Thoughts
Is it contradictory that Thanksgiving occurs during a month in which our Church calls us to focus on death? Not at all. First, we are called to gratitude for those who have died. We are grateful for the exemplary lives and constant intercession of the saints. We are grateful for the lives of our friends and family members who touched us deeply. And our brothers and sisters who are in purgatory are grateful for our prayers. Second, physical death is a constant reminder of the beauty of life and the uncountable gifts God gives us, including the gift of life. Third, we are called to overwhelming gratitude for the fact that because God became man, died and rose for us, death is not our end, but a glorious passage into eternal joy.

Challenge
Prayerfully write two letters: one to God thanking Him for a person now deceased who led you closer to Him, and the second to a living person who has inspired you to grow in your relationship with God.

Go Deeper
+ Start a gratitude journal, taking time every night to list several things for which you are grateful
+ Attend Mass with your family on Thanksgiving
+ Pray one of the following prayers for the deceased every day for the rest of this month Prayer 1 Prayer 2
+ Pray at the grave of a friend or loved one
+ Learn more about the doctrine of purgatory : EWTN 1 EWTN 2 Catholic Answers
+ The Catechism teachings on the afterlife
+ Read this article from Catholic News Service regarding the fact that Limbo is a theological hypothesis and not an established doctrine and the Vatican document: The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized
+ Understanding the intercession of the saints
+ Thanksgiving prayers
+ Thanksgiving Day, A Deeply Catholic Holiday
+ How to celebrate Thanksgiving: Video
+ Catholic family practices for Thanksgiving by CatholicMom
And remember that Advent begins on Sunday November 30:
+ Great CDs for Advent
+ Advent Practices
+ Origin and history of Advent

Thoughts
Summer is over.  The holidays are one and two months away.  It’s a good time to revisit the basics: prayer and Sacraments. Prayer is conversation with God. Sacraments are the pouring out of “grace” – the very Divine Life of God – into our souls. To have a meaningful and personal relationship with God, we must talk to and listen to God regularly.  To grow in our relationship with God and become the best version of ourselves, we must be open to receive all the grace we can.

Challenge
Review your life of prayer.  Are you praying at regular times (when you wake, during the day, before you go to sleep)? Do you find quiet time to listen to God? Do you find time to read a little bit of the Bible and pray the Rosary? Do you talk to God throughout the day, inviting Him to be a part of both you joys and challenges?  What else would help you grow closer to God?
Review your habit of receiving the Sacraments.  Are you attending Mass at least on Sundays?  Can you go more?  Do you try to focus throughout the Mass and ignore distractions? Do you go to Confession regularly (perhaps once a month)? Do you examine your conscience regularly and note the sins you should confess during your next Confession? What else would bring you deeper into these Sacraments?

Go Deeper
+ Read these Saints’ thoughts on prayer: http://whitelilyoftrinity.com/saints_quotes_prayer.html
 http://saintquotes.blogspot.com/2009/05/prayer.html
+ The Catechism of the Catholic Church on prayer: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p4s1.htm
+ Begin to read religious books (those that teach the faith, books on spirituality, the lives of saints):  Spiritual Classics: http://www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/catholicclassics.html      A Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/columns/johnmccloskey/perspectives/09.asp
+ listen to great Catholic CDs : http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/titles  or to relevant radio  http://www.relevantradio.com/ when you are in the car
+ Begin the practice of a Holy Hour http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/pea/holyhour.html
+ Come to understand the Mass better Video Guide to the Mass-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co0qalRkEJs   Fr. Larry Richards Explains the Mass-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGQLWj37KKk       The Institution of the Mass- http://www.catholic.com/tracts/the-institution-of-the-mass
+ Come to understand Reconciliation better: beginningCatholic explanation-  http://www.beginningcatholic.com/sacrament-of-reconciliation.html      A Gguide to the Sacrament of Pennance-  http://ewtn.com/library/BISHOPS/GUIDEPEN.HTM      Fr. Larry Richards on Confession- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-sPJfaotsY
+ Try one of these examinations of conscience:   http://www.ewtn.com/library/prayer/examconscience.htm      for singles-  http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/examination-of-conscience-for-single-people.cfm   http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/sacrament-reconciliation-married-persons-examination-of-conscience.cfm  for teens- http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/education/ed0415.htm
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/sacrament-reconciliation-children-examination-conscience.cfm

Thoughts
With the 4th of July not too far in our rear-view mirror, this is a good time to reflect on two aspects of freedom:
(1) Slavery. God created us with free will. Freedom is not, however, choice without restraint, as giving into every whim is actually slavery. We can be slaves to food, alcohol, drugs, pornography, sensuality, gambling, work, sloth, television, sports, etc. We can also be slaves to old hurts, grudges, prejudices, bad relationships, etc.
(2) Surrender. Freedom is expressed through the voluntarily surrender of one’s will for a good. Freedom is to study or work when we would rather socialize. It is to give in to our spouse’s way of doing things. Freedom is exhibiting great patience and forgiveness toward a child or an aging parent. It is submitting with a smile to unreasonable requests from a boss.  The greatest exercise of freedom is to surrender our free will back to God, trusting in His great love and care for us.
Challenge
First, identify those things that are holding you in any type of bondage – spiritual, mental, emotional or physical. Seek to free yourself from these through prayer, practical means and help from others. Second, identify where you are too focused on “you” in your life. Seek to surrender yourself to God and the people whom He has placed in your life. Be patient with and forgiving of yourself; this isn’t easy.
Go Deeper
+ The Catechism of the Catholic Church on Man’s Freedom
+ Bishop Samuel J Aquila: Freedom is to choose Jesus Christ
+ Check out these videos: Dr. Sri – Catholic Understanding of Freedom, CatholicVote – Charity & Responsibility, Fr. John Bartunek – Struggling with Foregiveness, Cardinal Dolan on Religious Freedom
+ Pray a novena to Mary as the “Undoer of Knots”
+ Pope Francis: Forgiveness is the ‘joy of God’
+ Check out these CDs: Anger and Forgiveness, The Healing Power of Confession, Freedom through Forgiveness, The Hidden Power of Forgiveness
+ Prayer for Emotional Healing
+ Escaping the bondage of pornography
+ Kenneth Baker, SJ: The Need for Sacrifice
+ USCCB: Forming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship
+ Helping Children to understand that Sacrifice = Love

Thoughts
These past two Sundays celebrated two of the most important events in creation – The Ascension and Pentecost.  Jesus completed his work here on earth.  He became man, lived among us, taught us, suffered for us, died for us and rose from the dead, opening the gates of heaven for us. Then, Jesus “sent us as his Father sent him” (Jn 20: 21) “to make disciples of all nations and teach them everything about him” (Mt 28:19-20).  And Jesus didn’t just give us this challenge and take off, leaving us alone.  Rather, he and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to remain with us, guide us, counsel us, protect us and empower us until the end of time.
Challenge
Each of us who are baptized has been commissioned by Christ.  We have been sent out into the world to share our faith with all whom we meet – our family, friends, acquaintances, even strangers.  We are to be the light of the world, shining the light of Christ and dispelling the darkness.  We are called to illuminate the way of truth (i.e. Jesus – who is the way, the truth and the life) – through both the example of our lives and through our verbal witness as well. This month, make an effort to share your faith with others.  Tell them how God has touched your life and offered his salvation to you.
Go Deeper
+ Identify one (or several) people whom you will reach out to and share your story of Jesus became relevant/personal to you
+ Give a rosary, Bible or Catholic book, prayer card or CD to three people
+ Read and meditate upon what our Lord is saying to you in these two Gospels: Ascension and Pentecost
+ Following us on twitter for regular inspirational thoughts on evangelizing
+ Revisit/meditate upon the Gifts, Fruits and and Charisms of the Holy Spirit
+ Pray the traditional Prayer to the Holy Spirit for nine days in a row
+ Pray these: Consecration to the Holy Spirit & Prayer for the seven Gifts
+ Watch this inspirational video regarding the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
+ Watch this video of Pope Francis talking about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
+ Two different approaches to teaching children about the Holy Spirit: Ministry to Children and Jimmy Akin

Thoughts
Lately the world (even the secular media) has been abuzz about popes. Rome was overwhelmed by pilgrims from around the globe who came to witness the canonizations of John XXIII and John Paul II. Pope Francis is one of the most searched people on the internet and is constantly “trending” on Twitter.  The world is enamored with these three men because of their obvious joy.  All three have exuded the joy that comes from living the faith in love. Joy is not merely an emotion.  It is often a decision.  We will be joyful when we embrace the Gospel message.  Even the greatest agony of all, the crucifixion of Christ, is the cause of the greatest joy – the resurrection, our salvation and our eternal happiness in heaven.
Challenge
Embrace the truth: all pain and sadness is fleeting and you are destined for eternal happiness.  Embrace “joy.” Regardless of how you “feel,” listen to others patiently, smile, and speak a kind word.  Give thanks for all the good in your life and in the world.  In this Easter season, focus on the joy exhibited by the apostles in the stories contained in the Acts of the Apostles as they met the Risen Christ and proclaimed Him to others, regardless of persecution, hardship or even death.
Go Deeper
+ During the remaining weeks of the Easter Season, read the Acts of the Apostles (a little bit every day).  Click HERE to download a Bible app for your computer or phone
+ Free full length video about John Paul II: Karol the Pope the Man
+ Great book about John Paul II: Saint John Paul the Great
+ Learn about Saint John XXIII: Saint of the Day   Letters of John XXXIII
+ Autobiography of Pope John XXIII: Journey of a Soul
+ Read Pope Francis’ Exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel”
+ May is the “Month of Mary” so check out these great Mary Resources
+ Read “In hope we were saved” by Pope Benedict XVI: Spe Salvi
+ Take a “May Pilgrimage” with your family or friends – visit a nearby shrine or even just a statue of Mary at your church, praying the rosary on the way there and back. Read more here and here.

+ Pray the joyous prayer called the Regina Coeli every day (maybe at noon)

+ Check out these great CDs on The Virgin Mary

+ Cut down on the amount of negative news you consume every day (through TV, radio and internet) and focus on some positive events in your community and around the world.

+ The 7 Building Blocks to a Joyful Catholic Home: Intentional Catholic Parenting

Thoughts
“I thirst.” As he hung dying on the cross, Jesus was not just stating the obvious biological truth that he was dehydrated – from lack of water and from loss of blood. Physically, mentally and emotionally our Lord was beyond anything we can imagine. Already the night before in the Garden of Gethsemane – even before His carrying of the cross, His brutal scourging, the blows and His lack of sleep – Jesus had reached such a state of physical shock that He bled through His skin. This was not a physical thirst, but a thirst born from the depth of His soul… A thirst foryou. A thirst that He lovingly embraced so as to pour out a life-spring of water into your parched soul. A thirst that all of the suffering and torture and even His impending death would be enough to convince you of His love for you. A thirst that His complete gift of Self would be received by you and lead to your eternal salvation.
Challenge
Lent is coming to a close, Holy Week is upon us and the Easter Season begins on Sunday. Respond to the thirst of Jesus. Your gratitude for His passion, your desire to love Him in return and your resolution to follow Him more closely is how you can satiate His thirst and console His Heart “that loves so much but is so little loved in return.” Weep with Mary, John and the women this Holy Thursday and Good Friday. On Saturday, ponder silently the depth of God’s love and sacrifice for you. On Sunday and during the days that follow rejoice in the Glory of God- Christ is Risen! Alleluia!. But every day, whether in tears or in joy, say to Jesus, “Thank you… I love you…. I want to quench your thirst for me.”
Go Deeper
+Attend the Mass of the Last Supper at your parish on Thursday night
+Spend an hour alone in prayer with Jesus on Thursday night
+Fast on Good Friday
+Attend a service on Good Friday
+Family Easter activities: CatholicMom
+Learn about Divine Mercy: Marians of the Immaculate Conception
+Receive the Indulgence granted on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 27): EWTN
+Read the book: Consoling the Heart of the Redeemer: Consoling the Heart
+Pray the Regina Coeli every day during the Easter Season: Regina Coeli
+Check out these great CDs from Lighthouse Catholic Media: Easter CDs
+Why did Jesus have to die on the cross : NewAdvent

Thoughts
As we begin our Lenten journey, we are invited to follow our Lord into the desert (see the Gospel for first Sunday in Lent, Mt 4:1-11). Why? (1) Because there are no distractions in the desert and we can be alone with our Lord. (2) Because the desert is a place of danger and discomfort and there we must rely on God to protect and sustain us. (3) Because in the desert, we are reminded of the Exodus – Moses led the Israelites from Egypt through the desert to the Promised Land – when God personally fed, gave drank to, led and protected His people. (4) Because we need to recognize that our whole life is to some extent a desert – we are separated from the full, life-giving presence of our Lord that we look forward to experiencing for all eternity in heaven.
Challenge
Fast from some type or amount of food or drink or during some periods of time. This is not trite, outdated tradition. It is a deeply spiritual practice that reminds us only God can fully satiate us in the desert that is life.
Pray. Enter into a more regular/deeper conversation with God in the desert, separated from the many distractions of everyday life.
Give Alms. Look around you. In the desert of life there are many people who are in great need. Share what you have, even if you have little yourself. Remember that giving not from your excess but from your need is an immeasurable gift of love.
Go Deeper
+ Questions and answers about Lent and Lenten Practices: Click Here
+ Why do Catholics practice fasting and abstinence during Lent?: Click Here
+ Great Lenten resources from Lighthouse Catholic Media: Click Here
+ The Way Of The Cross by St. Josemaria Escriva: Click Here
+ Online Stations of the Cross from EWTN: Click Here
+ Lenten activities for children on pinterest.com: Click Here
+ Lenten prayers from salvemariaregina.info: Click Here
+ Great books for Lent: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kawalska, Consoling the Heart of Jesus, Journey to Easter, Splendor of Sorrow , Lent and Easter Wisdom from Fulton J Sheen, What Jesus Saw From The Cross

Thoughts
Who do you say that I am? This question of Jesus to His disciples in the eighth chapter of the Gospel of Mark is the same question He asks each of us today. Jesus claimed to be the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6); the Messiah (the promised, anointed savior of all people) (Jn 4:26); the giver of eternal life (Jn 10:28); almighty God, co-eternal with the Father (Jn 14:9). Jesus took upon Himself our sins (1 Pt 2:24), died (Jn 19:28-26) and rose from the dead (Jn 20). Jesus is not just a kind guy who lived a good life. As St. Paul points out in 1 Cor 15, Jesus was either God or crazy; He either rose from the dead or our entire faith is a sham. So, who is Jesus to you?

Challenge
Jesus is God! Your life has purpose! You are created in love by God and sustained in love by God. And God became man and died for you. God invites you to live in perfect eternal happiness with Him. What will do with that knowledge? How will you live your life? You can’t just keep going along as if nothing matters. Today matters! Your thoughts, words and actions matter! Everything you are and do is of infinite importance! Yesterday is gone; let it go. Tomorrow is not assured; worry not about it. Today (and every day of your life is “today”) seek to embrace God in a new and glorious way. Read the Bible; go to Mass, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, study the faith; pray the Rosary; get involved in your parish; care for the poor and needy; comfort the sorrowing; forgive those you have wronged you; support worthy charities… Seek to live every day in light of who Jesus is!

Links
+ Sign up for daily Gospel reading (& Commentary): flocknote.com/gospel
+ Buy an Ignatius Study Bible: (New Testament): www.catholiccompany.com/ignatius-bible-rsv-second-catholic-edition-i7805/
+ “101 Questions About the Mass” (answered):
www.catholicmass.org/docs/101_Questions_About%20_The%20_Mass.pdf
+ Explanations of the Faith: www.catholic.com
+ Pope Francis on poverty: www.confrontglobalpoverty.org/our-faith-global-poverty/church-teachings/quotes-poverty-pope-francis/
+ “A Way of Life For Young Catholics” (but a good read for anyone): www.poorclares.ie/print/A%20Way%20of%20Life%20for%20young%20Catholics.pdf
+ “How to Pray”: www.catholicbible101.com/howtopray.htm
+ Some thoughts on “tithing”: www.saint-mike.org/library/rule/excerpts/principles_tithing.html