November 27, 2020

I took a deeper interest in Mary while an undergraduate Religious Studies major a few years ago. Who was this first-century Jewish peasant woman that became the first believer/disciple, then the spiritual Mother of all? How does she fit in the lives of believers? She soon became the topic of my Senior Thesis. Fast forward to my first year as a Theology Masters student and my interest in Mary followed me, leading me to study her role in the saga of salvation further❤️

If I had to sum up what I’ve learned about her, I would say this: Mary is depthless, but she is also beautifully simple. She kept faith. She trusted in uncertainty and trusted in grief. She understood the sufferings of the human life, but knew the One who overcomes all evil and injustice. Her words in Scripture are scarce, but her simple words, though uncomplicated to the ear, have the power to resonate with those who can only wish to make the same affirmations. She lived for the Kingdom and she always looked beyond—we are called to do the same. We can look to her example for inspiration and guidance. Not only can we look up to her, but we can walk alongside her in our journey to deeper faith with our Savior Jesus Christ. Most importantly, I have learned that Mary’s example is a gift to every believer. As Pope Francis said, she is not an “optional accessory.” God gave His children Mary as a witness to the beauty and goodness He can achieve in the lives of His faithful, if only we continue to trust and have faith through all things.❤️

October 30, 2020

“Only be strong and steadfast”—this is a phrase God repeatedly says to Joshua in the Old Testament and a statement I find speaking to myself often At one point God even commands it saying “I command you: be strong and steadfast.” I love how God says ONLY be strong and steadfast. He doesn’t command Joshua to have all the answers nor does He command him to have all the plans. It’s the same today. God doesn’t want us to have it all figured out, He wants us to trust in Him. No matter what you are facing, whether it be a hard day or a hard season, remind yourself that God only calls you to be strong and steadfast. He’s got the restAnd just as God lead Joshua and the Israelites to the promised land, so will God fulfill His promises to you.

September 21, 2020

The beginning of today’s Gospel reads, “As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.”

I wonder what it was like—to see Jesus, to look in His eyes, to hear His voice, to be so moved by His presence to follow Him without second thought.

As I read this part of the Gospel those words “follow me” lingered on my heart. Jesus asks us to follow Him everyday. How many times have we missed His command? How different would our lives look if we abandoned ourselves to His voice, to His will? Even more, how different would our lives look if we didn’t question and analyze what God was calling us to and instead just simply followed like St. Matthew?

Jesus asks us to follow Him because it is only with Him that we will have the abundant life we desire. And no matter how many times we’ve failed to listen He never ceases to be beside us with His arm outstretched and the invitation, “Follow me.”

Happy feast of St. Matthew and thank you @mattcomo_ for pointing me to Jesus in every circumstance.

September 17, 2020

“My heart is Yours forever All of my dreams are Yours All of my plans are Yours I belong to You” Go listen to “Have My Heart” by Maverick City Music

A little Thursday reminder: True love wants the whole, not just parts and pieces. Jesus wants all of you—completely undivided. He wants the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. Give not just parts of your life, but fully give yourself to Him. Look at the cross and remember how much He loves you. Look at the cross and remember what He did for you. He is worthy of it all and you are a child of the Most High

September 10, 2020

Dwell in His presence.

The world tells you to fight. Jesus tells you He fights for you.

The world tells you to constantly be on the move. Jesus tells you to be still.

The world tells you your wealth is in material things. Jesus tells you your wealth is found in Him alone.

The world tells you your worth is in appearance. Jesus tells you your worth comes from your identity as a beloved child of God.

Sometimes we need to dwell in His presence to remember these truths—to allow His promises to dress our thoughts. The world wants every bit of your attention, but so does Jesus. So, who will you choose? With whom will you dwell—in the lies of the world or the freedom of Christ Jesus?

September 5, 2020

“Mother Teresa was once asked to comment on the fact that many people today find it difficult to fully accept the presence of Christ. Her response to the interviewer was simple and frank: ‘It’s because you don’t know Him.’” -Excerpt from the book “Where There is Love, There is God”

For Mother Teresa it was simple. To know Him is to see Him in all things, all people. To know Him is simply to love Him and by extension love others as He has loved us. We can get caught up in debate and moving words, but at the end of the day, Mother Teresa shows us it’s much more simple: To know His love is to know that it changes things, but most importantly changes us. I pray we can have the courage to live in this simplicity with as much devotion as she did

Happy Feast Day St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us

September 4, 2020

Jesus is just as faithful in closing doors as He is in opening them.

Yes, Jesus is the way maker. He can open doors where we didn’t even knock.

He can turn what we once thought was a wall, a road block, and turn it into an open door, an opportunity.

But, trusting that He can open doors is also trusting in His providence to close them, too.

We always pray for the opened doors, but what about praying for Him to close the doors that aren’t going to walk us into His will?

My prayer is, “Open the doors you want opened and shut the doors You want shut.” After all, what’s the use in an open door if we are not at the doorstep ready to enter? Allow Him to prepare your heart for what’s to come. His timing is always better.

September 2, 2020

“Jesus Himself drew near and walked with them...” Luke 24:15

When I read the Road to Emmaus story I often think, how did the disciples not recognize it was Jesus?!

But, then I think, how many times do I fail to see Jesus walking with me? Just as it was with the disciples, the emotions of fear and confusion can blur our vision, making it harder for us to see the hope and victory He has won for us.

But as I look at this painting of Jesus walking with the two disciples, I am reminded that in those moments where we feel most distant, He is closest. In those moments we feel most frightened, He is most near. In those moments we are most confused, He is most within our reach. In all those moments we least expect it, Jesus Himself draws near and walks with us.

How beautiful is the intimacy of God! We may distance ourselves from Him, but He is never far from us. So, whatever you may be going through, speak the promise of His presence over your life. Simply talk to Him, He promises He is near. I suspect one day we’ll be asking ourself the same question I mentioned earlier, “How did I not recognize it was Jesus?!”

August 26, 2020

I once had a professor say to me “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” I wonder what would happen if we adopted this motto in our relationship with God.

I think most of the time we get in our own way. God is always working in our lives, but we have to be willing to receive what He wants to give us. How can we see how God is working if our thoughts are clouded by our self will? How can we hear what He is saying to us when we are always doing the talking, always directing and demanding? God is not a genie. He’s a good Father. A good Father doesn’t just do whatever their children ask of them. He’s wiser. He knows what’s good for us and sometimes what’s best is waiting.

If you’re in a season of waiting, I dare you to trust. Change your perspective. Your waiting is not a rejection. He is not teasing you, withholding something from you, rather He is preparing your heart for something more beautiful and better than anything you can imagine.

When we look at the world through the lens of faith, something changes. That closed door is no longer a rejection, it’s God preserving you for something better. Sometimes we just need to adjust our perspective. Don’t be disheartened. No matter how you feel in the moment, He’s in control. Choose the lens of faith.

August 18, 2020

Never settle for less than a peaceful heart.

The right relationship will never leave you unsettled or conflicted.

The right relationship will never lead you away from God, forcing you to abandon or compromise your values.

Most importantly, the right relationship will never take the place of your relationship with Jesus, rather strengthen your desire and conviction to know and love Him deeper

August 10, 2020

Failure is inevitable. And it’s okay.

God does not see failure as the end—He sees failure as an opportunity for His glory to be revealed. 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”

We have to come to terms with the following reality: We are never going to be perfect and we are weak without Him. But, the good thing is our life is not about us. Yes, this is good news. Our life is His and our purpose is to bring glory to Him. Once we realize that our life is not our own, that He is ultimately in control, the pressure of reaching this unattainable perfection is taken away.

Once we start looking at His providence as freeing and beautiful, once we loosen the grip on our lives, is also the moment we can begin to embrace failure and ask Him to work in our weakness. This is because when we know who He is we can dance upon disappointment with confidence, knowing that He is preparing us for something greater.

August 4, 2020

“Take courage, I Am”—the words Jesus speaks to the disciples in today’s Gospel reading. I can’t help but feel that these words are just as powerful, just as much for us today as it was for the disciples centuries ago. When we go through the inevitable trials of life—frustration, anger, anxiety, worry, suffering and fear, He whispers these words to our heart, “Take courage, I Am.” In these words He lovingly reminds us that we can keep going forward because He is in control.

We all face roadblocks on our journey to holiness, but instead of falling victim to the enemy’s lies of hopelessness, Jesus calls us to walk through trouble and uncertainty with unbridled hope. He encourages us to do things we never thought possible.

He says “Take courage, I Am” because our future is not unknown

He says “Take courage, I Am” because our past has no power

He says “Take courage, I Am” because our present is not void

He calls us to take courage in the face of trial because there is one constant truth that gives us the strength to keep going no matter what we face: the truth that He reigns over all and He has surely overcome the world.

July 31, 2020

“Stop wishing and start praying” — a phrase I hear God speaking to my heart now and again. How many sentences do we start with “I wish”?— I wish things were different, I wish my circumstances were different, I wish this and I wish that.

I wonder what would happen if instead of wishing for our circumstances to change, we prayed instead. Prayer changes things, whereas merely “wishing” does not and will not. It’s okay to present our requests and our intentions to the Lord. He wishes to fulfill the desires of our hearts. He wishes to work in our lives for our good. In John 16:23 Jesus says, “Whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give to you.”

But we also have to remember that God is not a genie. His timing is better than our own because He sees things we cannot see. I’ve learned that surrendering our prayer requests to Him is also surrendering to whatever answer He gives us, whatever He asks of us, trusting that indeed “all things work for good for those who love God.” (Romans 8:28).

July 19, 2020

“Trust in Him”

“Surrender All”

“Lay it all down”

All these phrases we say as Christians are good and true, but we must remember that trust takes time. Just like any other relationship we have, our relationship with Jesus can only grow if we spend time with Him. How can we expect ourselves to fully trust someone we don’t know? Christ does not want our blind, impersonal acceptance. He wants our hearts, He wants true, personal relationship with us. But how does one grow in trust, love and friendship with someone? You spend time with them.

If you’re having trouble surrendering it all to Jesus, as we all do at times, intentionally carve out time to be with Him. The more you spend time with Jesus, the more you’ll know Him. The deeper you know Him, the more you’ll desire to joyfully give your life to Him. It doesn’t always need to be “formal”—your car ride to work, washing the dishes, and making your morning coffee are all opportunities to talk with Him. He’s with you in every mundane moment and the door to His heart is always open. Whether you walk in fully, or with one foot in and one foot out is up to you.

July 9, 2020

“I’m standing in the promise
Surrounded by Your goodness
You’re just getting started...”
- “Thank You” by Maverick City Music. On repeat all day, go listen!

I love how the truth of who He is is not dependent on what we feel. I love how even amidst suffering and uncertainty, we can joyfully sing His promises over our life. I love how He is good and faithful, even when we don’t “feel” it to be true. The truth is: Our hearts are so fickle. We’re constantly on to the next thing—our emotions are ever-changing. One moment we can be filled with faith and confidence, and the next moment we can be filled with doubt and anxiety. We can so easily forget what He has already done for us, what He has already won for us. But, in seasons of waiting, I think Jesus is calling us to praise, calling us to find joy in Him and the truth of who He is. We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds it! Sing His promises over your life, even if you don’t “feel” it. Praise and thanksgiving will remind your fickle heart that He’s just getting started! 

July 8, 2020

“Catholics see God’s continued enfleshment in the oil, water, bread, imposed hands, wine and salt of the sacraments; they appreciate it in the gestures, movements, incensations, and songs of the Liturgy; they savor it in the texts, arguments, and debates of the theologians; they sense it in the graced governance of popes and bishops; they love it in the struggles and missions of the saints; they know it in the writings of Catholic poets and in the cathedrals crafted by Catholic architects, artists and workers. In short, all this discloses to the Catholic eye and mind the ongoing presence of the Word made flesh, namely Christ.”

I first discovered Bishop Barron’s work in high school. I remember picking up this book in Barnes & Noble on a whim. I ended up sitting for an hour, glued to the pages. Bishop Barron calls us to see Catholicism for what it truly is, not what people believe it is. Too often words like “restrictive,” “oppressive,” and dare I say “boring” are attached to the Catholic faith, but these words are so far from the truth. Catholicism is unfathomably rich, deep, beautiful, and exciting. Everything is imbued with meaning—every gesture, prayer and ritual seeks to connect our body, mind and souls. Catholicism is profoundly Biblical, both filled with reason and holy mystery. Catholicism is an encounter—everything in pursuit of the One who holds our hearts, the One who is “ever ancient, ever new.”

I urge you: Don’t be afraid to seek after the answers to your questions. The Church is a treasure trove filled with people up and down the centuries who questioned and sought just like you.

July 5, 2020

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus’ words at the end of today’s Gospel remind me that He wants all of us, not just the parts we’re willing to show. I’m reminded that His presence is a safe place, that it’s okay to be vulnerable because He is our consolation. It’s safe to be unguarded, to be unshielded with Him because He is our guard and our shield. It’s okay to be frustrated and confused because He is our clarity. It’s okay to not have all the answers because Jesus is the answer.

It can be easy to get caught in the rat race. We live in a world that tells us to keep pushing through, to just get by no matter the cost. We live in a world that ties us to timelines and deadlines. But amidst this, we have a God that not only tells us that it’s okay to stop and take rest, but knows it is necessary. We have a God that not only tells us it’s okay to admit what we’re feeling and experiencing, but is also always present to listen. We have a God who is a constant fountain of peace, mercy and grace. So wherever you are today, whatever you might be feeling, you are His child. His love for you is not dependent on your ability to keep going. True strength is your ability to recognize the need to stop and be with Him. So stop, even just for a moment, and find rest in the only One who can truly give it.

July 1, 2020

1 Peter 5:8 states “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour.”

The enemy is cunning and deceitful. He’ll manipulate our thoughts, make sin look attractive and fulfilling and even convince us that he doesn’t exist. Satan will try to gain a foothold in any area of our lives. But, remember: the enemy can only gain a foothold if we allow him. With Jesus we are never without hope, we are never without a shield and a defender.

Yes, the enemy wants us to fail, but we have a God that wants to give us abundant life. Yes, the enemy wants to exploit our weaknesses, but we have a God who looks at our weaknesses as an opportunity for grace. Yes, the enemy wants us to live a life of mediocrity, to take advantage of our freedom and constantly look for ways that we can push boundaries. But, we have a God who shows us what true love looks like. The enemy can try, but in the light of Christ he will never, can never, prevail. So, take heart. You do not have to stay in doubt and fear because we have a God who gives a peace that surpasses all understanding, you just need to be willing to receive Him.

June 23, 2020

Where would we be without Mary’s witness? I love the reflective words of Scot McKnight in his article “The Mary We Never Knew.” He urges us to see Mary in a different light, to ponder her profound role in salvation history—a role that should not be ignored or minimized. He writes, “God first tells her the true identity of Jesus. Thus, we first learn to see who Jesus was and is through her witness. Mary was the only person in the world who could have told the stories that now appear in our Gospels. She alone heard the potent words of Gabriel; she alone was with Elizabeth; perhaps she is the one who told Luke about Zechariah’s song; only she and Joseph knew about the shepherds and magi.”

•

As I read McKnight’s words I realized, just as Mary was called to be a witness, so are we. What is Jesus speaking to your heart? He has given you a unique voice, and with that unique voice, He has entrusted you with sharing the truth of who He is. Desire that people would know the Lord through your life. Don’t underestimate the power we have in Christ. Perhaps one day someone will be left wondering, “Where would I be without YOUR witness?”

June 19, 2020

“I can never be lost or hopeless as long as I have You”—a line I wrote in my journal this morning. It can be easy to slip into a state of forgetfulness—a forgetfulness of His goodness, His grace and His faithfulness. But, despite what I may be feeling in the moment, Jesus again and again lovingly asks me to trust Him. Again and again Jesus reminds me that He never leaves, that He’s never once left me. He is speaking, even if I can’t hear Him. He is holding me, even if I can’t feel Him. He is present, even if I can’t see Him. In Jesus, I am found. In Jesus there is always, always hope. So, if you're struggling to find words during your time with the Lord, I urge you to join this simple prayer with me:

•

Jesus, walk with me. You know more than I do. Though I may not always know where you're taking me, I choose to trust. I trust that You will never lead me astray. Guide my heart and my steps, for I can never be lost or hopeless as long as I have You.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

June 17, 2020

What do we have if we don’t have You

In whom do we trust?

In what do we place our hope?

Worldly happiness and success can so easily be shaken, taken in the swiftness of a mere moment.

It’s clear we were not meant to live this life without You.

We are not invincible.

We are small before You.

So, how did we get here?

Clamor is commonplace so much so that silence is strange to us. Comfort our companion so much so that any displeasure invokes depression. Our peace so misrooted that one mishap induces panic.

But, You Jesus, in the midst of a world that is swirling in dismay, remain unmoved. Jesus, You are the one unshakable hope. You are the firm foundation in which all are called to lay and rest. I put my trust in You. I humble myself under Your mighty hand (1 Pt 5:6). For You are the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8).