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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

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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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Deanna G. Bartalini, M.Ed., M.P.A. is a certified spiritual director, retreat leader, speaker, and writer with decades of experience serving the Church. She is the founder of LiveNotLukewarm.com, works on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Passionist Spiritual Center, and is an Unbound prayer minister.  She has served as a religious education director, youth minister, liturgical coordinator, and stewardship director. She writes for SpiritualDirection.com, CatholicMom.com, new.diocesan.com/, and Women in the New Evangelization (WINE). Deanna is the author of The Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women, Invite the Holy Spirit into your Life, and has contributed to the Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, as well as Digital Ministry and Leadership in Today’s Church.

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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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During the Holy Triduum this year, I was battling a cold that just wouldn’t go away. I had already been sick for over a week and was still coughing. Nevertheless, I had volunteered to be a lector for the Holy Thursday liturgy, as they hadn’t been able to find enough volunteers. So, I asked God to help me read for His glory, and without coughing, if at all possible.

Precisely because I wanted to save my voice, I decided not to sing the hymns prior to the readings. I simply mouthed the words, participating as best I could, and listened as the entire community sang behind me. During the “Gloria” I had a profound experience. I felt as though heaven and earth were united in one massive choir, and that Jesus, seated at the right hand of His Father, was present with us right there above the altar.

The reality is that the Most Holy Trinity, along with the angels and saints, is in fact present with us at every Mass. I recall watching a short video entitled “The Veil Removed” which depicts angels processing down the church’s main aisle until they reach the altar and surround it. During the consecration of the bread, the angels offer praise to Jesus, present in the host. During the consecration of the wine, the blood of Christ is shown dripping into the chalice from the crucifix hanging behind the altar, reminding us once again that what we consume is truly His Body and Blood.

In today’s readings, we also see how God makes Himself present in various ways. Elijah does not find Him in the heavy wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but rather in a tiny whispering sound. In the second reading, we see the Spirit of Christ present in Saint Paul, who is deeply anguished over his brethren and willing to do whatever it takes for their well-being. And in the Gospel, Jesus makes Himself present to His disciples as they struggle in their boat amid a violent storm. After telling Peter to walk on the water and saving him when he began to sink, they proclaimed, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

Just like that experience I had on Holy Thursday, and just like that video I watched, today’s readings are another demonstration of the unity of God with His people, of heaven with earth. May God help us realize in a much deeper way the union of His divinity with our humanity. May we be filled with joy, knowing that soon we will be fully united with Him forever in heaven.

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Durante el Santo Triduo este año, estuve batallando con un resfriado que no se me iba. Ya había estado enferma más de una semana y seguía con tos. Sin embargo, me había ofrecido para leer durante la liturgia del Jueves Santo, ya que no encontraban suficientes voluntarios. Así que, le pedí a Dios que me ayudara a leer para su gloria, y sin toser, si fuera posible. 

Por lo mismo que quería guardar mi voz, decidí no cantar los himnos anteriores a las lecturas. Solo movía la boca, participando como podía, y escuchaba como cantaba toda la comunidad atrás mio. Durante la gloria, tuve una experiencia profunda. Sentí que el cielo y la tierra se unían en un coro enorme y que Jesus, sentado a la derecha de su Padre, se hizo presente con nosotros arriba del altar.  

La realidad es, que la Santísima Trinidad, junto con los ángeles y santos, de hecho están presentes con nosotros en cada Misa. Me acuerdo de haber visto un video corto que se llama “Lo que pasa en Misa, pero no vemos con los ojos” y mostraba angeles procesando por el pasillo principal de la iglesia hasta llegar al altar y pararse alrededor de él. Durante la consagración del pan, los ángeles alababan a Jesus, presente en la hostia. Durante la consagración del vino, la sangre de Cristo goteaba en el cáliz desde el crucifijo que colgaba detrás del altar, recordándonos nuevamente que lo que consumimos es verdaderamente su cuerpo y sangre.

En las lecturas de hoy, vemos también cómo Dios se hace presente de diferentes maneras. Elias no lo encuentra en el huracán, ni en el terremoto ni en el fuego, sino en la brisa suave. En la segunda lectura, vemos al espíritu de Cristo presente en San Pablo, quien se angustia por sus hermanos, y está dispuesto a hacer lo que fuese por su bien. Y en el Evangelio, Jesus se hizo presente a sus discípulos quienes estaban batallando en su barca en medio de una gran tormenta. Después de decirle a Pedro que caminara sobre las aguas y de salvarlo cuando empezó a hundirse, proclamaron, “Verdaderamente tú eres el Hijo de Dios”.

 Igual que esa experiencia que tuve el Jueves Santo, e igual que ese video que vi, las lecturas de hoy son otra muestra de la unidad de Dios con su pueblo, del cielo con la tierra. Que Dios nos ayude a darnos cuenta de una forma más profunda la unión de su divinidad con nuestra humanidad. Que nos llenemos de alegría sabiendo que pronto estaremos plenamente unidos con Él para siempre en el cielo.

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Tami Urcia is a midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. As a young adult she was a missionary in Mexico, where she studied theology and philosophy. After returning stateside bilingual, she gained a variety of work experience, traveled extensively and finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Brescia University. She loves organizing and simplifying things, watching her children play sports, deep conversations with close family and friends and finding unique ways to brighten others’ day with Christ’s love. She works full time at Diocesan in the Software Department and manages the Inspiration Daily reflections. She is also a contributing writer on CatholicMom.com and BlessedIsShe.net.

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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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The snack food industry has perfected the balance of salt, sugar, and fats, and when coupled with just the right crunch, these foods have become irresistible. This concept of perfecting the amount of sweet and salty is known as the “bliss point,” and companies track this so they can create foods that we will never grow tired of eating. When combined with nutrients that are digested quickly so that our stomachs aren’t capable of recognizing when we’re full, you have a recipe for food that will never truly satisfy.

This type of food is a perfect analogy for what the things of the world offer us. We have certain desires, and when we try to fill them with things of the world, we find ourselves consuming nonstop, yet never being satisfied. Whether it’s eating snack food, streaming TV shows, scrolling on social media, drinking alcoholic beverages, or something else, we continue to try to feel fulfilled with all of the wrong things. No matter how blissful something is when we first taste it, that bliss never lasts.

In today’s Gospel we read about Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000. After the death of His cousin, Jesus sought a quiet place to mourn and pray. He went off on his own in a boat, hoping for a few moments of peace and solitude. As He disembarked, He discovered that vast crowds had already arrived ahead of Him. Instead of turning back to fulfill His desire for time alone, He chose to stay and minister to the crowd. As evening drew near, His disciples recommended that He send the people away so they could buy something to eat.

Jesus knew what the people truly desired. They came to witness miracles. They wanted to be healed and to have their earthly needs met. They recognized their need for Jesus in that respect. But Jesus wanted to satisfy their deeper, true desire, the need that only He could fill. He wanted to give them the life-sustaining bread, the gift of Himself, the only thing that could fulfill their innermost wants and desires. This is why at the end of today’s Gospel we hear, “They all ate and were satisfied.”

Jesus could have fed the crowd in any way He chose, but He decided to invite his disciples to participate as His ministers. Jesus wants us to be a part of His mission. He calls each one of us to feed others. When we participate in the Lord’s plan in this way, we will be overcome with His generosity. The disciples started with just a few fish and loaves, and ended with twelve wicker baskets full of leftovers. The Lord is never outdone in generosity. When we give the little we have, thousands can be satisfied.

While the world is preoccupied with fleeting earthly pleasures, like finding the perfect bliss point, may we recognize that what truly satisfies comes only from the Lord.

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La industria de las meriendas ha perfeccionado el equilibrio entre la sal, el azúcar y las grasas; y, cuando esto se combina con el punto exacto de textura crujiente, estos alimentos se vuelven irresistibles. Este concepto de perfeccionar la proporción de dulce y salado se conoce como el “punto de la dicha perfecta” (bliss point), y las empresas lo monitorean para poder crear alimentos de los que nunca nos cansemos. Cuando esto se combina con nutrientes de rápida digestión —de modo que nuestro estómago no es capaz de reconocer cuándo estamos saciados—, el resultado es la receta de un alimento que nunca nos saciará.

Este tipo de alimento constituye una analogía perfecta de lo que nos ofrecen las cosas del mundo. Albergamos ciertos deseos y, cuando intentamos colmarlos con cosas mundanas, nos encontramos consumiendo sin parar, pero sin llegar a sentirnos satisfechos jamás. Ya sea comiendo aperitivos, viendo series en línea, navegando por las redes sociales, bebiendo alcohol o haciendo cualquier otra cosa, seguimos intentando sentirnos plenos mediante los medios equivocados. Por muy placentera que resulte una experiencia en el primer instante, esa dicha nunca perdura.

En el Evangelio de hoy leemos el relato de la alimentación de los cinco mil por parte de Jesús. Tras la muerte de su primo, Jesús buscó un lugar tranquilo para guardar luto y orar. Se retiró a solas en una barca, con la esperanza de disfrutar de unos momentos de paz y soledad. Al desembarcar, descubrió que una inmensa multitud ya había llegado antes que Él. En lugar de dar media vuelta para satisfacer su deseo de pasar un tiempo a solas, decidió quedarse y servir a la multitud. Al caer la tarde, sus discípulos le sugirieron que despidiera a la gente para que pudieran ir a comprar algo de comer.

Jesús sabía lo que la gente deseaba en lo más profundo de su ser: habían acudido para ser testigos de milagros. Querían ser sanados y ver satisfechas sus necesidades terrenales; en ese sentido, reconocían su necesidad de Jesús. Pero Jesús quería saciar su deseo más hondo y auténtico: esa necesidad que solo Él podía colmar. Quería ofrecerles el pan que da la vida, el don de sí mismo; lo único capaz de satisfacer sus anhelos y deseos más íntimos. Por eso, al final del Evangelio de hoy, escuchamos: “Todos comieron hasta saciarse”.

Jesús podría haber alimentado a la multitud de cualquier manera que hubiera elegido; sin embargo, decidió invitar a sus discípulos a participar en la tarea como sus ministros. Jesús desea que formemos parte de su misión. Él nos llama a cada uno de nosotros a alimentar a los demás. Cuando participamos de este modo en el plan del Señor, nos vemos colmados por su generosidad. Los discípulos comenzaron con apenas unos pocos peces y panes, y terminaron con doce canastas repletas de sobras. El Señor nunca se deja vencer en generosidad. Cuando entregamos lo poco que tenemos, miles pueden quedarse saciados.

Mientras el mundo se afana tras placeres terrenales y efímeros, como hallar ese punto de dicha perfecta, reconozcamos nosotros que aquello que verdaderamente sacia proviene únicamente del Señor.

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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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Almost every line in today’s Gospel is a warning from Jesus. We have all heard that we should take up our cross. We have all heard or even said ourselves, “That is their cross to bear.” We understand the weight of the cross in human terms, that it would be heavy and cause splinters in our hands. That it might dig into our shoulders or cut into our face as we try to hold it up, let alone trying to walk with it. We comprehend the cross in physical human terms because we have prayed the Stations of the Cross, but Jesus said these words (“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me”) well before he took up his physical cross. 

Jesus is asking us to take up a spiritual cross. We try to be good Christians, following Jesus’s teachings to lead a good life. We embrace the Ten Commandments and go to church. But Jesus is asking for more than that. He is asking everything of us, but he gives so much more back to us in return. Jesus offers eternal life to those who deny themselves to follow Jesus fully. 

At the end of this passage, Jesus drops this confusing last line: “Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” What does that mean exactly? If we are truly following Jesus, then there will be no death, only eternal life. But he is warning of the bitter taste of death if we choose not to follow Him. 

If we truly hope for eternal life with the Father, then we must heed the Son. We must do what Jesus asks of us in this passage and throughout Scripture. We are to give ourselves over to Jesus. Read Scripture, participate in the sacraments, volunteer as Jesus asked by taking care of the sick, the elderly, the poor, and the incarcerated. Stretch yourself beyond what you think you have time for or what you think you are capable of to become a more active part of the Body of Christ in His Church, in your family, and in your community. Deny yourself, take up your cross, lose your life as you know it, and follow Him.  

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Casi cada línea del Evangelio de hoy constituye una advertencia de Jesús. Todos hemos escuchado que debemos tomar nuestra cruz. Todos hemos oído, o incluso hemos dicho nosotros mismos: “Esa es la cruz que le toca cargar”. Comprendemos el peso de la cruz en términos humanos: que va a ser pesada y nos puede clavar astillas en las manos; que podría hundirse en nuestros hombros o cortarnos el rostro mientras intentamos sostenerla, por no hablar de intentar caminar con ella. Entendemos la cruz en términos físicos y humanos porque hemos rezado el Vía Crucis; sin embargo, Jesús pronunció estas palabras (“El que quiera venir conmigo, que renuncie a sí mismo, que tome su cruz y me siga”) mucho antes de tomar sobre sí su cruz física.

Jesús nos pide que tomemos una cruz espiritual. Intentamos ser buenos cristianos, siguiendo las enseñanzas de Jesús para llevar una vida recta. Acogemos los Diez Mandamientos y asistimos a la iglesia. Pero Jesús nos pide algo más que eso. Nos lo pide todo, pero a cambio nos devuelve mucho más. Jesús ofrece la vida eterna a aquellos que se niegan a sí mismos para seguirlo plenamente.

Al final de este pasaje, Jesús deja caer esta última frase desconcertante: “Yo les aseguro que algunos de los aquí presentes no morirán, sin haber visto primero llegar al Hijo del hombre como rey”. ¿Qué significa eso exactamente? Si verdaderamente seguimos a Jesús, entonces no habrá muerte, sino vida eterna. Pero Él nos advierte de la muerte si elegimos no seguirlo.

Si verdaderamente anhelamos la vida eterna junto al Padre, entonces debemos hacerle caso al Hijo. Debemos hacer lo que Jesús nos pide en este pasaje y a lo largo de toda la Escritura. Debemos entregarnos por completo a Jesús. Lee las Escrituras, participa en los sacramentos, ofrece tu servicio voluntario —tal como pidió Jesús— cuidando a los enfermos, a los ancianos, a los pobres y a los encarcelados. Vete más allá de lo que crees tener tiempo para hacer o de lo que consideras capaz de lograr, para convertirte en una parte más activa del Cuerpo de Cristo: en tu Iglesia, en tu familia y en tu comunidad. Niégate a ti mismo, toma tu cruz, pierda tu vida tal como la conoces, y sígalo.

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Anita Renaghan is the author of several books including literary fiction, science fiction, and a young adult trilogy. She loves a good character study and has been many characters herself including: an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force, a college graduate, a second degree blackbelt, lost, a waitress and bartender, a wife and mother, an account executive, found, and a constantly inventive singer-songwriter. Anita is interested in sharing her faith with others through her writings and story characters. Her website is anitarenaghan.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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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

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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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Many hard emotions are present in today’s Gospel reading. We might feel confidence, fear, boldness, persistence, joy, faith, trust, and gratitude. Which ones do you perceive? The first thing that comes to my mind is that seeing a daughter (or son) in such pain with no way to help them is overwhelming. Imagine yourself as the Canaanite woman in this scene. You courageously follow this Jesus, whom you hear is healing people everywhere He goes. As soon as you get close enough, you are at a loss for words. You simply cry out, “Have pity on me! Help me! I’m desperate and have nowhere else to turn!” 

The Canaanite woman’s request wasn’t worded in a special or holy way and God doesn’t ask that of us. Sometimes simply being bold and persistent shows that we have faith and trust in Him. We are already special and holy because God made us in His image and likeness, and made us part of His family through Baptism and the Holy Spirit.  

Considering the woman’s boldness and faith, Jesus’s response seems harsh. If I had just pushed past my fear and confidently asked for help like the Canaanite woman, I believe His reaction would have made me cower and feel the piercing pain of rejection. I would have wanted a hug, some sign that He understood, but she does not let it sway her and presses onward.

Fr. Columba Jordan CFR, said that Jesus recognizes greatness in the Canaanite woman and does what He can to bring it out, serving as an example for us. His initial silence does not mean He is ignoring her, nor is His comment about the dogs an insult. Jesus wanted to show us through the Canaanite woman’s actions, that sometimes all He needs to hear is complete trust. That is a true sign of faith and love. Sometimes we turn back to a safe place instead of pursuing Jesus during difficult times. He is teaching us not to be afraid of what makes us uncomfortable, but to look to Him with confidence, trust, persistence, joy, faith, and gratitude.

What is the last thing you persistently asked Jesus for? He is right beside you, just waiting for you to courageously ask for His help. 

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En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy están presentes muchas emociones intensas. Podríamos experimentar confianza, miedo, audacia, perseverancia, alegría, fe, seguridad y gratitud. ¿Cuáles percibes tú? Lo primero que me viene a la mente es que ver a una hija (o a un hijo) sufriendo tanto, sin tener forma alguna de ayudarla, resulta abrumador. Imagínate a ti mismo en el lugar de la mujer cananea en esta escena. Sigues con valentía a este Jesús, de quien has oído decir que sana a las personas dondequiera que va. En cuanto logras acercarte lo suficiente, te quedas sin palabras. Simplemente clamas: «¡Ten piedad de mí! ¡Ayúdame! ¡Estoy desesperada y no tengo a dónde más acudir!»

La petición de la mujer cananea no fue formulada de una manera especial o santa, y Dios no nos exige eso a nosotros. A veces, el simple hecho de ser audaces y perseverantes demuestra que tenemos fe y confianza en Él. Nosotros ya somos especiales y santos, pues Dios nos creó a Su imagen y semejanza, y nos hizo parte de Su familia por medio del Bautismo y del Espíritu Santo.

Considerando la audacia y la fe de la mujer, la respuesta de Jesús parece dura. Si yo acabara de vencer mi miedo y pidiera ayuda con confianza —tal como hizo la mujer cananea—, creo que Su reacción me habría hecho encogerme y sentir el dolor punzante del rechazo. Habría deseado un abrazo, alguna señal de que Él me comprendía; sin embargo, ella no permite que eso la desanime y sigue insistiendo.

El P. Columba Jordan, CFR, afirmó que Jesús reconoce la grandeza en la mujer cananea y hace todo lo posible por sacarla a relucir, sirviendo así de ejemplo para nosotros. Su silencio inicial no significa que la esté ignorando, ni tampoco es un insulto Su comentario acerca de los perros. Jesús quiso mostrarnos, a través de las acciones de la mujer cananea, que a veces todo lo que Él necesita escuchar es una confianza absoluta. Esa es una verdadera señal de fe y amor. En ocasiones, en lugar de buscar a Jesús durante los momentos difíciles, retrocedemos hacia un lugar seguro. Él nos está enseñando a no temer lo que nos resulta incómodo, sino a dirigir nuestra mirada hacia Él con confianza, seguridad, perseverancia, alegría, fe y gratitud.

¿Cuál fue la última cosa que le pediste a Jesús con perseverancia? Él está a tu lado, esperando que le pidas Su ayuda con valentía y fe.

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Marti Garcia’s passions are her retired life and growing deeper in her Catholic faith. Marti is a Sacristan/EM, facilitates small groups, and assists as a First Communion Catechist for parents. Being a parent educator and writer for 35 years, she recently published a children’s chapter book on Amazon, The Ladybugs. You can find her at her blog: MartiGarcia.org, or thewaterisshallow.com, or her cohost podcast, findingacommonthread.com, which is coming soon.

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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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They were in the waves and the wind, yet they did not fear the storm. According to Matthew’s account, they weren’t terrified until they saw someone walking across the water. As fishermen, they understood the nature of storms, but seeing a person doing something that’s physically impossible terrifies them. 

Peter challenges Jesus to see if it’s really Him. He asks to join Him in this unnatural thing and walk with Him on the water. But when Jesus commands and Peter sets out to do the impossible, the strength of the storm distracts him, pulls his attention away from God and Peter begins to sink, crying out “Lord, save me!”  

All of us know what it feels like to have our faith challenged, facing uncertainty and stress. Do we doubt God’s ability to rescue us? When we’re in the middle of our own storm and God appears, do we recognize Him? Do we challenge Him demanding proof that He’s truly with us? And when He responds to us, do we step out in faith and continue walking – or do we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the storm instead? 

As contradictory as it may seem, sometimes difficulties and stress are necessary to help us grow in our faith. Faith is not a life of “chance,” but the conscious act of purposefully choosing a life with a God who loves us! During our testing times, there are only two choices for people of faith:

To look up at the heavens and cry out in doubt, “Oh God, why?”

Or to look deep within us and cry out in faith, “Oh Lord, save us!” 

It may be comforting to remember that even the Apostles and saints experienced darkness that caused them to call out, “Lord, I need you!” As a people of faith, we know that God never said it would be easy. He said there is a life to come. It is our human pride and sin that discourages us, that turns us away. But God has a plan for each of us. Always. He will sustain us during our struggles. Always.

Spend a moment reflecting on a time of stress or uncertainty in your life; did you cry out in doubt or in faith? Trust Jesus to stretch out His hand to you as he did to Peter. Lord, we are like Peter, wanting to follow You in faith. We turn to You during times of difficulty, seeking Your outstretched hand.

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Estaban entre las olas y el viento, y, sin embargo, no temieron a la tormenta. Según el relato de Mateo, no se aterrorizaron hasta que vieron a alguien caminando sobre las aguas. Como pescadores, comprendían la naturaleza de las tormentas; pero ver a una persona haciendo algo físicamente imposible los aterroriza.

Pedro desafía a Jesús para comprobar si realmente es Él. Le pide unirse a Él en este acto antinatural de caminar con Él sobre el agua. Pero cuando Jesús da la orden y Pedro se dispone a hacer lo imposible, la fuerza de la tormenta lo distrae, aparta su atención de Dios y Pedro comienza a hundirse, clamando: “¡Sálvame, Señor!”

Todos sabemos lo que se siente cuando nuestra fe es puesta a prueba, al enfrentarnos a la incertidumbre y al estrés. ¿Dudamos de la capacidad de Dios para rescatarnos? Cuando nos encontramos en medio de nuestra propia tormenta y Dios aparece, ¿lo reconocemos? ¿Lo desafiamos, exigiéndole pruebas de que verdaderamente está con nosotros? Y cuando nos responde, ¿damos un paso de fe y seguimos caminando, o apartamos la vista de Jesús para centrarnos en la tormenta?

Por contradictorio que parezca, a veces las dificultades y el estrés son necesarios para ayudarnos a crecer en la fe. La fe no es una vida de «casualidades», sino el acto consciente de elegir deliberadamente una vida junto a un Dios que nos ama. Durante nuestros tiempos de prueba, solo existen dos opciones para las personas de fe:

Alzar la vista hacia los cielos y clamar con duda: “Oh, Dios, ¿por qué?”

O mirar en lo más profundo de nuestro interior y clamar con fe: “¡Oh, Señor, sálvanos!”

Puede resultar reconfortante recordar que incluso los apóstoles y los santos experimentaron momentos de oscuridad que los llevaron a exclamar: “¡Señor, te necesito!”. Como pueblo de fe, sabemos que Dios nunca dijo que el camino sería fácil. Él dijo que existe una vida a futuro. Es nuestro orgullo humano y nuestro pecado lo que nos desanima, lo que nos aparta. Pero Dios tiene un plan para cada uno de nosotros. Siempre. Él nos sostendrá durante nuestras luchas. Siempre.

Dedica un momento a reflexionar sobre alguna etapa de estrés o incertidumbre en tu vida: ¿clamaste con duda o con fe? Confía en que Jesús extenderá Su mano hacia ti, tal como lo hizo con Pedro. Señor, somos como Pedro; deseamos seguirte con fe. Recurrimos a ti en los momentos de dificultad, buscando que nos extiendes tu mano.

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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: Engin Akyurt, pexels.com/photo/dramatic-storm-clouds-over-tranquil-ocean-36179766/

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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David Dashiell is a freelance author, editor, and publisher in Hawaii. He has three children, a degree in theology, and enjoys writing poetry and discussing philosophy, culture, music, theology, and comedy. You can find his poetry blog, Poems at Twilight, on Substack, his publishing company, Ether Press, here, and his personal website here.

Feature Image Credit: Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FlorenceBaptistery_Jeremiah.png

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.