For You

Happy Easter, beloved friends! I hope your Easter was filled with joy, celebration, sunshine, and yummy food. I attended the Easter Vigil (my favorite mass of the year) and wow, every time I’m outside before mass with the fire pit going and the candles all around me, I can’t help but tear up. What a beautiful, beautiful moment that we get to experience every year. Praise God!

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One thing that really stood out to me this year was reflecting on the people Jesus returned to after His death. One of His friends gave Him up to the authorities, and then ended his life in fear of finding no mercy. One of His friends betrayed him – not once, not twice, but THREE times. Many of His other friends ran for the hills. Jesus had every reason to head straight to Heaven, away from the people who hurt, betrayed, and abandoned Him.

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But where does He go? Right back to those who hurt Him the most. Not to chastise them, or to express His disappointment. But to free them from fear, from sin, and from death. His mercy towards those who hurt Him is nothing short of breathtaking.

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And it makes me think of how I interact with those I don’t particularly like, with those who have made me feel small or forgotten or insignificant. I don’t usually approach them with love. I approach with criticism and impatience and oftentimes a very hardened heart. Yet, here is Jesus, walking directly into the arms of those who hurt Him so painfully just three days prior. Can I reflect just a little of that mercy, Jesus?

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I’m feeling challenged this Easter season to love those who hurt me, to be abundant in mercy, patience, and love. Jesus did it, and I want to be a reflection of Him in the world. Can you imagine what life would look like if we all loved our enemies? If we showed even a touch of mercy towards them, in response to the incredible mercy of our God, who loves us in all of our imperfections and failings?

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Join me in this season, to loosen the shackles of criticism, gossip, impatience, and hard-heartedness. We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.

In Christ,

Jane

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This Week on The SundayMonday Show

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Episode Eighteen: Finding our Identity in Seasons of Transition

In a world obsessed with identity, achievement, and prestige, moving on from something that we’ve held as our identity is hard.

After spending her childhood dancing, Kelly Powers found herself on the biggest of stages as a professional dancer for the NFL. But after achieving such an incredible milestone, Kelly found herself asking, “Is this what God is asking of me?” Her journey through a transition out of a lifetime of competitive dance is so beautiful, and I know her story will increase your trust and hope in God and His perfect plan. Since I’m also going through a period of transition out of something that has meant so much to me over the past seven years, we talk about what it’s like to be in the midst of transition and how we’ve experienced God’s love in it all.

Whether you’re in the midst of a transition or preparing for something new, this episode is for you.

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Leave us a voice message and let us know what’s on your mind! Send in questions, comments, and ideas for how you bring your faith into work.

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What we’re loving lately (on the blog and beyond!)

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​Embrace, not Endure by Pilar Miranda

I’m so thrilled to share our first piece of poetry on The SundayMonday this week! It’s perfect for the Easter Octave. Thank you, Pilar, for sharing your talents with us!

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​Magnificat​

I finally did it! I ordered the Magnificat, and I already love it. I love holding books in my hands, and this one provides such simplicity to my prayer time. So happy with my purchase!

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​LinkedIn​

I cannot tell you how many hours I have spent on LinkedIn over the past few weeks, and wow – it is magical. As I’m trying to decide between grad schools, I’ve been able to filter for alumni, cities, roles, and companies, AND reach right out to people to connect. I’m not sure what kind of streak I’m on, but almost everyone I’ve reached out to has jumped on the phone with me. If you’re not on LinkedIn, get yourself on there! It’s a great way to see (read:stalk) what kinds of jobs exist and figure out the pathways to get to them. I also know many people who have been recruited to new roles through LinkedIn. What are you waiting for? Update that profile!

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​Justin Bieber’s Freedom Album​

Thank you, Jesus, for capturing Justin Bieber’s heart. If it couldn’t be me, I’m glad it was You. Loving this album. It’s only five songs, drop what you’re doing and jump over there! “I’ve had everything in life that people strive for // just to ask the question what are we alive for?” Answer = Jesus.

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Have something you’re loving that you want to share with us? Respond to this email!

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Liturgical Living with Gabriela R.A. Doyle

• Pope Francis’s intention for the month of April is those who risk their lives fighting for fundamental rights under all regimes, even democracies in crisis. Say an Our Father and unite your prayers to our Holy Father’s today.

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• April 11 is Divine Mercy Sunday. Read all about this special feast day and the divine graces you can receive on this day here. You can also celebrate by praying the Divine Mercy chaplet and consider adding St. Faustina’s diary to your spiritual reading list.

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Words of the Week

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”

// St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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Intentions for This Week

For joy. For new life this spring. For abundant community. For courage to do the hard thing.

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