Blog Archives - CR Cards

Recognizing Him

3/30/2016

The Risen Christ walks with me each day, but I do not always recognize him. What could it be that blocks my vision? Sometimes discouragement, sometimes exhaustion from a busy week, sometimes just not taking the time to look for him in my ordinary day. I need to stop and listen more closely to the inspirations that come to mind. You know, the thoughts that come to me that I sometimes brush away as "just thoughts." If I really pay attention, I can see that he is speaking to me and reminding me of spiritual values I know. He sometimes tries to "lift up my heart" when I am discouraged. He sometimes tries to point out where I am falling into an old habit of prejudging someone. Sometimes, he just wants to remind me to focus all of my efforts on my love for him, instead of getting caught up in the workload or problems or inconveniences in my day.

When I make my day intentional and try to live it looking for him and attentive to his voice within, I can often feel my heart burning within me, just as the disciples on the way to Emmaus had felt. I understand their wanting him to remain with them, once they recognized him in the Breaking of the Bread. I want this too, especially after I receive him in Holy Communion and he is so close.

Jesus, My Resurrection and my LIFE, as you walk with me today, may I recognize you and give thanks!

He's Alive!

3/28/2016

He's Alive! He lives no more to die! He is with us each day, accompanying us in our JOYS and SORROWS! ALLELUIA!

Blessings on this most HOLY EASTER SEASON! May this song by Matt Maher, bring you the HOPE He came to give!

We Adore You, Oh Christ and we Praise You!

3/25/2016

Let Us Be Grateful!

3/25/2016

What Were Your Thoughts, Lord?

3/23/2016

What were your thoughts, Lord, when Wednesday of that first Holy Week dawned? Were you as frightened as I would have been?
Did your heart feel heavy?
Was your faith your anchor?
I offer this musical prayer by Matt Mahar below, as a prayer to you this day.

May it be for all those who are frightened right now, who have heavy hearts and who may be doubting your goodness. Lord, they need you and so do I.

I Will Make You a Light to the Nations!

3/22/2016

Get ready. the time is near!   Isaiah speaks God's glorious words today in our first reading from Mass: "I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD and my God is now my strength!" "I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."

As we enter Holy Week and journey through the many ways God's love will be so evident this week, I cannot help but anticipate and feel the JOY of his Resurrection beginning to steadily pulse in my heart, in my veins in the very marrow of my bones.

Once a friend shared a story with me of his dying mother telling his dad that, if she "had to do it all over again, she wouldn't change a thing." I will never forget this expression of love, while knowing the cost of suffering that had filled her life through the years. Their marriage was not always a supportive and loving experience. Still, there was a love, deeper than the pain, that she wanted to make sure her husband knew.

As I approach our holiest of days, I hear Jesus saying the say thing to me.   "My Passion, my arrest and scourging, the ridicule and torture, the death walk to Calvary . . . the excruciating pain of being nailed to a tree ?   If I had to do it all over again for you, I wouldn't change a thing."

Your love, Lord, makes me rejoice beyond anything else that may give me joy.   I thank you with all my heart for your great love for me.    May I return that love, over and over throughout my life.

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling . . .

3/17/2016

On this wonderful day, I wish all those who are of Irish Heritage and all who are Irish just for today, a wonderful St. Patrick's Day. This is truly a beautiful day which will hopefully be filled with blessings for each of you.

I pray too, for the people of Ireland. I pray that God will pour upon them the graces they need to be faithful. Economic success, modern technology and all kinds of "progress" in today's world are not always faith - full. We all need to recognize when our culture is pulling us away from our faith, and today, I pray that those in the Emerald Isle will return to God, just as I pray that we, in our own country, will do the same.

May the peace of Christ reign in our land. May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts. This is my prayer today. HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!

Lift High the Cross!

3/15/2016

The Passion - The Crucifixion from Anchorsaway Ministries on Vimeo.

Dear Jesus,

How can I count the cost of the little things that weigh me down? How can I measure how much I will love you each day? It embarrasses me to see your love poured out for me when I also see the ways I do not reciprocate when you ask me to love you and you-in-all-others . . . especially those I do not like. Lent is passing so quickly. Please help me to stay with you a while, praying at Calvary as they torture you. Help me to stop rationalizing my unloving choices. I want to remember that whatever I do to another by way of omission or commission, I do to you. Forgive me for all and by the grace of your being Lifted Up, help me to be more faithful in loving you in all others. Amen.

Almost There

3/14/2016

Using my imagination, I pray this moment in Jesus' Passion Journey, where he falls. Someone once told me that when Jesus hit the cobblestones, he saw each of our names written on them. Though he was tempted to give in to the pain and anguish, he used every last ounce of strength that he had and got back up for you and for me, because he loved us.

Can I not do the same for him when I fall? When things seem very dark and anguish grips my soul, can I not love him back by picking myself up and continuing on my journey?

By the grace of this moment in the Passion of Jesus, may I reflect upon God's undying love for me.

How much do I love Jesus . . . really?

The Hour Is Coming

3/10/2016

Hang in there. I know how your heart is filled with anguish right now. As a human being, I cannot take this sorrow away from you. As the Son of God, I promise you eternal life for all you have done for me, in belief of Who I AM.

Yes, even my own mother did not escape the terrible effects of the death of a loved one. First, the death of my foster father, Joseph, who loved her so much. Now, my terrible death on a cross. Mary, even though she believed and loved me very much, was not spared the journey of suffering.

I have walked with too many who stand like Mary
under your Cross, Jesus.
The Cross of a sickbed,
The Cross of an accidental death,
The Cross of a sickness that cannot be cured,
The Cross of parents who watch their child die.

But you tell me THE HOUR IS COMING!
Death and sorrow will be no more.
Lent will be no more.

ONLY RESURRECTION AND LIFE!
Only HOPE!

Pray now, for those you know need to hear this message.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners
now, and at the hour of our death,
Amen.