Advent teaching from Johnnette Benkovic

The ancient prayer form called Lectio-Divina is a perfect way for us to enter into an ever deepening relationship with God, and the season of Advent provides us with the perfect opportunity to use it. The following six steps lead us in this beautiful method of prayer:

 1. First, prepare to meet with God.

Come to your time of prayer with expectant faith, knowing that this prayer meditation on the Word of God will yield fruit in your life even if it is not immediately apparent. Before beginning, rid yourself as much as possible from distractions. Turn off the television, radio, CD player, and — the cell phone. This is a time to be alone with God and to hear His voice in the inner confines of your heart.

2. Select a Scripture passage.

While there is no right or wrong way to select a passage, during this Advent season readings relating to the coming of the Messiah are particularly appropriate. Use the readings of the day from the Sacred Liturgy, the Office of Readings, a Scripture study guide, or the infancy narratives. The passage need not be lengthy. The goal here is not to make progress in reading the Bible, but to make progress in your relationship with God.

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Ask the Holy Spirit to remove any interior obstacles or blocks that might prevent you from hearing the word of God. Ask Him to give you knowledge and understanding, wisdom and hope. Ask Him to illuminate any areas of your heart that need to experience His healing and light.

4. Read the passage of Scripture  s-l-o-w-l-y.

Make yourself present to the Word through an act of faith. Consider the context of the passage, what is being said in the passage, and what the specific application might be for you in your life.

5. Listen for God’s voice in the “bottom of your heart.”

What is God saying to you through this passage? Is He teaching you a lesson, explaining a great truth, shedding light on a circumstance in your life, “revealing the fundamental cause of a present day difficulty?” Listen, listen, listen.

6. Voice a response back to God.

St. Teresa of Avila said, “All that should be sought for in the exercise of prayer is conformity of our will with the divine will, in which consists the highest perfection.” With that in mind, what resolutions, decisions, or changes do you wish to make in your relationship with God, within yourself, or with others? Tell God what they are and use His grace to follow through with them. Take the first step immediately.

Prayer is the gateway to divine union and intimacy with God. Through it we are informed, reformed,and transformed. Our heart is healed. Our spirit is purified. Our soul is made whole. During this Advent, promise to make time for prayer every day. See what a difference it will make in your preparation and experience of the coming of the Lord.

Today’s Spiritual Exercise:

Select one of the following two passages from Sacred Scripture. Pray it using the Lectio-Divina method described in this post. Keep a journal and record your insights and inspirations for this passage. Be sure to formulate a response back to God.

Psalm 25: 1-5

Matt. 3: 1-3

Some resources to make your Advent more meaningful:

In Coversations with God: Advent/Christmas Edition

Dawn of the Messiah by Dr. Edward Sri

Watch and Pray: An Advent Reflection with Fr. Edmund Sylvia, C.S.C.

[The blog post above is from the teaching series that Johnnette gave a previous Advent: http://www.womenofgrace.com/blog/?s=advent&paged=6.]

Find Johnnette here: www.womenofgrace.com

Hark, a Herald Voice Is Calling...

I am thrilled to welcome Johnnette S. Benkovic to "Catholic Moms Talk" today. Johnnette is the Founder and President of Women of Grace®, a Catholic apostolate for women featuring a number of outreaches including conferences, media, study groups and more. She is also Founder and President of Living His Life Abundantly® International, Inc. (a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation). After years of being a non-practicing Catholic, in 1981 Johnnette experienced a deep conversion back to her Catholic faith. Her conversion sparked a new vocation: that is, one of sharing the Gospel message through the utilization of media. She has been an inspiring and consistent presence on Catholic radio (1987) and in Catholic television (1988) ever since. You can find Johnnette here: www.womenofgrace.com

Johnnette is the Executive Producer of the Women of Grace® television program, a program highlighting contemporary issues from a Catholic perspective which also discusses authentic femininity™ in the world today. She is also host of Women of Grace® Live, a call-in radio talk show airing five times a week. She is heard nationally on AM/FM stations, Sirius Satellite 160, and internationally via short wave radio.

In addition, Johnnette is a popular conference speaker, published author, retreat director, and seminar presenter. She is the author of several books including Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life, Grace-Filled Moments, Living Life Abundantly: Stories of People Who Have Encountered God, Experience Grace in Abundance: Ten Strategies For Your Spiritual Life and The New Age Counterfeit. She also developed the internationally recognized Women of Grace® Foundational Study Series which has transformed thousands of women worldwide through the healing love of Jesus Christ.

On the personal side, Johnnette lost her son Simon in a tragic vehicular accident, just after he returned from Iraq as a decorated soldier. Soon after Simon’s death, she lost her beloved husband of more than thirty three years, Anthony, to terminal brain cancer. Through these tragedies, Johnnette was strengthened by her faith, family, friends and the prayers of the many wonderful supporters of Living His Life Abundantly® and Women of Grace®. Family life is very important to her. She enjoys time with her daughters, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Hark, a Herald Voice Is Calling

Hark, a herald voice is calling;

                                

“Christ is nigh,” it seems to say;

“Cast away the dreams of darkness,

O ye children of the day.”

Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,

Comes with pardon down from heaven;

Let us haste with tears of sorrow,

One and all to be forgiven.

                                               Roman Breviary,

                             Hymn En clara vox redarguit at Lauds

For Reflection: 

Advent is a time to watch, wait, and make preparation. How do I see all three of these reflected in the above hymn? How am I employing these in my life as I begin this Advent season?

Come back to visit "Catholic Moms Talk" tomorrow for another (longer) Advent Reflection by Johnnette.

Find Johnnette here: www.womenofgrace.com                                           

Affairs of the Heart

I am very happy to welcome Genevieve Kineke to "Catholic Moms Talk" today. Genevieve is a wife, mother of five, and convert to the faith. Her latest book is Set Free: The Authentic Catholic Woman's Guide to Forgiveness (Servant Books). She can be found online at feminine-genius.com.

“Affairs of the Heart”

There is a common question that asks if there are more stars in the sky or grains of sand on the earth. Such distractions can be amusing, not only for the sake of comparisons, but also to remind us of the vastness of the universe. Our Lord is immense, indeed.^*

While God is creator of those things too big to contemplate, he is also the one who counts the hairs on our confused heads, showing that he is also the master of every detail (cf. Luke 12:7). From galaxies to dust particles, he has it all in hand. But what is that to a busy mother?

I recently came across a detail that leapt out at me—a minute element of life that we can all understand in a portion of the private revelation Jesus gave to Saint Faustina:

“Tell sinners that I am always waiting for them, that I listen intently to the beating of their heart… When will it beat for Me?” (Diary, 1728). 

Heartbeats! Now we've delved into a woman's world—the universe of love and affection, of mood and inclination. While the number of hairs on our heads is academic—quite superfluous to our vocation—the pulse of those around us is the very thing we monitor in various ways.

Surely, we know who once made our hearts leap, and perhaps we've been privileged to make a life with them at our side. Our children often bring about those pitty-pats of joy and delight as well. But there are other jolts that are more ominous—an unexpected email, a phone call relating a medical emergency, or the face of a friend that signals crisis. 

What brings this reflection together, though, is the arrival of Advent which has a life of its own—a life that is wrapped in memories, family events, and acts of piety. There are the meals, the gifts, the cards, the gatherings. There are the pageants and the concerts, the plays and the recitals, and amidst it all we pray. We internalize all of these dutiful actions scattered along the path to Christmas, and see our participation in each as an extension of our love for others.

But when we make this journey towards the Crib, what does Our Lord read in our heartbeats? Do we realize that he is close enough to monitor our very pulse from second to second? In assessing our calm (or anxiety!) he knows what our priorities are. He senses our anticipation, our frustration, even the occasional wave of dread—but over what? Is the elevated pressure a measure of our longing for Christ, or a response to the peer pressure to keep up appearances? When our hearts skip a beat, is it over neglecting Christ, or due to impending responsibilities? Do we fuss about mundane details or about those occasions that reveal our lack of love? Does our heart race for him and his intentions, or merely concerning the frivolities of our own making? 

Picture, if you will, the unborn Lord living beneath the heart of Mary, which beat steadily in confidence and love. Her priorities were his, her anxiety felt only on his behalf, her anticipation lay in embracing him alone. Their hearts beat in unison, the Immaculate one depending on that which was Sacred, hers having been spared by the piercing of his. 

Follow your heart, in the coming weeks, but not in the worldly sense. Attend to what agitates it, what excites it, and what it fears—so that you'll know what Christ already knows. There is so much that we do that is oriented toward him and his splendid nativity, but not all. That which still tarries in the world must be laid at his feet so that it can be purified. When your heart finally beats for him, you will truly be his—and all will be well. 

Mrs. Kineke is a married mother of five. She can be found on-line at feminine-genius.com.

Who's Teaching Whom?

I am pleased to welcome Judy Dudich to "Catholic Moms Talk" as a quest blogger today. Judy is the author of I Surrender, the study guide for women seeking Christ as the center of their daily lives. She is owner of Homeschool Faith and Family Life: the website that uplifts, encourages, and supports you in your daily family life journey. 

With her husband Tom, Judy is  blessed with ten children and four grand-children and each day enjoys learning along-side the eight kids who are still at home with them. She writes a regular column on several websites, including : FAR Above Rubies and CatholicMom.com. Judy's online radio show, Mothers at Home, is enjoyed on Blog Talk Radio. You can find all links to Judy's blogs, websites, books, and social networks by visiting judydudich.weebly.com

Who's Teaching Whom?

I recently  read a quote which aptly describes my mothering-heart. The author was listed as, "Anonymous" ("Anonymous" has become one of my most favorite authors, through the years!). 

"I have been busy teaching my children all about life. They have been busy, teaching me what life is all about." 

As a Catholic, homeschooling mother of ten and "Grammy" to four, I could be offered as a living testament to the truth of this statement. Often, I ask my darlings, "Who's teaching whom, here?" 

In fact, that's one of the greatest blessings God has brought to me through our homeschooling and family life journey; the opportunity to learn along-side and "from" my children. 

Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed a "Year of Faith" for our One, Holy, and Apostolic Church. Truly, this couldn't have come at a more appropriate, pertinent, and needed time. (Which is why he's the Pope, right?) 

As I ponder this title and reflect and pray about ways that I can live out the Holy Father's commission to us, I am repeatedly drawn to thoughts of my children; and, the anonymous quote, above. 

I can teach my children the catechism. Of course, I am instructed by the Catechism to teach my children the Catechism.  This Catholic text tells me that, as a Catholic wife and mother, 

I am the first and foremost educator in the lives of my children. Further, that I am obligated to provide a truly Catholic education for each and all of them.  I, like other parents the-world-over, try my best to do just that. 

However, through it all, during it all, in the lessons, after the lessons, in conjunction with the lessons, it is I who am being taught...by them. 

This "Year of Faith" is to be lived. It is to be celebrated. It is to be shared. We are being called forth to study, to know and try our best to understand our beautiful, timeless, and lasting Catholic Faith. 

The current state of political affairs, family life (and the attack on it), faith life (or, lack of it) and day-to- day issues that the average American is dealing with, tells me that the time has come for us, as Catholics to be "real", "authentic", and "courageous" (not to mention "steadfast", "zealous", and "loyal") in our Faith.  

Two of my children are grown, married, and raising families of their own. Eight, are still at home with my husband and me. I look at them, and I can't help but think of Saint Francis of Assisi, who said, "Preach the Gospel, and, if necessary, use words."

My children would not be described, in most circles, as "outspoken". They are, indeed, comfortable speaking to others; though none really goes out of his/her way to "take the stage" so-to-speak, when it comes to espousing matters of the Faith to the general public. They know their Faith, they adhere to the Teachings of the Catholic Church, and they are pretty good at "Apologetics," when confronted or approached by someone trying to "trip them up" or "put them on the spot."

In the spirit of the teaching of Saint Francis, however, it moves me to tears, fills my heart with joy, and, mostly, humbles me, to observe my children "preaching the Gospel" in the way they live their lives; each and every day. 

Christ is alive in the youth of our world, today. I see Him, in my children. The "Year of Faith" is being brought to life. I see it in my children. 

I see it when I walk into a room and find one of my older kids helping his/her little brother or sister to memorize the Ten Commandments.  

I see it when there is a new face in the crowd of our parish and I watch my teens go up to that person, after Mass, to welcome them and shake their hand. 

I see it when I watch them bow their head and offer a heartfelt intention, at the beginning of our family rosary, for a friend in need, for the unborn; even for our president. 

I see it when they do something wrong, and quietly come to me, in private, to speak truth and apologize. 

I see it when they have the courage to change the radio station, in front of their friends, when an inappropriate song is being played.  

I see it when they take bags of sandwiches to the homeless, in the park.  

I see it when they go with my husband and friends to serve the residents at Mother Teresa's House in Washington, DC. 

I see it, each month, when my teens give their free time; as they've done for the last four years, to serve and work at our local food pantry; helping those in need in our community.  

This "Year of Faith" is alive and well in my children. And, they are teaching me "all about life." 

I saw it, when our pastor announced that he was going to walk 100 miles to witness for the Catholic Church: as a  penance, in reparation for our sins, as a quiet testimony against the unjust laws, taking away religious freedom in our nation, and as a way to be seen, in this"Year of Faith" so as to draw others to Christ and win souls for His Glory; and my teens immediately said, "YES! WE WILL JOIN YOU WE WILL WALK 100 MILES FOR THE CATHOLIC FAITH AND FREEDOM!" 

It was summer time. It was scorching-hot outside. It was their vacation time from school; their "free" time. And, they gave it to the Church. They gave it to God. They gave it to their fellow man. They suffered blisters. They missed their family for the eight days it took to get to the Basilica, in Baltimore, MD. They climbed mountains. They slept on hard floors. They were frightened, walking on the edges of highways, with tractor trailers blowing past them at 65 miles an hour. Yet, they never complained. Not once. They never whined. They (and the other awesome teens who were with them) went without much sleep, without showers, without bathrooms and more...because they believe in this "Year of Faith." They believe in their Church. They believe in their country. They believe in freedom.  

I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a teacher. I am a woman of God. I own my own website. I'm a published author. I'm an online speaker and radio show host.  

And, yet, in this proclaimed "Year of Faith," I am a humble student, at the feet of my children; for, like Saint Francis, they are, indeed, preaching the Gospel, by living their lives. 

Our hope lies in Christ Jesus. And, He makes Himself known to us through others. I give thanks for the Youth of America. They are on-fire with love for the Holy Spirit and they want to live their Catholic Faith, in-full; not partially, not cafeteria-style, but, completely, consistently, and joyfully. They are the future of our nation. They are the vessels that God will use to share His love with the world. 

It doesn't matter what is happening in the White House, as much as it matters what is happening in our own houses.  

"I am busy teaching my children all about  life. They are busy teaching me what life is all about."