March 3, 2025
St. Katharine Drexel
Navigating the Way
…to the penitent God provides a way back…
Sirach 17:24

“At the next light, turn right,” the navigation system directed. I shook my head. No way! I understood the crazy changes in Pinehurst, NC, when they hosted U.S. Open. “DO NOT ENTER” signs blocked usual through-roads. Temporary “ONE WAY” symbols confused directions. Certainly, I could steer myself around those obstacles; I turned left! Moments later, I sheepishly yielded to guidance. 

Aren’t we sometimes like that with our Supreme Navigator? God directs turn-by-turn whilst we fight temptation to stubbornly forge our own path. Today’s readings remind us: God provides a way back to repent and embrace his way over ours.

Recently, my car’s navigation system suggested a totally unfamiliar route. Delightful surroundings surprisingly connected multiple paths—I even arrived earlier than if I followed my way. I wonder: What adventure awaits me if I dare place our Lord’s lead completely over my own?  

Precious Lord, please help us remember—not only do you know the way—you are the way.

- Kathleen Swartz McQuaig

Sirach 17:20-24 ✚ Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7 ✚ Mark 10:17-27
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Comments

March 3, 2025 at 02:31 PM

AMEN!! Let go & let God, so very important!

March 3, 2025 at 12:32 PM

Oh, yes...GPS - God Positioning System :-) *** God knows our situations (whether it is US Open or road construction or whatsoever :-) We Plan and He directs our steps in Proverbs 16:9, "In their hearts human beings plan their lives. But the Lord decides where their steps will take them!" *** Most of the times, we want God's plan for us but we will the ones who direct the steps! We want a Savoir so we can go to heaven and have eteranl life, but we don't really want Him to be our Lord to direct all the steps on earth though :-( *** This rich man in today's Gospel reading is such an example of someone who wants eternal life from a Savior but not a Lord for his life :-( Mark 10:17, 21-22, "As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to Him. He fell on his knees before Jesus. “Good teacher,” he said, “what must I do to receive eternal life?”.......Jesus looked at him and loved him. “You are missing one thing,” He said. “Go and sell everything you have. Give the money to those who are poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow Me.” The man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he was very rich!" ******* What earthly possessions or earthly persons you are not willing to give up to follow Jesus?

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
March 3, 2025 at 06:56 PM

GPS - God Positioning System :-) Love this, Salina. His blessings on you and yours.

March 3, 2025 at 09:55 AM

Thank you Kathleen! Amen!

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
March 3, 2025 at 03:50 PM

Certainly, Miriam. May our Lord lead you in a special way today.

March 3, 2025 at 09:38 AM

Amen :)

March 3, 2025 at 09:38 AM

My prayer "Lord Jesus, you have captured our hearts and opened to us the treasures of heaven. May you always be our treasure and delight and may nothing else keep us all from giving you our all." Amen

March 3, 2025 at 09:36 AM

AMEN!

March 3, 2025 at 09:31 AM

Kathleen love the analogy. I'm not sure I'll ever listen to the navigation the same again LOL I may be more patient with it now :) Life has been a bit crazy and I haven't been able to log on here as much as I used to. I miss you all so very much. I try to at least read as I can. My life seems to have been recalculated several times the past month. But, you know, it is not without Gods hand at the helm. That is why this reflection today is very meaningful to me. I may have plans for the day but within minutes those plans can be recalculated. I'm learning to go with the flow a great deal more these days Something I need to learn. God decided to help me with that. Blessings to the LFF you are all amazing people. Prayers for all those with extra needs these days and may we all spread the love of God through all the world everyday. I pray for all that affected so much by the current changes in our country these days but I also feel it is very important to pray deeply for those giving the orders. My big prayer these days is that God sends the Holy Spirit to guide our president, and his administration to give them the positive direction to lead this country. Please Jesus guide our world leaders to do your will.

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
March 3, 2025 at 03:47 PM

Thanks, Stormi, I love your joy--and the image of God at the helm! I'm picturing Him with you, amid all those recent recalculations. His grace and blessings.

RITA
March 3, 2025 at 12:40 PM

Amen, Stormi.

March 3, 2025 at 09:13 AM

Peace to everyone. Amen!

March 3, 2025 at 08:57 AM

Amen. :)

March 3, 2025 at 08:47 AM

Praying for the Pope. Praying for all crime victims and their families, and for those treated unjustly. I pray for the leaders working towards cease fires in war. May God’s way intervene and heal our world.

March 3, 2025 at 07:47 AM

Praying for the Pope. Praying for the immigrants, for workers losing their jobs, and for the poor, hungry and sick across the world who need life giving food and medical aid. Praying for Ukraine and its people.

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
March 3, 2025 at 03:35 PM

Amen

March 3, 2025 at 07:39 AM

Yes Kathleen re calculations are need every day Living faith family please accept this morning posting. I posting yesterday but it was late. Sending again. Padre Pio's saying from wisdom of the saints " Every day when your heart especially feels the loneliness of life, pray Bill I did pray for you and your daughter, Vicky G for you and your son's and Garrett birthday. Peggy you and Zachary. Living faith family I Just got a call from Tim D a friend who rented a cottage on Lake Ontario to our family for many years. He tells me that his wife Marilyn went to be with the Lord please keep him and her in your prayers. Was a pleasant conversation with him telling me of his memories with Kathy and our families. When arriving in n. The summer, we parked up by the road. Then had to carry our stuff down to the cottage located near the lake. Kathy would immediately go to the main house and visit with marilyn and Tim while we serfs did the hauling of stuff. Always resented that ploy but now I realize Kathy was doing God's work. Tim told me this morning that her visits were the highlight of their year. Posting now as I am done with adoration chaple. Ken

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
March 3, 2025 at 03:33 PM

Amen, Ken. those recalculations are needed every day. Prayers for all our Living Faith Family. and His blessings on you.

jane
March 3, 2025 at 02:54 PM

Ken, loved this story and know that you and Kathy touched many lives. Prayers sent for Tim D and Marilyn as she journeys to her visit with the Father and Kathy for a good catch-up. Amen.

Pam
March 3, 2025 at 12:02 PM

Ken...I could just see you at the Lake hauling all the provisions needed for your stay. Now, Marilyn and Kathy can have a celestial chit chat! As always, I have you tucked in my prayers and all who you love and pray for.

Stormi
March 3, 2025 at 09:17 AM

Ken prayers for the soul of Marilyn and for Tim D. getting through the road ahead.

peggyR
March 3, 2025 at 09:15 AM

Thank you for your prayers, Ken. I will remember your friend Tim and his wife Marilyn in my prayers today. Praying for your daughter Bill L, it’s very difficult for a person who’s experiencing severe pain to wean off of medication. I pray that her medical team is providing the support she needs. Hail Mary, full of grace, please help this young lady.

March 3, 2025 at 05:32 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. 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 Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. 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. Amen.

March 3, 2025 at 05:25 AM

Faith moving reflection Kathleen! Permit me to quote you here. " Precious Lord, please help us remember, not only do You know the way, You are the way." Thus, may we let go and let God!!! Acceeding to Your ways Lord, we are certain to find our way back to You. In the struggles we encounter, may we surrender completely to the authourity that is subjected to You, and You alone, in finding our way back as You allow us to. Sending prayers and blessings to all with special needs and intentions today. Peace and blessings, Living Faith Family.

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
March 3, 2025 at 03:26 PM

Thanks, JJC. Yes--Let go and let God who indeed both knows the way and is the way. God bless

March 3, 2025 at 02:16 AM

....and I hope that is His voice when I hear "recalculating" Kathleen!

Vicky G
March 3, 2025 at 08:55 AM

I thought the same thing Bill——many times I ask for discernment when hearing a voice either in sound or action—-so important!

Gayle
March 3, 2025 at 08:25 AM

Good comment!

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
March 3, 2025 at 02:46 AM

Ha ha, Bill. Yes, may the Good Lord be the voice behind all those recalculations!

A vibrant map with a bright location pin, symbolizing navigation and direction. Image generated with AI by Ytnart | stock.adobe.com
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