Mk 16:9-15 : Mary Magdalene sees the Risen Lord and proclaims his resurrection

Mk 16:9-15 Apr

Go Into the World and Preach!

Why is it so hard for us to speak about our Lord? He has given up everything for us. Despite the many miracles and proof that we have, we can be avoidant, passive and lukewarm. I have often told myself that, had I lived in Biblical times, it would be so much easier to believe. Having face to face contact with Jesus, He would be right in front of me. How could I deny Him? Yet as even Peter, the future head of the Church, did, why would I really think I would be different? 

So I ask myself, what can I do to spread the good news? Where to begin? I have recently joined the enemy of AI to try and use it for good, mainly by only relying on it for furthering my faith. When typing in terms such as "lukewarm" and "2025 Catholics", I found some disheartening facts, that for example, only about three in ten U.S. Catholics say they attend Mass weekly or more often, that the number of Americans who were raised Catholic but no longer identify as such (43%) far exceeds the number of adult converts (1.5% of U.S. adults), and almost half of U.S. Catholics (47%) report never going to confession. 

While reading the above statistics, at the same time I came across a glimmer of hope, and I think it makes sense. Concentrating on our youth, my children, for they are the future. Despite the overall decline, recent 2025 data from sources like the Pew Research Center and Leadership Roundtable do point to several positive or shifting trends, including that young adults (ages 18-29) are now reported as the most engaged demographic in parish activities, attending Mass and other events at higher rates than older age groups. Additionally, recent data suggests that more people may be entering the Catholic Church than leaving it, indicating a potential "significant turning point" for American Catholicism.

There is an iconic moment in the recent television series The Chosen, where Jesus touches the head of Mary Magdalene. His healing power appears physically and viscerally. By not participating in the sacraments, we are missing out on the visible, tangible gifts Christ has given us.  I ask in prayer, Lord, that you be able to reach us with that same level of excitement and amazement, the way you did for your disciples when you walked the Earth. Help us to feel you and share the joy of seeing you in your glory with others!  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"The one who showed him mercy.”

Oh, Divine Mercy in my soul. There is no greater gift than Christ's love for me, a poor sinner.  God's mercy far surpasses anything the human mind is capable of imagining; like the edges of the universe, its boundaries are limitless.  Repeatedly I fall, yet there is beauty and glory in that my bridegroom, my Lord, waits for me so that He can offer a forgiveness unlike any other. For I am but a mere speck of dust, but to Him, I am ravishing.  Lord, help me be like you, my Rabbi, to share mercy with others. My heart is like stone, but you can melt it with a fire that sets the weakest spirit ablaze with new life. You share Peace, even after being denied, ridiculed, and abandoned.  May I know your patience and compassion!   Christ, let me know your fervor, so that your sacrifice is never in vain.  With gratitude, help me to recognize you in every being I encounter.  Let me  know  your courage, to go to the depths of darkness to share a light that...
Read more

Mt 1:18-24 St Joseph's humble faith

  My confession is I struggle with having a large ego. Wanting to be seen and acknowledged. Validated. Low self confidence. In this generation so many families fail due to one's prioritizing our individual needs above all else. Status, wealth. This is often unconscious but still human flaw. How common is it in each of us, to want more attention, particularly in what is supposed to be our safe haven, the household.   St. Joseph, similar to your bloodline of King David, you knew your identity. As little, but protected, always in the arms of God. That God is with us. Because of this, we can be of great faith and prevail despite any earthly struggle. From family uncertainty to having to flee from your homeland, you trusted God with a steadfastness I pray to emulate. Faithful and virtuous, you held commitment to others above yourself. St. Joseph, patron saint of families, guide me to be like you. Be humble. Be at peace within my heart. Teach me that love is above else, sa...
Read more

Pitter-patter sounds in my heart

Pitter-patter sounds in my heart. There has been a lot of time to reflect these past few weeks. It’s been extraordinarily stressful times to say the least. For me, one of the ways I best cope is my alone time, where I can sit back and process my experiences. Today, I wonder how have I contributed to the state of affairs in our society as a whole. Growing up, I cared so much about what others thought. Like many, I was brought up that interracial relationships were frowned upon. In finally entering one after many years of friendship with my now-husband, I recall remarking how the color of his darker skin didn’t matter to me. We were together because of our love for each other and that was all that mattered. But I was wrong. His skin color  does  matter because it is part of what makes him who he is. Rather than ignoring it, I need to recognize him for  all of who he is . Only by doing this can I truly know what love is. This is the same for our children. If I deny the...
Read more