What will you do?

 

With the passing of Pope Francis this week, the world has focused its attention on the protocols in the Catholic Church. 

What will his funeral look like? Where will he be buried? Who will be our next Pope? And, rightly so, we have had an intense look at the life and practices of Pope Francis.

I can't help but be inspired by his humility. In fact, as a small step, I decided to clean out some closets and make some donations to our local Catholic Charities (they give things away, never charging for them.) 

You can't help but want to do SOMETHING when you hear how the Pope lived. He just never forgot the poor and tried to live simply in the midst of opulence.

I am shocked at the people who cling to the idea that he was somehow a heretic and who make ridiculous proclamations that he was bad for the Church.

The reality is, he tried so hard to teach us how to live like Jesus by loving everyone. He chose to ignore the noise of the self-righteous. He was rejected by many, but, then again, so was Jesus.

May he rest in peace.

Let's take a lesson from Pope Francis and learn to practice true humility while loving the vulnerable and rejected. Let's do all we can to love even those whose lives do not reflect our values.

Happy Easter!

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
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Need a lift? Turn to these Psalms

I keep a paper in my bible that has Psalm 51 on one side and Psalm 103 on the other. I think I probably got them as a handout at a communal penance service.

Depending on what I need, I often choose one of them to concentrate on. Psalm 51 pleads for God's mercy and a restoration of joy, while Psalm 103 recalls all the blessings and mercy God gives. It is a joy-filled reminder on days I need to remember all that God has done for me.

You see, these two Psalms are a reflection of the sometimes inner tension that holds us captive. Both Psalms are graced by words that calm the tension and bring peace.

During this octave of Easter, I have been praying Psalm 103 the most, because it seems to fit the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

God loves us. He knows us. He is merciful and compassionate. His kindness surpasses the highest heavens.

If you find life's challenges overwhelming, even in these joyous days, turn to Psalm 103 for comfort, for "Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes . . . As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us."

We can always find joy when we cry out, as Psalm 103 does, "Bless the Lord, O my soul."

Happy Easter!

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy

 

 

Fr. Joe Krupp's Holy Thursday Homily

In case you missed it, I want to share with you a wonderful homily by Fr. Joe Krupp. It was given at the Mass of the Lord's Supper last night (Holy Thursday) at Holy Family in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

The homily starts at 17:18 minutes. It is well-worth listening to.

Enjoy!

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy 

Here is the direct link on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP6wg4IPY0Q