“Abba Father!”

This past Sunday’s readings are some of my all-time favorites. I was GIDDY reading them in preparation for mass. I will never, ever tire of reflecting on the reality of God the Father.

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I felt an initial pull to get to know God the Father more intimately about a year ago. I was wrestling to trust God more, and a friend suggested that I get to know the character of God the Father, because as he put it, “You can’t trust someone you don’t know.” And so I embarked on a journey to learn the character of God.

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I read Henri Nouwen’s Return of the Prodigal Son, Fr. Perquin’s Abba Father, and Fr. Mark Mary’s The Father: 30 Meditations to Bring You to the Heart of God. I pored over scripture, especially the Gospels and the Psalms, looking to learn about and know the Father more.

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During this journey, and in my prayer this weekend, a few points came up that I wanted to share in case they resonate with you:

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• We are heirs of God the Father. As this weekend’s second reading states, “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” Our adoption means that we are set to inherit all the good and glorious gifts of our Father. He is not distant to us; rather, He has chosen us and now gives us every grace we need to be joyful, courageous, generous, loving, and faithful.

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• God the Father feels our pain. Just as a good earthly father experiences pain and sorrow when one of his children is hurting, our heavenly father aches with us when we are walking through suffering and injustice. We do not have to wonder if He cares or if He even is aware of how much our hearts hurt because He knows us even more intimately and completely than even the best earthly father ever could. What an immense and beautiful consolation in times of suffering!

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• God the Father provides for us. “What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” God the Father provides for us in ABUNDANCE. He knows what we truly need, and responds to us in His great love and wisdom. We don’t have to grasp or strive or earn – His gifts are given freely because He loves us.

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• God the Father is with us. As Jesus Himself says in Sunday’s Gospel, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” So the same is true of His Father. God is with us always, in all moments, at all times. He holds us in the palm of His hand. How would we live differently if we truly believed this?

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What have you been learning about God the Father? Please reply and let me know!!

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In Christ,

Jane

​Ep. 101: Catholic Influencers​

Let’s do it: it’s time to talk about the elephant in the room. What’s the deal with Catholic influencers? Is there such a thing? And who should we really let influence us? In today’s episode, I share some of my thoughts on influencing and faith and how I respond to wild things that are said by others in the media and beyond. Tune in here on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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A reminder from my friend Sarah!

My friend Sarah sent me this over the weekend and it aligns so well with this week’s reflection, and I loved it:

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​Take Your Time by Joseph O’Brien

Absolutely obsessed with this song by Joseph O’Brien. It’s been on a strong repeat this week! Sooooo good! Here’s the YouTube link in case you don’t do Spotify:

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​Sunday Riley Face Oils​

I’m deeply into face oils right now. It makes no sense that the oncoming humidity in DC is making my face drier (?!) but these Sunday Riley oils are making my life so much better!! I am currently using the CEO Glow, but also love the Antioxidant one. I put it on right after washing my face before moisturizing it. My makeup looks so much nicer!

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St. Rita Shrine

This weekend, I popped up to Philly to visit friends, and was completely surprised by a visit to the St. Rita Shrine!! It was gorgeous, and I filled this basket with prayers for you all and your intentions.

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Prayer requests

• For a special intention
• For a big week at work this week!
• For those graduating

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If you or a loved one need prayers, just reply to this email or reach out and I’ll include them in next week’s newsletter!

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