Delighting in the Still, Small Voice

Last week, I went on a three day silent retreat at a beautiful home on the Long Island Sound.

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But I almost canceled it (more than once).

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I almost canceled this retreat, that I scheduled months ago, precisely because I knew that this time of transition was going to be a bit overwhelming. Yet as the dates crept closer, and more things popped up, the idea of going off the grid seemed completely impossible. But for some reason, despite my doubts and better judgment, I got on the train and showed up.

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In response, the Lord delighted me. From the moment I walked into my room, a gorgeous sweet overlooking the Long Island Sound, I was completely delighted. Long walks around the water, evening spent in prayer, early mornings spent in mass and adoration, dinners with other people who had come to retreat for countless different reasons. Every moment, delighted. Even when I wanted to grab from my phone and go back online so badly, Lord in his sense of humor sent a sister to put me in a kayak and push me out into the water.

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Utterly joyful, immensely peaceful, everything I needed and more. That still, small voice that whispered “come away with me, and I will take care of everything” did not lead me astray.

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God delights in us. His yoke is easy, and burden light. And things that seem impossible to us are possible for Him.

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What is the still small voice whispering to you today? What is his invitation? Say yes, and receive his peace, which surpasses all understanding. You won’t regret it!

In Christ,

Jane

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

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​Confessions of a Chasti-holic by Renee Reneau

When you hear the words “Chastity Talk,” what comes to mind? Is it an awkward assembly at your middle school, small groups skirting around the word during confirmation classes, or overzealous speakers at a college campus ministry? Chastity and purity are beautiful, and they cannot be lost but must constantly be received and pursued as gifts of grace. Renee’s beautiful reflection on what the Catechism and Scripture really say about purity speaks so much truth into the lies we can believe when confronting this difficult topic. I love this piece and want to shout these words from the rooftops!! Thank you, Renee, for such a heartfelt reflection.

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​“To whom shall we go?” by Mother Elvira Petrozzi

This reflection was the mediation in the Magnificat this sunday, and wow – it cut deep. I love Mother Elvira’s distinction that while our hearts are restless until they rest in Christ, finding that rest doesn’t mean we stop doing things. Instead, she says that “My experience teaches me that when you truly meet God, you have an enormous number of things to do. It’s no longer meaningless busyness, but a dynamism that is born from the desire to bring to fruition all the potential that God has placed in you.” Click in to read the whole piece!​

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Liturgical Living with Gabriela R. A. Doyle

When Our Lady appeared in Fatima, her Immaculate Heart was wounded. She entrusted a vision of her heart encircled by thorns to Sts. Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco, which represented all the sins against her and God. But she also offered hope: the first Saturdays devotion. On the first Saturday of each month, for five months in a row, you have four tasks–go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, pray the rosary, and sit with her for 15 minutes meditating on the rosary’s mysteries.
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What Mary asked of us may seem like a lot when your Saturdays get busy, but wouldn’t you stop and do the same for your own mother, sister, or friend if they asked a favor of you? As a community, let’s commit to the first Saturdays devotion together. We can check in, pray for each other, and encourage each other to complete all 4 tasks for 5 months. Are you in?! Text Gabriela at 703-801-5614 to be added to the list for reminders and fun facts!

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Intentions for This Week

For all those looking for jobs, for those who are in seasons of transition, for all of us to have the courage to say yes to God!

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