SND BLOGS

Catholic Faith Corner

Living in the Light
of Jesus Christ

Sea of Galilee at Sunrise

Catholic Faith Corner

Living in the Light
of Jesus Christ

A Personal Bible Verse

One day our novice director told us that the Scripture readings for the Mass on our birthday hold a gift for us: a special message from God. My heart sank. My birthday is the feast of St. Martha, so I assumed that each year God would scold, “Stop working so hard, Kathleen, and pay more attention to me.” Only later at Mass on my birthday did I discover that the first reading was “When I found your words, I devoured them. They became my joy and the happiness of my heart.” (Jeremiah) A nice surprise! This is the verse I always used to begin my talks on Scripture. In addition it sums up my life as I speak and write on the word of God.

At a retreat I gave for DREs, I shared this story. Some retreatants couldn’t wait for their birthday to roll around. They immediately looked in the Lectionary for the readings of their birthday. At the end of the retreat, Maryann, the diocesan director, reported that her message was especially poignant. She was her grandmother’s oldest grandchild and had a special bond with her. When her grandmother died, she left Maryann a letter. In it the grandmother quoted a Scripture verse. It was the very one that Maryann had found in her birthday reading.

When sending a card of congratulations for the birth of a baby, you might include a copy of the readings on the baby’s birthday and explain why you sent it.

Is this superstitious? Not if you believe in the power of God’s word.

How has God spoken to you through Scripture?

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Responses

  1. John21:18-22

    I kinda always looked at that little scene like this….. Jesus tells Peter of his death. Peter, wondering why me, starts looking around and sees John and says…’hey Jesus…..what about this guy?’…..what’s gonna happen to him?. Jesus says….’hey Pete….I got this……mind your own business. 🙂

    I always think of those verses and little scene whenever I fall into the trap of saying or thinking why me and/or what about that person. Look at yourself….what is Jesus saying to me.

    I was kinda disappointed they left that little scene out of the movie ‘Peter’ that was shown on EWTN last Saturday night. They left it at verse 19.

    I’ve grown to love Peter. A guy like that. Our first pope. Pretty cool.

    I’m gonna get your book. Maybe both of them. I’m retired and need to find a hobby besides driving my wife nuts….like Peter probably did!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest posts

Awarded Top 100 Catholic Blog

Meet Sr. Kathleen

Jesus depends on us to spread the Good News of God’s love, offering the world hope and joy. Mary Kathleen, a Sister of Notre Dame from Chardon, Ohio, responds through writing, speaking, giving retreats, and teaching. Her motto, adopted from Eddie Doherty’s gravesite, is “All my words for the Word.”

About Catholic Faith Corner

A warm welcome to Catholic Faith Corner! May my reflections help you know and live the Catholic faith, inspire you, and touch your heart. I hope you subscribe here and occasionally comment on my posts.

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Loading

A Child’s Book
of Psalms

Here is a simple version of verses from favorite psalms, followed by a one-line prayer. Colored photos enhance the 24-page booklet.

Featured Book

Totally Catholic! A Catechism for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers

This award-winning book is being used in classrooms and by RCIA groups.

Visit My Book Store

Sister Kathleen has more than ninety books published and has worked on six textbook series. Several of her books have garnered awards from the Catholic Press Association and Multimedia International. You can buy from Amazon, but purchasing books directly from her earns more for her community.