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Have you ever smelled nard, from the spikenard plant? If you haven’t, I hope you get the chance someday. The first time I smelled it in the Holy Land, I couldn’t stop bringing the bottle up to my nose. Imagine what the house smelled like when Mary was anointing Jesus’ feet with the costly nard. The house would have smelled amazing—like mystery and deep love. What strikes me about Mary’s actions in our reading today from John 12 is that Mary can only think of Jesus and her devotion to Him. Her actions signify a desire to pour out every thing for Christ. Judas doesn’t see the pious action for what it’s worth. To him, it’s a waste and ridiculous. When we make a move to give our lives to Christ, Catholic Pilgrims, there will be people who don’t get it. Our devotion will look silly to them or even stupid. They will think we are missing out on something better, like worldly treasures. They may even be envious. At some point in your move to be closer to Christ, someone will try to talk you out of it. It’s “too much” or “a bit over the top.” Pour it all out anyway. Have a blessed Monday of Holy Week. *Picture is of the Spikenard plant
Continue ReadingWhile at my son's jujitsu practice the other day, I was talking with a lady who has a young teenage daughter. We talked about many things and at one point in the conversation, she mentioned that her daughter "believes there's a God, but she doesn't really know what she believes about Him." She continued, "She really has to figure that out for herself. I tell her as long as believing in Him helps her to be good and love people, then that's all the matters." I politely said, "Well, but actually, it's more than that. Jesus didn't come to just help us to be nice people, He came to save us from our sins and offer salvation." She cut me off and started talking about something else that I had to respond to, but I wish I had gotten in one more very important thing about Jesus. It is not enough to just believe that there's a God out there somewhere and that all He wants is for us to be good. In fact, if that is all you think about God, you will find that He completely fades from your mind and you will stop worrying about what is good and what isn't. Your only concern will be what is socially popular. Relationship. You must be in relationship with God. He wants a relationship with us, not just an acknowledgment. That relationship is built by worship at church, prayer, reading God's Word, seeking His will and receiving the Sacraments which give us sanctifying grace. Anyway, I wish I had gotten that in. Maybe I'll get another chance. There is no greater relationship to cultivate than your relationship with the One True God, Catholic Pilgrims. It is well worth the time and effort. Live the Faith boldly and travel well this Friday.
Continue ReadingToday was the Lentiest day of all Lent. My car has been in the shop for nearly two weeks…and that’s a whole story. So, with no car, I’ve been having to walk everywhere. Which is fine for the first couple of times, but when you just want to do something quick, it’s not, especially when you live on a base that covers a lot of ground. My hubby is gone, so I’m rolling solo. I miss my cat. And as my son and I were walking to basketball practice, he had to bring all his baseball gear for practice after that. It’s not normally like this, it’s just a few days of overlap. Anywho, we were walking and his bag was weighing him down and he was anxious to get to practice, so, I said, “I’ll carry it, you go on.” He thanked me, lugged me the bag, and ran off to practice. The bag weighs 9,000 pounds. He has approximately 25,000 baseballs, two bats, a helmet, and an entire dugout inside the bag. The thing was heavy and I had to carry it a mile. Today was the day when I was ready for Lent to be done. I wanted some sweets, I wanted to sleep in, I wanted to not have to think of my Lenten practices. As I was hiking with the bag on my back, I was grumping to myself and whining about Lent. And then, I thought, “Amy. That’s enough. These are minor inconveniences. Jesus carried a cross after being scourged up a hill. You’ll be fine and you can always unite this to Christ’s suffering.” It’s so tempting to throw in the towel at this point in our Lenten practices. We’re weary. We’re ready for fun and feasting. But, hang in there, Catholic Pilgrims. It’s all worth it for Christ. *sorry for the mad momma face. I couldn’t see. 😅
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