MyJoysComplete!

Reflection Questions: * Look around me and notice my excesses - what do I really need and what do I just keep for the "just in case" events?* In what ways am I doing the real work that the Lord has assigned me to? (Do not include sessions which I attend.... )* How am I going out to fulfil the Beatitude commands? My takeaway: Get cracking Joyce!!!!!

Reflection Points:* Give myself the space to go away - despite the challenges - the experience is worth every sacrifice. * this weekend find some time to spend in front of the Blessed Sacrament to just sit and gaze

Reflection Questions:* Where is my opportunity to share and give testimony about Jesus in the coming week? * What one lifestyle change do I need to make in order to seen as someone worth listening to?

Reflection Questions:* In what areas has sin slowly slid into my life and I am now in bondage of a particular habit which my conscience tells me needs to be kicked? * God is a loving Father who does not condemn but embraces - when was the last time I saw myself running into His arms in helplessness when life gets too much....

Reflection Questions: * What is my response to today's reading on how the early community lived? * How am I living this out in my life alongside the community that I am called to be in?

Reflection Questions: * How has my post- Easter spiritual mood been? Am I empowered with a new zeal? Why or why not? * How important is Evangelization to me? How am I working this out in my daily life? * Where is Jesus in my life today? Is He just my Cosy Corner or One whom I working alongside with to bring back lost souls

Reflection Questions: 1. What is/are the old habits that I keep returning to? What is the pull and what is causing this return to my former habits? 2. What is the Lord's desire for me? What plans does He have for me? 3. What is the root cause of the fears that I harbour in my life? Bring this to the Lord

Reflection Questions:1. Imagine yourself in this scene? Where are you in the room? Look at what's happening, hear the noise and the happiness - how are you reacting? What does the Lord invite you to do? 2. Share this resurrection experience with someone you encounter today? What would be that one thing you would emphasize in your message?

Reflection Questions:1. Can I identify one person with whom I can accompany eg : a recently baptised convert, a struggling friend etc. 2. When was the last time I sat with the Lord in Adoration and experienced an "Emmaus" moment? How did that experience feel? 3. Think about who you would like to invite for a simple meal at your place and then to share your faith journey with perhaps?

After your prayer period concludes, consider answering some of the following questions:What were the significant interior movements (that is, feelings, reactions, intuitions, desires, emotions, thoughts, or insights)?What was the prevailing mood of my prayer: peace, agitation, excitement, boredom, confusion, calm?Was my prayer more about the head or the heart, or about both?What word, phrase, image, or memory meant most to me during prayer?Is there some unfinished business that I think God is calling me to return to during another time of prayer?Is there something happening in my life that is becoming part of my prayer? Do I feel moved to do something concrete in my life?Am I making the necessary preparations for my prayer? Is there anything I am doing or not doing that is getting in the way of my listening to God?The review of prayer is not homework; do not feel bound to answer each of these questions every time you journal. Instead, consider journaling as another way of praying, of going deeper to sift through the graces. Write in a style that is comfortable for you. In your journaling, feel free to write directly to God the Father or to Jesus, as if you were writing a letter or an e-mail.https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-what-how-why-of-prayer/review-prayer-by-keeping-a-journal/

Reflection Questions:1. What cross am I going through today that I can be thankful to God for? What is He teaching me through this pain?2. Am I willing to be a witness at whatever cost? What would hold me back from making this prayer of total surrender? Offer up, during this day, petitions for those martyred in many parts of the world today

An Easter Ode to My Risen MessiahBy MyJoysComplete

Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways can I embrace silence more in my life? 2. Can I make a commitment to attend a Silent Retreat at least once a year? (PM me for details)

Reflection Questions:1. How have/are my achievements and those of my family been the point of discussion with my friends/ colleagues? What am I really seeking while sharing success stories of those close to me?2. In what ways do I seek approval, recognition, praise from from others? Is the Lord inviting me to surrender this need to Him and to maybe let go of this desire?

Reflection Questions:1. When did you last felt that you were a failure? How has today's reading about Isaiah feeling the the same way resonated with your moments of despair. Journal your thoughts...2. Look at God's response to Isaiah - now imagine what the Father is telling you today regards these instances and write down His words to you. Re-read what you have written and respond to God. Reflect: I am more than my worst moment.

Reflection Questions:1. What feelings or emotions stir within me as I contemplate on the image shown in this podcast? What is my response? 2. Am I someone drowning in ministry, church work like Martha and spending less time with the Lord of the Church? How do I bring about a balance between the two ?

Reflection Questions:1. How have I coped in the past when assaulted by hurtful words? 2. What am I hearing from Jeremiah in today's reading ? 3. How can I, in such moments, turn from a place of desolation to consolation?

1. What areas am I striving to achieve higher, be better, receive recognition? What is the main thrust that is directing me in this direction? Does it align with the standards of today's gospel? 2. What is your one takeaway from today's reflection? Mine: To stop judging my performance and to start being gentle my imperfections !Music : https://pixabay.com/?next=/accounts/like/audio/14023/

Reflection Questions: 1. When last did I ask Him what He wanted of me? What was God's reply and how did I go about fulfilling God's wish? 2. What Sorrowful Mystery am I undergoing now in my life and how can I learn from our Lady's response to re-direct my gaze to God while trusting that He will take care of everything!

Reflection Questions: 1. What are the serpents that I can identify today in my life that are a challenge in my spiritual journey?2. What physical reminders can I place around, have on me etc, that will instantly bring me back to focus on the love of God? 3. What daily habits do I need to add to my daily schedule that will help me amend those areas that still need to be addressed? For example it could be silence when faced with anger, restrain when I am tempted to act impulsively etc. 4. What is that one takeaway from today's reading? Mine: Look at that one area that is disturbing my peace and find where God is inviting me to make that change!

Reflection Questions: (AI gen)The righteous man is described as "inconvenient" to the ungodly because his life opposes their actions. Do I live in such a way that my choices create discomfort for those who behave unethically, or do I blend in?How can I better live out my Christian values as a "counter-witness" to the prevailing, often toxic, values in my workplace or community?The wicked are offended by the righteous person's "strange ways" and their boast of being a child of God. Is my faith public enough to invite misunderstanding or scrutiny, or do I hide it to make life easier?When I face mockery or "insult" because of my integrity, do I react with vengeance, or with the gentleness and patience mentioned in verse 19?The passage reveals that the ungodly believe they can force God to prove his power. Am I demanding that God save me from all discomfort, or am I willing to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel?

Reflection Questions: (AI gen.)1. St. Joseph is a saint of few words, known for quiet, selfless protection. Do I seek recognition for my good works, or can I serve God through "silent obedience" behind the scenes? 2. When Joseph embraced the Christ child, he accepted a role he didn't plan for, note Catholic Daily Reflections. What is the "unexpected gift" or difficult responsibility God has placed in my life that I need to accept with more gratitude? 3. As the guardian of the Redeemer, St. Joseph showed how to protect what is holy. How can I better act as a guardian of faith, virtue, and love within my own family?

Reflection Questions: (AI gen)Who do I need to forgive, and what specifically have they done that I am still holding onto?When I recall a hurt, does it still have a "sting"? If so, do I need to ask for more healing?Am I mistaking "forgiving" for "forgetting"?What "torturers" (anger, resentment, self-hatred) are in my life because I have not forgiven?How can I begin to treat the offender with kindness, as Christ commanded?

Stand up. As a believer, you have the strength to move forward, and you have a lot to give. Build your life and ask Jesus to give you the courage to recover your energy to walk ahead. https://digitalmissioners.com/2024/03/john-5-1-16-3/

What now are we taught by these things? Not to wait for miracles, nor to seek pledges of the Power of God. I see many persons even now become more pious,4 when during the sufferings of a child or the sickness of a wife they enjoy any comfort, yet they ought even if they obtain it not, to persist just the same in giving thanks, in glorifying God. Because it is the part of right-minded servants, and of those who feel such affection5 and love as they ought for their Master, not only when pardoned, but also when scourged, to run to Him. For these also are effects of the tender care of God; “Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth,” it says, “every son whom He receiveth.” (Heb. 12:6.) When therefore a man serves Him only in the season of ease, he gives proofs of no great love, and loves not Christ purely.St. John Chrysostom's Homily

The Jewish confession of faith Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad! “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one!”  This is known as the Shema – the most central prayer in Judaism. It is considered the main confession of Jewish faith. As such it is different to our Christian confessions, which usually are expressed in multiple series of declarations: “We believe, …” The Jewish confession, however, is not so much a “we believe” statement but a divine command to hear, to listen to the voice of God regarding who He is – the one true God. The Shema has such a sanctified status, that for many rabbis the short phrase “Shema Yisrael” is equal to the very name of God, many times just symbolized with the Hebrew letter ש [shin]. https://www.icej.org/blog/hear-o-israel/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17224557502&gbraid=0AAAAAChbkRh_iMViA02KLPoDcZa0AaDXQ&gclid=CjwKCAjwyMnNBhBNEiwA-KcguxXl6yE2OpvKt-39dqt-2QcIZfwE2B-CEAQ2yC5UjpmILQdDuBxuhxoCSswQAvD_BwE

Jeremiah 7:23-28 delivers a blistering rebuke to Judah, emphasizing that God desires heartfelt obedience over empty ritualistic sacrifice. God states that true covenant relationship ("I will be your God, and you shall be my people") requires walking in His ways, yet the people are condemned for their stubborn, persistent disobedience and for acting worse than their ancestors. 

Reflection Questions: * Azariah acknowledges that God is just in allowing their punishment (exile). Do I struggle to believe that God is fair when I am suffering, or can I humbly accept His discipline?* Azariah asks that his suffering be accepted like a sacrifice. What "sacrifices" of pride, ego, or comfort am I holding onto, and how can I offer them to God?

Questions: (AI Gen)1. Naaman was a "mighty man" but he had leprosy. What is your "hideous birthmark" or "leprosy"—the weakness or hurt you try to conceal while maintaining an impressive outward appearance?2. How has your own weakness or "thorn in the flesh" served to humble you and bring you closer to God in a way your strengths never could?3.

A PASSION FOR GOODApplying this biblical approach activates our anger as a passion for good in three ways:✦ Anger can make us holy.✦ Anger can motivate us to work for justice.✦ Anger can fuel our zeal for evangelization.https://www.catholicdigest.com/faith/spirituality/anger-a-passion-for-good/

Take some time today to snuggle into the Father's lap, placing your head close to His chest and just be there, hearing His heart beat!

By calling God "Father", the language of faith indicates two main things: that God is the first origin of everything and transcendent authority; and that he is at the same time goodness and loving care for all his children. God's parental tenderness can also be expressed by the image of motherhood,62 which emphasizes God's immanence, the intimacy between Creator and creature. the language of faith thus draws on the human experience of parents, who are in a way the first representatives of God for man. But this experience also tells us that human parents are fallible and can disfigure the face of fatherhood and motherhood. We ought therefore to recall that God transcends the human distinction between the sexes. He is neither man nor woman: he is God. He also transcends human fatherhood and motherhood, although he is their origin and standard:63 no one is father as God is Father.

 “Let us fancy we see hell, and imagine what is worst to behold – a horrible cavern full of black flames. Sulphur, devils, dragons, fire, swords, arrows, and innumerable damned who roar in despair. Imagine the worst you can, and then say, ‘All this is nothing compared to hell.'”St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. John Chrysostom⁠: "The hypocrite would seldom choose to toil but would prefer only to make a show. For this very reason, the hypocrite is easily detected... do not look to the mask but to the behavioural fruits".Questions: (AI gen.)Am I "hiding myself from my own flesh" (neglecting family or neighbors in need) rather than sharing my resources?What "malicious speech" or judgmental attitudes do I need to remove from my daily interactions to ensure my prayers are heard?

This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!Questions: Is my goal to "gain the world"? If I were to look at my calendar and bank statement, what do they show I truly value?What is my "cross" today? What specific selfish desire, pride, or comfort must I surrender to follow Jesus more closely?(AI generated questions)

Today is a favourable day! Today is a day of salvation! Today God comes to meet me! My heart is overwhelmed!

"He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day." - John Bunyan"Hurry is the death of prayer." — Unknown

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes.  Patience achieves all it strives for.  Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices.Question:  Is God enough for you?

1. In what areas of my life am I "spiritually deaf," struggling to hear God's voice amidst the noise? 2. How can I apply the word "Ephphatha" (Be opened) to my heart today?AI generated

What small compromises in your life might be gradually leading your heart away from God?Who are the people in your life that influence your spiritual direction? Are they leading you toward or away from God?How are you using the gifts and resources God has given you—for His glory or for personal convenience? - AI generated

Jesus had come to give us a heart transplant, to take away our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh, hearts like his, that could love God and others. He had come to set us on the path of beatitude, in this life and in the next, and enunciated that blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. The heart is the real core of the person, pointing to what we love and desire. It's what's in the heart — and the actions that flow from the heart — that renders a person pure or impure. Jesus describes several desires in the heart that defile us: “evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.” The last one, folly, is basically the lack of wisdom. The Greek word that St. Mark uses, aphrosune, doesn't point to an imprudence flowing from a frail brain or intellect, but moral foolishness, those who play the fool by acting foolishly, by acting contrary to God's wisdom.https://catholicpreaching.com/wp/learning-from-the-queen-of-sheba-to-seek-gods-wisdom-5th-wednesday-ii-february-7-2018/

Image management in psychology is the conscious or subconscious process of controlling how others perceive you by regulating information, appearance, and behavior, first conceptualized by Erving Goffman. It involves strategic, often social, efforts to project a desired image—such as competence or likability—to influence others' evaluations and achieve personal or professional goals.  (AI Overview)Question:What do I do in order to make others believe in me? Is this my authentic self acting to win the favour of others? Reflection: Take some time to examine the 'real me' and bring this side before the Lord . Lay it bare before Him and ask Him to heal those rugged areas and to make me more and more like Him each day!

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”1 Corinthians 6:19

When faced with a situation that requires me to be brutally honest despite the opposition I might face, do I:* rise up like Nathan and John the Baptist, without fearing the consequences? OR* do I slink away and let others do the work while I remain in my safety net?

Carry on, work tirelessly for the mission! The Good News is - He goes with us

"It is better to be a child of God than king of the whole world." — St. Aloysius Gonzaga

David's willingness to potentially die for his son is held up as an example of the profound love that Jesus requires of his followers- Catholic Commentary

My glorious King, You desire that Your Kingdom grow far and wide through our efforts of love. Please do use me, dear Lord, to plant Your seeds of faith and charity every day. May I never tire of these apostolic endeavors and may I always take great delight in serving You and building Your Kingdom in every way I can. Jesus, I trust in You.https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2021/10/25/planting-the-seed-over-and-over-again/

“Prayer is an aspiration of the heart. It is a simple glance directed to heaven. It is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy.” — St. Thérèse of Lisieux

“Break off from your cares and labors. Make a little time for God and rest a while in him.” + St. Anselm, bishop (1033-1109 A.D.)

To love God with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my mind!