Voice of God, do you hear his voice?

 

Psalm 94:7, For he is our God and we the people who belong to his pasture, the flock that is led by his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice!

Is this Mic. On? Testing one, two, three.

Who has heard of a CB radio? A way of communicating between groups of travelers, a way of tuning into different frequencies.

Women of Faith and Hope, check your receiver, do you copy? For me, to hear the voice of God, it’s in the small things and usually it’s two little small things, my son and daughter.  On a Sunday, they start setting the theme for the week and it continues until I have written it all down, lined it up with the word of God or until I have understood or have read them loud and clear.

Did ever a people hear the voice of the living God speaking from the heart of the fire, as you heard it and remain alive? Deuteronomy 4:33.

Does your brother or sister listen to you? Have they won you back or have you won them back?

What ways do we hear the voice of God?

·        The word of God

·        Other People

·        Our circumstances

·        This tiny small voice

·        His actual voice

·        Music, hymns

·        The Minister, Priest.

I once tried to talk to a brother and have it out with him, between the two of us but he never listened or wanted to listen, instead I was given a consequence. So, when I think about it, I didn’t win my brother back. So, I tried to ask for forgiveness for the both of us through prayer, instead I was given a consequence. I placed a complaint, hoping someone would help us, instead I was given a consequence. For my brother to listen, it wouldn’t matter if I used my voice; to mutter, whisper, shout, roar, suggest, demand, state, announce, assert, declare, affirm. He would not hear or listen to me. We are on different frequencies or wave lengths.

However, what if my voice was used by God to bring us back together as brother and sister? Hopefully, we have all heard the saying; “You break it, you buy it.” In this case, I believe, God is saying; “Katie, you broke it, fix it, mend it.” I guess like any parent would tell their child, “if you break it, we need to fix it.” So, be kind, compassionate, merciful and love, for each one of us is precious to Jesus. Yet we fail to understand, acknowledge to hear God speak to us in many ways.

We forget, through misunderstandings, difficulties, even when there seems to be division. God will be there with us. An example can be found in this week’s, Readings, Gospel Reading, Matthew 18:15-20.

A Brother or Sister, who seeks reconciliation, forgiveness, mutual love. but the problem is having the other not listen and agree to meet in the Father’s name. Are they happy, knowing what they have lost on earth, will not be found in heaven? I am not, it breaks my heart. Instead there is silence and distance, being told; “your brother isn’t nice, stay away, don’t go anywhere near them, keep your distance.” There is pretense, ‘I have never met you,’ we have never spent an hour of worshipping, devotion, an experience, an encounter in the name of Jesus Christ, it never happened. Or my favorite, being worried about what other people say? Who cares what other people say, it’s what you say, it’s how you feel that matters the most, but they are too caught up in their status, reputation and this is concerning them? If we knew reconciliation is entrusted to us by God, why wouldn’t one try to help heal the wounds or mend what is broken? Gospel Acclamation 2 Corinthians 5:19. Through the Lord, we can be binded together here on earth and in heaven, with the love of God. For there is one God, one King, one body who has reconciled himself to the world and the Good News, it’s our turn to reconcile the world with Christ with merciful love, it’s time to bring back our Brothers and Sisters to know Christ, who is forgiving and love. Love is after all the answer to every one of the commandments.

Deuteronomy 28:1-2, But if you obey the voice of the LORD your God faithfully, keeping and observing all those commandments of his that I enjoin on you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All the blessings that follow shall come up with you and overtake you if only you obey the voice of the LORD your God.

I hear promises, good promises, maybe one day, I can walk beside my Brother, like Saint Francis and Saint Clare, share a meal, for my invitation for coffee to be accepted finally and for people to only think of the love and friendship two people can have when they meet in the name of Jesus, and "where they meet, I shall be there with them."

May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope.

Written and Created by My Mother Rose.

 

Saint Rita of Cascia.

 

“There is nothing impossible to God.” Saint Rita.

“Let me, my Jesus, share in thy suffering, at least one of thy thorns.” Saint Rita.

Our first Mother is Saint Rita of Cascia, feast day, May 22^nd. Rita, born in the year 1381 in the village of Roccaporena, near Cascia, Italy. As a young girl, Rita would frequently visit the Augustinian Nun’s in Cascia and dreamed of joining their community. According to customs, Rita’s parents had offered her in marriage to Paolo Mancini. They were married and had twin boys. Through prayer, patience, Rita was able to ease the stress but was not able to protect him from dangers. Soon after her husband was killed, Rita was filled with fear her two sons, would be moved by Vendetta, and seek avenge. It was prayer that save the boys and they died in peace, free from murder, hatred and revenge. All alone, Rita turned her thoughts to her desired vocation of her youth. At the age of thirty-six Rita pledged to follow the ancient rule of Saint Augustine and for forty years she gave herself wholeheartedly to prayer and works of charity. Striving for peace and harmony among the citizens of Cascia. About sixty, she was mediating before an image of Christ crucified, suddenly a small wound appeared on her forehead, as though of a thorn from the crown that encircled Christ’s head had loosed itself and penetrated her own flesh. Before her death, Rita was bed ridden and when asked if she desired anything from her old home, she asked for a Rose from the garden and when her cousin went to see and not expecting to found a Rose due to the season there was one single Rose blooming in the garden. At the age of seventy-six, May 22^nd, Rita passed away. Rita is a patronage saint for lost and impossible causes, sickness, wounds, marital problems, abuse and mothers.

May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope.

Written and created by My Mother Rose.

Our Journey begins, with Mother's Who Are Saints.

 

“storms make trees take deeper roots.” Dolly Parton

Well, for so long I wanted to live a spiritual life, in which I could serve God, our Mother Mary and now Women of Faith and hope, the rejected, marginalized, the outsider, those who I hear crying and in need of help, support, encouragement. Despite all the opinions, silence, ignorance and the constant No! I see a need for more Women’s ministries. This September, I would love to share with you all, ‘Mothers who are Saints.’

And as we journey in the month of September, I pray and hope you come to know these extraordinary women and Mothers as I have.

My advice for any woman beginning her Journey in Faith and Hope, be opened, be present, be ready to learn, to listen, to see and pray to God, pray to Jesus, to Mary our Mother of God, The Holy Spirit, the Saints, your guardian Angel. It takes courage to begin a journey in Faith and make it your own, it takes confidence in knowing God has a plan for your life, a future and a hope. It takes all of you, your mind, heart and soul to know you are enough, worthy to experience the greatest gift of all love. The love of God.

“Believe in you and believe in God.”

It’s scary, walking into a room being the stranger, remember the reason behind that yes! I want to leave you with a quote, I did find it very hard to find a quote from Saint Emilia, however her son, Saint Basil the Great quoted; “The bread which you hold back belongs to the hungry; the coat, which you guard in your locked storage-chests, belongs to the naked; the footwear moldering in your closet belongs to those without shoes. The silver that you keep hidden in a safe place belongs to the one in need.”

May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope,🌻

Written and created by My Mother Rose.

 

Tug-Of-War, With God's Love.

 

I have started to read, The Essential Wisdom Library, St. Francis of Assisi, His Life, teachings, and practice by Jon M. Sweeney and Foreword by Richard ROHR. O.F.M. In the foreword it says; “Once you are hooked, you feel like saying with Jeremiah the prophet, “You have seduce me, God, and I have let myself be seduced…I say to myself ‘I will not think about you anymore, until there seems to be a fire burning in my heart’” (Jeremiah 20:7-9). And the tug-of-war and love begins all over again and it happens to be the First Reading for this week. Yesterday, I was reflecting on the readings and Gospel and couldn’t help but think, am I faithfully following Jesus? Especially those moments when I struggle to understand. We have so many obligations in life and It’s very hard to find that balance, I honestly, do struggle to understand at times and find myself remonstrate with God.  

In the Gospel, Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life?” Matthew 16:21-27.

I always try and find Jesus, every day in my daily routines, daily chores, recently though, I thought, it’s all good to find Jesus but when I find him, am I inviting him in to stay, so that together we get it done, the housework, washing, cooking, the children? My honest answer is no, I am not inviting, he saved me, I have been saved and in exchange, what do I offer? Half of me, half of my time, half of my thoughts, my heart, my love or nothing at all. Jeremiah 17:9-10, The heart is more devious than any other thing, perverse too; who can pierce its secrets? I, the Lord, search to the heart, I probe the loins, to give each man what his conduct and his actions deserve.

When I think about it, do I have a day in mind, when I am going to deny or renounce myself, to take up my cross and follow him? Isn’t once enough? At, times it feels like I am constantly taking up my cross to follow Jesus or am I waiting on that day, for the Son of Man to come in the glory of his Father with his angels? Here is the thing, when we are saved, when we have new life in Christ, our hearts are set on fire, with a love that burns Psalm 6:9-10, Leave me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping, The Lord has heard my plea, the Lord will accept my prayer. Every morning, I wake up and know that I am blessed, and I am thankful, and my hope is to be a blessing for others, my children. This is something, I would have strived for or strived to have in my life, but I no longer wish to strive, I need his love, his love is free, It’s for each one of us, it’s the same, equal, fair love for all of creation. Maybe it is possible, we play tug-of-war with his love, who is stopping the love from crossing the line in the middle? We are pulling the rope but how hard are we pulling? Are we pulling hard enough that our hands end up with blisters from the rope burns? How opened are we for his gift of love? Right now, what I can offer in exchange is a heart that can see the great hope to which we are all called.

Psalm 25:2-3, Examine me, Lord, and try me; O test my heart and my mind, for your love is before my eyes and I walk according to your truth.

May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope.

Written and created by My Mother Rose.

Rock Solid Faith.

 

Who do you say Jesus is?

1 Corinthians 10:4, and all drank the same spiritual drink, since they all drunk from the same spiritual rock that followed them as they went, and that rock was Christ.

Last Thursday, I had a dream, and in my dream I heard; “who is your son? My son is the Risen Christ.” My answers to the question; who do you say I am? My honest answer, you are kind, compassionate, forgiving, merciful and a loving companion, friend, Father and the son of the living God.

In the Gospel for this week, Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus says; “So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.” In John 1:42 and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said, “You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas”- meaning Rock. The name Peter is of Greek origin, the meaning is rock, stone, also it was known, Peter, fisherman and apostle had an impulsive nature and rocklike faith. Who feels confused? I do, here I go though. Jesus Christ founded the Church which began at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and continues in many lives who put their faith in him. The ‘rock’ is the statement, confession of faith, Peter had made, Matthew 16:16, Then Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Christ,” he said “the son of the living God.” If anyone of us made that confession or statement and I hope most of us do, than our lives become members of the Jesus Church. What is Church? Church in Greek is ekklesia and it’s used in the New Testament to identify a community of believers in Jesus Christ, meaning assembly, congregation or meeting. Hebrews 10:25, Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the day drawing near. ‘I will build my church.’ This is saying what was about to happen, when the power of The Holy Spirit, came down upon them and they became the first witnesses not only in Jerusalem but indeed to the ends of the earth. Yes, the church spread to all parts of known earth and is alive and active today. If we place our faith in Christ, as Peter does, we become the Church, proclaiming the word of God. It’s through our pillars of faith; we too become the foundation of the Holy Catholic church. We are small stones which make up the Church anchored upon the chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christ alone is the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him; set yourselves close to him 1 Peter 2:4.  If I have this right and what I take it all to mean is Peter meaning rock, became the foundation for Jesus to build his Church upon for all nations to come together, to worship, fellowship, teaching, prayer and encouragement in the Faith and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord God, who lives forever and ever. AMEN.

Luke 20:17, But he looked hard at them and said, “Then what does this text in the scriptures mean; It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone?”

Matthew 21:42, Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures it was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone. This was the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see?”

Mark 12:10, Have you not read this test of scripture, it was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone.

Psalm 117:22-23 The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes.

May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope.

Written, photo and created by My Mother Rose.

My Risen Daughter's

 May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope.

Written, photo and created by My Mother Rose.

Accepting, Women of Faith and Hope and the Greatest of all Love.

 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be awake to all the dangers; stay firm in the faith; be brave and be strong. Let everything you do be done in love.

In this week’s gospel, I admire this woman’s faith, hope and love for God, for her children. Recently, I have received those beautiful sentiments for example; say this prayer, send it to twelve people and watch what he does for you or give an angel to twelve people and watch what happens. Straight away in my head, I hear, “these sentiments are empty promises, I never granted you these wishes.” Here is the thing though, so many of us are seeking these tiny and small miracles, putting so much trust, faith, and hope in the possibility of a miracle taking place.

Why aren’t we putting more trust, faith and hope in the promises that God has for us?

I also admire her strength of character and resilience of being an outsider, scorned, rejected, and ignored. What we are witnessing is a woman of deep love for her daughter, her faith, her love for God, she truly is an example of a true disciple of Jesus and she reminds us how we can too  identify as Christians, as disciples who also can have a deep love, faith and hope in God, in our children, families and in life. This woman knew Jesus, and nothing could stop her from shouting and kneeling at his feet, “Lord,” she said, “help me.” The crumbs on the floor are enough, what more could she want, she was satisfied, that is how deep her faith, hope and love was, and her wish was granted. Are we willing to accept this woman, her faith, hope and love?

If we know Jesus, read the bible, have read the reading and gospel for this week, have accepted and chosen to follow God’s law, repented and received the love of God, then why is it so hard to accept, invite, acknowledge, include, a woman of faith, hope and love? I always will be like the woman in the Gospel, an outsider and that’s ok, what I learn from the Gospel is the woman of deep faith, hope and love, has her wish granted for her. How many can say, God granted me my wish? To me it is saying, God kept his promise, he made good on his promises to her.

Maybe, beautiful sentiments we need to be passing around are the words of God, and if you share it with twelve people, you are pleasing God, changing lives, leading with faith, remember going as we do,  by faith, not by sight. We remind them with words such as; to not be afraid for God is with us, there is no need to be anxious or watchful for he is our God. He gives us strength and brings us help and he will uphold us with his victorious right hand. In us he will create a new heart, with a new spirit, keeping to the laws and respecting his observances, he will hear the poor, he will rescue and protect all those who know his name and set they love on him. He keeps his promises.

Are we there yet? Are we trusting yet? Do we have a deep love, faith and hope like the woman in the Gospel reading?

I want to finish with this question;

who is Jesus?

Jesus, God, the Son and The Holy Spirt, the Lord giver of Life. The teacher of our faith, teacher of love, peace, the promises of glory, of God’s kingdom on earth. He healed thousands of people, from profound disabilities, some were healed simply being in his presence, or touching his clothes, he brought people back to life. We just read and heard, how he walked on water, calmed the sea, turned water into wine and feed 5000 people with five loves and a few fish. Jesus is the founder of the Church which is still alive in the world today and in the hearts and minds of those who call on him with a contrite heart. I am inspired and I find comfort in knowing, I am governed and led by The Holy Spirit.

Are we ready to accept Jesus? If we accept Jesus and all he has to offer, his promises, his glory, and love for us, then we can accept our lives as Women of Faith and Hope and of course the greatest of all Love and the lives of other Women of Faith and Hope and of course the greatest of all Love.

May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope.

Written and created by My Mother Rose.

 

 

Mother's Who Are Saints

1 Peter 1:15-16 be holy in all you do, since it is the Holy One who has called you, and scripture says: Be holy, for I am holy.

Saint John Paul II says; “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” Life is an adventure, journey and it takes us on all sorts of paths. One path it can lead us on is a life with Christ. Since the night, I attended Saint Therese of Lisieux relics, I have felt the importance and the need to share Saints and one group of Saints, I was told to share are; ‘Mothers, who are Saints.’

What is a Saint?

Who can be a Saint?

You surprisingly will find how easy it is to possess the virtues and characteristics of a Saint. The characteristic of a saint is to be happy in service to the needs of humanity, Matthew 1:1-12. A Saint is anyone in heaven, whether they are recognized on Earth or not. So, this might include our Mother, Grandmother or other loved ones who may not have always been perfect and despite their faults, get back up and try again, surrendering to God’s love. The Church recognizes Saints as heroes and heroines, their holiness or likeness to God, showing their lives lived with Christ. 2 Timothy 1:5, Then I am reminded of the sincere faith which you have; it came first to live in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I have no doubt that it is the same faith in you as well.

This September, I would love to share with Women of Faith and Hope, ‘Mothers, who are Saints.’ The lives of these extraordinary women, mothers, have really blown my mind and has made me think about my own life, what it is I am seeking and who I want to become? “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” Saint Clare of Assisi.

May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope.

Written and created by My Mother Rose.

 

'His Saving Hand.'

My daughter, would love to walk on water apparently, do I though? If I was called to get out of the boat and walk on water, maybe I would do it, I would make the choice because of my faith and I believe in the presence of Jesus Christ. If I don’t decide and act on it, nothing will ever happen.

“When you’re drowning in fear, doubt or discouragement don’t forget your lifeguard walks on water.” Author Unknown.

I hear Jesus saying; “why do you let go? Why do you let go? You get out, walk towards me and the slight bit of difference, change, you let go.” Maybe my faith is little, and I know for certain, I have had doubts recently but this I know, to have no more doubts, I place my trust in his words, my hope is in God, hope is one thing that is stronger than my fear.

I want to share a word with you all, this word has been appearing in a book I am reading, and, in a few prayers, I have been reciting. You might all know this word, even so, I would like to introduce the word;

‘OMNIPOTENCE!’

What does it mean?

“Omnipotence is a quality of unlimited or very great power.”

Who can have such an unlimited and great power?

God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Mary, Saints, Angels and guess what? Yes, we too have access to the same power. John 14:12, I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform the same work’s as I do myself, he will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father. So, where is our courage? Are we like the cowardly Lion, from Wizard of Oz, in need of courage? Our true courage begins the moment we are afraid, we fear, we doubt and with our faith we can look at all our worries, anxieties, fears in the eye and cry out ‘Lord! Save me! I will not be afraid! His hand at once will be put out for us to hold. Isaiah 58:9, Cry, and the LORD will answer; call, and he will say, “I am here.”

Why don’t we hold onto the omnipotence? Truly, the power of God is closer to us than we think, believe, he will never leave us. ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you always.’ Psalm 2 Blessed are they who put their trust in God. Don’t close your eyes, don’t hide under a blanket or a cloak, embrace the gentle breeze, open your heart to his gentle, inspiring, loving words that speak to your heart. Our eyes are fixed on Jesus, from here on out, when we decide to get out of the boat, keep moving forward, there is no going back, for our Lord is a Lord of salvation, he will bless his people and show us mercy and love.

May God Bless Always, Women of Faith and Hope.

Written and created by My Mother Rose.

 

Saint Mary Mackillop, Day Five- A Woman of Compassion.

Day Five- A Woman of Compassion.

We place ourselves in the presence of God and Mary Mackillop.

Today we reflect on Mary, a Woman of Compassion.

“Help one another and bear with one another as God bears with each of us.”

Mary to the Sister on 7^th December 1899.

We read scripture, Romans 15:4-5.

Reflection;

Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them cheerfully, remembering whom you trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another. Bear with one another, and let charity guide you in all your life.

The last typed letter of Mary Mackillop on 12^th January 1909 to the Sisters.

We now sit in silence and reflect on Mary’s words.

My Reflection;

Colossians 3:12, You are God’s chosen race, his saints, he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience.

Prayer;

God, blessed are they who put their trust in you, Psalm 2. Mary, teach Women of Faith and hope, what is needed to be Women of Compassion.

Saint Mary Mackillop, Day Four- A Woman Of Action.

Day Four- A Woman of Action

We place ourselves in the presence of God and Mary Mackillop.

Today we reflect on Mary, a Woman of Action.

We read scripture, Luke 4:18.

“Tis true, I only see to serve God in the care of the little ones of his flock, and that for this I have forsaken all that bound me to earth.”

Mary to her mother Flora on 21^st August 1867.

We read scripture, Colossians 3:16-17.

Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We now sit in silence and allow the words in Colossians 3:16-17, speak to us.

Prayer:

May Mary, teach us to trust in God that we too can be Women of Action, Women like trees, planted beside the flowing waters, yielding fruit in due season and leaves never fading. Whatever actions we take, know all we do we shall prosper. Trust in God, in his words, for great things can happen on earth, for the Kingdom.

Amen.

Written and created by My Mother Rose.

Saint Mary Mackillop, Day Three- A Woman of Courage

Day Three- A Woman of Courage.

We place ourselves in the presence of God and Mary Mackillop.

We read from Scripture, Psalms 31:24

“Courage, then, my much-loved Sisters. Work on bravely…. hopefully. Do not give way to fears and anxieties. Remember there is even a day of bright reward for all your prayers and faithful perseverance.

Mary to the Sisters on 5^th June 1874.

We read from scripture, John 14:27.

Reflection:

My Reflection:

I answered the questions.

Stepping out with courage is daunting and hard. Remember how brave and strong we can be. Right now, it feels like we are in a cocoon, having to isolate, living with restrictions, maybe we are in a similar situation as the Hungry Caterpillar, who remembers that book? My children read it all the time and recently my son had to do some homework relating to the Hungry Caterpillar, who built a cocoon as a home and grew into a beautiful rainbow butterfly. Let us take this time to grow in hope, gain courage, confidence and faith in God, and in the world, that it will become a better place.

Prayer:

We pray to be Women of Faith and Hope, Women of Courage, strength and Bravery.

Amen