#MyMassTakeaway – To Jesus Sincerely

Dearly Beloved – An Anger-Free Parenting Model

Published on May 19, 2019May 19, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway… We found a Latin Mass! 4th Sunday of Easter.

We recently discovered there is Latin Mass in our area, and we tried it today. I noticed that the readings are different from the NO readings so I’ll cite it for you.

James 1:17-21. One of the things I love about the letters in the NT is how they are sometimes addressed, “Beloved.” Even when they’re giving admonishment or correction.

Whenever I hear beloved, it strikes me at how charitable the apostles are in their correction. I’m reminded of the gentleness of God’s correction and the gift of the sacrament of Reconciliation.

And I’m always drawn to reflect if I give the same mercy and understanding when I’m called to the task of correction in parenting.

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Thank You God for Motherhood. Today I Honor You.

Published on May 12, 2019May 12, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway for Fourth Sunday of Easter.

At Mass today, one-year-old Legend didn’t want to sit. Didn’t want me to hold him. Didn’t want to be quiet.

He wanted to walk around (he can walk now) and be independent and play.

I tried to keep him happy for a while with quiet toys but he wasn’t having it. So I gave in and made the hike to the narthex.

He walked back and forth, happy at last.

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How to conquer the Challenge of Discernment: Pause to Pray

Published on April 15, 2019April 24, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.

Today I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the poor apostles in their confusion.

First, they thought Jesus communicated very clearly to be ready for a fight. They heard him say to go out and buy swords.

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I’ll Be Here – Come Back When You’re Ready

Published on March 31, 2019May 7, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway for the 4th Sunday in Lent.

As a hungry teen in my mom’s kitchen, I would often sample the pantry.

“I don’t know what I’m hungry for.”

I’d eat a cookie, a handful of chips, a few crackers, a piece of chocolate. Nothing satisfied.

And then my mom would offer me something, “Can I make you an omelet?”

Yesss pleaaaase.

My mom makes the best omelets. Stuffed with veggie and cheese and cooked just right to perfect fluffiness and deliciousness.

The real food she offered me – nutritious, healthy, and yummy – always satisfied.

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Facing Fears: Draw Near to the Burning Bush

Published on March 24, 2019March 25, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway for the 3rd Sunday in Lent.

Moses reacts to the burning bush in a way I never would.

Something uncomfortable and inexplicable happened in Moses’ life, right in front of his eyes. A bush was engulfed in flames, but it didn’t burn.

I would have been out of there so fast.

No way would I have gone and taken a closer look. But Moses didn’t run away. Moses entered into the mystery.

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The Gospel in Which God Tells Peter to Shut it.

Published on March 17, 2019March 17, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway for the 2nd Sunday in Lent.

I just love St. Peter. He’s the guy to turn to when we feel like we’re getting it all wrong. Chances are, he’s been there done that.

Peter denied Jesus, rebuked Jesus, lost faith in the middle of a miracle and began to drown. Even Saint Paul had to tell Peter what’s what once in a while.

Despite all Peter’s shortcomings, though, Jesus called Peter the Rock. He built the Church on Peter, and left Peter to take care of it.

If Peter, with all his faults and shortcomings, can be the Rock on which Christ’s Church is built, then there’s hope for me to be who Christ is calling me to be, too.

Let’s take a look at what Peter’s up to, today.

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God: the only surgeon qualified to remove splinters (and boards) from eyes

Published on March 3, 2019March 3, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time. This post contains amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through the links, I make a small percentage at no extra cost to you.

First of all, could these planks and splinters not be sticking out of eyes please? Cringe-city over here.

It doesn’t matter what size the wood is – if it’s in your EYE we have a major problem.

And for that matter, you shouldn’t by trying to take a sliver out of your friend’s eye, regardless of what’s in your own. Keep your tweezers away from my eye-splinters, thank you very much.

That job is for a qualified surgeon.

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You can be your enemy’s greatest gift

Published on February 24, 2019February 25, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Just imagine the world as a place where people were quick to extend mercy and slow to pass judgment. Where forgiveness prevailed over condemnation. Where enemies loved each other.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says,

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The Shock Value of the Backwards Beatitudes

Published on February 17, 2019February 17, 2019 by tojesussincerelyLeave a comment

#MyMassTakeaway for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Guys, Jesus is trying to provoke us with the Beatitudes.

Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false
prophets in this way.
Luke 6:20-26