Breakthrough of Grace

This episode of the Breakthrough of Grace Podcast features a talk by Julia Ibarra. During our conversation with Julie, you will hear about why she founded MagentaYou.com, what it means to her, and how it helps deepen women's faith, health and fertility.Married to a Lt Colonel (Retired) USMC, Helicopter Pilot, Jamie and Julia have seven Children. As a newlywed, Julie Ibarra was more than a little nervous about using Natural Family Planning (NFP). She had grown up, non-Catholic, with the assumption that the Pill would be part of her married life. Stepping away from that place felt insecure and raised a host of questions for her.As she became more anxious, she found that there were a lack of resources available for newly married couples to learn about NFP. It wasn't until she and her husband attended a Catholic marriage prep course that sparked her curiosity.Ibarra's challenging journey with NFP, inspired her to found Magenta. She did some research and realized that Magenta was the birthplace of pro-life heroin, Saint Gianna Molla. Magenta aims to make NFP, attractive, accessible, and understandable, and to be a memes for women to learn, and embrace their fertility.Saint Giana Molla-“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day.”Website: MagentaYou.com Your body is beautiful. It's time to learn it, love it and take back ownership. Knowledge is power. Women are powerful. Let's elevate you to success, to understand it and love it!“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”Psalm 127:3-5This talk was recorded at John Paul the Great Catholic University in Southern California with a small prayer group.More resources: https://canfp.orgReflection Question #1Reflect on the words of Saint Giana Molla. “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day.”What does this mean to live moment by moment?Reflection Question #2Mother Teresa was a staunch advocate for Natural Family Planning. She stated:“God has created a world big enough for all the lives He wishes to be born. It is onlyour hearts that are not big enough to want them and accept them... We are toooften afraid of the sacrifices we might have to make. But where there is love, thereis always sacrifice. Ånd when we love until it hurts, there is joy and peace.”What does it mean to love until it hurts?How can this type of love change your life?Reflection from Pope St. Paul VIResponsible parenthood requires that husband and wife understand God's designfor marriage—that it is love-giving (unitive) and life-giving (procreative). Spousesought to be well-formed in understanding Church teaching and reflect upon theirresponsibilities toward each other, children already born, and the wider societywhen deciding when to attempt to conceive or not (see Humanae vitae [HV], no. 10.

Simon Kyne draws on the Catechism, Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Church to provide an introduction to the virtue of Christian Trust.  In this talk, we learn how the history of Salvation can be viewed as the long pursuit by God to restore holy trust in the hearts of believers.  From Genesis, through Exodus, through the Psalms, to the Gospel Accounts of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, we discover that trust in God was what was broken in our Original Fall, and trust in God was restored by Jesus's Ultimate Sacrifice.  This talk concludes by invoking the Litany of Trust, composed by the religious community of the Sisters of Life.  We pray this talk blesses you as much as it did us.Reflection Questions: Reflect on the conversion of heart, and the choice to trust, as embedded in the Gospel account of Mary Magdalene at the Tomb: See John 20:1-20What stands out to you, and what is God offering to you today through this Scripture?How is God calling you into deeper Christian trust?  What of Simon's talk stood out to you - stay with that and invite the Holy Spirit to counsel you.For the Litany of Trust, please see the link below.  We invite you to share with friends and loved one:https://sistersoflife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mobile-Litany-of-Trust-English-1.pdfAudio Editing by ForteCatholic.com

This episode of the Breakthrough of Grace Podcast features reflections gathered and curated by Mark Kalpakgian.  Mark's talk is inspired by the life, the example and the witness of St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta- and in particular, by the recently pushed collection of stories and accounts from her life published in the book “To Love and Be Loved“ by Jim Tuohey.  We venerate St. Mother Theresa as a Saint – and rightfully so.  Jim Tuouy's book, and Mark's reflections on both it and on Mother Theresa's impact on his own life, give us insight into what were the key attributes which caused St. Mother Theresa's life to be holy – and in particular, in the less obvious ways? This talk was recorded at John Paul the Great University in Southern California with a small prayer group: we pray that it blesses you as much as it did us. Reflect on this scripture which sets the tone for this talk: 17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'[d]”20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”What stands out to you, and what is God offering to you today through this Scripture?In the chapel of the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, there is a large crucifix, and adjacent the crucifix the words of Christ from the Cross (John 19:38) “I Thirst”.Mother Theresa taught the following,:Why does Jesus say "I Thirst"?  What does it mean? . . . If you remember anything from Mother's letter, remember this — 'I Thirst' is something much deeper than just Jesus saying 'I love you.' Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you — you can't begin to know who He wants to be for you.  Or who He wants you to be for Him.Spend some time in prayer reflecting on Mother Theresa's words.Meditation courtesy of CatholicEducation.orgI Thirst':  Mother Teresa's Devotion to the Thirst of Jesus (catholiceducation.org)Audio Editing by ForteCatholic.com

Matthew Cipolla is a devoted husband and father whose story chronicles the love of God breaking through and over his life, and that of his family, in powerful ways.  Matthew currently serves as a civilian contractor with the US Military, providing counselling services to front line troops staged to depart or returning from deployments to various operational theaters in the world.  As we will learn in his talk, Matthew's life is one of learning first hand the faithfulness of God, and in that, receiving the graces to be patiently faithful in return - even when God seems slow in responding.  Through the various miraculous events of his life, Matthew describes how God mysteriously, often in hidden ways, draws those who love Him into deeper relationship, intimacy and life in God, in fulfillment of the words of St. Paul in the 1st Chapter of his letter to the Ephesians: " He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." (Eph 1:5).  The highligh of Matthew's talk is the greatest miracle of his life transpired, in which 8 years of steadfast prayer was answered in life changing ways in 8 hours. We hope this talk blesses you as much as it did us. Audio Editing by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

Daniela McClintock is a woman who seeks to live out all the attributes of full Christian identity : as a woman, as a wife, a mother, as a daugher, as a sister and trusted friend, and as a devout person of prayer.  In this episode she describes the power of the Rosary as a school of prayer in her life, and as a source of miracles and graces in her journey with the Lord.   In this talk she describes how receiving our Blessed Mother as Mother and Queen - as Jesus invites us to from the Cross (see John 19:26-27) - provides both an example to follow in living a devout and fully Christian life, and a place of refuge and strength when we become discouraged or suffer set back in our spiritual walk and journey.  At the heart of her talk is the Rosary - that great traditional prayer of the Church which has been handed down for centuries - which provides the person praying (1) an immersion in the Life of Christ, (2) a powerful weapon against evil and (3) an effective means of obtaining peace in our hearts (Pope Francis, General Audience May 17-2023).  We hope that Daniela's talk blesses you as much as it did us.1. If you are not familiar with the Rosary, or if it is has been some time since you prayed this powerful prayer, please see this link below to re-acquaint you with this prayer: https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/rosary/how-to-pray-the-rosary-with-bishop-barron/2. The Rosary is a scriptural prayer: we invite you to more deeply enter into the praying of this prayer by reading, as led by the Holy Spirit, the accompanying scriptural meditations for one or more mysteries:https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/the-joyful-mysteries.htmlNote: the other mysteries (Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious) can be found at the links at the bottom of the page above.3. What mystery, or element of the Rosary is most comforting or compelling to you right now, in your present place in your spiritual walk and journey?  Ask the Holy Spirit to meet you there in that mystery, and deepen your connection to God through the Rosary and faithfully praying this prayer to seek Him in prayer, in wisdom and in that place where He is offering His graces. Editing by Forte Catholic (ForteCatholic.com)

Sean Whiteman is a husband, father and devout follower of our Blessed Lord - and in this talk tells the story of his conversion over time - and persevering in the long pursuit to grow in holiness.  As a man who works in both Catholic and music education, Sean has a beautiful gift of seeking after knowledge and sharing it with others - in this instance, knowledge and wisdom that he has gained of the Kingdom. Discussion Questions:1. Consider the following scripture from St. Paul's letter to Timothy (1 Tim:1:18-19)  "Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. "What stands out to you from this passage?  What is the fruit of this holding on to the faith, so one might fight the battles of the spiritual life well?2. Consider the following from St. John Paul II's Encyclical "Christifideles Laici" "Everyone in the Church, precisely because they are members, receive and thereby share in the common vocation to holiness. In the fullness of this title and on equal par with all other members of the Church, the lay faithful are called to holiness: "All the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity".How is God calling you to holiness in this time in your life?3. Reflect on the following scripture from the Gospel of St. John: Chapter 8, vs 1-11 (The Woman Caught in Adultery).  As you reflect on areas of sin and brokeness in your life, what is Jesus saying to you, and to those places?  How is Jesus showing His mercy to you, and to those areas?   Ask for the grace to invite the Holy Spirit in to experience a deeper encounter with God's merciful love in your life. Production & Editing by ForteCatholic.com

Joe is a husband, father and devout Catholic who brings his faith into nearly all aspects of his life – including his work as the Owner and President of an entrepreneurial media company.  In this talk, Joe borrows the concept of of an Elephant and a Rider, a concept presented in Jonathan Haigtd's book , The Happiness Hypothesis. Simply put, the Elephant and Rider metaphor seeks to describe the human experience in the following way: the Elephant represents the power and weight of our emotions and impulses; the The Rider on the other hand represents the one's reason – that is how we calmly and more rationally choose a course of action.   What makes Joe's talk compelling is that by borrowing this metaphor, and with it, the tension that develops as our emotions collide with reason, and our reason seeks to control our emotions, Joe arrives at a key question for the believer. How are we, called by God to grow in virtue, to do so not in denial of this tension between Elephant and Rider, that is between our emotions and our reason, but by bringing these aspects of ourselves under the authority of God's grace. Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and his own experiences, Joe bridges us from the Happiness Hypothesis of Jonathan Haight, to the Summit of our Faith, present on the Altar, which is the  Source of our deepest Joy.  Joe's talk was recorded live with a small prayer group on John Paul the Great Catholic University: we hope it blesses you as much as it did us. Discussion Questions1. Consider the following from the Catechism (#1803): "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions. What stands out to you from the Catechism quote above?2. Pray about the following scripture  Psalm 16:11You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  What stirs in your heart as you ponder this invitation from God?3. Jesus taught the following to his disciples at the Last Supper: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:10-11).  How does our growth in virtue lead to lasting joy and happiness?Editing by ForteCatholic.com 

During this talk, Speaker Steve Kerekes of JMJYouth.com talks about his life's work to take people on Pilgrimages, that they might in those travels experience somethig of the majesty, the mystery and the glory of God.   In his reflections, he describes his own search for God's purpose, plan and designs for his life, his encounter with God during travels in his late teens in Europe, and the impact that that had in shaping the person he is, and the person God is calling him to be.  This talk will encourage you because it offers something for everyone, and affirms the universal call to holiness.  We pray that this talk blesses you, as much as it did us. Reflection Questions1. During this talk, Steve described Pilgrimages as recapitulating that desire for us as men and women "to return from Exile".  What are ways in which you find in your spiritual life realizing your spiritual hunger and thirst, and going to God to fulfill it?2. Steve talks about the miraculous events on pilgrimage: of phyiscal healings or similar manifestations of God's movement among His people. Steve also describes the much more impactful miracle of opening your heart to the graces God is offering.  What are some ways that God is moving in your heart, to deepen your love, your belonging and your identity in Him?3. JRR Tolkien (a devout believer) once wrote: “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings.  Pilgrimages are "spiritual adventures" - if you were to go on Pilgrimage in the next 12 months, to search and find the answers to the deepest longings in our hearts, where would you travel to, and why?Production by ForteCatholic.com

During this talk, speaker Ken Sharrar speaks to how God heals brokenness and sin from our past, to strengthen and unite us to Him, to live faithfully and fruitfully for the Gospel. We hope this talk blesses you as much as it did us.Reflection Questions1. Reflect on of the following teaching from Ken's Talk: "If your self esteem is a function of your performance or of someone else's opinion, then your self esteem is up for grabs every day. The Word of God teaches that our foundation is our identity in Christ, as a gift to be by choice in Christ." What stays with you as you reflect on this: stay with that and invite God in to that place.2. Reflect on the following from the Book of Numbers (the priestly prayer of Moses): Then the LORD said to Moses, 23“Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; 25 may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.' 27 So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” - Numbers 6: 23-27 Invite Jesus as High Priest to pray this over you - to renew you in Him, and His identity for you.3. Reflect  on the following: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. - 1Pet 5:2-4 In your temporal authority and in your relationships where you have authority, how is God inviting you to shepherd well in his name, and to be an example of Faithfulness, Hope and Charity to those around you?For Additional ReadingKen encourages the listeners re-listen to some of his favorite episodes of the Breakthrough of Grace Podcast: -Season 1 Ep 1 - Welcome from the Founders-Season 1  Ep 2- Contemplative Prayer with Lia McGuiness-Season 1  Ep 8 - Brokenness and God's Redemption by Kimberly King.  We invite you to go back and (re)listen to one of those episodes that the Holy Spirit might reveal something to you.Production by ForteCatholic.com

During this talk, speaker Dominic Polito shares from his treasury of wisdom and knowledge about how God Fathers us as His sons and daughters, and in particular, how He invites us to cling to Him in all things. With humor, keen insights and the authenticity of living this out daily, Dominic provides both encouragement and a rallying call for hearts, to surrender those fearful places to God, that He might come alongside of us and Father us. We hope this talk blesses you as much as it did us. Reflection Questions1. Reflect on this scripture which sets the tone for this talk: "16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." - Eph 3:16. What stands out to you, and what is God offering to you today through this Scripture?2. As you reflect on the following, do not make any accusations or condemnation of yourself? Invite the Father In, ask Him what He is inviting to you as your Good Good Father? In His Love, and in deep awareness of His heart for your - What is the core of your vocation in this current season? Then ask Him to tell you: "What if you applied all of your energies to your core vocation?"3. The Father will use ordinary moments in life, including setbacks, to walk with us in bestowing His blessing and His favor as He walks with Him, when we submit our fathering and our identifies to Him. (For Dominic, this is the example of the screws in the tires on his minivan.) What are ways in which the Father is inviting you to be apprenticed by Him, and therefore learn how He wants to treat your heart, so you can be restored, healed and affirmed in how you treat your heart, and the hearts entrusted to your care?Further ReadingFor more encouragement in this category of Fathering, consider the following books: (1) Wild at Heart - John Eldredge (2) Waking the Dead - John Eldredge (3) Becoming a King - Morgan Snyder

During this talk, speaker Lia McGuinness shares about seeking initimacy with Christ as the core of the spiritual life.  Borrowing from Scripture, from Saints, her Spiritual Director and her own lived experience, Lia unpacks the deepest hunger of our soul, to be totally seen, totally known and totally loved by God.  Further, she describes how this deepest desire of our souls can only be satisfied by God, in prayer which seeks union with Him in all things.  We hope that this talk blesses you as much as it did us.Audio editing by Forte CatholicReflection Questions1. Reflect on the following definition for Intimacy with God: "Intimacy is born out of the desire to be truly known, accepted, and loved in the reality of the total person that you are; this is our ulitimate desire.  This can only be achieved in our relationship with God" (Lia McGuinness' Spiritual Director)2. God longs for us to invite Him in. "God desires to dwell in the human heart, both personal and salvific, and for this must be invited. This invitation must come from us." - (Mark Marivalle, Jesus in You). Take some time to pray and be seen by God, and to invite Him still deeper int your heart.3. Take some time to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament and as the Holy Spirit to reveal what God is saying to you, through this scripture:  " 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” - JOHN 17: 20-23For additional readingThe Fullfilment of All Desire – Ralph Martin

During this talk, speaker Simon Kyne shares the history, the relevance and the recent expereince of travelling to Fatima Portugal, where the Blessed Mother appeared in 1917 to three shepherd children.   We will hear how Fatima 125 years later is not only a powerful place of penance and conversion, that the call to turn back to God remains as important today as when she first appeared.  We hope that this talk inspires and encourages you in your walk of Faith, and that we might have a greater understanding about how the Holy Mother seeks to bring all her children more closely to her Divine Son, Jesus.Discussion questions:How does the messages of Fatima impact you, and what stands out to you as you hear her words spoken to the shepherd children?Read the Wedding at Cana account in the Gospel of John, Chapter 2. As you reflect on this first miracle of Jesus, and our Blessed Mother's role in bringing it to pass, how does this encourage you to bring your petitions, needs, hopes and desires to her, that she might intercede for you before her Son?You are invited to take up or renew a practice of praying the Rosary, for peace in our hearts, and peace in the world. 

Discussion Questions Reflect on the following scripture: " "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." – Matt 16:24. What stands out to you as you reflect on this scripture? Reflection from Henri Nouwen's "Return of the Prodigal": Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not “How am I to find God?” but “How am I to let myself be found by him?” The question is not “How am I to know God?” but “How am I to let myself be known by God?” And, finally, the question is not “How am I to love God?” but “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.” Lent invites us to render before Jesus an account of our sorrows and sin. Reflect on the following scripture: "Then He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” – LUKE 7: 44-47

Discussion Questions Ponder the following quote by Pope Saint Paul VI: ""We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 962). What stands out to you from this quote about the saints, for your life? Reflect on the following Scripture on the mercy of Jesus: "3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again. - John 8:3-11 Prayer to St. Maria Goretti: Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially youth,with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.

Discussion Questions What is one of your favorite qualities of St. Francis of Assisi? Reflect on these words of Jesus: "I did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matt 20:28) Pope Francis has described his approach to leadership as patterning after that modelled by St. Francis. He quotes St. Francis' words: " “Because I am the servant of all, (in Latin, ‘servus omnium') I am obliged to serve all and to administer the fragrant words of my Lord to them.” How is God inviting you to serve, in areas where you have authority? Think about a challenging leadership problem and ask for the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit to gain insight in how to love, and lead well in that situation. 

Discussion Questions Michael tells a story of what the nuns taught him: how are we defined by Faith, by Hope and by Love? In what ways is "mercy" more than just forgiveness, but also Charity in action? Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matt 5:7). What stands out to you about this passage? reflect on the following Scripture, concerning the free gift of Mercy by God: "So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help." (Hebrews 4:16)

Simon Kyne seeks to live daily that St. Irenaeus's famous exhortation: “The Glory of God is man fully alive”. Raised a Catholic, as a university student he experienced a deepening of faith and religious fervor in his life and spent one year in full time youth and young adult ministry, serving the Catholic Church, immediately following World Youth Day in Denver Colorado. Since that formative year, Simon has sought to seek God in daily life and the adventure of the Divine Romance, by seeking to live out the Gospel by the grace of God and the sacraments of the Church. As one trasnformed by the love of God, Simon has a heart for evangelization, and seeks to witness to the power of God, our generous “Yes” to Him, and to answered prayer. He is a parishioner at St. Margaret Parish, and lives in San Marcos, CA with his wife Mary, and two children, Magdalena and Silas.

Discussion Questions Our Blessed Mother is a model of contemplative prayer: Reflect on the following scriptures Luke 2: 19: "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." St. Teresa of Avila states in her book Way of Perfection: "Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us." What strikes you about this definition of contemplative prayer? What does it mean when Christian writers who consider contemplative prayer state that this is a form of prayer availble to all, not just to priests or religious? What is the fruit of contemplative prayer - how might prayer (and life) look different if we seek God in contemplation?

The Christian life is has been described as (1) encountering Jesus then (2) bringing Christ to the World. How have you encountered Jesus lately? How are you feeling encouraged to bring Him into the world? Pope St. John Paul II wrote the following to young people who had made pilgrimage to Rome: Today Christ is asking each of you the same question: do you love me? He is not asking you whether you know how to speak to crowds, whether you can direct an organization or manage an estate. He is asking you to love him. All the rest will ensue. In fact, walking in Jesus' footsteps is not immediately expressed in things to do or say, but first of all in loving him, in staying with him, in totally accepting him into one's life.  What stands out to you as you ponder the Pope's invitation ? Pope Francis wrote the following in his encylical Gaudete et Exultate (Rejoice and be Glad):  Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity What stands out to you as you read it? Reflect on this scripture from the Gospel of John: The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. - John 1: 35 - 39