Author: Beth Zanotelli

Whether in your head or spoken out loud, we all have moments when we feel completely drained—when we’ve reached our limit and say, “I can’t.” This isn’t about a scheduling conflict or breaking a rule. It’s deeper than that. It’s the personal shutdown that comes from fear, doubt, or a lack of faith.

But what does it take to move from “I can’t” to “I can”?

The truth is, on our own, we often can’t. We weren’t meant to rely solely on our own strength. That’s why God calls us to trust in Him. When Jesus spoke of faith, He said:

 “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20

 Nothing will be impossible—not because of our strength, but because of His.

But here’s the beautiful part—God doesn’t just give us strength, He gives us Himself. Out of His infinite love and generosity, He meets us in our weakness and carries us through. When we feel like we have nothing left, that’s the moment to turn to Him and say, “Increase my faith.” Just like the father in Mark 9:24 who cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” we can come to God with honest hearts, asking Him to fill the gaps where our faith falls short.

What is this faith that we struggle with?  Venerable Fulton J. Sheen teaches us in his book, Go to Heaven, “ You cannot argue or study or reason or hypnotize or whip yourself into faith.  Faith is a gift of God.  When anyone instructs you in Christian doctrine, he does not give you faith.  He is only a spiritual agriculturist, tilling the soil of your soul, uprooting a few weeds, and breaking up the clods of egotism.  It is God Who drops the seed.” Have we prepared ourselves? Have we tilled the soil of our souls to receive God’s gift of faith? 

Paul reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) That’s the key. It’s not about willing ourselves to be stronger—it’s about leaning into His strength. And we can trust that His strength is always there because His love for us is boundless.

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” – Romans 8:32

God’s generosity is limitless. He gives us grace for today, hope for tomorrow, and the promise of His presence always. Even when we feel like we have nothing to give, He gives everything.

Where in your life do you find yourself saying, “I can’t”? Is it a relationship? A calling? A fear that feels too big to overcome? Journal about it and ask God to show you how He is present in that struggle.  Surrender it to Him. Pray, “Lord, increase my faith. Help me trust in Your love, generosity, and strength, even when I feel weak.” Go then and take a step in faith. Trust that God will do the rest even if it’s just a mustard seed’s worth.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” – Matthew 28:19

What would it look like if we lived, not in fear, but in faith—trusting in the love of a God who gives us everything we need?

Here’s what Scripture and St. John Paul II have to say:

Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Luke 17:5-6 – And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.”  The Lord replied, “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

Pope John Paul II –  “The greatest deception, and the deepest source of unhappiness, is the illusion of finding life by excluding God, of finding freedom by excluding moral truths and personal responsibility.” ~ World Youth Day Homily, 7.28.02

1 John 5:4 – For whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

Each of us has a chronicle, a story—an unfolding account of God’s work in our lives. But too often, we forget that we are the ones writing and co-authoring our journey with Him. The world moves fast, distractions pull us in different directions, and fear creeps in, whispering that we are not enough or that our path is uncertain. In the rush of life, we risk forgetting not only where we are going but also why we are here.  God has not forgotten. He has written His truth on our hearts, calling us to live with boldness and trust. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us:

“Do not be afraid of Christ. He takes nothing away, and He gives you everything. When we give ourselves to Him, we receive a hundredfold in return.”  (Homily/Sunday, 24, April 2005)

We are not meant to live in fear. Our lives are part of something greater—a divine chronicle woven into God’s eternal plan. The question is, will we trust Him with the pen?

God is Love. He is the very foundation of our existence and the center of our Christian story. Out of His infinite love come you and me. Everything God made is good, and we are created by Him, in His image and likeness. When we forget this truth, we lose sight of our worth and the purpose of our journey. But when we embrace it, we begin to see our chronicle as part of His greater story of love and redemption.

When fear tempts us to doubt, we need to remember that our lives are a reflection of His love. In 1 John 4:16, we find assurance that “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him”.  We were made for love, to love, and to be loved by our Creator.  Every moment—both the joyful and the difficult—has meaning. Even when we don’t see the full picture, God is working. He knows the plans He has for us, and He calls us to trust.  The Prophet Jeremiah makes this clear, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. – Jeremiah 29:11

Fear tells us to hesitate, to stay in our comfort zones, to question whether we are worthy. But God calls us forward. When we trust Him, we step into the fullness of our story—a life lived with faith, courage, and purpose.  Fear holds us back, but trust and truth set us free.  Think of the disciples. They were ordinary people, just like us. They doubted, they feared, they hesitated. But when they trusted Jesus, their lives became a testimony of God’s power. Fear may whisper, what if I fail? But God answers, do not be afraid, for I am with you.

“Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed, I am your God; I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice.” – Isaiah 41:10

Where is fear holding you back? What would it look like to fully trust God with your chronicle?  Take time to stop and wonder how God is working in Your Life. Pause and reflect on your life—the joys, struggles, the unexpected turns. Where do you see God’s hand? Perhaps even take a moment to journal about how He is moving in your life today.  Whether you are in a season of abundance or uncertainty, know that God is present in your chronicle. He is writing something beautiful—even in the chapters that seem unclear.

Go and Make Disciples!  Our story is not just for us. It is meant to be shared. The greatest stories of faith inspire others to seek God, to trust Him, and to step into their own purpose. Jesus gave us a mission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” – Matthew 28:19

How can you share your faith? Maybe it’s through a simple conversation, an act of kindness, or even by living in a way that reflects Christ’s love. Your story, that is, the Chronicle of You, has the power to point others to Him.  Trust God with Your Chronicle.  You are living a chronicle of faith, one that is unfolding each day. Do not let fear write your story—let trust in God shape your path. He has great plans for you. Open the doors of your heart, and let Him in.  Now, take up your pen. Chronicle His goodness. Trust His purpose. And go forth in faith.

Here’s What Scripture Has to Say:

Psalm 56: 3-4 – My foes treat me harshly all the day; yes, many are my attackers.  O Most High, when I am afraid, in you I place my trust.

2 Timothy 1:7-8 – For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.  So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

John 14:27 – Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence, rely not; In all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths.

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

What is revival?  The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition defines Revival as A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor after a period of obscurity or quiescence.  Imagine placing defibrillator paddles on someone’s chest to restart their heart, this is a physical revival of a human life, a restarting of a human heart, but what about the revival of our spirit, our human soul? 

Because God created us as a body and a soul, we must strive to keep both body AND soul healthy.  Scripture warns us in Revelation 3:14 not to become lukewarm in our faith, warning, “…Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”  We can grow indifferent or worse, cold in our faith, even as good Christians.  How do we realize when there is a need to take action to restore our spiritual zeal or vigor?   How do we restore, revive or even supercharge our faith and, if necessary, rekindle the love of God?  How can we renew our faith and thereby “defibrillate” our soul?

First and foremost through prayer.  Our prayer should be for continuous revival!  Each day, in our prayers, we should ask the Lord to revive us again, and again and again.  Second, taking time daily for an examination of conscience is always helpful.  If through this examination we realize our faith was stronger yesterday than today, it is time to change direction and repent.  Turn to God!  Third, if we have lost sight of what is most important, that is, if we have lost sight of the Truth, it’s time to remember. We can allow God’s Words, Holy Scripture, to revive us and give us instructions about how we are to live! 

By taking time to read and learn about our salvation history, recorded in both the Old and New Testaments, we can avoid the things that caused our ancestors to fail and try to repeat their successes.  Time and time again, the people turned away from God, only to fall into darkness.  When they remembered God, repented, and followed His Commandments, they were revived!

And like our ancestors, we cannot do it alone.  Another important resource to help revive, or restore our soul is to seek accountability, by asking someone to help us when we are falling away.  It is important to surround ourselves with like-minded people and create boundaries with those who tempt us to turn away.  Walking together with those who understand our faith is fruitful and a source of encouragement.  And this can include the Saints!  Take time to read their writings, especially those who are patrons of the things you are dealing with. 

Lastly, the most effective tool for personal revival is participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and receiving the Eucharist as often as possible.  At least on Sundays, but if possible, come to Mass during the week.

In Matt Maher’s song, “Just Like You”, there are words we can take to prayer (and as you know, when we sing, we pray twice!).  Let us make these words part of our prayer for revival: 

Revive my heart, renew my soul; In You, oh Lord, I am made whole; Cause you’re my God, my Lord and lover.  Like a burning fire, be my one desire.

I want to be holy, just like you; I want to go where You lead me to; With reckless abandon to Your Truth; I want to fall deeper in love with You!

Here’s what Scripture has to say:

Revelation 3:14-22 – I know your works: I know that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either cold or hot.  So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  For you say, “I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything”, and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Matthew 24: 11-13 – Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.”

Ephesians 4:1-32 – I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace:  one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Psalm 19:8 – The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

Psalm 119:88 – In your kindness give me life, to keep the decrees you have spoken.

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

During the 50-day Easter Season, we celebrate the promise of new life both in Heaven and on Earth, we rejoice and are renewed in faith.  We anticipate an even greater renewal and the boldness that the Holy Spirit gave the Apostles on Pentecost. The Apostles also received the courage and wisdom to preach to many nations and peoples. How can we be renewed at Pentecost this year?  How can we fully participate in the Descent of the Holy Spirit?

Psalm 104:1-2 invites us to sing the praises of God the Creator!   “Bless the Lord, my soul!  Lord, my God you are great indeed!  You are clothed with majesty and glory robed in light as with a cloak.” This is the psalm that we will pray at Mass when we celebrate Pentecost. It is part of the scriptures the Jewish Apostles knew and recited as children and throughout their lives. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph sang this Psalm that gives us a perfect image of God’s intimate involvement in the world He created.  Verses 10,14, and 15 proclaim, “You made springs flow into channels that wind among the mountains …You raise grass for the cattle and plants for our beasts of burden.  You bring bread from the earth, and wine to gladden our hearts.” How often do we stop to praise God for the gifts of creation?  God made everything.  We belong to Him, and we should delight in Him!  How often do we sacrifice a luxury for the protection of God’s creation? How often do we share our witness of God’s greatness with others?  How often do we dust off the scales of the world and delight in Him?

In the Easter season, we hear about the Apostles and their life after Christ’s Resurrection. As we approach Pentecost, imagine them gathered together,  reciting Psalm 104:30, “Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.”  At Pentecost, God sends us An Advocate, he fulfills his promise by sending the Holy Spirit. We can wake up each day and be refreshed by the Spirit.  The gift of the Holy Spirit was breathed on the Apostles and Jesus said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”  At Pentecost Jesus’ Paschal Mystery is complete and we, the Church, have what we need to carry on His work in the world.  We can show others the glory of heaven by sharing the Gospel.  We can witness what we know about Jesus to others.  It doesn’t have to sound like a theology textbook.  Our witness to others can be seen by living the Truth, by outwardly showing forgiveness, and by being servants to one another.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, we who are baptized and confirmed children of God, are strengthened to be sharers of the Word and to be warriors for the Truth. We need to daily renew our faith and look for ways to draw closer to Jesus. We can do this with constant prayer, repentance, and faith.  We can ask the Holy Spirit to be present in our life.    Take a moment to pray with the words of Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman:

Come Holy Spirit!

Make our ears to hear. 
Make our eyes to see.
Make our mouths to speak. 
Make our hearts to seek. 
Make our hands to reach out. 
And touch the world with your love.  AMEN.  

Here’s what scripture has to say:

Psalm 104:24-35 – How varied are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you have wrought them all; the earth is full of your creatures.  Look at the sea, great and wide!  It teems with countless beings, living things both large and small. Here ships ply their course; here Leviathan your creature, plays.  All of these look to you to give them food in due time.  When you give to them, they gather; when you open your hand, they are well-filled.  When you hide your face, they are lost.  When you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust from which they came.  When you send forth your breath, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in these works!  If God glares at the earth, it trembles; if God touches the mountains, they smoke!  I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live.  May my theme be pleasing to God; I will rejoice in the Lord.  May sinners vanish from the earth, and the wicked be no more.  Bless the Lord, my soul!  Hallelujah!

Do you know who made you?  God made you!  Why did God make you?  He made you because He loves you!  This is the reality that many of us learned when we were young. We pass it on to our children because it is how we form our faith.    As we learn more about God, our faith grows, and we find security in God’s love.  God’s love never changes, it is always present. Knowing God’s love is the basis for our faith and securing this love in our soul takes care and practice.  To know and receive God’s love, our hearts must be open.  We spend our lives discovering God’s love, and we should delight in it often.  Morning, noon, and night are the perfect times to turn our thoughts to God.  They are perfect times to delight in His love and give praise and thanksgiving.

God made you because He loves you.  God, who is love, is a communion of three Divine Persons.  These three Persons are united in an inner life of love. God the Father is the giver, He gives the gift of self.  The Son is the Receiver, who receives the Father’s gift of self and gives back His own gift of self to the Father.  “They are distinct from one another in their relations of origin: ‘It is the Father who generates, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds.’ The divine Unity is Triune.” (CCC 254) There is so much love between all three persons, they are one single Being. This inner life of love is eternal and never broken.  The love of the Trinity is fruitful and life-giving. We can access this love through prayer.

This new year is the perfect time to return to the prayers we learned in our childhood.   Remember that we are to pray the “Sign of the Cross” with humility and reverence.  Our outward prayers are a witness to others. Our prayers are not just words we have been saying for years.  Our behaviors as adults are shaped by the experiences of our childhood.  Can you remember a time when someone taught you about Jesus or taught you to pray?  Does that childlike curiosity still inspire you to love the Lord?  When you enter a Catholic Church or pass by a Tabernacle, do you remember to show reverence for the presence of Jesus?  Find ways to honor your creator.  Find ways to love the one who first loved.   “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

 Love wants to be with the beloved.    

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

1 John 4:8 – God is Love

Psalm 139:14 – I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!

Jeremiah 33:2-3 – Thus says the Lord who made the earth and gave it form and firmness, whose name is Lord:  Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell to you things great beyond reach of your knowledge.

Hebrews 4:16 – So, let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

Do you want your children to have a good life?  Do you want your kids to be successful and flourish in the world?  Not many parents would answer “no” to those questions.  There are also not many parents who wake up in the morning and say, “I would like to be a lousy parent today.”  Most parents want the best for their children, and many work tirelessly to create a life that is better than the life they had growing up.  Or maybe they try to repaint the fairytale life that they knew.  What a joy and honor it is to raise children.  Of course, it comes with great sacrifice and constant care, but raising children is truly a gift!

The most important question we should be asking is, “How can I help my child live a holy life and get to heaven?” We are called to baptize our children as part of our Catholic faith. During a baptism, when the priest or deacon is about to pour the water, parents, Godparents, and all present are reminded, “Make it your constant care to bring your child up in the practice of the faith.” This responsibility comes from the understanding of who is the “ultimate owner of the child.”  Psalm 139:13 says, “You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother’s womb.”  God is the original parent and “owner” of our children, while mothers and fathers are the biological “foster parents” who have received the child on loan from God.  One of the parents’ most important duties is to teach their children about the genuine love of God. Much of this is taught by loving encounters and experiences within the family.  Parents also must teach their children to pray.  Prayer must begin at birth and continue throughout life.  Faith needs to be a constant for the baptized, and prayer sustains faith. 

How do we teach our children well?   How can we do a better job of bringing them up in the faith?  One way is to live the Liturgical Calendar.  Teach your children about Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, but go even deeper and look at each day as a journey in faith.  Who is the Saint of the Day? Find a way to celebrate at least one Saint each month (three or four would be better).  It’s not that difficult, in February there is already a day for St. Valentine, and in March, St. Patrick.  You could learn about the Patron Saint of your Parish and celebrate by making a recipe from the country they are from.  Choose a patron saint for your family and celebrate along with the patron saint of each child.  Do you celebrate the anniversary of their baptism?  Why not, it is when they became Children of God. When you start teaching your child colors look at what color vestments the priest is wearing at Mass. He will wear green in Ordinary Time, what are the other colors he wears? (HINT: purple, white, red)

Our faith is best taught through lived experience. Another way to teach the faith and about the life of Jesus is to pray the Rosary as a family.  October is the month of Our Lady of the Rosary, how many ways could you count the 10 Hail Mary’s in a decade of the Rosary?  You could count on beads, stickers, jellybeans, pompoms, cupcakes, and the list goes on.

As we each try to live the Liturgical Calendar, look for groups that meet to pray and play.  Catholic Tots, Religious Education activities, and Catholic Scouting groups like American Heritage Girls, Little Flowers, Blue Knights, and Trail Life are great groups.   Connect with other families to share ideas and build community. Like-minded people will help you grow your faith and teach your children well.

Here’s what the scriptures have to say:

Proverbs 22:6 – Train a [child] in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it.

Deuteronomy 6: 5-9 – You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength.  Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children.  Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.

Psalm 139:13-14 – You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

There are several times during the Holy Mass when Christ offers us His peace.  At the beginning, right after the Sign of the Cross, the priest has the option to say: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” and we respond, “And with your Spirit.”  After the ‘Our Father’, again the celebrant responds with a message of ‘peace’ when he says, “Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, in your mercy, free us from sin and save us from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”  The most obvious exchange is when we offer each other a Sign of Peace.  The words from the priest celebrant again stress the importance of peace.  Here he shares the words of Jesus when he says, “Peace, I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.” After this, we are invited to share a gesture of peace.  This gesture is the same peace we just received from Jesus!

Like each part of the Holy Mass, the Sign of Peace has biblical roots.  In Matthew 5:23-24 we are reminded, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother and then come and offer your gift.”  Offering peace is not just a state of mind, it is an action.  Like forgiveness, peace begins with a person.  If we are to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, and if we desire to share in His holiness, we must have the courage to clean up the mistakes and misunderstandings we have created in our lives.  In the letter to the Hebrews, we are cautioned to persevere and not be weak.  Chapter 12:10-12 is a great reminder, that if we want to be holy, if we desire true peace, we must be disciplined.  “They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but He does so for our benefit, in order that we may share His holiness.  At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.” We all desire the peaceful fruit of holiness, we all desire peace.

There are many ways to achieve peace. Life is filled with balancing, juggling, and avoiding.  We try to balance holiness and the world. We juggle planning as we look forward, learning from our past, while we live in the present moment. We continuously try to avoid those things that rob us of our peace. To live in the present moment means we will have to stop rushing around, we need to find time to rest and reset.  To live a life of holiness means we need to first, trust in God’s Mercy, then, learn to forgive one another, and most importantly forgive ourselves.  Finally, to achieve peace, you must be an active participant.  In our families we must share our thoughts and feelings, we must forgive one another, we must be patient with one another, and we must find mutual respect.  In the hectic noisiness of each day, we need to find our Sabbath moments. We won’t be able to receive the graces of God’s peace if our lives are too busy.  We need to find moments to be thankful and offer a prayer. Jesus wants to help us build peace -in our hearts – in our relationships – and in our families!

In preparation for Christmas, remember what we prepare for – the coming of the Prince of Peace!  In Philippians 4:4-7 we are instructed, “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I shall say it again rejoice!  Your kindness should be known to all.  The Lord is near.  Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Luke 2:13-14 –And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Hebrews 12:10-12 – They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share this holiness.  At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.  So, strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.  Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.

Hebrews 12: 14-15 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.  See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble

Proverbs 12:20 – Deceit is in the hands of those who plot evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

Matthew 5:23-24 – If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come to offer your gift.

Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always.  I shall say it again rejoice!  Your kindness should be known to all.  The Lord is near.  Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

By Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

Who is Mary?  Why do we honor her?  How can we imitate her to become better disciples of Jesus?  What are her messages?  How can Mary bring us deeper in our faith, and closer to Jesus? 

So many questions surrounding the Blessed Virgin Mary!  As we often do, we complicate what is quite simple.  In answer to the question “Who is Mary?”:  She is a girl from Nazareth; she is the daughter of Anna and Joachim; she is the cousin of Elizabeth; she is the bride of Joseph; she is ALSO, the mother of Jesus, the newborn babe; she is a guest and caring friend at the wedding feast in Cana; she is the woman at the foot of the Cross; she is a disciple in the upper room at Pentecost.

Mary’s identity is God-given, special and unique to her. 

What does it mean to honor Mary?  Our Judeo-Christian faith instructs us, actually commands us, to honor our mother and father.  Just as we are called to honor our earthly parents, Mary is our heavenly Mother.  The Canticle of Mary, that is Mary’s Song, is found in the Gospel of Luke 1:46-55.  Mary responds to Elizabeth by saying, “All Generations will call me blessed.” How very true is this proclamation!  Do we believe the scriptures that tell us Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit, conceived and gave birth to the Christ Child?  By honoring the Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord, we honor God himself.  We ask her for her help and her prayers.  The CCC (971) says: “The Church rightly honors the Blessed Virgin with special devotion.  From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of – ‘Mother of God,’ to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs…This very special devotion differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the Incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration.”

How can we imitate Mary and be a better disciple of Jesus?  Imitate her virtue.  While this takes a lifetime of formation in faith, there are 10 principal virtues listed in a small but powerful book by St. Louis de Monfort, called True Devotion to Mary.  Entry #104 of this book, lists the Principal Virtues of Mary: “Her ten principal virtues are: deep humility, lively faith, blind obedience, unceasing prayer, constant self-denial, surpassing purity, ardent love, heroic patience, angelic kindness, and heavenly wisdom.”  God chose Mary just as He chooses each of us for a high calling.  If we want to be obedient to God’s plan for our life, we need to imitate Mary with a commitment and willingness to sacrifice out of love and devotion to our Savior.

What are Our Lady’s messages?  From as early as A.D. 40, Mary has appeared to give messages of hope and love.  Her messages are always meant to draw us closer to her Divine Son, Jesus, to give us inspiration, and to remind us of the virtues. Each time she brings a special but similar message emphasizing the importance of prayer.  At Fatima she asked that we pray for the conversion of Russia; to pray the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world; to pray to Her Immaculate Heart, and she asked us not to lie, envy, or speak badly of others. 

How can Mary bring us deeper in our faith, and closer to Jesus? At Cana, Mary’s message is “Do whatever he tells you.”  When you pray, listen; when you read Scripture, listen; when you gaze on the beauty of God’s creation, listen; Listen for ways God is calling you closer; Listen for ways you can “be Jesus” to others; Listen to hear God’s plan for you.

Mary is called the first disciple.  She followed Jesus throughout His life, she was at the foot of the cross when Jesus died, she celebrated His resurrection and was with the disciples at Pentecost. If we desire to be like Mary, willing to accept God’s plan no matter the cost, we can and should rejoice in the plan that God has for us…

Who are YOU? What is YOUR “song”?  What is God calling YOU to say “yes” to?

YOUR identity is God-given, special, and unique to YOU.  Give God YOUR Fiat!

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Luke 1:46-55 – My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.  For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.  The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.  His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.  He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.  He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.   The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.  He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

 John 2:1-12– On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.  Jesus and his disciples ere also invited to the wedding.  When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”  Jesus said to her, “Woman how does your concern affect me?  My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”  Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons.  Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.”  So, they filled them to the brim.  Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.”  So, they took it.  And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when the people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.”  Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.  After this, he and his mother, brothers, and his disciples, went down to Capernaum and stayed there only a few days.

 Luke 2:22-32 – When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.  This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.  He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:  “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”