#MyMassTakeaway: Surprise!

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#MyMassTakeaway . So. The disciples were walking along and the Resurrected Jesus sauntered up to hang out with them. They didn't recognize Him. Ha! They chat for a while and suddenly the disciples realize who they're talking to. . When Jesus disappears, the disciples run back to tell everyone what happened. Just as they're talking about it (and nobody is really believing them) Jesus shows up again. And they're scared! . C'mon guuuuys, you JUST saw this happen! And it still scares and surprises you? I was thinking we'd at least get a smug "I told you so." . I get it though. The same darn thing can happen over and over and surprise me every time. I give my kids a fancy glass and they spill it? Surprise. I bury my face in my phone and the kids start to fight? Surprise. I start my day with exercise and feel so much better? Surprise. I drink somethimg wayyy too sugar and crash in the afternoon? Surprise. I spend an hour in adoration and my head feels so much clearer? Surprise. I pray the Rosary and handle stress with so much more grace and virtue? Surprise. . I could go on all day. . You'd think I'd learn my lesson. You'd think experience would change my life. But I'm just so slow to get it. So were the apostles I guess. . Thank You Jesus for being infinitely patient with me. Help me move forward step by tiny step. Help me recognize the truth of Your life and Your grace. And let it change my life, so I'm not stuck in the same circle of surprise. . Amen.

A post shared by Sara Estabrooks (@tojesussincerely) on Apr 15, 2018 at 4:23pm PDT

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A bouquet for this lovely Sunday for #showmeyourflorals Day 7. Painting flowers and reflecting on this passage from Acts from today’s readings: “The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.” We did and do everything wrong, and still He has boundless mercy. How beautiful is that!?! #truth #beauty #watercolorbouquet #watercolorflorals #peonies #catholicreading #biblereflection #dailymassreadings #mymasstakeaway

A post shared by Carolyn Robinson (@olivetreeletters) on Apr 15, 2018 at 9:07am PDT

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In the 11 years I've been a mother taking her children to mass, I've not had anyone treat my family with disdain. . Today you broke that streak. . Yes, we came in at the second reading. We had two sensory meltdowns and one anxiety-fueled refusal. . Yes, my girls' hair needed more brushing. They bury themselves under blankets so they can sleep. . Yes, my son was active. He loves the "bwead and wiiine" and the "pweist." . I realize we may have looked ragged, and that there was motion in our pew. . Do you realize your glare was so obvious, that we aren't required to prove our holiness to you? . Why were you troubled by family? Why did questions arise in your heart? . I'm extending the benefit you didn't give my family. May the love of God be perfected in you. #mysundaybest #mymasstakeaway

A post shared by Ginny Kochis •Not So Formulaic (@ginnykochis) on Apr 15, 2018 at 9:31am PDT

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Don’t you just love finding unique places when traveling? My daughter and I woke up early and found this hip little breakfast joint. I loved being surrounded by all the plants. Then we strolled down the river walk in Reno and headed to church. We attended St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral built in 1907. It smelled of incense, coffee, and donuts. Such comforting scents. My thoughts from Mass today: Christ greets the Apostles with peace. Those who had abandoned him and left Him, He greets with forgiveness and peace. It’s the same for us. When we turn back to Him, that’s what we find, too—mercy and peace.

A post shared by Amy Thomas (@catholic_pilgrim79) on Apr 15, 2018 at 11:19am PDT

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We had one of those miraculous days where our boys were really well-behaved during Mass. The baby even slept through most of it! And then we remembered that our priest gave them blessings before Mass. (Coincidence? We think not.) Keep bringing your kids to Mass. It’s not always easy, and you’ll probably feel like it’s useless…but it’s not. You’re planting seeds. You’re still receiving graces. And one day you’ll be able to sit through a Mass without worrying about a screaming baby, a tantrum-throwing toddler, or any other crazy scenarios. Ask God for the grace to be faithful. He sees you. “Know that the Lord does wonders for his faithful one; the Lord will hear me when I call upon him.” -from today’s Responsorial Psalm ❤️ #mymasstakeaway #mysundaybest #itsstilleaster

A post shared by Jen & Logan (@surprisedbymarriage) on Apr 15, 2018 at 10:18am PDT