August 11, 2026
St. Clare
‘Joy of My Heart’
The joy of my heart they are.
Psalm 119:111

I cradled baby Gianna in my arms, her soft skin touching my face, her searching eyes meeting mine with smiles. Joy. This child so humble, innocent and trusting makes me consider Jesus’ vulnerability.

He—Word Made Flesh and True Manna from Heaven—entered this world totally dependent on others for even his basic needs. God asks me to emulate the same: coming to him as a precious child, humble and trusting—dependent not on self but on him.

As our Lord continues to nourish and form me, he calls me to obey—to consume his Word, savoring its sweetness and joy—that I might intrinsically know and better spread that joy to others.

Yes, I look forward to watching baby Gianna grow into her faith, but for now, this little one reminds me that the best foundation starts with humble childlike trust.

I thank you, Lord, that trusting you and your decrees is the joy of my heart.

- Kathleen Swartz McQuaig

Ezekiel 2:8—3:4 ✚ Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131 ✚ Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Young mother holds newborn baby in her arms, strokes his hair while he sleeps. Image by AliceCam | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Cheryl
August 11, 2026 at 11:29 AM

Amen

Patrick
August 11, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Amen

freeter
August 11, 2026 at 09:48 AM

Amen. :)

Salina (not in control)
August 11, 2026 at 08:57 AM

Yes, Kathleen! *** “He calls me to obey” in Ezekiel 2:8, “But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you!” *** “to consume his Word, savoring its sweetness and joy” in Ezekiel 2:9-10a, 3:3b, “And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. And He spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back,.. Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.” *** “that...
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Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
August 11, 2026 at 04:37 PM

Yes Salina, How grateful we are to the prophets called to deliver the hard words and accountability for sin. And how thankful too for the hope and mercy our Lord also provides as we echo the word's in today's responsorial (Psalm 103) "How sweet to my taste is your promise!"

Gary
August 11, 2026 at 08:33 AM

Amen!

Stormi
August 11, 2026 at 08:25 AM

Kathleen thank you that reminder to see the true love of God in others. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs. Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a heavenly earth!

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
August 11, 2026 at 04:10 PM

My pleasure, Stormi. I so appreciate His unexpected glimpses and reminders of that love, grace, and humility. Yes. God's blessings on you and all our LF family.

ADV
August 11, 2026 at 08:08 AM

AMEN!

CBR
August 11, 2026 at 08:06 AM

Thank you Lord for all you have done for me and my family God bless us all Amen Amen Amen

Mike
August 11, 2026 at 08:27 AM

Amen

Young mother holds newborn baby in her arms, strokes his hair while he sleeps. Image by AliceCam | stock.adobe.com
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