In January Mike and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. The Devil hates marriages and will do all in his power to destroy these holy vows. I’ve experienced this personally;  if it were not for God in our lives, we could have been part of this casualty.  Satan will attempt to bring down anything that is holy.

Though our marriage was blessed by Father Pat  Hussey in Rome, there was no paper trail, no proof of the Sacrament of Marriage. We had to do a lot of digging to make sure that we have met all the requirements to renew our wedding vows in January.  I could not remember the parish  I was baptized, made my First Holy Communion, or where I was confirmed. I was raised in the small community of Brawley, California, and lived there until the eighth grade. At that time Brawley only had three Catholic churches. Because of COVID  and limited staff, the church took longer to find all my records. Finally after a couple of months the certificates came via snail mail. I had totally forgotten whose name I had chosen as my confirmation saint and was completely surprised that it was St. Margaret. My grandmother’s name was Margarita so I’m sure that was the deciding factor; with the urging of my mother, I picked this saint’s name.

St. Margaret of Scotland

St. Margaret was an English princess known for serving the poor and feeding the hungry. It was through God’s great design that I chose this saint’s name in confirmation. Until I received this information from the parish in Brawley I never made the connection: for more than 20 years serving the homeless on Skid Row in Los Angeles was my calling, a ministry that I truly cherished. So by fate  the Spirit of St. Margaret was with me. As Catholics we pick saints’ names to live by their holy examples. We do not pray to them, but we ask for their holy intervention. Now I understand why it was in my heart to feed the people on Skid Row.

Recently I was visiting with my 96-year-old tia. Before she has breakfast she needs to take her medication. We were all frantically looking for her medication, so I asked St. Anthony’s aid to help us find her pills. One of  my cousins was appalled by my request. “We don’t pray to saints, that’s wrong.” At first I ignored the remarks, but then I said, ” St. Anthony, help me find the pill box!” I found the medicine tucked behind the cushion of my tia’s chair. I kindly explained that we do not pray to saints, but we ask for their intercession.

The Sacrament of Baptism

If you were baptized Catholic as an infant, you will  forever remain Catholic. The Greek meaning of baptism is “to plunge” or “immerse.” The holy water that is poured on the head is symbolic of the washing away of original sin. Why do Catholics baptize infants? Since the time of Abraham, infants have been presented to the Lord through the ritual of  circumcision. As Catholic Christians we baptize infants because baptism is part of the three sacraments of initiation: Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Baptism is one of the most important sacraments; without it, you cannot receive any of the other six sacraments. For this reason we had to have proof of this sacrament in order to renew our wedding vows through the Catholic Church. Since infants cannot speak for themselves their parents and godparents play a major role in their baptism. It is their godly responsibility to help the newly baptized grow spiritually by teaching them the Scriptures and leading by example.

When John the Baptist baptized Jesus, the skies opened up with God’s powerful voice saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” After Jesus’ baptism He began His public ministry. Every act of Jesus’ life was mystical; to experience this hallowed transformation through baptism is the beginning of our union with God.

In baptism the Holy Spirit touches the soul and marks it as its own. It’s an indelible mark, meaning that you have been adopted into the family of God. Sacred chrism oil is used for this sacrament. This oil is consecrated by the bishop. (Catechism of the Catholic Church,  para 1241) Chrism oil is made of a mixture of olives and balsam. Only the bishop can consecrate Sacred Chrism which is blessed by the bishop on Holy Thursday at the Chrism Mass.

The most important responsibility of a parent is to lead their children to God, and the best way to start is by having them baptized. I was baptized when I was four years old. I remember because my older sister Jo and our baby sister Norma were baptized at the same time. The only memory I have about this event are the images still fresh in my mind. After the church service we celebrated with a huge party with barbacoa (slowly cooked Mexican meat); it was a great memory. God knows who my godparents were because they were never apart of my life; nor did they helped in my spiritual formation. This is why it is so important to pray about who you want to choose as godparents.

Lucas’ Baptism

When it came time to baptize Lucas, our grandson, his father had a special request. Our son-in-law, Russ, was baptized at Sacred Heart Church in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. This is the same church that his grandfather and father were baptized in. It was important for Lucas, his first born-son, to be baptized there as well. Russ and Sonja picked Mikos and Jenny, Sonja’s brother and sister-in-law as godparents,. We know that Mikos and Jenny will always be involved in Lucas’ life.

When Mike, my husband, was baptized he could not remember who his godparents were. In 2016 we discovered who his godfather was. Mike’s godfather was his older cousin who was a priest in the Jesuit order. We met Father Lozano in the twilight of his years  and found him to be holy man of God. He said he never forgot his responsibility as a godparent and prayed for Mike regularly.

My Prayer

Dear Lord, ignite our spirits to serve You in our calling. May we always be drawn to hear Your Holy voice. Lead us to fulfill our ministries and charitable works with the help of Your great love. Thank You for welcoming us into Your family through the Sacrament of Baptism. Amen.

If you serve God or believe in God you will most likely fall into one of these types of Christians. I understand that there are many others, but I’ve narrowed  down to these three. Personally I have experienced  characteristics of all three. I continue to advance in my walk by discovering my purpose in this life.

The Christians On The Path To Sainthood

These persons have forgiveness down to a science; they do not allow anger to enter into their spirits. They figured out what God is all about and are working at helping others see what they are experiencing. They got the memo about servanthood and attempt to do everything in a godly manner. They know when to speak and when to remain silent. They do not offend with their opinions because they understand how to approach a sensitive matter. They understand the concept of putting others before themselves. They are constantly growing spiritually because they have left the things of the world behind. If you ask them to pray for you, they will not only pray, they will fast on your behalf as well. They have developed a deeper purpose for prayer, and want nothing more than to be used by God. They are unwavering in their beliefs and nothing and no one will ever change them. They are living  examples of godly role models on earth.

The Christians With a Pharisaical Attitude

These people think that they know all about God. They listen to a sermon  and understand that it was meant for someone else  not for them. They serve God with their hearts but their eyes get in the way of attaining what God has set aside for them. They attend church services on a regular basis, but fail to fulfill their real purpose in serving God. They want to please the world; they want to be seen as holy but they have not closed the door to the comforts of what the world has to offer. They are generous with their money and at times feel that this is a substitute for their relationship with God. They are too busy to prioritize God in their lives.  They allow sin in their lives, and it’s perfectly acceptable to them. They surround themselves with Christians who believe as they do. They support political positions that are contrary to Biblical teachings. They are lukewarm.

The Everyday Christian

They are hit and miss when it comes to attending church services. Their busy lives get in the way of serving God. They mean well and suffer much guilt when they have been away for a while. Work schedules, soccer games, and social gatherings come before God. They are fully committed to their families and they pray together as a family. They strive to do right before God, and are raising their children with Christian roots. They will not accept the things of the world and are careful with their speech because they do not want to offend others. They would never post anything offensive or political on social media but are offended by others who do.

Pew Report

In a recent Pew report it was discovered that even though Americans are more religious than those in any other country, we are suffering a great decline because people are walking away from their religious beliefs. The groups who are growing are the  “nones.” The atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular” have grown from 17% to 26%; they represent 4% of U.S. adults. We’ve become a characterless society by allowing others to dictate what we are to accept and believe. This loss of the truth and godly direction is causing us to operate in fear. This fear is tangible and it seems that a great majority have come down with a new pandemic. This “woke pandemic” causes blindness, it brings on great anger, and wants to control its victims. There is only one cure for this disease: God. Only through the light of God can we make our way out of this darkness. Only through God can we see truth. There is boldness in truth; it offers us hope and restores our faith. I am not afraid to speak the truth, and I will never be robbed of my Catholic beliefs. I recognize a lie because the Holy Spirit reveals the truth to me. The Holy Spirit lives in me and plays a major role in my Christian walk. It convicts me when my speech is unfiltered; it guides my thoughts; it leads me to pray; but, most importantly, it is welcomed in my being.

I see so many postings on social media that are offensive, but I do not respond. I am restrained because the Holy Spirit keeps me from these useless battles. What the Enemy attempts to do through social media is bait Christians into anger. We have no control over social media, but those controlling it do because they are ruled  by the dark side.

Life Without God

In particular, I believe that the “nones” will come around. They don’t put up with what they consider to be counterfeit religion; they would rather not believe than to be deceived. They will soon discover that void in their lives and attribute it to their lack of knowing God. They realize that something is missing but have not quite figured it out yet. I cannot imagine life without God. I’ve lived a life of “The Everyday Christian” and  felt spiritually empty. I’ve experienced some of  the characteristics of  Christians With a “Pharisaical attitude” as well; but now that wisdom has finally taken root in my spirit, all I want is more of God. I will not give an opinion unless it is asked of me(my family is exempt from this). You can’t change others because you don’t agree with them, and, in most cases, your ideas come across as judgmental. Instead we support others by showing up and giving of our time.

Our Responsibility

It is never too late to do what is right in life. Teach your children early on about God, and be an example of  how to live a Christian life. Make a clear path for your children to follow; otherwise the things of this degenerate world will eat them up with lies. Get involved with what is going on in the classroom and do not open the door to teachings that will confuse their pliable minds. Remember we have a responsibility and accountability before God; if He entrusted you with children, teach them to love God and all else will fall into place.

My Prayer

Dear Lord, we are all on a spiritual road and always need Your guidance. Clear a path for us to meet You. Keep us from the distractions of the world, and shed Your holy light when we wander into the darkness. Give us clear vision and and an ear to hear Your voice. Give us holy discernment to make the right choices. Amen.

The Paschal candle burning on the altar will soon be extinguished and put away until next year. As Catholics we celebrate Easter until the Feast of Pentecost  “Pentecost Sunday” Our traditions are strongly rooted in the Book of Acts.

Imagine living in the time of Jesus, walking alongside Him, taking in all the spiritual lessons and being filled with the love of God. Then suddenly it’s all taken away from you; Jesus was no longer in your presence, but you are aware that something supernatural has taken place with His Resurrection. Prayer is the only recourse, and that is exactly what His followers did.

In the Old City of Jerusalem, located in the Jewish section, is the Upper Room. In this very room Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the apostles prayed continuously for nine days before the world first experienced the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had many times introduced this doctrine to His disciples, but they were too spiritually inept to receive His message. In the Upper Room they were all praying in one accord when fire from heaven fell on them. It was a powerful movement that not only shook the room but the world.

Early in the morning the city was filled with Jewish visitors who came from foreign lands to celebrate the Jewish Passover. At 9 a.m. the power of God fell upon them.  Many passersby thought that persons in the Upper Room were drunk, but Peter set them straight.

My Experience

After leaving the Catholic Church for a season, I had been part of a Pentecostal movement for years. Speaking in tongues was openly practiced at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Someone from across the room would start speaking in tongues, while on the opposite side came the interpretation. Strange as it sounded, I accepted this as part of the service. Personally I did not speak in tongues at that time but always wondered what it would be like. After returning to the Catholic Church I joined a lay group that was really into the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.  When I first  experienced this, my heart was beating out of my chest. I heard the leader say, “Don’t think about it, just loosen your tongue, allowing the spirit of God to flow.” I felt pressured because nothing was coming out of my mouth. I did not want to pretend that I was speaking in tongues, so I remained quiet. It took several months for me to receive this gift.  The sound of praise as sung in tongues is the closest to what I imagine angelic praise music is like. Whenever I am anxious and cannot pray, I pray silently in tongues; it’s a gift that calms my spirit in knowing that I am communicating with God. Unlike Pentecostal Christians, Catholics are more subdued about this private language between them and God. As for me, it is a holy language between me and God; if I pray in tongues publicly, it is always in a small prayer group.

The MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Before going in for an MRI to be examined for a torn meniscus,  I was praying  in the Spirit (tongues). The technician told me that the procedure would last 15 minutes. The last time I had an MRI it lasted 30 minutes. “Is it still a loud banging noise?” I asked. “I’m afraid so,” she answered. She gave me some large  earphones and asked if I wanted to hear music during the procedure. Without thinking I said yes, but I requested Christian music. I started to pray again when this ridiculous rap music started! It was as if it was in unison with the banging of the MRI machine. I wanted to yell for the technician to come back in and turn off this unwanted noise, but I was trapped. The only relief was that it was Christian rap. Thank the good Lord that the 15 minutes went by fast. When the technician returned she asked, “Was that rap music you were listening to?” Yes, I answered! She apologized for the annoyance. Before I left I asked if I could take a picture of myself near the MRI machine. She explained that that was against their regulations but that I could take a picture outside the door. I took two quick pictures and left.

The following day, while scrolling through my pictures, I came across the picture of the dreaded MRI machine. I’m always aware of my surroundings, so before I set my leg into the huge machine, my eyes scanned the entire room. Looking up was a plastic mural of trees with orange leaves with a peek of a blue skyline, and to the right were two windows. It was 7 a.m. on a gloomy morning, but when I pulled up this picture on my phone something popped up! I could see the image of  Saint Pio of Pietrelcina  (Padre Pio) and the Blessed Virgin Mary in the first window. I showed it to my daughter Sonja, who said, “Mom, there is nothing there. What are you talking about?” It bothered me a little that she could not experience what I’d envisioned. Later that night while we were having dinner, I showed it to her again, but at a different angle. She excitedly shouted out, “I see her! I see her!” In all honesty  I understand that these images are a sign to some; but to others it can come across as problematic. I received it as a sign from God that Mary was watching over me and Padre Pio was interceding on my behalf.

The Great Commission

There were so  many holy inscidents in the Upper Room that day. The power was handed over to the apostles, and on that particular day Peter ministered to both Jews and Gentiles, baptizing and converting over 3,000 believers.(Acts 2:41)  After much prayer, lots were cast and Matthias was chosen as the new apostle. (Acts 1:23-26) The great commission was in full force and nothing could stop the fire of the Holy Spirit. The fear that the Apostles  felt after experiencing Jesus’ death had turned into boldness, and the fire within them could not be quenched. We, too, have this gift when we pray for others, when we lay hands on the sick, and when we believe God for the impossible. The Holy Spirit should be guiding us in every area of our lives. This is the same message the apostles were sharing almost 2,000 years ago, and it has not changed because the Word of God has not changed.

We celebrate Pentecost because it is also the birthday of the Catholic Church; the Apostle Peter became our first pope.

My Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for sending down Your Holy Spirit. May we always protect this precious gift and never take it for granted. Lord, use us to do the work You commissioned for apostles. Send us out, Lord. Amen