Category: Scripture

On May 8, 2025, following one of the shortest conclaves in recent history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 266th successor to Saint Peter and took the name Leo XIV. Not only is he the first Pope who hails from the United States, he is among only 34 who were members of a religious order.  Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order and served as their leader or prior general for two terms, a total of 12 years. In honor of Leo’s spiritual patrimony and to gain some insight into our newest Holy Father, over the next several months we will explore some of St. Augustine’s famous quotes, beginning with:

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”

Ah, patience… a virtue and a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and something I have learned to never pray for! Patience is a beautiful disposition and, as a virtue, patience is one of the holy habits that lead to a more perfect relationship with God and others (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 1803). How beautiful is that, except the most common way patience is cultivated is by bearing difficulties and suffering with fortitude without becoming discouraged. Like so many things, easier said than done! Bottomline, patience is the offspring of suffering, and that is why I hesitate to pray directly for patience. God seems only too ready to answer that prayer!

However, as suggested by St. Augustine’s quote, patience does not labor alone. Its companion is Wisdom, one of seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3). These gifts aid us in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and they sustain the moral life of us Christians (CCC 1830). They are “perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory” (CCC 1832). Wisdom aids us in discerning the purpose and the plan of God.

The truth of the relationship between patience and wisdom is born out in the life of our first Pope, St. Peter. Although he did not start out as the paragon of patience and wisdom and even caused Jesus to rebuke his impetuous words and reactions, Jesus knew Peter would ultimately cultivate both patience and wisdom. After his resurrection, Jesus warned Peter: “Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hand, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18). Although Peter’s ultimate demise is not recounted in Holy Scripture, we know by tradition that, in fact, Peter was led to where he did not want to go and underwent crucifixion, and upside down at that, rather than denounce his Lord, Jesus. Clearly, Peter had cultivated patience and wisdom since the time of Jesus’ arrest when Peter denied even knowing him.

In our broken world, each of us has ample opportunity to develop patience and its companion, wisdom, but we know that our sufferings are all meant for our good (cf. Romans 8:28).  St. Paul encourages us that “affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:3b-5). That’s where wisdom comes in and helps us remain focused on “Jesus, the leader and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).  Moreover, in his First Letter, St. Peter promises us that “although now for a little while [we] may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of [our] faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for the praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6b-7). Our trials and sufferings are God’s permissive will to mature our faith through patient endurance and cultivate the wisdom in us to understand his plan. We know that God equips those he calls (cf. Hebrews 13:21, Ephesians 4:12), and trials and sufferings are part of that preparation.

Now, circling back to our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, we can only surmise the opportunities for suffering and renunciation that God has allowed in his life to help prepare him for his new role as the visible head of the Catholic Church and spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics around the world. We know Robert Francis Prevost left his family to become an Augustinian priest and then left his country of birth to be a missionary in Peru. We have heard stories of hardships and the reality of ministering in Peru, requiring him to travel on horseback to reach his flock in remote parts of the country. At one point, he was called to leave Peru to become the prior general of his order. After 12 years in this role, he returned to Peru but then was called to Rome to serve in the Dicastery for Bishops. Now, he has been called to the ultimate renunciation of self by his fellow cardinals through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to become the 267^th Pope of the Catholic Church.  Pope Leo has been described as a mature man of faith, filled with wisdom, clearly the fruit of his trials and years of service to the Lord and his Church. Let us pray for him and for ourselves in the spirit of St. James: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.”

Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Hebrews 13:20-21: “May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will.”

Ephesians 4:11-12: “And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ….”

The book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament gives us guidance about true Wisdom. The Wisdom we seek is not found in earthly things, rather, it rests with God. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 contains verses we often hear at funerals, but the Wisdom and beauty of the passages here are worthy of constant review throughout life. They help us better understand the value of life and the dignity of our days.

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Just as nature moves through seasons—spring’s promise, summer’s fullness, autumn’s letting go, and winter’s rest—our lives, too, follow sacred cycles. Each season, whether external or internal, has purpose and meaning. We are not meant to bloom year-round. There is a time to grow, and a time to be still. A time to create, and a time to rest. A time to hold on, and a time to release.

The beauty of Ecclesiastes 3 lies in its acceptance of life’s contrasts. It doesn’t promise perpetual happiness, nor does it dwell in sorrow. Instead, it teaches us to recognize the Divine timing in all things—to trust that the season we are in, no matter how difficult or joyful, is not forever, but it is meaningful.

This message becomes especially sentimental for those entering the retirement season, which includes yours truly.  After years of planting, building, leading, and striving, there comes a sacred time to slow down—to simply be. It is a time to find peace in still waters, to cast a line into a quiet lake, to walk forest trails without hurry, to pedal down a winding country road and feel the breeze of grace on your face. It is a time to see families grow and pass on God’s important truths. It is a time to listen more closely to the voice of God, often heard best in the hush of morning light or the rustle of leaves.

And in this quieter season, we are blessed to realize that some friendships—those rooted in shared joys, hardships, and prayers—have lasted across all the years. These are companions of the soul, with whom we have walked through many seasons, and whose presence remains a living witness to the constancy of love and loyalty. There is great comfort in knowing that as the leaves of life change, some bonds hold firm, as steady as the mountains.

So let us embrace each season with grace. Let us learn what it has to teach us, and trust that just as winter yields to spring, so too will our seasons shift in time.  After all, there is an appointed time for everything. And in that divine timing, we find peace.

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A Farewell and Blessing

As I write this final blog, I do so with a grateful heart. Thank you for walking with me through these reflections—through seasons of growth, of questions, of gratitude, and of faith. It has been a gift to share words with you, and I pray that something along the way brought you peace, clarity, or simply a moment of pause.

Though I step away from writing for now, I carry each season shared with me, just as you carry your own story forward. May God bless you at every time appointed to you—in joy and sorrow, work and rest, hello and goodbye.

And may you always find Him in the turning of your seasons.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May He look upon you kindly and give you peace—
in every season, and all the days of your life.
(Based on Numbers 6:24–26)

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
—Ecclesiastes 3:1

With peace and gratitude,
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.

By: Andy Baker, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Palm Beach

One of my all-time favorite Christmas traditions is the timeless Charles M. Schultz cartoon classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Like many of you, Charlie Brown and the gang instantly transport me back to my childhood. For at least half an hour, I forget the hustle and bustle of today and relive a simpler time, listening once again with childlike ears, to the true meaning of Christmas. For me, the annual showing of this cinematic masterpiece paused our mandatory bedtimes and called together all of my neighborhood friends around a shared television and a multitude of Christmas treats. Yet, as I watched this year and reflected on the past, I was drawn deeper and deeper into a reflection on the need for trusted relationships and true friendships, and just how important those in our friend circle are to the development of our individual relationship with Jesus Christ.

Reflecting, I couldn’t help but be moved by Charlie Brown’s sense of being lost, his desperate search for truth, and at times lashing out in frustration at his friends who eventually turn away and leave him. It reminded me so much of youth ministry today because our young people are a lot like Charlie Brown. They also desperately seek the Truth (Jesus Christ) and, because they can’t see Him for all the chaos, they reject and walk away from Him, looking for solace in the dangerous lies of the world. As I pondered further this idea of trusted relationships, I recognized that none of this is reserved just for our youth, but for all of us; young and old, engaged or disengaged, we all desperately need a trusted friendship circle to get us in front of and keep us close to Jesus Christ. We absolutely need a Linus van Pelt to remind us of the Truth and to mobilize our friend circle when we need them the most. The Gospel of Luke gives us a great example of a friendship circle:

One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set [him] in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 5:17-20 NABRE)

The paralyzed man had the ultimate friend circle… follow my thought for a moment, these companions carried their friend on a stretcher across villages and through crowds, never giving up on their goal of getting their friend in front of Jesus. Having met the ultimate roadblock in an impenetrable crowd, they climbed up on the roof, ripped it open, and lowered their friend down. But here is the best part, Jesus heals the man not because the man asked to be healed, but because of the faith of his friends. The man was healed because of the faith of his friend circle! He had the ultimate friend circle, and I am almost positive he had a Linus van Pelt.

Wrapping up this Christmas reflection on relationships, we come to the season of resolutions. Charlie Brown and Linus van Pelt have made me think deeply about my own friend circle. I realize I need more true friends than familiar acquaintances in my circle.  I need more friends willing to rip off the roof for me and fewer giving me a thumbs up or heart emoji. Humans are driven by relationships, it’s in our DNA and the purpose of our creation. In His image we were created to be in relationship with Him and together with the help of each other, to reflect Him to everyone else on this earth. This New Year, I invite you to join me in making a firm resolution to check and update your friend circle, to find your Linus, and, most of all, to be a Linus to someone else.

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Genesis 1:26-27 – Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth. God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

John 15:5 –I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.

John 15:13-15 – No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.

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

On All Saints Day, the gospel reading begins Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In this reading, Jesus teaches his apostles and the multitudes that follow him, the Beatitudes:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the land.  Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3-10)

This sermon ends with “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:12) Interestingly, this sermon calls us to be poor in spirit, to be meek, to be merciful, to hunger and thirst, to be clean of heart, to be peacemakers, and then ends with “rejoice and be glad!”  Jesus challenges us to leave behind our old ways and live a new way.  He challenges us to love God with our whole hearts.  What bad habits or attitudes can we leave behind? How does God challenge us to stand up for Truth, Beauty, and Goodness while remaining joyful?  How can we make changes to the way we behave? 

The Church honors all saints, on November 1, both those who have been formally canonized and others who are in heaven. These saints are individuals who have lived lives of extraordinary faith and dedication to God, and they serve as our role models.  They have played a significant role in spreading Christianity and leading others toward holiness. The saints knew the joys and sufferings of the Beatitudes.  Many were patient in their heroism and remained joyful as they persevered through adversity.  They relied on simplicity and humility as they hungered and thirsted for righteousness.  Many saints overcame a life previously not lived for Christ, but they heard the call to follow Jesus and converted.  They learned that being clean of heart and becoming peacemakers was the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.

 Thanksgiving celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a reminder to give thanks and to rejoice in our many gifts.  We celebrate our blessings, and maybe we even try to apologize for our shortcomings and forgive others.  The message of the Beatitudes is a checkup for us to see if we are “living in a manner worthy of the call we have received”. (Ephesians 4:1) We should ask ourselves if we are living the call of the Beatitudes.  Are we living in a manner worthy of being called a Christian?

Take time to review the Beatitudes that Jesus gives to those who choose to follow Him.  Look for changes you can make to grow closer to Him in holiness.  Rejoice when you receive glimpses of the Kingdom of Heaven, when you are satisfied, when you are shown mercy, when you see God, and when you are called a Child of God!  Rejoice when you find yourself “living in a manner worthy of the call you have received.”

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Ephesians 4:1-3 – Brothers and Sisters: I, 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.

1 Peter 3:8-12 – Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called that you might inherit a blessing. For: “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking deceit, must turn from evil and do good, seek peace and follow after it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”

Micah 6:8 – You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God

By Cathy Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

As the old song lyric goes, “I never promised you a rose garden.” Indeed, Jesus never promised that the Christian life would be a bed of roses, besides roses have thorns. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and hurdles, and following Jesus is no exception.  Indeed, Jesus admonishes his disciples that they must pick up their cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). At the end of John’s gospel (21:18), Jesus warns Peter that when he is old, he will be carried where he does not want to go.

Even Jesus’ own Mother experienced her share of sorrows. As prophesied by Simeon when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple: “…and a sword will pierce through your own soul also…” (Luke 2:35). That prophecy was fulfilled as Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, watching her only Son die the agonizing death of crucifixion after being brutally scourged.

Why would we expect our experience to be different? A quick reflection on my own life bears this out. The joys of growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ, and of married family life, educational accomplishments, career and ministry highlights, have been punctuated by the sorrows of loss, sickness, fears, trials, and disappointments. Currently, many of my colleagues are struggling to balance the challenges of caring for aging parents with the joys of becoming grandparents. Some are facing their own physical struggles and health scares while looking forward to freedom in retirement. There are many joys and sorrows in life. That is life as we know it.

How are we supposed to navigate life? Like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, we need to allow Jesus to accompany us on our journey. There is one constant in life: Jesus Christ who promises to be with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).  This is a promise that we can absolutely rely on, to give us the hope, comfort, and courage to keep going. I often wonder how people who do not know or believe in Jesus Christ face the challenges of their lives. How do they avoid falling into despair? Thankfully, we who are disciples of Jesus Christ know that He is with us, that He can redeem all of our sufferings and bring a greater good out of them. That knowledge should give us hope and consolation.

During this month of October with the feasts of Divine Mercy and Our Lady of the Rosary, we are reminded of the power of prayer and invited to join Jesus and Mary in the heart of prayer. Of course, Jesus is also present to us in His Word, the Holy Scriptures, and in the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. And where Jesus is, Mary is also. Thankfully, our Creator and Father, who knows us intimately, provides us with physical reminders of His presence, His love, and His mercy, so we can confidently face each day knowing that He is by our side.

Here’s What Scripture has to say…

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 – Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxieties on [God], for he cares for you.

Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

John 14:27 – Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

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

Have you ever considered that there might be fruits, or consequences to your opinions? Our opinions should depend on right judgment. The noun judgment signifies the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions, and the verb to judge means to evaluate, assess, form an opinion or conclusion about, decide, or determine.

How can we better form our opinions?   Do we go to God first and ask Him for clear judgment, or do we follow the opinions of others, perhaps those with the loudest or most popular voice?  Do we hastily form an opinion about something, or do we take time to evaluate what is good, right, and true?  How can we prayerfully discern what is good when we form our ideas or opinions?

Using right judgment can mean different things.  Learning to judge rightly is important because it helps us discern right from wrong and form our conscience. In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul helps us understand the importance of not believing everything we hear in the news, or from other people.  Chapter 12:2 teaches, “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”   When we have a clear vision, when we consider others, and align with God’s will, we are considering right judgment.  In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1787) it is clear, “Man is sometimes confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult.  But he must always seriously seek what is right and good and discern the will of God expressed in divine law.”

It takes courage to stand up for truth and goodness.  It is what we are called to do, in doing the work of God.  If you witness people who are radiant with joy, they are most often joyful because they rest in the knowledge that “they hold the power of love and self-control.” (see 2 Timothy 1:7) To exercise correct judgments is not always the easy road, but it is the path to an abundant life and a way to accept and give God’s love.

As stewards of creation, we should also consider how right judgment affects our relationship with the world and other people.  If the outcome of our opinion, thought or idea harms another, perhaps it is not the “will of God”.  If our conclusions have selfish or prideful motives, it seems that we have not been courageous, and most importantly, we have not taken a stand for truth and goodness.  We, with humility, should present our judgments to God and seek His direction.  Faith in God is required to know Him and to understand His ways.

Here’s what Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church have to say:

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

Philippians 4:8-9 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.  Then the God of peace will be with you.

CCC 1785 – In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path, we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice.  We must also examine our conscience before the Lord’s Cross.  We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others, and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.

Colossians 3:23-24 – Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.

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

Do you ever wake up in the morning and say, “Today I’m going to turn over a new leaf or start fresh!”   At the end of the day, do you remember what you promised, or did you slip right back to yesterday?  Just as bad habits are difficult to break, new habits take time, energy, and perseverance to form.  Why is it so tough to persevere and create positive habits in our lives?     Why is it that we know something is vital, but never seem to be able to make it happen?

We all know the words we speak reveal something about us.  If we choose to use slang, swear or speak sarcastically, this tells a little about the kind of person we are.  On the other hand, when we think before we speak, choose words that are pure, and decent, and find ways to build others up, this too reveals a little about the kind of person we are choosing to be.  But we all know the saying, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’  Our habits, good and bad, are the actions which reveal who we are as a person.

We each have good habits we are proud of and bad habits we desire to break.  St. Paul’s letter to Ephesians 4:28 encourages us, “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” St. Paul is telling us we do not have to be defined by our bad habits.  By making the choice to stop stealing and instead do honest work the thief is no longer defined by his stealing.  We might rephrase this scripture to speak directly into our own lives.  Let the sloth no longer sit on the couch.  Let the glutton no longer overeat or overdrink.  Let our Bibles no longer sit on the shelf.  Let our Sunday be filled with Holy Mass and family time.  If we no longer want our bad habits to negatively influence our identity, we should make the choice to change or eliminate these activities.  Whatever bad habit we desire to break, it is important to remember it will take time, patience, accountability, and perseverance to break.  However, these changes WILL transform our lives.  The good habits we develop to replace the bad WILL lead to integrity, helpfulness, and greater virtue overall.

It all begins by establishing good daily habits of prayer.  With our Father in Heaven and the Holy Spirit who dwells within each one of us, we can overcome the obstacles we are sure to encounter as we seek to transform our lives.  In St. Paul’s letter to the Romans 12:1-2, he says: “I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.  Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”

How do you strengthen, build, or begin a good habit?  Prayer, practice, accountability, and perseverance!  Pray for the Lord to give you the graces you need to exercise virtuous habits.   A great way to start your day is with a morning offering to help you ‘turn over a new leaf’ and start fresh.

Morning Offering O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month. Amen.

Here’s what the Scriptures have to say:

Philippians 4:8 -Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Romans 12:1-2 – I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.  Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Mark 7: 20-22 – But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles.  From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.