I have a perpetual calendar on my desk from 2007 with the words “Stand Firm” on the cover, taken from the Scripture Col 4:12b, “stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” It has a verse about standing firm for each week of the year, often accompanied by words from a Christian witness, hymn or poem, or from the founder of “Moms in Touch,” Fern Nichols. I had joined a Moms in Touch prayer group in our parish, where we met together weekly to pray for our kids and our schools.
Our little group always began with a few songs, “As the Deer” and “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” were on the top of the list.
Then we would focus on a particular attribute, name or characteristic of God, reading the Scriptures about it and praising Him for Who He is. After a short time of silent confession, we would invite the Holy Spirit to lead us, and then pray God’s Word into the lives of our children and our schools. So many Words planted in the hearts and minds of our kids as we lifted them up in prayer, with the Lord strengthening us in our faith and trust in Him. How grateful I am for those weekly meetings, as I look back now and see how they were shoring up the foundations of my faith, preparing my heart to indeed stand firm in the trials and struggles of the years that followed!
The memory of those years, and of that calendar, have been coming back to my mind recently as I heard that phrase echoed by Msgr James Shea, President of the University of Mary in North Dakota. He spoke at one of the break-out sessions of the National Eucharistic Congress, on the topic “The Religion of the Day: Breaking Free from Post-Christian Influence.” How are we to respond to the non-Christian culture we live in? By “standing firm” in the faith of our fathers – in the Truth of the Bible, of the Catechism and the Magisterium of our Catholic Church. We’ve been given what we need to resist being confused or frightened by what’s going on in our society, in the world.
Last Saturday I was blessed to hear Peter Herbeck, Vice President of Renewal Ministries, repeat the same admonition: “Stand Firm!” It’s not complicated; we know who we are and Whose we are. We know Who has won the Victory, and He has us in His safe keeping, if we but stand firm in our faith! I go back to the words of that classic hymn, “The Battle Belongs to the Lord!” By Jamie Owens-Collins
With heavenly armor We’ll enter the land, The battle belongs to the Lord! No weapon that’s fashioned Against us will stand, The battle belongs to the Lord!
Refrain: We sing glory, honor, Power and strength to the Lord!
When the power of darkness
Comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He’s raised up a standard
The power of His Blood
The battle belongs to the Lord!
Refrain
When the enemy presses
In hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend
Your deliverance is near
The battle belongs to the Lord!
Refrain
How grateful I am for the Truth of the Scriptures, often put to music that resonates in our minds and hearts.
Isaiah 30:15 -”For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “by waiting and by calm you will be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies…” “By waiting and by calm;” to me that translates as “stand firm!” Elisabeth Elliot”s words: “The Lord’s decrees (His promises, His plans, His every word) stand fast. The events in our private lives and the great catastrophes in the world do not budge the solid ground on which the Christian takes his position.”
Lord God, thank You for Your Word, that repeatedly calls us to stand firm in faith! Thank you for putting that word on the lips of leaders in our faith, reminding us of the posture we need to assume to live a victorious life amid the strife and confusion of this world. Thank you for all the ways you bring this Word to our awareness, and remind us of It’s Power! May we indeed stand firm with You, as we trust in Your mercy and love step by step on our journey home to You…
Blessed beyond all imagining! Those are the words that immediately come to mind as I begin to process the incredible gift of attending the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in the year of Our Lord 2024! Main takeaway? The tangible holy energy of being among so many Catholic believers, all focused on the Reality of Jesus Christ, truly present among us in the Blessed Sacrament, and in one another. Each one of us carrying Christ within us, blessing and greeting one another with respect and joy! How grateful we all are to be living right now, and experiencing His coming among us with the promise of much more to come!
I’m reminded of Cd Dolan asking his Jewish Rabbi friend why he would come to Mass and sit in a front pew. His answer blesses me today: he saw people coming forward with expectant faith, receiving the Eucharist with reverence and respect, and then returning to their pews in an attitude of faithful recollection.
Fr Mike Schmitz reminding us to keep the fire burning, and to consider the question, “what are our fire extinguishers?” To be concrete, and put a name to them, for revival is impossible without true and sincere repentance.
Bishop Espaillat’s words, “God is Great; don’t hesitate!” God is never late; may I not be late in responding!
Martha Hennessy, granddaughter of Dorothy Day, with the reminder that Dorothy spent 20 minutes in silence each day after receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. How often I pack up and leave without this time of recollection; what am I missing that the Lord would have me hear? Dorothy’s plea of penance in the wake of the dropping of the atomic bomb; what bombs are being exploded daily in our culture and world that we are called to do reparation for? “Scripture and Eucharist have power that nothing on earth can withstand.”
Sr Josephine Garrett, “God is doing something here and we need to perceive it!” “Ordinary and simple encounters are sacred and profound.” We are called to be repentant pilgrims, “broken and sinful, yet hopeful and joyful!” She had a word from the Lord for each category of pilgrims at the Congress, from Bishops to laity, all called to cherish the Church as Mother and to bring God’s love to the world.
So many more good words! I think I’ll save some for the next post, so I can savor them and not just rush through them all. But I’ll end this segment with a gift the Lord gave me when Sr Miriam Heiland suggested we ask Jesus where He wanted to meet us.
I saw Him in my bedroom at home, sitting in the arm chair, waiting for me. (He looked like Jonathan Roumie 🙂 He reminded me that I don’t need to go looking for Him “out there, somewhere,” but that He is with me in all places, everywhere. He was happy that I was at the Congress, but waiting for me at home. Little me walked into the bedroom and climbed up on His lap, and He wrapped us up in my Mom’s afghan – which she had crocheted with a prayer for each stitch.
Thank You Lord, for calling me home, for holding me close to Your heart. Thank You for the Eucharistic Congress, and for pouring out Your Spirit on us all as we gathered in Your Name. May You seal the graces we received, and multiply them to be given as gift to this world so in need of Your Love and Mercy….
The Church teaches that our priests are “in persona Christi,” in the very person of Christ. This has come home to me in a way that reinforces the reality of God’s personal knowledge and love for little me; He recognizes and knows me!
It’s always a delight when I meet someone I haven’t seen for a while and their face lights up as we recognize each other! It’s obvious that they remember me, and that they’re happy to see me 🙂 (Me too!) Gathering for family celebrations, meeting at conferences, and just bumping into people at the grocery store are all opportunities the Lord provides to bring His children together as family.
The ones that have really spoken to my heart are when a holy priest (or even a bishop!) recognizes little me, and their look conveys a warm welcome. There are so very many people that call for the attention of our pastors, I often marvel that they are able to keep us all straight! As I enter my late 70’s, I’m that much more aware of seeing people that look familiar, and searching my memory files to identify how we’re connected 🙂 When the name and relationship come in to focus, it’s a real gift!
As the Lord has been reminding me again and again, He really knows ME, and He provides circumstances and happy surprises to confirm that in my heart 🙂 I think of going to Mass in a small town far from home, and as I approached the pastor to receive Jesus, he recognized me, and said my name, Ann! He had prepared me for entrance into the Catholic Church 40 years ago, and I hadn’t seem him in a long time. In my spirit, I heard Jesus through this good priest call my name, and smile at me.
I remember a special Bishop remembering my name as we headed on the Quo Vadis boat to Holy Name Retreat House at Chambers Island; we hadn’t seen each other in several years, but he remembered me, and called me by name!
Going to Mass in another small town away from home, there was my spiritual director as the celerbrant – he knows me well, but was surprised to see me there, and his happy and inviting greeting came to me as straight from Jesus; this priest was in persona Christi.
The most recent was at the a very large Mass with the Bishop presiding. My friends, who were ahead of me in the communion line, switched to the Bishop’s line, and I followed them. When he raised the Host, speaking those precious words, “the Body of Christ,” his eyes met mine, and lit up enough for me to know that he too recognized me, remembered me, and that it was a happy memory for him! Again, we hadn’t seen each other in several years, but had some written correspondence that had been a blessing for us both, and had created that bond of friendship that is centered on Christ. Once again I was reminded, “God Himself knows you, He remembers you, and He’s delighted to bless you again with a gift that would be meaningful only to you. He loves YOU!” (ME!!!). My heart sings with gratitude to the Good God Who can never be outdone in His generous love for His little children!
Lord God, how grateful I am for the repeated reminders of Your personal intimate love for me; that You know me, remember me, and delight in surprising me with this gift, offered especially through Your holy priests, “in persona Christi!” May You speak to each of their hearts so personally also, as they bring Your love and mercy to Your children…
When I first heard of the Eucharistic Revival, and the pilgrimages planned across the country, I wanted to be a part of that! My faith journey has led me to a deeper appreciation and awareness of Jesus truly present in the Eucharist, so the idea of walking with Him across the whole USA, with thousands of people participating, brought joy to my heart 🙂
When I heard the procession would be passing through the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, I knew that was the place I wanted to join in. Having been a volunteer there when it was first declared worthy of belief in 2010, and watching as it’s status continued to grow, it was dear to my heart. Driving there through the farmlands, with little or no traffic, and arriving at this place of peace was always a highlight and blessing! I was already planning a trip to WI for my great-niece’s graduation party, so the timing was perfect!
There would be thousands of people arriving, so an early arrival for me made good sense. The actual program would start at 1:00; I came at 9:00 and was able to get a prime parking spot :), and just spend quiet time on the grounds and in the crypt, the actual site of Mary’s appearance in 1859 to Adele Brice. Lighting a few of the hundreds of candles flickering in the quiet and dimly lit room, I sat in silence and brought to Mary the many intentions on my heart, knowing that she received them and with her tender mercy placed them in the Heart of Jesus. I had come alone, and was blessed to join good friends and share this special day with them!
Throughout the talks offered on the pilgrimage route, the Reality of Christ present in the Eucharist, and present within each Christian believer, resonated again and again. We were reminded of Mary as the first Eucharistic processor, carrying Jesus in her womb as she traveled to meet Elizabeth, and that indeed we too carried Him wherever we went. God entered the human world to dwell within us, to be One with us, and to bring His presence with us wherever we go – to bring His Light and Love to this fearful and hurting world as agents of His Mercy.
The scene that repeated itself for me was a recent visit to an arts fair. The streets were jam packed and narrow between the multiple exhibit booths; we could only walk slowly and it was really difficult for me to actually appreciate the many offerings. I was tired, and counting the steps til we could get back to the car and away from the crowds. Then it occurred to me; I was carrying Christ! I was one of His living tabernacles processing among the multitudes, but they didn’t know it. It brought renewed energy to me though, and put a smile on my face that often was received and returned by the many souls traveling with me. Every Christian is part of a procession carrying Jesus, even when there’s no canopy or incense, no vestments or external trappings. The Procession at the Shrine has magnified that for me, and I thank the Lord for the incredible privilege of being His dwelling place wherever He leads me…
Lord God, thank You For putting the Eucharistic Revival on the hearts of Your people! Thank You for the pilgrimages crossing our country and awakening Hope in the lives of those who participate, and who witness this amazing journey! Thank you that you’ve called and chosen me, one of your littlest children, to be a small part of something so very big and wonderful! I pray that I may be ever mindful that I am carrying Jesus, everywhere I go…
I’m watching my grandchildren as they’re learning how to do things for themselves, growing in confidence as they manage simple tasks like drinking from a cup and using eating utensils. Their achievements are met with encouragement and praise with each new skill mastered. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, all smile and applaud as the little ones soak in the love that is being showered upon them, helping them to risk trying the next challenge presented. “Good job, Honey!” “Way to go, Buddy!” And as the kids are becoming more and more articulate, we hear “I did it!,” accompanied by a well deserved smile and self-satisfaction.
In the world of faith my focus has become self-surrender, as the Word “without Me, you can do nothing,” (John 15:5) echoes often in my thoughts. I’m wondering how this transition takes place, and thinking it needs to begin right at the start. Helping the little ones know that everything good comes from the Creator, from the Good God Who loves them and gives them the ability to do anything. Knowing that He created us to learn and to grow, to use the gifts He’s given us, and that indeed all is gift from Him. And to know too how pleased He is with their abilities and progress, that He too is cheering them on, and whispering “God job, My beloved daughter!” And “Way to go, beloved child of My Heart!” My own heart desires to hear them respond, “See what God has helped me to do!” And to know in their hearts that He is their constant help, that their accomplishments are pleasing to Him, and that He is always looking at them with love and encouragement.
I recently heard Debbie Herbeck share how she encouraged her daughters, beginning at age 3, to look in the mirror each morning and repeat, “I am a beloved daughter of God.” To teach them right from the start that they have been created by a Good God, Who loves them unconditionally, and will help them do all that they ever need to do, so they may become all they have been created to be.
One of the primary obstacles to union with God is said to be “self-reliance.” How we need to teach the little ones the necessary skills to master as they grow, within the framework of God’s provision. As they grow, to help them to grasp the gift of the Holy Spirit Who enables them to function beyond their natural abilities, and accomplish “exceedingly abundantly beyond all we ask or imagine,” (Eph 3:20), all for the Glory of God!
It seems it goes back to recognizing that they are not doing anything alone, but always with the help of the Good God who loves them. As I’m becoming more aware of my own littleness, of my own nothingness, perhaps this reflection is for me. I’m that little child, weak and helpless, but empowered by the very Holy Spirit Who raised Jesus from the tomb!
“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. (Rom 8:11) Praise God Who calls me to be always God-reliant and not self-reliant!
Lord God, thank you for reminding me of Your ever-present help and strength to do all You ask of me, as I watch our grandchildren learning new skills. May we all know that indeed nothing is possible without You, not even the next breath we take, that we may live in the attitude of gratitude for all that you enable us to do and be, for Your praise and Glory…
“Learning to pray is a skill.“ This was one of the first themes I was to pray with as I was being instructed in lectio divina. The theme was accompanied by a grace to seek, and the grace for this theme was “to be a better listener in prayer.” We were taught to beg for a specific grace whenever we pray, and then to pay attention to see how that grace is being answered as we pray with the Scriptures. Foundational to any relationship with God is prayer, as the means of listening for that still small Voice to which we so long to hear and respond.
I was eager to begin this new chapter in relationship with God, so received several Scripture verses from my director, with the instruction to spend an hour with each passage. Then I was to share what I had experienced at our meeting each day of the 5 day directed retreat. One problem persistently arose however; when I pray, I usually close my eyes, and when I close my eyes, within 5 minutes I’m asleep! This has been a pattern for me as long as I can remember, and needless to say was proving to be a challenge to my prayer times. How to stay awake and truly enter in to the conversation with the Lord?
One strategy that seemed to work was to sketch what I was experiencing in my prayer time. I’ve come to think of that as a spiritual sketchercises, especially as I did a lot of that when going through the 36 weeks of the Annotated 19 Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. I didn’t always fall asleep :), by often enough to make the sketching seem productive and helpful for prayer. As I sketched or doodled what was coming to mind, it would often find it’s own life and draw me more deeply into communion with the Lord. I usually followed this with a colloquy, or conversation with one of several Persons of the Trinity, or with Mary, or one of the Saints. I would write to them, and then pause and write down what I felt Their response to me might me, often surprising me with an insight or words that were a blessing to me.
This process has been such a blessing to my growth in prayer, it was suggested that it might help others to share some of the entries from my journals as a sample. Always we recognize that any gifts given to us by the Good God are never just for ourselves alone, but always meant to be freely given. As I’ve come to recognize the gift this has been for me, it’s a delight to share them with you as we seek together to build and strengthen the Kingdom of God in our midst.
Spiritual Sun Pennies 