Building this Community into a resource for souls seeking to get closer to God. Various resources and meditation will be offered on a regular basis and is an inclusive space to embrace all kinds of readers.

July 31st

What are the three theological virtues? I am glad you asked!
The theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity (love). They are special qualities given by God to help people connect with Him and reach eternal life.

The three Theological Virtues are those that order man to God, allowing him to participate in God’s own Trinitarian, divine life. They provide the foundation for the Christian’s entire moral life because they guide, direct, and give life to all other virtues. These virtues are gifts given to us by God freely and it is up to us to decide whether or not we want to accept and use them. The three Theological Virtues are Faith, Hope, and Charity. (the best plain English explanation I found is from this Parish in Arizona)

Charity (Love): Loving God above all things and loving your neighbor as yourself. It is considered the greatest of the three

Faith: Trusting in God and believing what He has shared.

Hope: Looking forward to eternal life and trusting in Christ’s promises.

July 26th

I want to share one of my most treasured books that I found during covid by listening to Fr Chris Alar’s series on YouTube “Explaining the Faith” and that is the Diary of St Faustina. I simply cannot recommend enough. It has been a source of hope and strength and desire to be a better creature and light for others. I would highly recommended ordering a copy of the book itself, but you can find pdf versions of it online. Here is one link I found without having to do an extensive search https://www.seraphim.my/divinemercy/diary/text/DiaryI(401-450).htm
The diary of [Saint Maria] Faustina is the record of her life experience – the
journey of her soul. She was graced by a special communion with God, and the diary
expresses her conviction that communion ought to be the center of our lives. Since the
1940‟s, the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, St. Stanislaus Kostka Province, have
shared this conviction and have undertaken the promulgation of God‟s mercy throughout the
world, particularly as it has been proclaimed by [Saint] Faustina.

July 24th

“You are worth more than many sparrows” Matthew 10:31
As Jesus gets ready to send out His twelve apostles to continue the work of advancing His Father’s kingdom, He prepares them for an onslaught of extreme persecution (Matthew 10:16–25). Knowing their hearts are filled with trepidation, He comforts and encourages them (Matthew 10:26–33). One urgent and undeniable concern of these soon-to-be-tested disciples is their fear of physical harm and death. In addressing the matter, Jesus asks them, “Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29–31, 
Ref – https://www.gotquestions.org/worth-more-than-many-sparrows.html
For most of us, we don’t have to face such dramatic circumstances on a daily basis and yet can still feel beleaguered by the demands of working, providing for a family or children, maintaining a safe and happy home while doing it according to God’s plan hopefully. If our Father has the ability to care for the least of his creatures as sparrows, how much more will he care for us?

July 23rd

A simple prayer for the end of the work day.
Heavenly Father, as the sun sets and the evening begins, I turn to You in this brief moment of peace. Thank You for Your grace that has carried me through today. I give You the day’s successes, and I lay down any worries, frustrations, or heavy loads.

Forgive me where I have fallen short, and guide my thoughts and actions for the rest of this evening. Protect my home, bless my loved ones, and grant me a quiet, restful mind so I can rest peacefully tonight.

In Your name I pray, Amen

July 22nd

Today is the Feast of St Mary of Magdalene [Ref https://universalis.com/-400/today.htm]
St Mary Magdalene

Mary of Magdala was healed of “seven devils” by Jesus. She ministered to him in Galilee and was present at his crucifixion. She was in the group of women who were the first to discover the empty tomb, and it was to her that the risen Jesus first appeared.

  The Western tradition is that Mary Magdalene is also “the woman who was a sinner” and the sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany. There is no evidence either way, and the tradition is tenuous enough for even such authorities as St Ambrose to hold, with the East, that they are three different people. It seems, therefore, that although the Western tradition is to be respected and is a real inspiration, it may not necessarily be historical. (Indeed, in 2021 Mary of Bethany was formally recognised as separate, being included in the same feast as Martha and Lazarus, a week after Mary of Magdala).

  This kind of ambiguity is inevitable in a religion such as Christianity, which is founded on definite historical events rather than myths which can be adjusted into logicality. We need not worry about it too much: if it had been harmful to us to celebrate the tradition of heroic penitence, the Holy Spirit would not have allowed it.

  Even without the extra tradition, Mary Magdalene is a unique and important character in the story of the Resurrection, chosen by Christ as one of the first witnesses of the event that changed the world.

July 21st

I never really considered myself a Christian rock enthusiast- more of a traditional classic rock fan growing up in the 70’s and 80’s and getting more and more alienated by modern music trends as time went by. So when I found this recording on youtube quite by accident I was truly thrilled and inspired and love to listen to this whenever I can, particularly if I am feeling down. Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXttZ5rd1Qk
For the full text of the Psalm https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103&version=NIV

July 19th

“Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness”.
I visited a parish for services today I do not normally go to. Just to mix it up instead of hearing the same person repeatedly. Not that my normal place isn’t spiritually fulfilling. Just to hear a different perspective. And today was well worth it. What we choose to focus on means everything. Even if we feel like we are not making a difference, we continue to contribute in our own humble ways, we can light the path for others. A version of the tale of two wolves was also shared. It is a reminder to me to be vigilant of which one I am feeding:
An old Cherokee grandfather was teaching his grandson about life.

“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

One is evil—he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

He continued, “The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you—and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

July 18th

…remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5
-Sometimes we need to get our house in order before trying to point out someone else’s shortcomings. But Jesus isn’t saying to just mind your own business and leave him alone. Once we overcome our own blindness, then we can see clearly to offer help someone with whatever is hindering them. But how do we approach another person with loving aid and not condemnation or accusations?
“Lord, help me to love others as you love me” Adapted from Sarah Christmyer, Mon 6/22/26 “Living Faith”

July 17th

I love to see and hear other lay people’s insights and thoughts about certain passages of the bible. I never thought of this that way. And that is exactly the point of this whole page. The Self Care Shoppe account on TikTok is a wonderful channel to follow. Today I came across “Stop Overlooking what’s already in your Hand” https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8t1hy3v/

July 15th

Why Baptism is So Important. From Paul’s letter to the Romans 6 3:6
3Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.
5For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.
6We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin.

July 14th

I heard Fr Mike Schmitz talking about this but it may have also originated with Bishop Fulton Sheen. That is “We are punished by our sins, not for them.” When we cling to sin, we aren’t just breaking arbitrary rules; we are choosing behaviors that fracture our relationship with God and bring about natural, painful consequences in our lives. We are free to make our choices, but we are not free to choose the consequences of those choices. Sins create a “splintering” or division within our own souls.

Darkening of the intellect: Confusion about what is truly good.
Weakening of the will: A diminishing capacity to choose the good, even when we want to.
Slavery to vice: Clinging to a sin slowly removes our freedom, making us slaves to destructive habits
God does not arbitrarily punish us; rather, His commandments are “guardrails” for living. When we suffer because of our sins, it is the natural consequence of stepping outside of His protective design. Fr. Mike frequently points to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) as the ultimate path to breaking this cycle.

Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqhmwwo0SZU

July 13th

Unruly Passions
Sirach 6: 2-4

2 Do not fall into the grip of your passion,^a

lest like fire it consume your strength.

3 It will eat your leaves and destroy your fruits,

and you will be left like a dry tree.

4 For fierce passion destroys its owner

and makes him the sport of his enemies.

These verses in Sirach make for a valuable contemplation for me who struggles regularly with unruly passions.

July 12th

Todays first reading Isaiah 55:10-12
¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
¹² You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
God compares His Word to rain and snow. They fall from the sky, perform the natural work of watering the soil, and do not return until life has budded. Similarly, when God speaks—whether it is a promise of deliverance, a command, or a revelation of His character—it contains the inherent power to fulfill its assignment. It cuts through human doubt and accomplishes exactly what He pleases, even if we cannot see the immediate results.
When God’s Word executes its purpose, it transforms the human experience. The verse paints a vivid, poetic picture of returning captives or wanderers being led out “in joy” and “peace”. It suggests a complete reversal of despair; the natural world itself—mountains, hills, and trees—shares in this triumphant celebration, “bursting into song” and “clapping hands”
In times of waiting, transition, or spiritual dryness, this passage is an anchor. It serves as a reminder that God’s plans are not thwarted by our circumstances. He actively works to move us from places of bondage or hardship into an environment where our souls can thrive and rejoice in His grace.

July 11th

On this feast of St Benedict of Nursia, Here is a link to a documentary on EWTN
After establishing a reputation for holiness as a hermit in Subiaco, Italy, local monks begged him to become their abbot. They soon grew to resent his strict discipline and plotted to kill him.

July 10th

Why Did Jesus Die on the Cross?
From his “Explaining the Faith ” Series, Fr Chris Alar has a unique gift of breaking down complex teachings to be understandable. He serves as the head of Marian Press and is based at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
His videos have been a continuing source of encouragement, growth, enlightenment, and inspiration to grow closer to God through faith and charity. I hope that everyone who is not familiar with his channel take some time to see and experience his talks.

July 9th

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes… – Psalm 23
This is an absolutely wonderful reflection on this Psalm which I have read so many times without realizing how much I was missing!
Click here

July 8th

“Bear your share of hardship for the gospel” comes from the Apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to boldly embrace the struggles of faith, relying not on his own willpower, but on the enduring strength that comes directly from God (2 Timothy, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB).
This call to discipleship often manifests in practical, everyday ways, rather than just extreme trials. We can live this out by;
Practicing Patience and Kindness: Demonstrating humility and restraint in difficult relationships, or when dealing with frustration From ashes to Glory! What’s your share of hardship you …. [1]
Choosing Reconciliation: Taking the first difficult step toward healing or forgiveness when there is tension or a disagreement with someone (We are called to embrace hardship for the Gospel). [1, 2]
Standing for Truth: Not shrinking back from your faith even when confronted with mockery or rejection by those who do not understand Bear Your Share – Wisdom Hunters.

July 7th

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis Book 3 Chapter 13
The Obedience of One Humbly Subject to the Example of Jesus Christ

…Learn quickly, then, to submit yourself to your superior if you wish to conquer your own flesh. For the exterior enemy is more quickly overcome if the inner man is not laid waste. There is no more troublesome, no worse enemy of the soul than you yourself, if you are not in harmony with the spirit. It is absolutely necessary that you conceive a true contempt for yourself if you wish to be victorious over flesh and blood…

July 6th

What is Vespers?
In Christian traditions—including Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican (Evensong) denominations—Vespers refers to a canonical hour of evening prayer. It typically takes place around sunset and focuses on psalms, hymns, and Scripture readings.

Why practice daily Vespers?
Making vespers a regular practice helps anchor your day, providing a peaceful transition from the busyness of work to the rest of the evening. By dedicating this short, structured time to reflection, scripture, and gratitude, you reduce evening stress, cultivate mindfulness, and honor a natural rhythm of rest.

Dating back to early Christian and Jewish traditions, vespers sanctifies the twilight hours. Key reasons to integrate this into your routine include:

Historical Continuity: You partake in a timeless rhythm of daily prayer—similar to the ancient Temple lamp-lighting ceremonies and monastic liturgies.

Stress Relief and Transition: It offers a dedicated buffer to decompress from the workday, helping to quiet the mind before nightfall.

Gratitude and Reflection: Evening prayers often center on giving thanks for the day’s blessings and reviewing your actions in a quiet space.

Community Connection: Joining a structured parish service deepens your ties to a spiritual community and fulfills traditional exhortations for public worship.

Monday of Week 14 in Ordinary Time

July 5th

What is your average daily screen time? How is it forming your beliefs and actions? Relevant takes a closer look here:
The Greek philosopher Epictetus said, “You become what you give your attention to.” So if the best of your attention is going to your phone, what kind of person is it turning you into?

This is the stuff we rarely pause to ask. The problem isn’t just distraction. It’s formation by default. Constant scrolling doesn’t just steal time—it rewires the way you think, love, worship and relate. And often, we don’t even notice it happening. Read the entire article.

July 4th 2026

On this 250th anniversary of our great country’s independence, it is not only time to celebrate but an opportunity to reflect on how to make it better. As Christians, what can we do to be leaders in action and example of how to focus on what brings our communities together instead of fighting over our differences. This article “3 Ways the Church Can Promote Unity in a Politically Divided Culture” These scriptural based ideas make for a strong foundation.

July 3rd

“Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy” – The Fatima Prayer or Decade Prayer
When Our Lady of Fatima appeared to Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta for the third time, July 13, 1917, she did two things of great importance: first, she showed them a terrifying vision of hell to reveal the horrific suffering that sin causes; and second, she gave them what has come to be known as the Fatima Prayer.

July 2nd, 2026

Working through St Louis de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary and noticed the daily requirements continually mention fulfillment of the steps in true piety. We all perhaps our own ideas of what exactly piety is so I decided to revisit some works on what it is and how to become more pious.
Visit the link here for Tom Hovestol’s summary of true piety in contrast with the false piety Jesus exposes in Matthew 6. “How can we acquire the true piety that Jesus recommended to His disciples, while avoiding the false piety He exposed? Matthew 6 offers several clear clues.” https://counselingoneanother.com/2012/08/20/true-piety/

July 1st, 2026

Psalm 50 gave me cause to pause. What hypocrisy am I guilty of? How can I praise God in words but my actions are evil and destructive? This disrespect is not of misunderstanding or falling short, it is intentional disregard for God’s commands. Verse 16-21

¹⁶ But to the wicked God says:
    “What right have you to recite my statutes
    or take my covenant on your lips?
¹⁷ For you hate discipline,
    and you cast my words behind you.
¹⁸ If you see a thief, you are pleased with him,
    and you keep company with adulterers.

¹⁹ “You give your mouth free rein for evil,
    and your tongue frames deceit.
²⁰ You sit and speak against your brother;
    you slander your own mother’s son.
²¹ These things you have done, and I have been silent;
    you thought that I^[c] was one like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.