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This story of Jesus healing the paralytic man was always one of my childhood favorites.  Though I must confess, it had more to do with the bright colorful illustrations in my picture book than with the content of the story. Reading it as an adult, I’m struck by the people carrying the man on a stretcher to see Jesus who traveled a great distance in hope of a miracle for their friend. Who were they and why did they sacrifice their time and themselves to help him?  Did the paralytic ask for their help? Did he plead with them? Or was this a group of friends who knew his desire for healing and offered themselves to him without being asked?  

While we don’t know the details, we recognize they were a community working together for the good of one another.  At first glance, we might simply see the community’s physical support in helping the paralytic reach Jesus, but if we read a little closer we realize it wasn’t the physical support that was most important, but their faith.  The Gospel of Matthew says, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.’” 

Jesus healed the man both physically and spiritually after witnessing their faith. To have carried this man to encounter Jesus, the group must have cared for him and believed in the possibility of him being healed by Jesus. They appeared to be a community of believers who shared their faith and their struggles with one another. They believed in the miracle of healing Jesus could offer them and worked together to give one of their own that opportunity.  

God created us for community. We are created to love and serve, laugh and cry, and support and lift one another up. Just as this group of people did for the paralytic man, it is an integral component of living out our Catholic faith. There are many places we might find our community of believers: at our parish, through online connections, in our family, and within small groups of friends or of mutual interests.  Where do you find your faith community?  How do we work together in faith to support others in our community?

Lord, please surround me with a community of faith. Please also open my eyes to the ways I may strengthen and support those in my community. Amen.

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Esta historia de Jesús sanando al paralítico siempre fue una de mis favoritas de la infancia. Aunque debo confesar que tenía más que ver con las ilustraciones de brillantes colores en mi libro que con el contenido de la historia. Al leerla de adulta, me impresionan las personas que llevaban al hombre en camilla para ver a Jesús, quienes viajaron una gran distancia con la esperanza de un milagro para su amigo. ¿Quiénes eran y por qué sacrificaron su tiempo y su vida para ayudarlo? ¿Les pidió el paralítico ayuda? ¿Les suplicó? ¿O era un grupo de amigos que conocían su deseo de sanación y se ofrecieron a él sin que se lo pidieran?

Si bien desconocemos los detalles, reconocemos que eran una comunidad que trabajaba unida por el bien de los demás. A primera vista, podríamos ver simplemente el apoyo físico de la comunidad para ayudar al paralítico a llegar a Jesús, pero si leemos con más atención, nos damos cuenta de que no era el apoyo físico lo más importante, sino su fe. El Evangelio de Mateo dice: “Viendo Jesús la fe de aquellos hombres, le dijo al paralítico: ‘Ten confianza, hijo. Se te perdonan tus pecados’”.

Jesús sanó al hombre física y espiritualmente tras ser testigo de su fe. Para haber llevado a este hombre al encuentro con Jesús, el grupo debió de cuidarlo y creer en la posibilidad de que Jesús lo sanara. Parecían ser una comunidad de creyentes que compartían su fe y sus luchas. Creían en el milagro de la sanación que Jesús podía ofrecerles y trabajaban juntos para brindarle a uno de los suyos esa oportunidad.

Dios nos creó para la comunidad. Fuimos creados para amar y servir, reír y llorar, apoyarnos y animarnos mutuamente. Al igual que este grupo de personas hizo con el paralítico, es un componente integral de vivir nuestra fe católica. Hay muchos lugares donde podemos encontrar nuestra comunidad de creyentes: en nuestra parroquia, a través de conexiones en línea, en nuestra familia y en pequeños grupos de amigos o con intereses comunes. ¿Dónde encuentras tu comunidad de fe? ¿Cómo trabajamos juntos en la fe para apoyar a otros en nuestra comunidad?

Señor, te pido que me rodees de una comunidad de fe. También ábreme los ojos para ver cómo puedo fortalecer y apoyar a quienes me rodean. Amen.

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Lisa Henley Jones is a wife, mom, and native Texan. Her life is influenced by her Catholic faith and she shares it through writing and on her podcast, Of Sound Mind and Spirit, together with her sister, Shelly Kelly. For fun, Lisa enjoys reading, walking, dating her husband, and wearing the college colors of her young adult kids.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Today the Gospel reading provides us with Matthew’s account of the healing of the Gadarene demoniacs. Jesus has just crossed the sea with His disciples. During that trip He demonstrated that even the winds and the sea are at His command. Now, upon coming into the territory of the Gadarenes, “two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?’” 

And then the demoniacs pleaded with Jesus. Unlike Luke’s account of this event (Luke 8: 26-39), Matthew does not provide many details about the man possessed. Instead, he primarily describes the interaction of the demoniacs with Jesus. This focus allows us to see clearly the power and authority of Jesus. Savage demoniacs plead with Jesus. His identity is known to them and along with that identity, His power. The demons recognize they are powerless under His authority. Jesus commands them to “Go then!” and the demons heed his command.

Yet the townspeople who hear what Jesus has done do not rejoice. There is no celebration welcoming back the healed man, no gratitude expressed for Jesus’s work. Instead, they appear more overwhelmed by His power than by their fear of the demoniacs: “Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.” The One who was sent to deliver, to heal, to save, was sent away.  

It seems the Gadarenes had become accustomed to the darkness, to the demons prowling about their earth, adapting to life with them. It is worth examining where in our own lives we may have done the same. Where might we have become unwilling to recognize and accept the authority of Jesus to change the status quo? 

Jesus, the Son of God, has the power to cast out demons, even the most savage of them. Will we let Him?

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Hoy, el Evangelio nos presenta el relato de Mateo sobre la curación de los endemoniados gadarenos. Jesús acababa de cruzar el mar con sus discípulos. Durante ese viaje, demostró que incluso los vientos y el mar están a su disposición. Al llegar al territorio de los gadarenos, “dos endemoniados salieron de entre los sepulcros y fueron a su encuentro. Eran tan feroces, que nadie se atrevía a pasar por aquel camino. Los endemoniados le gritaron a Jesús: ‘¿Qué quieres de nosotros, Hijo de Dios? ¿Acaso has venido hasta aquí para atormentarnos antes del tiempo señalado?’”

Y entonces los endemoniados le suplicaron a Jesús. A diferencia del relato de Lucas sobre este suceso (Lucas 8,26-39), Mateo no proporciona muchos detalles sobre el hombre poseído. En cambio, describe principalmente la interacción de los endemoniados con Jesús. Este enfoque nos permite ver claramente el poder y la autoridad de Jesús. Endemoniados violentos suplican a Jesús. Conocen su identidad y, con ella, su poder. Los demonios reconocen su impotencia ante su autoridad. Al saber que Jesús va a echarlos fuera, piden ser mandados a entrar a unos cerdos y con tan solo oír las palabras: “Está bien” de la boca de Jesús, se van.

Sin embargo, los habitantes del pueblo, al oír lo que Jesús ha hecho, no se alegran. No hay celebración al recibir al hombre sanado, ni gratitud por la obra de Jesús. En cambio, parecen más abrumados por su poder que por el miedo a los endemoniados: “Entonces salió toda la gente de la ciudad al encuentro de Jesús, y al verlo, le suplicaron que se fuera de su territorio“. Aquel que fue enviado para liberar, sanar y salvar, fue despedido.

Parece que los gadarenos se habían acostumbrado a la oscuridad, a los demonios que rondaban por su tierra, adaptándose a la vida con ellos. Vale la pena examinar en cuáles momentos de nuestra vida hemos hecho lo mismo. ¿En cuáles momentos nos hemos vuelto reacios a reconocer y aceptar la autoridad de Jesús para cambiar el statu quo?

Jesús, el Hijo de Dios, tiene el poder de expulsar demonios, incluso a los más feroces. ¿Lo permitiremos?

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Raine Pyne is a longtime public school educator. She is married to Greg, who is also an educator. They have five sons, three dogs, and one cat, plus hundreds of adolescent students and countless stacks of books. Raine is a former parish catechist and women’s retreat leader. She is a student at the Theology of the Body Institute and a member of the Word on Fire Institute’s Writing Community. She is passionate about learning, language, and the ever deepening journey of faith.

Feature Image Credit: Gustave Doré, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/christ-healing-a-possessed-man-14959/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Lily is a Michigan native and cradle Catholic who has spent most of her life exploring her own reasons to embrace her faith fully. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she discovered the beauty of her personal relationship with Christ and the Church. After college, she worked in Montessori Education for three years and recently transitioned to nannying. She was recently married and spends most of her time reading, and enjoying her dog and family!

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Today is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, as well as one of my son’s birthday. He was born 100 years to the day after my paternal grandmother. What a blessing to be surrounded by family as well as having the incredible examples of our saint friends in Heaven! The joy and gratitude to God cannot be overstated. 

Yet most of the time family life is not easy and can often be full of trials. Especially during these times, the saints can offer us guidance and an example of perseverance. While Peter was the first to identify Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, he also made many mistakes and had many imperfections. Similarly, Paul even identifies himself as having a “thorn in the flesh”, and is first presented to us as a zealous persecutor of Christians. 

Ultimately, each of us is called to take up our cross. We aim to serve Christ by serving one another, placing love of others before ourselves. For some, this may come more naturally than others. I myself very much need to be trained, and consciously practice denying myself. I am egotistical dust, but am strengthened through the power of Christ. 

My heart is frozen without him, but melted by His ultimate sacrifice. I am torn and weak, tired and sinful. Full of distractions and temptations, judgments and bitterness. How can I find the strength to grasp onto you, my Lord? Help me God to be concerned about the well-being of others and to practice humility, being converted and united to You, just like Saints Peter and Paul. 

Dr. Alexis Dallara-Marsh is a board-certified neurologist who practices in Bergen County, NJ. She is a wife to her best friend, Akeem, and a mother of four little ones on Earth and two others in heaven above.

Feature Image Credit: Bartolomeo Manfredi, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/saints-peter-and-paul-19358/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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These are the last two paragraphs of the Mission Discourse in the Gospel of Matthew. If we look at chapter 10 as one unit, we could hear Jesus saying to us: “I’m sending you out, giving you authority to be in the world as an extension of the mission you have seen Me carrying out: proclaiming that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand, healing, curing, raising the dead, driving out demons, teaching, loving, forgiving” (v. 1, 7).

BUT…You will find it no easier than I…. If they have called me Beelzebub, then they will also call you this (v. 25).

REMEMBER THIS…Everyone who acknowledges Me before others I will acknowledge before My heavenly Father (v. 32). This is the end, what we look forward to: a relationship—to stand before the heavenly Father with and in Christ!

SO…Don’t control things by packing up everything so you can rely on material things for your safety. Don’t move around trying to find the best situation for yourselves according to who will care for you the best. Don’t plan ahead for your defense (v. 9-23).

And then three times Jesus says: 

Do not be afraid (v. 26, 28, 31). I am inviting you into a relationship. I am a link, in a sense, that brings you into direct relationship with the Father who loves you and cares for you more than the sparrows. Others—mother, father, siblings—may reject you when you enter into a relationship with Me, but my Father will never leave you without his help.

AND YOU TOO ARE A LINK NOW FOR OTHERS…Be a strong link. Align yourself with Me. Do not grasp onto and preserve your identity, control, security, or self-centered desires pursued on your own terms. Instead, lose your life for My sake (v. 39), surrendering it in trust and obedience, giving up your own agenda to follow Me. Take the risk to love Me and trust Me. Only I can give you eternal life. 

When you do this, you become a link for others to come to Me. When they receive you, they receive Me, and when they receive Me, they receive the one who sent Me (v. 40). Even if you just give them a dixie cup filled with cold water, this kindness from you will link them to Me (v. 42). Everyone’s story will look very different, and your choices are your own as Jesus leads you. Jesus is still able to walk about reaching others and bringing them into His relationship with the Father through you. 

You have been commissioned by Jesus. Who is waiting for you to become this link for them?

Sr. Kathryn James Hermes, FSP, is an author and offers online evangelization as well as spiritual formation for people on their journey of spiritual transformation and inner healing. Website: www.touchingthesunrise.com My Books: https://touchingthesunrise.com/books/
Public Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/srkathrynhermes/ HeartWork Spiritual Formation Group: https://touchingthesunrise.com/heartwork/

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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This Gospel passage gets me every single time. I unfortunately have a judgmental nature and I dislike it. This is one more example of how good our Lord is. He knows us. He knows and speaks to our weaknesses. He doesn’t pretend they don’t exist nor does He let us pretend. He says, “Hey, you do this. Don’t. It has consequences.” 

I like that. I like being called out. If I’m pursuing holiness and trying to be close to Jesus’ heart and desirous of having a heart conformed to His, then I need to know what is getting in the way. Judging others is way too easy. It comes from the enemy who wants to divide us and keep us far from Jesus. I don’t understand why it’s such an automatic response. Why do I assume the worst? How can I stop this? 

I’ve prayed for years to not be judgmental but I always thought it was my work alone. It wasn’t until I acknowledged to myself and to God that I’m incapable of improving on my own that my heart started softening. I had to first say “I can’t” and pray for the graces to be more charitable.  Over time, the Lord has gifted me with reminders to rethink my first response and has prompted me to pray for those I’m inclined to judge. He turned my “I can’t” into “I can, with His help.”

This Gospel passage, which used to fill me with guilt, has now become one of my favorites. It reminds me that God knows me and loves me enough to gently teach me to be more charitable toward others.

Merridith Frediani loves words and is delighted by good sentences. She also loves Lake Michigan, dahlias, the first sip of hot coffee in the morning, millennials, and playing Sheepshead with her husband and three kids. She writes for Catholic Mom, new.diocesan.com/, and her local Catholic Herald. Her first book Draw Close to Jesus: A Woman’s Guide to Adoration is available at Our Sunday Visitor and Amazon. You can learn more at merridithfrediani.com.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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“It’s not fair!” said my son, holding up his sixth-grade homework.  

“What’s not fair?” I answered, knowing his homework-stalling tactics.     

“Adam and Eve really messed us up!” he shot back.     

“Please, just do your homework,” I said, adamantly.  

That day at school, they had talked about the Garden of Eden and Adam’s fall from grace, which affects us all. He couldn’t accept their betrayal of God in favor of the sins of the devil, which closed the gates of heaven. Only Christ’s sacrifice on the cross redeemed us.   

Adam had everything he needed. He was created with a purpose: to serve as the steward of God’s creation. After he named all the animals, he was blessed with a female companion. Together, they would work in harmony with the Creator in a peaceful world.  

To my son’s dismay, this didn’t last, and the world remains far from peace. Humanity’s decline began with Adam, but our recovery came through Christ. While the Lord’s sacrifice on Calvary repaired the rift between God and mankind, the devil still taunts and tries to intrude in our relationships.      

Today’s second reading offers hope: “For if by the transgression of the one [Adam] the many [us] died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.” 

God’s generous gift reopened the gates of heaven for humanity. However, we still depend on God’s grace to overcome our struggles with sin. The redemption of humanity was secured, but our individual salvation relies on our cooperation with God’s will and attentiveness to His divine plan. 

We walk in faith toward our heavenly home, hoping to receive the same welcome from the Father as shown in the parable of the Prodigal Son when he returns home. We long to return to the Father in our heavenly home and find our way back. 

But living a good Christian life is difficult. Sometimes we feel like lambs among wolves. But Jesus tells us not to fear anyone, saying, “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Our eternal souls will outlast our fading bodies.

Today’s Gospel states: “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” In the end, we all want to be acknowledged.     

The Christian martyrs gained recognition and paved the way, starting with St. Stephen, the first martyr. The word “martyr” means to “witness,” referring to someone who testifies to the truth of Christ and refuses to deny it. A cloud of witnesses cheers us on.   

Although few of us want to be martyrs, we still must live by faith, carry our crosses, and often bear others’ burdens. Staying alert against lukewarmness or any loss of momentum, we continue our journey toward heaven. And one day, we will be able to embrace Jesus, our Great Gift.

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“¡No es justo!”, dijo mi hijo, mostrándome su tarea de sexto grado.

“¿Qué no es justo?”, respondí, conociendo sus tácticas para posponer la tarea.

“¡Adán y Eva nos arruinaron la vida!”, replicó.

“Por favor, haz tu tarea”, le dije con firmeza.

Ese día en la escuela habían hablado del Jardín del Edén y la caída de Adán, que nos afecta a todos. No podía aceptar su traición a Dios en favor de los pecados del diablo, que cerraron las puertas del cielo. Sólo el sacrificio de Cristo en la cruz nos redimió.

Adán tenía todo lo que necesitaba. Fue creado con un propósito: servir como administrador de la creación de Dios. Después de nombrar a todos los animales, fue bendecido con una compañera. Juntos trabajarían en armonía con el Creador en un mundo de paz.

Para consternación de mi hijo, esto no duró, y el mundo sigue estando lejos de la paz. La decadencia de la humanidad comenzó con Adán, pero nuestra recuperación llegó a través de Cristo. Si bien el sacrificio del Señor en el Calvario reparó la brecha entre Dios y la humanidad, el diablo todavía nos tienta e intenta interferir en nuestras relaciones.

La segunda lectura de hoy ofrece esperanza: “Pues si por el pecado de uno solo hombre [Adán] todos [nosotros] fueron castigados con la muerte, por el don de un solo hombre, Jesucristo, se ha desbordado sobre todos la abundancia de la vida y la gracia de Dios”.

El generoso regalo de Dios reabrió las puertas del cielo para la humanidad. Sin embargo, todavía dependemos de la gracia de Dios para superar nuestras luchas contra el pecado. La redención de la humanidad fue asegurada, pero nuestra salvación individual depende de nuestra cooperación con la voluntad de Dios y nuestra atención a su plan divino.

Caminamos con fe hacia nuestro hogar celestial, esperando recibir la misma bienvenida del Padre que se muestra en la parábola del Hijo Pródigo cuando regresa a casa. Anhelamos regresar al Padre en nuestro hogar celestial y encontrar el camino de vuelta.

Pero vivir una buena vida cristiana es difícil. A veces nos sentimos como corderos entre lobos. Pero Jesús nos dice que no temamos a nadie, diciendo: “No tengan miedo a los que matan el cuerpo, pero no pueden matar el alma”. Nuestras almas eternas sobrevivirán a nuestros cuerpos perecederos. 

El Evangelio de hoy dice: “A quien me reconozca delante de los hombres, yo también lo reconoceré ante mi Padre, que está en los cielos; pero al que me niegue delante de los hombres, yo también lo negaré ante mi Padre, que está en los cielos”. Al final, todos deseamos ser reconocidos.

Los mártires cristianos obtuvieron reconocimiento y abrieron el camino, comenzando con San Esteban, el primer mártir. La palabra “mártir” significa “testigo”, refiriéndose a alguien que da testimonio de la verdad de Cristo y se niega a negarlo. Una multitud de testigos nos anima.

Aunque pocos de nosotros deseamos ser mártires, debemos vivir por la fe, cargar con nuestras cruces y, a menudo, con las cargas de los demás. Manteniéndonos alerta contra la tibieza o cualquier pérdida de impulso, continuamos nuestro camino hacia el cielo. Y un día, podremos abrazar a Jesús, nuestro Gran Regalo.

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Charlene Unterkofler is a Catholic convert who nurtures her spiritual growth by serving the poor in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and guiding the formation of other Vincentians through her writing and workshops. She co-authored “Cloud of Witnesses, 25 Stories of Saintly Inspiration and Intercession,” with the PraiseWriters community. She enjoys playing cribbage with her husband and reading to her grandsons. Discover more at gentleservant.com.

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us about serving two masters: “You cannot serve God and mammon.” If you’re like me, you aren’t certain exactly what mammon means. It’s anything in this world – such as material wealth, money, or possessions – that we look to for security instead of trusting God to provide for us.

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health issues in the world. In the U.S., one in every five adults is diagnosed with anxiety. Yes, there’s much to be anxious about in today’s world – job security, household bills, family relationships, our children’s health, our aging parents, and more. For many, the unknown future lies at the root of our anxiety. We worry about being unable to control every aspect of our lives. We’re anxious about making mistakes that could lead to unexpected loss or suffering. It doesn’t help that every time we turn on the news, we’re faced with fear, outrage, and negativity. 

Earlier this year, our family experienced some major life changes with many overlapping pieces. There were moments when I started thinking about how much needed to be done by the end of next week and felt overwhelmed by everything in between rather than focusing only on what needed to happen that day. When I got anxious about how we were going to get to that future moment, my husband would rein me in, saying, “Stay focused, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. We’re not there yet!”  

When we find ourselves fretting over how a situation is going to play out, remember that God created us and He cares for all creation. If He provides for the birds and the flowers, how much more does God love and provide for us? Jesus gently reminds us that everything we need is provided for us. Everything. Throughout Scripture we are called to trust God. With God in our life, there is nothing we shall want. Everything will be all right. So why should we worry about tomorrow? Instead let’s focus on where God is providing for us today. And trust that no matter what we are facing or what feels insurmountable, God has a plan for it. 

Imagine how refreshing it could be to truly embrace Jesus’ command to not worry about our life. To dismiss every anxious moment by simply meditating on today’s Gospel.  If you find yourself anxious today, read this Gospel again carefully. Pause and breathe deeply, centering your thoughts on God and His love for you. Think of all He has taken care of for you in the past. Trust that He is fully present, loving you today, and taking care of whatever lies ahead. Instead of worrying about what might happen next week or next month, keep your eyes fixed on the present and trust in God for your daily needs. God created us, loves us, and takes care of us. Always. 

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En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos advierte sobre servir a dos señores: “no pueden ustedes servir a Dios y al dinero”. Si eres como yo, no tienes claro qué significa exactamente “el dinero”. Significa cualquier cosa en este mundo, como la riqueza material, el dinero o las posesiones, a la que acudimos para sentirnos seguros en lugar de confiar en que Dios nos proveerá.

El trastorno de ansiedad es uno de los problemas de salud mental más comunes en el mundo. En Estados Unidos, uno de cada cinco adultos es diagnosticado con ansiedad. Sí, hay muchas razones para preocuparse en el mundo actual: la seguridad laboral, las facturas del hogar, las relaciones familiares, la salud de nuestros hijos, nuestros padres ancianos y más. Para muchos, la incertidumbre sobre el futuro es la raíz de nuestra ansiedad. Nos preocupa no poder controlar todos los aspectos de nuestra vida. Nos angustia cometer errores que podrían llevarnos a pérdidas o sufrimiento inesperados. No ayuda que cada vez que vemos las noticias, nos enfrentemos al miedo, la indignación y la negatividad. 

A principios de este año, nuestra familia experimentó varios cambios fuertes, con muchas partes entrelazadas. Hubo momentos en que comencé a pensar en cuánto faltaba para el final de la semana siguiente y me sentí abrumada por todo lo que quedaba entremedio, en lugar de concentrarme solo en lo que debía suceder ese día. Cuando me angustiaba pensar en cómo llegaríamos a ese momento futuro, mi esposo me frenaba, diciéndome: “Concéntrate, ya lo superaremos cuando lleguemos. ¡Aún no hemos llegado!”

Cuando nos encontremos preocupados por cómo se desarrollará una situación, recordemos que Dios nos creó y cuida de toda la creación. Si Él provee para los pájaros y las flores, ¿cuánto más nos ama y provee Dios para nosotros? Jesús nos recuerda con ternura que todo lo que necesitamos nos es provisto. Todo. A lo largo de las Escrituras se nos llama a confiar en Dios. Con Dios en nuestra vida, no nos faltará nada. Todo estará bien. Entonces, ¿por qué preocuparnos por el mañana? En cambio, concentrémonos en lo que Dios nos está proveyendo hoy. Y confía en que, sin importar lo que enfrentemos o lo que parezca insuperable, Dios tiene un plan para ello.

Imagina lo refrescante que sería aceptar verdaderamente el mandato de Jesús de no preocuparnos por nuestra vida. Deshacernos de cada momento de ansiedad simplemente meditando en el Evangelio de hoy. Si hoy te sientes ansioso, vuelve a leer este Evangelio con atención. Haz una pausa y respira profundamente, centrando tus pensamientos en Dios y su amor por ti. Piensa en todo lo que Él ha cuidado de ti en el pasado. Confía en que Él está plenamente presente, amándote hoy y cuidando de lo que venga. En lugar de preocuparte por lo que pueda suceder la próxima semana o el próximo mes, mantén la vista fija en el presente y confía en Dios para tus necesidades diarias. Dios nos creó, nos ama y nos cuida. Siempre.

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Shelly Henley Kelly is a wife, mother of three, and native Texan who writes and records a podcast with her sister on Of Sound Mind and Spirit and is a regular contributor to Catholic Mom. When not writing or recording, Shelly can be found volunteering as a Youth Ministry Catechist, keeping the scorebook at her son’s baseball games, diving deep into historical research, or hiding with a good book in between games.

Feature Image Credit: Djalma Paiva Armelin, pexels.com/photo/green-and-black-hummingbird-705314/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Hailing from Nashville, Catherine is a graduate of Christendom College with a lifelong passion for words. Her love of writing and her Catholic Faith continue to shape her as a freelance editor, copywriter, and (aspiring) novelist, where she pursues her passions for the love and greater glory of God.

Feature Image Credit: stux, pixabay.com/photos/crucifix-cross-wayside-cross-carved-1502352/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and eleven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com

Feature Image Credit: Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/sermon-on-the-mount-18450/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.