You Feel Like Home To Me

"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." – 2 Corinthians 5:1

Isn't it wonderful that no matter where you are in this world God is always with you? Especially since the Catholic Church is universal, we can be united with Jesus in communion wherever we go. He remains constantly with us no matter how far we travel! Even when we are in an unfamiliar place, far from home, His presence is forever unchanging.

As I recall, being in Indiana over the summer, something amazing happened! After visiting a professor at the University Notre Dame I stepped onto the campus and had no idea where I was. I had been dropped off on the side of campus to meet with this professor and was trying to make my way back to a familiar area. Even though I've been to Notre Dame several times, I still don't know the entire layout of the campus. So basically I was lost.

Nevertheless, I just decided to walk aimlessly along a random path and enjoy the beauty of the day. It was really sunny and the trees were swaying so gently in the wind. The campus was gorgeous...of course... it's Notre Dame, Our Lady's school. However, I really didn't know where I was going or what I would find. But sure enough I came across the Basilica and the Main Building in the center of campus. 

My first thought was, "I wonder if I can go in the church now? I hope it's open to visitors!" As I checked a sign in the front of the Basilica I found a listing of the Mass times. I saw that Mass was being held at 11:00am. Immediately I double checked my phone and it said 11:07am. 

"Perfect! I can go to daily Mass now, how wonderful!" I thought. I slowly opened the doors not to arouse anyone from prayer. As I quietly made my way into the church I was overwhelmed with its beauty! (Seriously, if you've never been inside the Sacred Heart Basilica at Notre Dame this is something you must experience at least once in your lifetime, especially if you're a Catholic.) Starting to walk inside the nave of the church I realized Mass was not going on. Assuming that they were a little late I sat in the pews for a few minutes. However, I kept seeing tourists and cleaning people perusing about the Basilica. 

Finally, I asked a lady working there where Mass was being held. She said it was in the crypt underneath the Basilica. I had heard of the crypt, but I had never gone there before. Eventually I made my way down and entered in the middle of the priest's homily. From there I took a seat and participated in the rest of the Mass.

How amazing!? I wasn't even looking for Jesus and He just put Himself right in front of me. He brought me to Mass that day when I didn't even know when or where it was. God literally put me in the right place at the right time. Although I was 15 minutes late, I still enjoyed the Mass and all it had to offer. Believe me, having Jesus with me for the rest of the day was such a blessing.

After that, the rest of my trip was just as amazing! One of my parish priests from home came to Notre Dame to celebrate Mass the Sunday I happened to be up there. He included my intentions during the Mass inside the Basilica. It was a wonderful service and I'm so happy he was there with me.

Just reflecting on this event makes me think about how God always draws you closer to Him even when you may be unaware of it. He is doing things right now, in your life, to help you reach the Kingdom of Heaven each and every day. No matter where you are, He will always make a path for you to seek Him. Although He clears this path for us, it is ultimately up to us to accept it and to choose Him with our free will.

Even when we are physically far away in an unfamiliar place, like I was, He will get you to where you need to be. With an open heart, He will assist you in your journey and help you to find your home in Him. And looking back, that's what it felt like...home. Once I found where the Mass was I felt like I was home. He is home to me.

When I realized that I was home with Him I didn't feel so lost anymore. I left the church that day feeling reassured about God's plan for my life. Although I still don't know how and why certain things happen, I do know God is constantly making an effort to show me the right path. He is also continuously working in your life to help you find your home in Him...our one and eternal home.

Just the other day I heard a song by a new country singer, Sarah Darling, called "Home to Me." It's a beautiful song that really touched my heart. It is lively, upbeat, and fun to listen to. Although the song is referring to a relationship between a man and a woman I can see how it can relate to our personal relationship with God. Because God is everywhere and He is our heart's dwelling place it makes perfect sense when she says, "Anywhere, anyplace I go...you feel like home to me." She also describes her love by stating, "I found the center of the universe." In all of those respects, the song has a great message and really makes you think about finding your home, your enteral home, from a Christian perspective.

Thanks for reading my blog! You are in my prayers. God bless and enjoy the song.

          

Be Satisfied With Me

"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you." – Psalm 63:3

Happy St. Valentine's Day!!! ❤ Today is the feast day of a wonderful saint who was a priest and martyr for the faith. St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, couples, young people and happy marriages. For many many years now, people have been exchanging Valentine cards to express their love and affection for one another. This goes back to a legend of St. Valentine. While he was in jail, on the eve of his death, he wrote a farewell note to the jailer's daughter and signed it "From your Valentine."

Although this day is meant to commemorate a great saint, it has become commercialized to the extreme.  Around the end of January you can't go into a store without seeing hearts, balloons, and dazzling cards with red and pink sparkles. However, these materialistic goods can be used as a kind gesture from the heart if given in moderation and for sentimental value. I personally love giving and receiving Valentine cards or eating Valentine cookies with friends and family. It's a time to show how much you truly care about those you love and hold close to your heart.

If you have a spouse or a special someone to share the day with it can be a lot more enjoyable! Maybe the two of you have a date planned for the evening or an outing with a group of friends. If you're a Catholic couple, maybe you'll spend it in Adoration with Jesus. Or maybe you'll stay at home and watch a fun and uplifting romantic comedy together. Whatever it may be, it is always nice to be with the one you love.

That being said, I do feel for all of the single folks out there. Not having a Valentine on Valentine's Day can be tough; especially when you see lots of other couples walking around, holding hands, and staring into each other's eyes. Everybody wants to be loved—and it's okay to feel this way. But it's not okay to dwell on it so much that it brings your spirits down. Remember, moping is not hoping.

One of my friends that I talked to last night emailed me a beautiful prayer today. It is a prayer written by St. Anthony of Padua and it's perfect for singles on Valentine's Day. After reflecting on this prayer, Be Satisfied with Me, I feel as though Jesus is asking for our trust and complete surrender as Catholic singles in waiting. He wants us to fall totally and completely in love with Him first before we meet the right "one." Although I know my greatest love is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, there is a certain plan He has for me that only He knows. He has a plan for all of us! What we need to do is pour out our love for Jesus and then things will just fall into place according to His great plan. The more we plan on our own the more we could possibly be getting in the way of His bigger and better plan for us.

So whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed let us give all of our fears to Jesus and have Him enlighten us with His hope and love. Let us be satisfied with Him and know that all things happen in His own good time.

Notre Dame Basilica Wedding

Be Satisfied With Me by St. Anthony of Padua

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soul relationship with another,
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But to a Christian, God says, "No, not until you are satisfied,
Fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone,
With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me.
With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.

Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found,
Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship,
That I have planned for you.
You will never be united to another
Until you are united with Me.
Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
Exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow Me to give you
The most thrilling plan existing... one you cannot imagine.
I want you to have the best.
Please allow Me to bring it to you.

You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things.
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.
Just wait, that's all. Don't be anxious, don't worry.
Don't look around at things other have gotten
Or that I have given them
Don't look around at the things you think you want,
Just keep looking off and away up to Me,
Or you'll miss what I want to show you.
And then, when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love
Far more wonderful than you could dream of.

You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready,
I am working even at this moment
To have both of you ready at the same time.
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me."

Welcome to the Desert

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." – Mark 1:15

Hello Catholic friends! Guess what? During the month of February my blog turns a year old. Wow! I can't believe I've been doing this for a year now. I started blogging for Lent last year and never knew it would become more then just a few posts. I'm so happy to continue writing on here and to share my thoughts with each one of you. Thank you for supporting me with your love and prayers over the last year. For this, I am truly grateful!

So as you know today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Today Catholics around the world attend Mass and receive ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross. This symbol is a reflection of our sinfulness and our willingness to change those sinful ways. During Lent we are given the opportunity to fast and grow in our faith by doing charitable deeds for others. As we enter into the desert we should be open to the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance. With His love we can endure whatever hardships our brought our way.

As we step out into the desert this year Catholics are faced with a shocking surprise. Pope Benedict XVI has stated that he will be resigning from the papacy on February 28, 2013. His announcement on Monday caught everyone off guard. He said his decision to resign was due to the fact that his age has made it hard to adequately fulfill the duties entrusted to him. Although I am sadden by this shocking news, I believe it is a good decision on his part. Since the Holy Father didn't feel he could actively lead the Church anymore I think someone who can should step up and take on those responsibilities.

Pope Benedict realizes that the Church needs someone a bit younger and healthier to fulfill the obligation as Pope. This is a very humble act. Even though Pope John Paul II suffered to the very end during his pontificate, demonstrating loyalty and compassion for the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict has shown us a different approach. Instead of waiting until it gets to that point, he has humbly decided to remove himself so another can lead his beloved Church in the way it should be led. I believe he is showing us a great love for his fellow Catholics by doing this. It is sad to see all of the attacks on him in the media when the Holy See is only trying to do what is best for the Church. So let us continue to pray for Pope Benedict XVI and his future successor with whatever may happen in the days to come.

As we journey our way through Lent, walking alone in the desert, we realize as Catholics that we will soon be heading along that path ahead without a Pope. Until the Cardinal conclave can determine who will fill the seat of St. Peter, we will be living in a transitional period. I can imagine the Catholic Church will be attacked even more in the media during the selection of the new pontiff. That is why we must pray for God's Holy Will in this decision making. Let us lift up our Lenten offering with a loving heart for the new Pope. I just hope and pray we will have a great leader who will serve our Church as best he can in both good and bad times.

Maybe we will even have a new Pope by Easter! Although this decision is crucial and shouldn't be made in a hasty manner, it would be wonderful to celebrate Christ's Resurrection with a new member of the papal household.