof with the same two parents. I do not take for granted how fortunate I am that all eight of us live within a 40 mile radius of each other. I know there are families that have only two children and one lives on the east coast and one on the west, only seeing each other once a year over the holidays. 

God has allowed us this time of adult siblinghood to share with each other, listen to each other, and support one another. Something that was brought up recently at one of these gatherings is that none of us are well off. We all either live paycheck to paycheck or at least do not have the means to live luxuriously. We went on to consider that perhaps that is on purpose, so that each of us would have the opportunity to rely heavily on the grace of God and never cease to draw close to Him. 

Today’ Gospel offers up the familiar story of poor Lazarus and the rich man. In this case, poor and rich referred to their financial status, their spiritual status being quite the opposite. The rich man’s wealth afforded him fine dining and commodities, but also presumption. He no longer relied on God, nor had a relationship with Him, much less loved Him. Lazarus, however lacking in human comfort, was more than rewarded in eternal life as he was “carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham.” 

The first reading further drives home this point: “Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord… Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters…In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.” 

Now I don’t claim to live in some sort of utopia. My family has its issues just like any other family. We have endured three divorces over the past three years, separated parents, and members dealing with addiction, mental illness and chronic health problems. We have people who are overworked and underpaid, children who are not angels, and tempers that are not tempered. Yet through it all, we are there for each other, and we try to help each other turn our hearts toward God and put our hope in Him. I pray that no matter what kind of family situation you find yourself in, you may be blessed to do the same. For “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm Response)

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Hace un tiempo, mis hermanos y yo comenzamos la tradición de reunirnos cada tres o cuatro meses para compartir una comida y una conversación agradable. Solo somos nosotros, los que crecimos juntos bajo el mismo techo, con los mismos padres. Valoro enormemente la fortuna que tengo de que los ocho vivamos a menos de 65 kilómetros de distancia. Sé que hay familias con solo dos hijos, uno que vive en la costa este y otro en la oeste, que solo se ven una vez al año durante las fiestas.

Dios nos ha permitido disfrutar de este tiempo de hermandad adulta para compartir, escucharnos y apoyarnos mutuamente. Algo que surgió recientemente en una de estas reuniones es que ninguno de nosotros tiene una buena situación económica. Todos vivimos al día o, al menos, no tenemos los medios para vivir con lujos. Al reflexionarlo, pensamos que capaz es a propósito, para que cada uno de nosotros tenga la oportunidad de depender plenamente de la gracia de Dios y de acercarnos siempre a Él.

El Evangelio de hoy nos presenta la conocida historia del pobre Lázaro y el hombre rico. En este caso, pobre y rico se referían a su estatus económico, mientras que su estado espiritual era todo lo contrario. La riqueza del hombre rico le permitía disfrutar de comidas exquisitas y comodidades, pero también de arrogancia. Ya no confiaba en Dios, ni tenía una relación con Él, y mucho menos lo amaba. Lázaro, aunque carecía de comodidades humanas, fue recompensado con creces en la vida eterna cuando “los ángeles lo llevaron al seno de Abraham”.

La primera lectura refuerza esta idea: “Maldito el hombre que confía en el hombre, que en él pone su fuerza y aparta del Señor su corazón.… Bendito el hombre que confía en el Señor y en él pone su esperanza. Será como un árbol plantado junto al agua… en año de sequía no se marchitará ni dejará de dar frutos”.

Ahora bien, no pretendo vivir en una utopía. Mi familia tiene sus problemas, como cualquier otra. Hemos afrontado tres divorcios en los últimos tres años, padres separados y miembros que lidian con adicciones, enfermedades mentales y problemas de salud crónicos. Tenemos personas sobrecargadas de trabajo y mal pagadas, hijos que no son unos santos y temperamentos que a veces se descontrolan. Sin embargo, a pesar de todo, nos apoyamos mutuamente y tratamos de ayudarnos a acercar nuestros corazones a Dios y depositar nuestra esperanza en Él. Le pido a Dios para que, sin importar la situación familiar en la que te encuentres, tengas la bendición de hacer lo mismo. Porque “Dichoso [es] el hombre que confía en el Señor” (Salmo responsorial).

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Helena Lopes, unsplash.com/photos/four-person-hands-wrap-around-shoulders-while-looking-at-sunset-PGnqT0rXWLs

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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Return to God With Your Whole Heart / Volver a Dios con todo tu corazón

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Today we begin the great season of Lent. It always seems to arrive so quickly after Christmas and this year is no exception. The tree and decorations have been put away and all the parties have come and gone. We may feel like our homes and our souls are a bit barren. And indeed they are. 

Lent is a time for simplification, for focusing on the essential, for cleaning our interior homes, so to speak. It is a time of introspection, of growth, of healing, of preparation. Many parishes host Exodus 90 groups for men and Fiat 90 groups for women during this time. They invite us to make sacrifices, to cast off what comforts us for a time, to increase our participation in prayer and the sacraments. 

Lent is a time to focus on the essential, to hone in on what is most important in our lives. So, what is most important to you? I would love to say I have my priorities straight and have God first, family second and job third, but is that reflected in how I spend my time and energy? Am I first and foremost a woman of prayer and a missionary disciple? Do I take after our Blessed Mother in my own mothering and in my own marriage? Do I shine the light of Christ in my workplace and give my all during work hours? 

Sadly, I often fail miserably. But Lent is a wonderful opportunity to begin again, to start afresh, to make a sincerely profound examination of conscience and choose to choose love, over and over again. Let us be encouraged by today’s readings to “go to your inner room” to “pray to your Father in secret” (see Gospel) and thus “return to [God] with your whole heart” (see first reading).

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Hoy comenzamos la gran temporada de Cuaresma. Siempre parece llegar tan rápido después de la Navidad, y este año no es la excepción. El árbol y las decoraciones ya se han guardado y todas las fiestas han pasado. Quizás sintamos que nuestros hogares y nuestras almas están un poco vacíos. Y de hecho lo están.

La Cuaresma es un tiempo para simplificar, para centrarnos en lo esencial, para limpiar nuestro interior, por así decirlo. Es un tiempo de introspección, de crecimiento, de sanación, de preparación. Muchas parroquias organizan grupos de Éxodo 90 para hombres y Fiat 90 para mujeres durante este tiempo. Nos invitan a hacer sacrificios, a dejar de lado lo que nos consuela por un tiempo, a aumentar nuestra participación en la oración y los sacramentos.

La Cuaresma es un tiempo para centrarnos en lo esencial, para enfocarnos en lo más importante de nuestras vidas. Entonces, ¿qué es lo más importante para ti? A mí me encantaría decir que tengo mis prioridades claras y que Dios viene primero, la familia segundo y el trabajo tercero, pero ¿se refleja eso en cómo invierto mi tiempo y mi energía? ¿Soy, ante todo, una mujer de oración y una discípula misionera? ¿Me asemejo a nuestra Santísima Madre en mi maternidad y en mi matrimonio? ¿Brillo con la luz de Cristo en mi trabajo y me entrego por completo durante las horas de trabajo?

Lamentablemente, a menudo fracaso horriblemente. Pero la Cuaresma es una oportunidad maravillosa para empezar de nuevo, para empezar de cero, para hacer un profundo y sincero examen de conciencia y escoger elegir el amor, una y otra vez. Dejémonos animar por las lecturas de hoy a “entra en tu cuarto, cierra la puerta y ora ante tu Padre, que está allí en lo secreto” (ver el Evangelio) y así volver a Dios con todo el corazón (ver primera lectura).

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Thays Orrico, unsplash.com/photos/a-person-in-a-purple-robe-holding-a-cup-JoCCv4jcoYo

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 Dead of Winter / El invierno cruel

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If you’ve ever lived in an area that experiences all four seasons, you know what it’s like to enjoy the vivid hues of autumn. Bushes and trees that once shared the same spectrum now burst into different shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. Summer flowers are replaced by multi-colored mums on front porches and pumpkins, hay bales, and scarecrows adorn the streets. Yet as we enjoy the fall spectacle, in the back of our minds we all know that winter is just a breath away. 

And that is where we find ourselves right now. In the midst of this mid-winter day where we could all surely use a splash of color by now. We are beyond Christmas but not yet into Lent, so what are we to do with the mundaneness of this inbetween season? 

Perhaps it would help us to remember the reason for nature’s change in the first place. Leaves change colors as they are preparing to die and fall to the ground. The reason they are so beautiful is because they will soon cease to exist. They will either be mulched into the ground, blown away or bagged up and disposed of. In much the same way, we become more beautiful as we die to ourselves on our path toward sainthood. 

During these cold, dark days, we can bring the warmth and the light of Christ’s love into the world. Our cheeks become rosier and our smiles become brighter as we seek the good of others above our own, as we spend more time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, as we seek His will at all times. We die during our own life’s winter that He might spring forth in us with new life. 

During a recent conversation with my brother, we were sharing how we try so hard to be the best spouse we can be, the best parent we can be, the best sibling we can be, the best son/daughter, friend, parishioner, coworker, etc. We try to do so much, almost as if we are checking off imaginary tally marks in our heads, but is that really what it’s all about? Driving ourselves crazy just trying to be good enough? I doubt it. What if we had the mindset of simply letting God love through us instead? 

So let us be like David in today’s first reading, who “[w]ith his every deed he offered thanks to God most High…With his whole being he loved his Maker.” Just as the disciples of John the Baptist “came and took his body and laid it in a tomb”, so may we die to ourselves, laying to rest our vices and sins so that God can love through us. May His warmth and light change this humdrum winter into cause for joyful humming.

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Si alguna vez has vivido en una zona donde se experimentan las cuatro estaciones, sabes lo que es disfrutar de los vibrantes tonos de otoño. Arbustos y árboles que antes compartían el mismo espectro ahora estallan en diferentes tonos de amarillo, naranja, rojo y morado. Las flores de verano dan paso a crisantemos multicolores en las puertas principales, y calabazas, pacas de heno y espantapájaros adornan las calles. Sin embargo, mientras disfrutamos del espectáculo otoñal, en el fondo de nuestras mentes todos sabemos que el invierno está a la vuelta de la esquina.

Y ahí es donde nos encontramos ahora mismo. En medio de este invierno cruel donde, sin duda, a todos nos vendría bien un toque de color. Ya ha pasado la Navidad, pero aún no llega la Cuaresma, así que ¿qué hacemos con la monotonía de esta estación intermedia?

Quizás nos ayude recordar la razón de los cambios en la naturaleza. Las hojas cambian de color mientras se preparan para morir y caer al suelo. La razón por la que son tan hermosas es porque pronto dejarán de existir. Serán trituradas, sopladas por el viento o embolsadas ​​y desechadas. De la misma manera, nos volvemos más hermosos al morir a nosotros mismos en nuestro camino hacia la santidad.

Durante estos días fríos y oscuros, podemos traer al mundo la calidez y la luz del amor de Cristo. Nuestras mejillas se sonrojan y nuestras sonrisas se iluminan al buscar el bien de los demás por encima del nuestro, al pasar más tiempo con Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento, al buscar su voluntad en todo momento. Morimos durante el invierno de nuestra vida para que Él pueda brotar en nosotros con la primavera de nueva vida.

Durante una conversación reciente con mi hermano, compartimos cuánto nos esforzamos por ser el mejor cónyuge, el mejor padre de familia, el mejor hermano, el mejor hijo, amigo, feligrés, compañero de trabajo, etc. Intentamos hacer tanto, casi como si estuviéramos llevando la cuenta mentalmente, pero ¿de eso se trata realmente? ¿Volviéndonos locos solo por intentar ser lo suficientemente buenos? Lo dudo. ¿Y qué pasaría si simplemente dejáramos que Dios ame a través de nosotros?

Seamos como David en la primera lectura de hoy, quien “Por todos sus éxitos daba gracias al Dios altísimo y lo glorificaba. Amaba con toda el alma a su creador…” Así como los discípulos de Juan el Bautista “fueron a recoger el cadáver y lo sepultaron”, que muramos a nosotros mismos, dejando atrás nuestros vicios y pecados para que Dios pueda amar a través de nosotros. Que su calor y su luz transformen este invierno monótono en motivo de alegría.

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Aaron Wilson, unsplash.com/photos/photo-of-turned-on-street-lights-near-railing-qIHtrP2V3C8

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 Gift of Life / El don de la vida

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Today we pause to reflect on the primordial gift of all gifts: life. Without life itself, we cannot partake in any of the other wonderful gifts God grants. I have taken part in many pro-life activities throughout the years. I joined my peers to block the entrance of an abortion clinic as a teenager, attended the March for Life in Washington D.C. as a young adult, and prayed outside a women’s clinic during 40 Days for Life in my 40’s. But perhaps the greatest pro-life act I have participated in is motherhood. 

Being open to life throughout marriage has been both a blessing and a cross. Having a large family later in life is both exhilarating and exhausting. Living through my children’s good and bad times has been a rollercoaster of neckbreaking ups and downs. Yet through it all, my husband and I grow in the virtues necessary to inch toward sainthood. We have so many opportunities to practice patience, adaptability, selflessness and unconditional love. I’m pretty sure I would be a very conceited and unhappy person seeking the fulfillment of my next whim if I hadn’t become a mother. 

Today we pray in particular for the legal protection of the unborn. While we celebrated an unmitigated victory back in June of 2022 when Roe v Wade was overturned, we still have a long way to go at the state level. We still have a long way to go at the heart level as well. And while we take the next 24 hours to fast and pray, let us beg our Lord for mercy for the sins of our fellow citizens in killing hundreds of thousands of innocent human beings each year. 

Let us pray:

“Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil, those helpless little ones to whom You have given the gift of life. Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today who are not thinking of motherhood. Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image – as well as theirs – made for eternal life. Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that a mother can give. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.” (Prayer for the Unborn, ewtn.com)

St. Gerard, pray for us! Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us! St. Gianna, pray for us! St. Joseph, pray for us!

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Hoy nos detenemos a reflexionar sobre el don primordial de todos los dones: la vida. Sin la vida misma, no podemos disfrutar de ninguno de los otros maravillosos dones que Dios concede. He participado en muchas actividades provida a lo largo de los años. Me uní a mis compañeros para bloquear la entrada de una clínica de abortos en mi adolescencia, asistí a la Marcha por la Vida en Washington D.C. de joven adulta y recé frente a una clínica de mujeres durante los 40 Días por la Vida en mis 40’s. Pero quizás el mayor acto provida en el que he participado sea la maternidad.

Estar abierta a la vida a lo largo del matrimonio ha sido tanto una bendición como una cruz. Tener una familia numerosa ya siendo un poco mayor es emocionante y agotador a la vez. Vivir los buenos y malos momentos de mis hijos ha sido una montaña rusa de altibajos devastadores. Sin embargo, a pesar de todo, mi esposo y yo crecemos en las virtudes necesarias para acercarnos poquito a poquito a la santidad. Tenemos muchísimas oportunidades para practicar la paciencia, la adaptabilidad, la generosidad y el amor incondicional. Estoy bastante segura de que sería una persona muy engreída e infeliz buscando satisfacer mi próximo capricho si no hubiera sido madre.

Hoy oramos en particular por la protección legal de los no nacidos. Si bien celebramos una victoria contundente en junio de 2022 cuando se anuló el caso Roe v. Wade, aún nos queda mucho más trabajo por hacer a nivel estatal. También nos queda mucho más trabajo por hacer a nivel del corazón. Y mientras dedicamos las próximas 24 horas a ayunar y orar, pidamos a nuestro Señor misericordia por los pecados de nuestros conciudadanos que matan a cientos de miles de seres humanos inocentes cada año.

Oremos:

“Padre Celestial, en tu amor por nosotros, protege de la maldad del diablo a los pequeños indefensos a quienes has dado el don de la vida. Conmueve el corazón de las mujeres embarazadas en nuestro mundo actual que no piensan en la maternidad. Ayúdalas a comprender que el hijo que llevan dentro está hecho a tu imagen, igual que la suya, para la vida eterna. Disipa su miedo y egoísmo, y dales un corazón verdaderamente femenino para amar a sus bebés, darles a luz y darles todos los cuidados necesarios que una madre puede brindar. Te lo pedimos por Jesucristo, tu Hijo, nuestro Señor, que vive y reina contigo y el Espíritu Santo, un solo Dios, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.” (traducción de la Oración por los No Nacidos, ewtn.com)

¡San Gerardo, ruega por nosotros! ¡Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros! ¡Santa Gianna, ruega por nosotros! ¡San José, ruega por nosotros!

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Anastasiia Chepinska,  unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-B7JVo5y3gL8

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 Baptism of Jesus / El Bautismo de Jesús

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As a mother of five children and an aunt to 26 more, I have attended my fair share of baptisms. They are always beautiful and joyful occasions, celebrations of a new member being added to God’s family. But most of them have also had their mishaps, as tends to happen when little kids are involved. Whether it be a last minute dirty diaper, an older sibling running up to the baptismal font right in the middle of the ceremony, or the baby screaming during the whole affair, baptisms, like most moments in life, are not perfect. 

What is perfect is the sacramental and sanctifying grace that is poured into the soul of the newly baptized. What is perfect is the great love that God has for us in granting us this palpable moment of unity with Him. What is perfect is this opportunity for family and friends to witness an indelible mark being placed on the baby’s soul, sealing them for an eternity with God.

In today’s Gospel, we read about the Baptism of Jesus. What a powerful witness that the Son of God Himself chose to be baptized by a human being. What a powerful manifestation of the Holy Trinity, both audibly and visibly present. What a powerful way to show us just how important baptism is. 

I invite you to place yourself in this moment. Imagine the confusion of John the Baptist, being asked to baptize God. Imagine the awe of the others present upon seeing the heavens being opened. Imagine their fright when a voice boomed down from the heavens. Did the bystanders run away in fear? Did they kneel in adoration? Did they stand there frozen in shock? What would you do? What are you feeling called to do now, in this moment, as you reflect upon this passage?

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Como madre de cinco hijos y tía de 26 más, he asistido a bastantes bautizos. Siempre son ocasiones hermosas y alegres, celebraciones de la llegada de un nuevo miembro a la familia de Dios. Pero la mayoría también han tenido sus contratiempos, como suele ocurrir con los niños pequeños. Ya sea un pañal sucio a última hora, un hermano mayor corriendo a la pila bautismal en medio de la ceremonia, o el bebé llorando durante todo el evento, los bautizos, como la mayoría de los momentos de la vida, no son perfectos.

Algo que sí es perfecto es la gracia sacramental y santificadora que se derrama en el alma del recién bautizado. Algo que sí es perfecto es el gran amor que Dios nos tiene al concedernos este momento palpable de unidad con Él. Algo que sí es perfecto es esta oportunidad para que familiares y amigos sean testigos de cómo se deja una marca indeleble en el alma del bebé, sellándolo para la eternidad con Dios.

En el Evangelio de hoy, leemos sobre el Bautismo de Jesús. Qué poderoso testimonio que el propio Hijo de Dios eligiera ser bautizado por un ser humano. Qué poderosa manifestación de la Santísima Trinidad, tanto audible como visiblemente presente. Qué poderosa manera de mostrarnos la importancia del bautismo.

Los invito a ponerse en la escena. Imaginen la confusión de Juan el Bautista al ser invitado a bautizar a Dios. Imaginen el asombro de los presentes al ver los cielos abrirse. Imaginen su miedo cuando una voz resonó desde el cielo. ¿Los presentes huyeron por miedo? ¿Se arrodillaron en adoración? ¿Se quedaron paralizados por el shock? ¿Qué harían ustedes? ¿Qué se sienten llamados a hacer ahora, en este momento, al reflexionar sobre este pasaje?

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Unknown Artist, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/baptism-of-christ-22148/

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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Do You Believe This? / ¿Crees esto?

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Lately I have been reflecting on the importance of faith in our lives. We can read the Gospels and think they sound legit, or listen to Father at Sunday Mass and try to take what he says to heart, but how deep does our faith run? Do we truly comprehend the fact that Jesus and His disciples, and all the saints that have gone before us were living and breathing human beings, or do we think of them more as nice stories with good life lessons?

Although I consider myself a strong cradle Catholic, I have to confess that I often tend toward the latter. It is hard for me to visualize talking to Jesus in my heart as He is, truly present in my midst. It seems “easier” somehow to think of Him as a being way up there in an outer space Heaven who somehow hears my prayers. I remember hearing once that often the longest journey is the road from our head to our heart. That rings true for me. 

So here we are, a few days after celebrating the incredible feast of the Birth of our Lord and I feel called to boldly pose the same question Jesus asked Mary, the sister of Lazarus: “Do you believe this?” Do you believe that Jesus was born in an outbuilding on the outskirts of Bethlehem? Do you believe that the angels appeared to the humble shepherds and invited them to be His first visitors? Do you believe that the educated and wealthy Magi were led to travel a long distance to honor Him? Do you believe that this tiny Baby is the Son of God, a living and breathing soul that walked this Earth? 

Today’s Gospel gives us a glimpse of the Presentation in the Temple. We see Anna enter the scene, an elderly woman who “worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” As she came forward, I have no doubt she would answer, “Yes, I believe” to all of the above questions. The passage does not record any conversations that took place between Anna and Mary. She does not receive verbal confirmation of who this Child was. She simply “gave thanks to God” and began spreading the Good News about Him to others. 

Granted, we have it a little bit harder than Anna, being asked to have faith without seeing a baby boy before our very eyes, yet God has granted us the Holy Spirit that we might believe. Let us ask God for that grace today, the grace of an increase in faith. May He grant us the deep understanding that we are talking to a real person when we pray, someone who loves us and knows us so deeply. 

Lord, I believe in you. Help my unbelief!

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Últimamente he estado reflexionando sobre la importancia de la fe en nuestras vidas. Podemos leer los Evangelios y pensar que parecen auténticos, o escuchar al Padre en la misa dominical e intentar tomar en serio lo que dice, pero ¿cuán profunda es nuestra fe? ¿Comprendemos realmente que Jesús, sus discípulos y todos los santos que nos precedieron eran seres humanos de carne y hueso, o los consideramos más bien historias bonitas con buenas lecciones de vida?

Aunque me considero una católica fuerte desde la infancia, debo confesar que a menudo tiendo a esto último. Me cuesta visualizar hablar con Jesús en mi corazón tal como es, realmente presente en medio de mí. Por alguna razón parece más fácil pensar en Él como un ser allá arriba, en un cielo sideral, que de alguna manera escucha mis oraciones. Recuerdo haber escuchado una vez que, a menudo, el viaje más largo es el que va de la cabeza al corazón. Eso me parece muy cierto.

Así que aquí estamos, unos días después de celebrar la increíble fiesta del Nacimiento de nuestro Señor, y me siento llamada a plantear con valentía la misma pregunta que Jesús le hizo a María, la hermana de Lázaro: “¿Crees esto?”. ¿Crees que Jesús nació en un establo a las afueras de Belén? ¿Crees que los ángeles se aparecieron a los humildes pastores y los invitaron a ser sus primeros visitantes? ¿Crees que los magos, educados y adinerados, viajaron una gran distancia para honrarlo? ¿Crees que este pequeño Bebé es el Hijo de Dios, un alma viviente que caminó por esta Tierra?

El Evangelio de hoy nos ofrece un vistazo de la Presentación del Niño Jesús en el Templo. Vemos entrar a la escena a Ana, una anciana que pasaba dia y noche en el templo “sirviendo a Dios con ayunos y oraciones”. Al ver al niño, no dudo de que respondería: “Sí, creo” a todas mis preguntas anteriores. El pasaje no registra ninguna conversación entre Ana y María. Ella no recibe confirmación verbal de quién era este Niño. Ella simplemente se acercó “dando gracias a Dios” y comenzó a compartir la Buena Nueva de Él con los demás.

Por cierto nosotros lo tenemos un poco más difícil que a Ana, porque nos piden tener fe sin ver a un bebé ante nuestros ojos; sin embargo, Dios nos ha concedido el Espíritu Santo para que podamos creer. Pidámosle hoy a Dios esa gracia, la gracia de un aumento en la fe. Que nos conceda la profunda comprensión de que hablamos con una persona real cuando oramos, alguien que nos ama y nos conoce profundamente.

Señor, creo en ti. ¡Ayuda mi falta de fe!

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Ludwig Roth, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/the-power-of-prayer-25392/

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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Looking Back / Mirando hacia atrás

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As we begin to approach the great season when we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child among us, we may be tempted to look forward in anticipation. Only 22 more days until Christmas Eve! I can’t wait for that family party in two weeks! I am so excited to see my kids’ faces on Christmas morning! And while anticipation is not a bad thing in itself, today I invite you instead to take a look back. 

Look back upon salvation history and see God’s hand working in each and every story. Recognize His love and mercy spilling forth as He creates the world, saves Noah from the flood and then makes a covenant with him, provides an heir for Abraham in his old age, saves Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, uses Joseph, sold as a slave, to feed his flock during a time of famine, guides his people out of Egyptian slavery through His servant Moses, forgives King David of his grave sins and still considers him a man after His own heart, and sends prophets before Him to prepare our hearts for His coming. 

Sure, we could look back and see nothing but unrest, famine, sinfulness and broken covenants. We could get frustrated that things seemed to take so long, I mean 40 years wandering around in the desert… really? We could point out how many people had to die in the countless wars and how much Job had to suffer. We could go on and on, but that would defeat the purpose. What God wants is to open our eyes to this long line of events leading up to something more incredible than we could ever imagine, the birth of His only Son, the Savior of all mankind. 

We may be tempted to do the same thing in our own lives, look back with negativity and regret at our shortcomings, but I prefer to look back in a similarly positive way, recognizing the hand of God throughout my life. That heartwrenching job loss that my husband experienced? It resulted in us moving back to Michigan and closer to family. That horrible pandemic that we suffered through? It allowed us to find a lovely home with a big yard in a quiet town. That devastating rental venture that went awry and forced us to sell the house? It afforded us a new vehicle and a low monthly mortgage. That frightening car accident we got into? The insurance payout covered most of our bill when our AC broke during a hot summer. In other words, God’s got it. He’s always got it.  

After having looked back at all of God’s blessings in our life up to this point, may our Advent theme be one of praise and thanksgiving. As the first reading states, may our “delight [] be the fear of the Lord.” May we echo the words of the Psalm: “May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain.” May we repeat often the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel: “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.”

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Al acercarnos a la gran época en que celebramos el nacimiento del niño Jesús entre nosotros, quizá nos sintamos tentados a mirar hacia adelante con ilusión. ¡Solo faltan 22 días para la Nochebuena! ¡No puedo esperar para la fiesta familiar dentro de dos semanas! ¡Me emociona tanto pensar en ver las caras de mis hijos la mañana de Navidad! Y aunque la ilusión no es mala en sí misma, hoy los invito a mirar hacia atrás.

Repasen la historia de la salvación y vean la mano de Dios obrando en cada una de ellas. Reconozcamos su amor y misericordia derramándose al crear el mundo, salvar a Noé del diluvio y luego hacer una alianza con él, proveer un heredero para Abraham en su vejez, salvar a Lot y su familia de la destrucción de Sodoma y Gomorra, usar a José, vendido como esclavo, para alimentar a su rebaño durante una época de hambruna, guiar a su pueblo para liberarlo de la esclavitud egipcia a través de su siervo Moisés, perdonar al rey David de sus graves pecados y aún considerarlo un hombre tras su corazón, y enviar profetas delante de él para preparar nuestros corazones para su venida.

Claro, podríamos mirar atrás y solo ver inquietud, hambruna, pecado y alianzas rotas. Podríamos frustrarnos porque las cosas parecen haber tomado tanto tiempo, o sea, 40 años vagando por el desierto… ¿de verdad? Podríamos señalar cuánta gente tuvo que morir en las innumerables guerras y cuánto tuvo que sufrir Job. Podríamos seguir y seguir, pero ese no es el propósito. Lo que Dios quiere es abrirnos los ojos a esta larga serie de eventos que nos llevaron a algo más increíble de lo que jamás pudiéramos imaginar: el nacimiento de su único Hijo, el Salvador de toda la humanidad.

Quizás nos sintamos tentados a hacer lo mismo en nuestras propias vidas, a mirar atrás con negatividad y arrepentimiento por nuestras faltas, pero yo prefiero mirar atrás con una actitud igualmente positiva, reconociendo la mano de Dios a lo largo de mi vida. ¿Esa desgarradora pérdida de trabajo que experimentó mi esposo? Nos obligó a regresar a Michigan y pudimos estar más cerca de la familia. ¿Esa horrible pandemia que sufrimos? Nos permitió encontrar una hermosa casa con un gran jardín en un pueblo tranquilo. ¿Aquel devastador negocio de alquiler que salió mal y nos obligó a vender la casa? Nos permitió comprar un vehículo nuevo y tener una hipoteca mensual baja. ¿Aquel aterrador choque de carro que vivimos? El seguro cubrió la mayor parte de nuestra factura cuando se rompió el aire acondicionado de la casa durante un verano caluroso. En otras palabras, Dios lo tiene todo. Siempre lo tiene todo.

Tras recordar todas las bendiciones de Dios en nuestra vida hasta este momento, que nuestro tema de Adviento sea la alabanza y la acción de gracias. Como dice la primera lectura, que nuestro deleite sea en que “está lleno el país de la ciencia del Señor”. Hagamos eco de las palabras del Salmo: “Que bendigan al Señor eternamente y tanto como el sol, viva su nombre”. Repitamos con frecuencia las palabras de Jesús en el Evangelio de hoy: “¡Yo te alabo, Padre, Señor del cielo y de la tierra”!

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Tim Foster, unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-black-ski-pole-between-green-pine-trees-covered-with-snow-during-daytime-B755xFDEOpI

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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Bless the Lord! / ¡Bendigan al Señor!

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One virtue I really strive to instill in my children is gratitude. I can’t tell you how many times I have asked them to say thank you when they are given something or to stop grumbling about small inconveniences and be thankful for what they have. Another small tradition we have started is to mention one thing we are thankful for during night prayers. 

A couple of my kiddos have caught on quickly, another I have to nudge with a few suggestions while another now has a whole list of things each day! I always remind them that it doesn’t necessarily have to be anything super special. It can be something as simple as the air they breathed or the water they drank that day. It can be the fact that their clothes are clean or that they have a home that is heated and cooled, because absolutely everything is a gift from God!

So in preparation for the day we publicly give thanks tomorrow, I thought I would share a small list of things I am particularly thankful for: that my oldest son is now old enough to have interesting, semi-adult conversations with; that my second oldest is making small steps toward coming out of his shyness, that my third oldest still loves to snuggle with his mommy, that my fourth child seeks ways all day long to be active, enjoy life and laugh; that my youngest still has round cheeks that I can kiss every single day; that my husband feels well enough after his second back surgery to coach soccer again; that God always provides in the most unexpected ways; for family members and friends that I love and cherish and care about, that bring so much human connection as a foretaste of the heavenly connection with my Lord that awaits me… And you? I invite you to write your own list. 

In today’s first reading, we see God’s justice being proclaimed to King Belzhazzar through the prophet Daniel. They were in the midst of a great banquet, and instead of glorifying the Lord for His provision, they “praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.” As a consequence of their rebellion, God promised to divide his kingdom and put an end to his reign. 

In complete contrast to this scenario, we see right praise being given to our God in the Psalm response: “Sun and moon, bless the Lord… Stars of heaven, bless the Lord… praise and exalt him above all forever.” Strengthened by the correct ordering of our minds and hearts, we see how God helps us endure any hardship in today’s Gospel: “They will seize and persecute you… You will be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives and friends…but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.” 

God does and will take care of us every single day. In life and in death, in heat and cold, through hardships and joys, let us bless the Lord with sincere gratefulness. 

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Una virtud que me esfuerzo mucho por inculcar en mis hijos es la gratitud. No te imaginas cuántas veces les he pedido que den las gracias cuando reciben algo o que dejen de quejarse por pequeñas inconveniencias y agradezcan lo que tienen. Otra pequeña tradición que hemos empezado es mencionar algo por lo que estamos agradecidos durante las oraciones de la noche.

Unos de mis hijos han entendido rápidamente, a otro tengo que darle algunas sugerencias, ¡y otro ya tiene una lista completa de cosas a diario! Siempre les recuerdo que no tiene que ser algo súper especial. Puede ser algo tan sencillo como el aire que respiraron o el agua que bebieron ese día. Puede ser que su ropa esté limpia o que tengan una casa con calefacción y aire acondicionado, ¡porque absolutamente todo es un regalo de Dios!

Así que, en preparación para el día que daremos gracias públicamente mañana, pensé compartir una pequeña lista de cosas por las que estoy especialmente agradecida: que mi hijo mayor ya tiene la edad suficiente para tener conversaciones interesantes, casi adultas; que mi segundo hijo está tomando pasos pequeños para superar su timidez; que a mi tercer hijo todavía le encanta acurrucarse con su mamá; que mi cuarto hijo busca maneras todo el día de estar activo, disfrutar de la vida y reírse; que mi hija menor todavía tiene mejillas redondas que puedo besar todos los días; que mi esposo se siente lo suficientemente bien después de su segunda cirugía de espalda como para volver a ser entrenador de fútbol; que Dios siempre provee de las maneras más inesperadas; por los familiares y amigos que amo, aprecio y me importan, que me brindan tanta conexión humana como un anticipo de la conexión celestial con mi Señor que me espera…¿y tú? Te invito a escribir tu propia lista. 

En la primera lectura de hoy, vemos la justicia de Dios proclamada al rey Belzasar a través del profeta Daniel. Estaban en medio de un gran banquete, y en lugar de glorificar al Señor por su provisión, “comenzaron a alabar a sus dioses de oro y plata, de bronce y de hierro, de madera y de piedra”. Como consecuencia de su rebelión, Dios prometió dividir su reino y poner fin a su reinado.

En completo contraste con este escenario, vemos la alabanza justa que se le da a nuestro Dios en el Salmo Responsorial: “Sol y luna, bendigan al Señor… Estrellas del cielo, bendigan al Señor… Fuego y calor, bendigan al Señor…” Fortalecidos por el correcto orden de nuestras mentes y corazones, vemos cómo Dios nos ayuda a soportar cualquier dificultad en el Evangelio de hoy: “Los perseguirán y los apresarán… Los traicionarán hasta sus padres y hermanos, sus parientes y amigos… ni un cabello de su cabeza perecerá”.

Dios nos cuida y nos cuidará todos los días de nuestras vidas. En la vida y en la muerte, en el calor y el frío, en las dificultades y las alegrías, bendigamos al Señor con una gratitud sincera.

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Jon Tyson, unsplash.com/photos/thank-you-very-much-sign-vD6UFu8QYUI

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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When It Rains, It Pours / Cuando llueve, llueve a cántaros

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Over the summer I truly experienced the reality of “when it rains, it pours.” It seemed like everything was breaking and needing to be replaced all at once. One car needed a wheel bearing and an AC repair, the other one needed a brake job and a tune up, our central air went out, the inflatable pool broke and needed to be replaced – twice, I ripped my new-ish shorts, my kids’ backpacks were too worn out for another road trip, and the list went on. 

The fleetingness of this earthly life hit me like a brick. Why does everything have to wear out, break or no longer work? I felt so overwhelmed, so useless in providing and maintaining nice things for my family. I work so hard to live within our means and it felt like such an impossibility at that moment. 

And then I read a Scripture passage, and then a reflection, and then another one, and slowly but surely my heart came back into focus. Even my oldest son, noticing my angst, said to me, “maybe God is trying to teach you something.” And indeed He was…again. They may not have been new lessons, but they were obviously ones that I needed a refresher course on: God always provides, and this life is but a moment compared to what awaits us in eternity. 

I feel like today’s first reading was written just for me, to qualm my insecurities and restore my trust in Him: “God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made them. But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world, and they who are in his possession experience it. But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.”

God created us to be imperishable! We are not meant for this world! He has made us in His image and it is through the evil one that impermanence, faultiness, and weakness have entered this world. But we need not worry, for we are in the hands of God. Let us place ourselves under His loving protection and not allow the torments of this world to affect us. 

The reading goes on to say, “For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed… Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are  with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.”

In the face of these great truths, all our feeble worries fade off into the distance. Sure, life will continue to be hard and messy and expensive, but what awaits us is glorious. For there God will rain and pour his love and care upon us for eternity. What else could we ask for?

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Durante el verano experimenté la realidad de “cuando llueve, llueve a cántaros”. Parecía que todo se rompía y necesitaba ser reemplazado a la vez. Un carro necesitaba un rodamiento y una reparación del aire acondicionado, el otro necesitaba frenos y un ajuste, el aire acondicionado de la casa se malogró, la piscina inflable se rompió y hubo que cambiarla – dos veces, rompí mi short casi nuevo, las mochilas de mis hijos estaban demasiado desgastadas para otro viaje, y la lista seguía y seguía.

La fugacidad de esta vida terrenal me golpeó como un ladrillo. ¿Por qué todo tiene que desgastarse, romperse o dejar de funcionar? Me sentía tan abrumada, tan inútil para proveer y mantener cosas bonitas para mi familia. Trabajo tan duro para vivir dentro de nuestras posibilidades y parecía una imposibilidad en ese momento.

Y luego leí un pasaje de las Escrituras, y luego una reflexión, y luego otra, y poco a poco mi corazón volvió a la normalidad. Incluso mi hijo mayor, al notar mi angustia, me dijo: “quizás Dios te está intentando enseñar algo”. Y en efecto, eso es lo que estaba haciendo… de nuevo. Puede que no fueran lecciones nuevas, pero obviamente necesitaba un repaso: Dios siempre provee, y esta vida es solo un instante comparada con lo que nos espera en la eternidad.

Siento que la primera lectura de hoy fue escrita solo para mí, para calmar mis inseguridades y restaurar mi confianza en Él: “Dios creó al hombre para que fuera inmortal, lo hizo a imagen y semejanza de sí mismo; mas, por envidia del diablo, entró la muerte en el mundo, y la experimentan quienes le pertenecen. En cambio, las almas de los justos están en las manos de Dios y no los alcanzará ningún tormento”.

¡Dios nos creó para ser inmortales! ¡No estamos hechos para este mundo! Nos hizo a su imagen y es a través del maligno que la impermanencia, la imperfección y la debilidad entraron en este mundo. Pero no debemos preocuparnos, pues estamos en las manos de Dios. Entreguémonos bajo su amorosa protección y no permitamos que los tormentos de este mundo nos afecten.

La lectura continúa diciendo: “La gente pensaba que sus sufrimientos eran un castigo,

pero ellos esperaban confiadamente la inmortalidad. Después de breves sufrimientos recibirán una abundante recompensa… Los que confían en el Señor comprenderán la verdad y los que son fieles a su amor permanecerán a su lado, porque Dios ama a sus elegidos y cuida de ellos”.

Ante estas grandes verdades, todas nuestras pequeñas preocupaciones se desvanecen. Claro, la vida seguirá siendo dura, complicada y costosa, pero lo que nos espera es glorioso. Porque allí Dios hará llover a cántaros su amor y cuidado sobre nosotros por toda la eternidad. ¿Qué más podríamos pedir?

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Eutah Mizushima, https://unsplash.com/photos/grayscale-photo-of-raindrops-F-t5EpfQNpk

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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Different Venues, But Still Disciples / Distintos sitios, pero todavía discípulos

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I have always been inspired by the readings from the Acts of the Apostles. The way the followers of Christ sold everything and put it at the feet of the Apostles so everyone could be provided for, the way they persevered despite suffering so much for their faith, the way they traveled such vast distances to preach and teach. Having a background in missionary work, it is so nostalgic for me and makes me want to jump on a plane to go Evangelize in a foreign country. It always makes me want to do more. 

Yet I am at a season in life where I simply cannot do that. I am not called to fly across the ocean or cross the southern border. I have my own children to raise now, and a suffering husband to take care of. My “foreign country” is now the four walls of my home and my “ocean” is the depths of love it takes to persevere day in and day out, despite constant challenges. 

In the first reading Paul writes, “You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” These words can bring so much joy to our hearts!

We may not be sojourners but we are still members of the household of God. We may not be able to go out and preach like the Apostles did but we are built upon their foundation. We were not afforded the privilege of meeting Jesus in person but He is still our capstone, our Leader. We are an essential part of the temple that is sacred to the Lord, the temple that He Himself holds together. And perhaps most importantly, God resides in us! We are a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit!

Essentially it doesn’t matter how far we travel or how many words we preach or how many people we convert. What matters is allowing God to work in us and through us in the way that He wishes. What matters is having the humility and the flexibility and the openness to become one of His fine-tuned instruments. What matters is loving and being loved by both God and others. So march on, missionary disciple, and continue the work that God has in store for you. 

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Siempre me han inspirado las lecturas de los Hechos de los Apóstoles. La forma en que los seguidores de Cristo vendieron todo y lo pusieron a los pies de los Apóstoles para que todos pudieran recibir sustento, la forma en que perseveraron a pesar de sufrir tanto por su fe, la forma en que viajaron distancias tan largas para predicar y enseñar. Con mi experiencia en el trabajo misionero, me resulta muy nostálgico y me dan ganas de subirme a un avión para ir a evangelizar a un país extranjero. Siempre me dan ganas de hacer más.

Sin embargo, estoy en una etapa de mi vida en la que simplemente no puedo hacerlo. No estoy llamada a cruzar el océano ni a cruzar la frontera del sur. Ahora tengo que criar a mis propios hijos y cuidar de un esposo que sufre. Mi “país extranjero” ahora son las cuatro paredes de mi casa y mi “océano” es la profundidad del amor que se requiere para perseverar día tras día, a pesar de las dificultades constantes.

En la primera lectura, Pablo escribe: “Ya no son ustedes extranjeros ni advenedizos; son conciudadanos de los santos y pertenecen a la familia de Dios, porque han sido edificados sobre el cimiento de los apóstoles y de los profetas, siendo Cristo Jesús la piedra angular.

Sobre Cristo, todo el edificio se va levantando bien estructurado, para formar el templo santo del Señor, y unidos a él también ustedes se van incorporando al edificio, por medio del Espíritu Santo, para ser morada de Dios.” ¡Estas palabras pueden traer mucha alegría a nuestros corazones!

Puede que no seamos advenedizos, pero seguimos siendo miembros de la familia de Dios. Quizás no podamos salir a predicar como lo hicieron los apóstoles, pero estamos edificados sobre su cimiento. No tuvimos el privilegio de conocer a Jesús en persona, pero Él sigue siendo nuestra piedra angular, nuestro Líder. Somos parte esencial del templo sagrado para el Señor, el templo que Él mismo mantiene unido. Y quizás lo más importante, ¡Dios reside dentro de nosotros! ¡Somos morada del Espíritu Santo!

En esencia, no importa cuán lejos viajemos, cuántas palabras prediquemos ni a cuántas personas convirtamos. Lo que importa es permitir que Dios obre en nosotros y a través de nosotros como Él desea. Lo que importa es tener la humildad, la flexibilidad y la disposición para convertirnos en uno de sus instrumentos afinados. Lo que importa es amar y ser amado tanto por Dios como por los demás. Así que, sigue adelante, discípulo misionero, y continúa la obra que Dios tiene preparada para ti.

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Wesley Mc Lachlan, unsplash.com/photos/man-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-carrying-baby-in-white-onesie-x4t14QJb1cQ

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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Joy to the World / Alegría para el mundo

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In a recent conversation with my oldest son, we were discussing the fact that the things that bring the most happiness in life don’t cost a dime. I gave him the examples of the love between couples and quality family time. He went on to dispute (because that’s just what adolescents do) that these things do in fact cost money. He said that for a guy to take his girlfriend out for coffee, it costs money, or for a family to enjoy an outing, even if their destination doesn’t charge an entrance fee, you still need gas and food. I conceded that he had a point, but that I was referring to the sentiments and the actual time spent with loved ones, for I truly believe that money doesn’t buy happiness. I’m not sure I had him convinced…

The following day, I was driving a different route to work due to construction on the main highway and I noticed a crossing guard. I had seen her before on other days but for some reason she struck me differently on this particular day. Now this area of town is not the best, yet there she stood, waving to each car that passed by with a huge smile on her face. Most drivers didn’t bother to wave back and just went on their way, but that day I decided to wave back and offer her my own smile. As I passed her, I noticed just how bright her face was, just how sincere her joy. I decided that perhaps she was one of those angels that God places in our path to make our day just a little bit brighter. 

I could definitely say the same about St. John Paul II, whose feast we celebrate today. I had the privilege of seeing him in person at two World Youth Days and he radiated that same kind of bright joy. He suffered so much during his lifetime, including the death of his family members, the plague of communism, his own personal illness, and so much more, yet he always appeared so full of joy.  

Today’s Psalm proclaims, “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” No matter how many men rise up against us, no matter how fiercely the raging waters sweep over us, the Lord does not leave us. He rescues us “like a bird from the fowler’s snare”. I’m sure John Paul II was fully aware of this reality, and probably the crossing guard too, and that is what brought them joy. It’s not the absence of problems, but rather the assurance that God is with us through them all. The One who is powerful enough to make Heaven and Earth is our help. 

With this knowledge, let us all be a beacon of joy to our world. We have been offered salvation, a relationship with Almighty God, and an infinity of love. We have been entrusted with much, so much will be required of us (see Gospel). Let’s start with shining our light to those around us. 

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En una conversación reciente con mi hijo mayor, estábamos discutiendo que las cosas que traen más felicidad en la vida no cuestan ni un centavo. Le puse ejemplos del amor de pareja y el tiempo de calidad en familia. Me empezó a discutir (porque eso es lo que hacen los adolescentes) que estas cosas sí cuestan dinero. Dijo que para que un chico invite a su novia a tomar un café, cuesta dinero, o para que una familia disfrute de un paseo, incluso si el destino no cobra entrada, requiere gasolina y comida. Le concedí que tenía razón, pero que me refería a los sentimientos y al tiempo mismo que se pasa con los seres queridos, porque creo firmemente que el dinero no compra la felicidad. No estoy segura de haberlo convencido…

Al día siguiente, iba manejando por una ruta diferente al trabajo debido a la construcción en la carretera principal y vi a una guardia de cruce. La había visto otros días, pero por alguna razón me afectó de forma diferente ese día en particular. Esta zona de la ciudad no es la mejor, pero allí estaba ella, saludando a cada carro que pasaba con una enorme sonrisa. La mayoría de los conductores no tomaron el tiempo de saludar y seguían su camino, pero ese día decidí saludarle y ofrecerle mi propia sonrisa. Al pasar junto a ella, noté lo radiante que era su rostro, lo sincera que era su alegría. Se me ocurrió que tal vez era uno de esos ángeles que Dios pone en nuestro camino para alegrarnos un poco el día.

Sin duda, podría decir lo mismo de San Juan Pablo II, cuya fiesta celebramos hoy. Tuve el privilegio de verlo en persona en dos Jornadas Mundiales de la Juventud e irradiaba esa misma alegría radiante. Sufrió mucho durante su vida, incluyendo la muerte de sus familiares, la plaga del comunismo, su propia enfermedad y mucho más, pero siempre se mostró lleno de alegría.

El Salmo de hoy proclama: “La ayuda nos viene del Señor, que hizo el cielo y la tierra.” No importa cuántos hombres nos asaltan, no importa si las aguas del torrente nos llegan al cuello, el Señor no nos abandona. Nos rescata “como a un pájaro de la trampa de los cazadores”. Estoy segura de que Juan Pablo II era plenamente consciente de esta realidad, y probablemente la guardia de cruce también, y eso es lo que les trajo alegría. No es la ausencia de problemas, sino la seguridad de que Dios está con nosotros en medio de todos ellos. Aquel que es lo suficientemente poderoso para crear el Cielo y la Tierra es nuestra ayuda.

Con este conocimiento, seamos todos un faro de alegría para el mundo. Se nos ha ofrecido la salvación, una relación con Dios Todopoderoso y un amor infinito. Se nos ha confiado mucho, y mucho se nos exigirá (ver el Evangelio). Comencemos por hacer brillar la luz de Cristo a quienes nos rodean.

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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.

Feature Image Credit: MI PHAM, unsplash.com/photos/a-young-boy-running-through-a-sprinkle-of-water-FtZL0r4DZYk

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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Cleansing Waters / Aguas Purificadoras

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I have moved several times in my life and it seems that wherever I end up, it is always near water. During my entire childhood I was just a handful of blocks away from the Grand River in Western Michigan. As a high schooler, I found myself going to school in Rhode Island near the Atlantic Ocean. After a few years as a missionary then moving back home for a while, I moved to Western Kentucky near the Ohio River. After I got married I moved upstream to Cincinnati. A few kids later, I ended up in my current abode near the Muskegon River. There is even a nice creek a couple blocks from my house! 

What is it about water that draws us in? Is it the small trickling of a creek as it finds its way downstream? Is it the whirlpooling circles it makes as it circumvents rocks and fallen logs beneath the surface. Is it the depth and vastness of a large lake or an ocean that has us in awe? Is it the mesmerizing sound it makes as it crashes to the shore? Is it the rushing of a waterfall as it cascades down a cliff? Or is it the whole panorama of the water, the sky and the surrounding flora that beckons us? Perhaps it’s all of the above. 

There are so many facets to water. For the more scientific among us, we could even get excited about the fact that it’s the only matter that can be a solid, liquid and gas. If we look at it in a more spiritual sense, we can see it as the first sacramental that Jesus chose for us to use. Just as He was baptized in the waters of the Jordan river, so we are baptized with water. 

Water is not only beautiful and refreshing, it is also cleansing. It washes the grime and sweat off of our bodies and the stain of sin off our souls. In today’s Gospel, Jesus shows us just how much importance He puts on the latter. The Pharisee is amazed that He does not wash before the meal and Jesus rebukes him about paying more attention to the outside than the inside. 

Our bodies will eventually wither and fade away, but our souls are eternal. How important the cleansing waters of Baptism are to our eternal happiness! We even have holy water fonts in our churches (and sometimes in our homes) to remind us of it every time we enter. I invite you to take a moment today to reflect on the sacrament of Baptism, perhaps evaluating your internal cleanliness and taking steps toward a more pure union with God.

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Me he mudado varias veces en mi vida y parece que dondequiera que voy, siempre estoy cerca del agua. Durante toda mi infancia, viví a pocas cuadras del río Grand, en el oeste de Michigan. En la secundaria, estudié en Rhode Island, cerca del océano Atlántico. Después de unos años como misionero y luego de regresar a casa por un tiempo, me mudé al oeste de Kentucky, cerca del río Ohio. Después de casarme, me mudé río arriba, a Cincinnati. Unos hijos después, terminé en mi hogar actual, cerca del río Muskegon. ¡Incluso hay un bonito arroyo a un par de cuadras de mi casa!

¿Qué nos atrae del agua? ¿Es el suave murmullo de un riachuelo al bajar río abajo? ¿Son los remolinos que forman al sortear rocas y troncos caídos bajo la superficie? ¿Es la profundidad y la inmensidad de un gran lago o de un océano lo que nos maravilla? ¿Es el sonido hipnótico que producen las olas al estrellarse contra la orilla? ¿Es el ruido constante de una cascada al caer por un precipicio? ¿O es todo el panorama del agua, el cielo y la flora circundante lo que nos atrae? Quizás sea todo en conjunto.

El agua tiene muchísimas facetas. Para los más científicos, incluso podría entusiasmarnos el hecho de que es la única materia que puede ser sólida, líquida y gas. Si la vemos desde un punto de vista más espiritual, podemos verla como el primer objeto sacramental que Jesús eligió para nosotros. Así como Él fue bautizado en las aguas del río Jordán, nosotros también somos bautizados con agua.

El agua no solo es hermosa y refrescante, sino que también es purificador. Lava la suciedad y el sudor de nuestros cuerpos y la mancha del pecado de nuestras almas. En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos muestra la importancia que le da a este último. El fariseo se asombra de que no se lave antes de comer y Jesús lo reprende por prestar más atención a lo exterior que a lo interior.

Nuestros cuerpos eventualmente se marchitarán y se desvanecerán, pero nuestras almas son eternas. ¡Cuán importantes son las aguas purificadoras del Bautismo para nuestra felicidad eterna! Incluso tenemos pilas de agua bendita en nuestras iglesias (y a veces en nuestros hogares) para recordarnos de ello cada vez que entramos. Te invito a tomar un momento hoy para reflexionar sobre el sacramento del Bautismo, quizás evaluando tu pureza interior y dando pasos hacia una unión más pura con Dios.

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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.

Feature Image Credit: Photo taken by author

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.