the Gift of being Catholic

Last weekend at Mass, Fr. Mike focused on the topic of "why be Catholic" as a conclusion to his 6-week series on "Do-it-yourself Religion." As always it was a great homily that left me thinking and more in love with Jesus. This week though, one particular phrase really stuck out: "being Catholic is a gift." Hm, I don't know that I have ever really thought about it like that before. So, without really noticing it, I asked Jesus right then and there at Mass Sunday evening to show me how being Catholic is such a gift. Little did I know how much He wanted to show me.

me and all my little sisters this summer

This week, I finished "Because God is Real" and moved on to the next book on my list, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." This book has been on my radar for some time, especially knowing that I am a serving motivation and older sister. I can relate to Martha pretty well when she is running around serving Jesus and her little sister Mary just sits at His feet (Luke 10:38-42). It is a good book with several points that have hit close to home for me and my own struggles to more deeply love Jesus. Yet, as I read, something just seemed to be missing... like I wasn't being told the complete story.

After a couple chapters, I realized why something didn't feel right... there are no saints quoted. (ok, later on Mother Teresa comes in... but only one saint the entire book?!?) There's also no sacraments. The author says it's important to rid our life of sin, but never says "go to Confession and experience true freedom." In the chapter about intimacy with Jesus, prayer is encouraged...  but no mention of the most intimate form of prayer: Eucharistic Adoration. Yes, this book is good and I'm finishing reading it before passing it off to my mom, but without the Church, it's just not complete.

Josie & I in 80s gear soph yr

I've felt this way about a book before. A few years ago, my wonderful friend Josie gave me the book "Captivating." It's a beautiful explanation of women's hearts, deepest desires, and dignity. But, the author left the Catholic Church... so the most beautiful woman ever, Mary, is not mentioned once. Like the one I'm reading now, there's also no other saints or sacraments. Theology of the Body has some incredible things to say about our dignity as women, but none of these teachings really made it in either. I used to say I was going to write the Catholic version of that book... but Jason and Crystalina Evert beat me to it. Check out "How to find your Soulmate without Losing your Soul." It's legit.


Back to this week: the sacraments and saints missing in my latest read weren't the only gifts of being Catholic that Jesus revealed to me. Last night at RCIA, we learned about suffering and how it can be redemptive because we can unite our suffering to Christ (Colossians 1:24). That's a huge gift because every time that I encounter suffering (physical, emotional, spiritual) I can "offer it up" and unite it to Jesus on the Cross. In fact, that mentality has helped make some intense morning spin classes just a little easier.

Last year when we had our end of the year banquet for FOCUS, all of the graduating seniors were asked what their favorite thing about being Catholic is. I had a few to choose from. They are:

1. The Eucharist. Jesus completely gives us Himself... His complete self. And we not only can receive Him at Mass, but also spend time in His presence in Adoration.

2. Bl. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. I'm in love with this teaching.... it's so beautiful and true. (Like all things Catholic)

3. Confession. What a blessing that this sacrament gives us Jesus's promise of forgiveness for all those times we choose against Him.

Another way that being Catholic is a gift is the beautiful tradition and history that accompany Christ's bride the Church. My pilgrimage to Rome two years ago made this fact abundantly clear to me. I was blown away by the rich history of faith portrayed in countless churches in the home of Catholicism.

in St. Peter's (March 2011)

As we transition from the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI to a new pope, it is also a great reminder of the gift of the papacy. We need a successor of St. Peter to watch over and guide the Church. We need a holy leader to guide us in the New Evangelization. Keep praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for our Cardinals!

This list is definitely not a finished list of why my Catholic faith is a gift. However, this week has been a wonderful opportunity to once again be reminded of why I'm Catholic and why that is so awesome. I'm so thankful that my parents brought me up in the faith, sacrificed so I could attend Catholic schools, and gave me such a beautiful example of marriage, family, and being a Catholic in today's world. As I type this, I realize that I have also been given the blessing of being called to share this gift in a profound way as a FOCUS missionary, and someday as a parent myself. Jesus is just too good to me. What an awesome gift the Catholic faith is.

Little Reminders of Love

After the past two packed weekends, this weekend was a much needed time of just enjoying some free time. As much as I love spending time with friends, I realized today how nice it was to have a weekend without many plans. God gave me many simple, little blessings this weekend. Here's a sampling:

-Spending Saturday and Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee and reading a few chapters of "Because God is Real" by Peter Kreeft (I definitely recommend it)

-Walking up to the lookout in Bagley with some girls on a sunny winter Saturday, then making our way back down with no sleds (check out my pictures to understand how gorgeous it was)

-Hanging out with my teammates last night for dinner and some Just Dance 4. I'm so blessed to have a great team. 

-Having nice weather to go for a run outside Friday and today. If this weather keeps up, I'll be running in shorts soon!

-Not having to set an alarm all weekend. I'm actually going to our 8pm Mass tonight for once!

-Getting caught up on some arts and crafts, including my scrapbook. I'm almost finished with my NDSU years. 

Perhaps the best part of this weekend has been allowing God to remind me of all the little things that bring me joy, like running in the sunshine, crafts, and reading. This semester has been really wonderful and packed with grace on campus, but Jesus knew I needed to be reminded that sometimes He loves me best through the little things I forget to thank Him for. I'm excited to get back on campus tomorrow and notice the little ways He wants to love me throughout this week!