This Sunday’s Gospel: May 2, 2021

For this Sunday’s Gospel and other Mass readings, click here! I sat on a beautiful porch in Florida, changed forever after returning from a mission trip in Nicaragua. My team and I sat in a circle for a debriefing session before we parted ways and returned to our respective campuses for the rest of theContinue reading “This Sunday’s Gospel: May 2, 2021”

This Sunday’s Gospel: April 25, 2021

For this Sunday’s Gospel and other Mass readings, click here! When I think of sheep, I think of them as adorable fluffy animals. They always look so pure and perfect for snuggling. But they’re also and fragile, and they need to be watched and cared for. Because sheep are so precious, they need to beContinue reading “This Sunday’s Gospel: April 25, 2021”

Good Friday: The Most Passionate Love Story

The Greatest Love StoryI used to love dramatic romance novels, the kind where a couple fights to protect their relationship against all odds. I would root for them as they clung to each other through obstacle after obstacle. I would swoon over grand gestures of one’s love and passionate scenes of intimacy. Oftentimes, the storyContinue reading “Good Friday: The Most Passionate Love Story”

How the Annunciation Reminds me of Discernment

Revealing His WillI love to reflect on the Annunciation, when Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would be the Mother of God. It resonates with me for several reasons, including Mary’s fiat, or her response to the Annunciation, meaning “let it be done.” In this moment, Mary learned of God’s plan forContinue reading “How the Annunciation Reminds me of Discernment”

According to His Timing

For this Sunday’s Gospel and the other Scrutiny Year A readings, click here! When I pray, I ask God to answer my prayers in His “perfect timing.” I lift up my friends and family and offer Him my intentions. After my laundry list of prayers, I end with “Father, I ask that You answer theseContinue reading “According to His Timing”

Sent as a Witness

For this Sunday’s Gospel and other Year A Scrutiny readings, click here! We often hear people ask “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I can think of a lot of reasons why, but Jesus gives us an answer in the Scrutiny Year A readings which are optional for this Sunday. Jesus says thatContinue reading “Sent as a Witness”

Almsgiving: the Third Pillar of Lent

Almsgiving as a Pillar of LentI feel like almsgiving, or giving alms, is one of the most often forgotten pillar of Lent. Like I mentioned in last week’s fasting post, it seems like we’re more preoccupied by what we’re giving up for Lent. Almsgiving requires us to look outside ourselves and give to others. TheContinue reading “Almsgiving: the Third Pillar of Lent”

With the Woman at the Well

For this Sunday’s Gospel and other Mass readings, click here! The Woman at the Well is one of my favorite Gospel passages. It’s close to my heart, and it has a lot of wisdom in it. Jesus uses the image of living water in His longest recorded conversation in the Bible, and it’s with aContinue reading “With the Woman at the Well”

A Lot Can Happen in 23 Years

23 Years Later…Today I turned 23 years old, and needless to say, I’ve grown and changed a lot from when I was born. I love to look back on the plans that 3-year-old Madeline dreamed up versus where I am in life now. I spent my days playing dress-up and making crafts. I thought IContinue reading “A Lot Can Happen in 23 Years”

Fasting: the Second Pillar of Lent

Fasting as a Pillar of LentIf one of the pillars of Lent was the most widely practiced, I assume that it would be fasting. I always hear people ask, “What are you giving up for Lent?” but I rarely hear people ask, “What are you praying this Lent?” or “How are you giving alms thisContinue reading “Fasting: the Second Pillar of Lent”