Random Reflections

Andrew and I have a holy hour together on Wednesday nights. Tonight I read from the book I am working on: Difficulties in Mental Prayer.  This book is loaded with insightful tidbits about prayer and struggles that come with seeking a relationship with Christ.  Sometimes... ok let's be honest, most of the time I have difficulties in acknowledging Christ's presence throughout my day.  Also when I am at Mass or at my holy hour, I have a hard time really focusing on Christ's presence in the Eucharist.  I do believe he is present, but more with my head and less with my heart.  

Comparatively, during most of the day I do not really think about the baby growing inside me.  I am so busy that he becomes an afterthought.  It is really only his kicking that draws my attention back to recognizing that I have a little man growing inside me.  As I sat before the Blessed Sacrament tonight, I stared at my stomach and tried to imagine him being inside there. All I could see was a big belly!  It was so hard for me to contemplate his life--Just like it is hard for me to imagine Jesus being with me always and being present in the Eucharist.  It is amazing that I have been sharing my body with Baby St.Hilaire for a full 5 months now.  I am really honored to do it!  And in a short while his life will be revealed to me in his birth.  Then I will really know he is there and I won't be able to forget about him during the day.  

I hope at some point in my life, Christ's presence will be revealed to me also.  I never want Christ to be an afterthought in my day, or just someone I speak briefly to.  I want my relationship with Him to be real, one filled with true friendship and love.  

Eucharistic Adoration - Reverse Momentum

I recently saw this video and thought it was really well done.

"My Jesus! What a lovable contrivance this holy Sacrament was - that You would hide under the appearance of bread to make Yourself loved and to be available for a visit by anyone who desires You!" - St. Alphonsus Ligouri

"Our own belief is that the renovation of the world will be brought about only by the Holy Eucharist." - Pope Leo XIII

God Loves my Students =)

School began a few weeks ago. The year is off to a good start. I am really enjoying having one year of experience under my belt. Everyone told me the second year would be easier, and I think it is true. Of course there are new challenges, but I leave school each day with excitement for the next (but I do really enjoy the weekends!).

On Friday, I took my 6th grade homeroom to pray a decade of the Rosary in the church. We wanted to pray a whole Rosary, but were running short on time. I asked them if they would like to pray the whole Rosary in the classroom, or pray a decade in the church (walking to and from places takes a long time!). They all agreed that they would prefer to go to the church. I was pleased with their decision and told them that making a visit to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament was very pleasing to God. So we all headed over to the church and knelt down in front of the altar- all 30 of us! It was so beautiful. There were a few prishoners praying in the church at the same time, and I am sure it was good for them to see all of the pre-teens bring their hopes and prayers to Our Lord.

I think it is very inspiring to see young people stiving for holiness. It is good for me to pray with my students because sometimes being a teacher can be frustrating and trying on one's patience. Praying with them enables me to see them as children of God and reminds me how much Our Lord deeply loves each of them.

Right now, Andrew and I are in Bellingham visiting with Mom and Dad St.Hilaire, Lou and Jenna (our brother and sister), and our friends from the Newman Center. We wanted to "get away" this weekend because I will begin taking night classes on Monday. Needless to say, I will be very busy and tired until... April. I am anxious about having so many commitments, but I know this will be short-lived and Our Lord will give me the strength to do well in what he has called me to do.