“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12: 48 NAB) This line from the Gospel stopped me dead in my tracks this morning as I read it.  I have heard it several times before, but today it struck me in a different way.  It led me to think about my marriage and family life. 

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive!”  This comes straight from the Gospel of Luke for today’s daily readings.  As I was reading the Gospel this morning, I was moved to write a reflection of the spiritual battle I have been facing for the past eight months.  I have not had the courage to share this with anybody, but my husband, who though very supportive, is going through this same battle.  I apologize if this blog is a bit depressing, but I do promise to end in hope!  The hope of a God who loves me (and you)! 

“Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:6.
Archbishop Chaput asked three things from the Community: do something for families, share the beauty of the liturgy and teach on the Jewish roots of our faith.

Christian and I took the first one to heart: do something for families.

“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NAB) This weekend our family celebrated our very last camping trip of the season.  I am amazed we were able to make it until October, living in North Dakota.  As we walked on trails, we heard the leaves crumble under our feet.  

Christine Meert's picture

“Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God.  Do all that you do with love!”  

This is one of my favorite quotes of one of my most favorite saints…St. Thérèse of Lisieux.  I would be amiss if I did not take some time to reflect on this beautiful saint during the week in which we celebrate her feast day, on October 1.   

As you know, I promised going on a little journey with Mary and some of my favorite mysteries of the Rosary.  This week I want to take us into my favorite mystery of the sorrowful mysteries.  I certainly do not want to overlook the importance of any of the mysteries, but there is certainly one that speaks most clearly to me and allows me to enter in more deeply.  

As a Catholic, I have gotten a lot of questions from non-Catholics revolving around my personal relationship with Mary, Queen of Heaven.  There is a great misunderstanding of who Mary, Jesus’ mother, and mine, is in the Christian world outside of the Catholic faith.  If I dare say so, I feel there is a huge, missed opportunity from those of other religions who do not take advantage of the beautiful relationship Jesus invites each of us to while He was on the cross.