As excited as I am for my firstborn to head off to college, come August, I know I’ll want to hold on to him. It’s what I’ve been doing for seventeen years: first, cradling him in my arms; then, holding his hand as he toddled about; and now, embracing him tight each night before bed. Yet I know I’ll have to let go for the next chapter of his story to unfold.
Although it was Jesus who gave Mary Magdalene new life when he cast out her demons, she held on to him: cradling his miracle in her heart, toddling behind him in her newfound faith and enveloping his heart with her own as she stood beneath the Cross. As difficult as it was, she had to let him go after his resurrection. Jesus had to ascend to his Father for the next chapter of his story—and ours—to unfold.
Happy Easter each and every day! May God bless all of my LF family and may today go well as we put to rest my sister Laurie. Amen
Bonnie, I'm very sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of prayers for comfort and peace, and the repose of Laurie's soul.
Thank you Claire for the poignant devotion today, and Vicky for sharing your story. My brother in law is in a similar situation, wanting work but not able to keep a steady job due to his personal and psychological problems. We have been supporting him and my wife is suffering the outcome of daily long and very difficult emotional talks on the phone as he lives far from us. I am praying for you Vicky, my wife and myself today that the Lord helps us to step in when we are supposed to and step back when it is best. May He guide us and show us and those we love His grace, mercy, and understanding as well as His forgiveness when we fall and repent. Praying for the conversion of Messrs. Putin, Biden, and Soros.
Thank you for reading and commenting Marko. I'm touched that my reflection resonated with you. I will add your brother-in-law and wife to my prayers. This sounds like yet another difficult situation. Wishing you peace and wisdom as you all navigate it.
Thank you Marko, I was feeling so alone in this situation. Prayers for you and your wife too.
Claire I think there is a message in here for me. I’m struggling, really struggling with letting go of a relationship with one of my brothers since the passing of my mom. Since I’m a can’t say no kind of person I am easily taken advantage of and open my immediate family up to the same risk. I don’t think changing a core of our either of our personalities is a possibility so I’ve stopped having contact after my brother announced he would be moving closer to me and he thought maybe my son could buy a home he could rent or my husband could take out a loan on his 401k to help fund him. Many tears have been shed over the situation and I’m praying for the Lord’s guidance in how to rightfully handle the situation. I know I’ve hurt him and he doesn’t understand why his behavior of constantly wanting to borrow money or excessive gambling or lying/stealing make me afraid to have him near me. I’m praying for him, I’m praying for me. I guess I’m asking for your prayers in guiding each of us in the right direction concerning the other and to relieve my heartbreak along with confidence in my handling of my actions.
Vicky, oh yes this is so hard. Your multi-level challenge hits you with a brother you love, but boundaries you need to hold firm on that keep you and your family healthy and psychologically safe. Outlining for him what is okay and what is not okay if very helpful. As Brene brown says, “Clear is kind.” Lifting you and your family in prayer.
Praying for you and your family. Al Anon helped me with co dependence. It is faith based and is a 12 step program for friends and families who love a person struggling with addiction. There are books about the 12 steps that also provide insight.
Vicky...you have my prayers. Of course, you're struggling and rightfully so, because it's YOUR brother. With all of his issues, I believe you think that your love of family is somehow being questioned. But there's an easy answer...your love of family is not being questioned. You love your brother. Continue to pray for him. Your comments over the years here have always struck a chord in me of your remarkable strength and resiliency. You've got this...and so does God! God Bless you and ALL who you love!
Vicky, many good comments to your situation. Many of us have toxic people in our lives. Pray over them and encourage them without enabling them. I promise God sees this relationship and can heal it.
Vicky, this sounds like a very difficult situation. My heart breaks for you as you discern how to handle it. Rest assured my prayers are with you. I'm certain God will prompt you, step by step, on how to proceed. Where He never tells us the entire plan at once, trust in Him and the next little step He reveals, knowing He has your best interest at heart, and your brother's.
Vicky it is really hard to say no to family members. I have a sister like your brother who wanted to live with me after her divorce. Even though I love her, I had to say no, since she has such a toxic personality. It caused terrible rifts in my family but I couldn’t keep enabling her. I had to put my family first. What’s surprising is how resourceful people can be once you tell them no. She has managed just fine on her own. You have to let go and say no and give it to God in prayer. Praying that you find the resolve and courage to deal with this difficult situation.
Amen. Thank you Holy Father for this beautiful day and for this Gospel today. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for my faith, my life and for my family. Thank you Holy Father, most of all, for your great sacrifice and for the opportunity of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please Lord Jesus Christ have mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we ask that you release your warrior angels and heavenly hosts. We decry and declare that they would take us off the enemies' radar and scramble the enemies' frequencies (airwaves). Your Kingdom must come now. Your will must be done right now, as in the heavens, also on earth. Amen Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts - by the power or God - Cast into hell satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
KM I am praying for you KM a d Zach this morning and chaplet of divine mercy when I return home Living faith family please keep the souls in Ukraine in your prayers and the souls in purgatory and the souls who have no one to pray for them. Ken
Claire, thanks for writing this today as my son will travel back to College after a lovely weekend home for Easter. I will be hugging him closely too. Continued prayers for KM and Zach.
I'm so happy you had a wonderful weekend with your son, Jane. Isn't it so hard to let them go? Praying safety and success over him and comfort and peace over you.
Continued prayers here for the Ukraine and the conversion of Mr. Putin. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Ukraine. Please protect and send aid to those in Ukraine and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace – we pray for all who are working towards it and for all who are in danger from this conflict. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God, please help those in most need of thy mercy. Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us! Saint Joseph, Protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church, pray for us! Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, may your kingdom reign in Ukraine and all the world.
Daily prayers for the nation of Ukraine and Peace in the world. Amen
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email
About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q Contact Us
© 2023 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.
Amen.