Holy Beautiful Ministry

I had this pressing on my heart today.
I pray it enriches you and grows you closer to Jesus.
Amen 🙏

The Sanctifying Work of God in Our Lives

Scripture: Romans 8:28 (NIV) - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, triumphs and trials. As women of faith, we are called to see beyond the surface of these experiences and recognize the hand of God at work in our lives. Even in the most challenging moments, God is using every event to shape us, mold us, and grow us in holiness.

Think about the times when you have faced difficulties—a strained relationship, betrayal by a friend, sickness, or the loss of a loved one. In those moments, it can be hard to see how anything good could come from such pain. But as Romans 8:28 assures us, God is at work in all things, using even our deepest hurts to draw us closer to Him.

Consider also the blessings in your life—your children, your work, your talents. These too are gifts from God, given to you for a purpose. They are not just sources of joy and fulfillment but also opportunities for growth and sanctification.

God uses every experience, whether good or bad, to sanctify us—to make us more like Him. Just as a refiner uses fire to purify gold, God uses the events of our lives to refine our character, purify our hearts, and strengthen our faith. In His hands, our trials become tools for transformation, and our blessings become reminders of His grace.

So, as you navigate the highs and lows of life, remember that God is with you, using every moment to grow you in holiness. Embrace each experience as an opportunity to draw closer to Him, trusting that He is working all things together for your good.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the work You are doing in my life, using every event to sanctify me and grow me in holiness. Help me to see Your hand at work in all things, both the joys and the sorrows. Give me the strength to trust You in every circumstance, knowing that You are working all things together for my good. Amen.

Love Jennifer
☺️

John 15:9-17
Jesus said to his disciples:
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments
and remain in his love.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another."

I am reading the autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux. A wonderful priest gave me this assignment after I celebrated the sacrament of reconciliation.

After my reading today, I wrote this for all of you.
Be blessed today,
Love Jennifer

We all have stories of our souls.

The Beloved Bride: Embracing God's Mercy in Trials

Scripture: Psalm 89:1 (NIV)
"I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations."

In the grand tapestry of faith, we are depicted as the beloved bride of Christ. Just as a bride anticipates her groom, we eagerly await the return of our Savior. Yet, our journey to that eternal union is often marked by seasons of trial, where our hearts are as tender cups, filled with tears shed in the winters of life's challenges.

It is in these moments that we are called to sing our eternal song, a melody of faith and hope, despite the circumstances that surround us. Our song is not one of despair but of trust, for we know that even in the midst of our trials, the mercies of the Lord are new every morning.

Just as winter gives way to spring, so too do our trials give way to the abundant mercies of our God. He fills our cups with the refreshing waters of His grace, restoring our weary souls and reminding us of His unfailing love.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
In the midst of life's trials, help us to remember that we are Your beloved bride. Fill our hearts with the melody of Your faithfulness, that we may sing of Your great love forever. May Your mercies sustain us through every season, and may we always trust in Your unfailing goodness. Amen.

🙏

Hi ladies,
I will be writing the next week about what God revealed to me while I was on retreat.
Here is the first.. enjoy, Love Jennifer

Looking Heavenward Transforms Our Sorrow

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)

In our journey through life, we often encounter moments of sorrow and despair. These moments can be overwhelming, causing us to feel lost and alone. However, as Christian women, we are reminded that our perspective on sorrow can be transformed when we look to heaven.

When we fix our eyes on the eternal glory that awaits us, our present troubles seem light and momentary in comparison. The pain and sorrow we experience in this world are temporary, but the joy and peace we will experience in heaven are eternal.

Looking heavenward transforms our sorrow by reminding us of the hope we have in Christ. We are not alone in our suffering; Jesus walks beside us, carrying us through the darkest moments of our lives. He understands our pain and offers us comfort and peace.

As we look to heaven, we are also reminded of the promise of eternity with God. In heaven, there will be no more sorrow, no more pain, and no more tears. The trials of this world will fade away, replaced by the everlasting joy of being in the presence of our Savior.

So, sisters, when you find yourself overwhelmed by sorrow, lift your eyes to heaven. Let the promise of eternity with God fill your heart with hope and your soul with peace. Trust that God is working all things for your good and that one day, all sorrow will be transformed into joy.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the promise of eternity with you. Help us to fix our eyes on heaven, especially in times of sorrow and despair. May your presence comfort us and your peace fill our hearts. Transform our sorrow into joy as we look forward to the day when we will be with you forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.

John 6:35-40
Jesus said to the crowds,
"I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.
But I told you that although you have seen me,
you do not believe.
Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
For this is the will of my Father,
that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life,
and I shall raise him on the last day."

Embracing Sabbath Rest

Dear Sisters in Christ,

This weekend, I am taking a Sabbath rest and seeking God’s guidance for my next steps in serving Him. I ask for your prayers, that God may reveal His will to me clearly.

In our fast-paced world, the idea of taking a Sabbath rest can seem counterintuitive. We are bombarded with messages that tell us our worth is tied to our productivity and busyness. Yet, God’s design for rest is woven into the very fabric of creation. In Genesis, we learn that God Himself rested on the seventh day, setting a pattern for us to follow.

Sabbath rest is not just a suggestion; it is a commandment with a promise. In Exodus 20:8-11, God instructs us to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. He promises that those who honor the Sabbath will find rest and renewal.

When we take a Sabbath rest, we acknowledge our dependence on God. We recognize that our worth is not found in what we do, but in who we are as beloved children of God. Sabbath rest allows us to realign our priorities, to focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God, with others, and with the world around us.

As you consider the importance of Sabbath rest in your own life, I encourage you to reflect on these questions:

• How can you incorporate regular Sabbath rest into your routine?
• What activities bring you true rest and rejuvenation?
• How can you use your Sabbath rest to deepen your relationship with God and others?

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Sabbath rest. Help us to honor You by setting aside time to rest and rejuvenate our bodies, minds, and spirits. Show us how to use this time to draw closer to You and to reflect Your love to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May you find true rest and renewal as you embrace the gift of Sabbath rest in your life.

Blessings,
Jennifer

The Bread of Life

Scripture: John 6:30-35

Reading:

In the Gospel of John, we encounter a profound dialogue between Jesus and the crowd. The people ask for a sign, recalling how their ancestors ate manna in the desert. Jesus responds by pointing to a greater reality: Himself, the true bread from heaven, given by the Father for the life of the world.

Reflection:

As women, we often find ourselves seeking signs, longing for meaning and fulfillment in our lives. We may look for satisfaction in our relationships, our careers, or our possessions. Yet, like the crowd in the Gospel, we are invited to shift our focus to the true bread that gives life: Jesus Christ.

Jesus offers Himself to us as the bread of life. He is the source of our nourishment, the fulfillment of our deepest longings. Just as physical bread sustains our bodies, Jesus sustains our souls. He satisfies our spiritual hunger and quenches our spiritual thirst.

Eucharistic Adoration is a powerful way to encounter the bread of life. In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, we have the opportunity to gaze upon Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist. We can pour out our hearts to Him, listen to His voice, and receive His grace.

Prayer:

O Most Holy Spirit, receive the consecration that I make of my entire being. From this moment on, come into every area of my life and into each of my actions. Thou art my Light, my Guide, my Strength, and the sole desire of my heart. I abandon myself without reserve to Thy divine action and I desire to be ever docile to Thine inspirations.

O Holy Spirit, transform me with and through Mary into “another Christ Jesus,” for the glory of the Father and the salvation of the world. Amen.

Let us pray for the grace to recognize Jesus as the bread of life, to turn to Him in our hunger and thirst, and to find our fulfillment in Him alone. Amen.

https://youtu.be/9WU-HLF_reg?si=iUHCWwaM8UP0wVl0

Father Dan Reehil - Exorcist Priest on Spiritual Warfare and Preparing for The Triumph Well Known Exorcist Priest Fr Dan Reehil speaks about exorcism, spiritual warfare and the state of the world and the church. How is the Blessed Virgin Mary p...

Lessons from Biblical Women: Examples of Faith, Strength, and Wisdom

Introduction:

The Bible is filled with stories of remarkable women whose lives teach us valuable lessons about faith, strength, courage, and wisdom. As Christian women, we can look to these women as examples and draw inspiration from their experiences. Let us explore some of these stories and the lessons they teach us.

1. Eve: The First Woman
• Lesson: Despite her mistakes, Eve teaches us about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting and obeying God.
2. Sarah: A Woman of Faith
• Lesson: Sarah’s journey of faith teaches us to trust in God’s promises, even when they seem impossible.
3. Deborah: A Wise and Courageous Leader
• Lesson: Deborah’s leadership teaches us that God can use women in powerful ways to accomplish His purposes.
4. Ruth: Loyalty and Faithfulness
• Lesson: Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and her faithfulness to God teach us about the importance of loyalty and commitment.
5. Esther: Courage in the Face of Adversity
• Lesson: Esther’s courage to speak up for her people teaches us to stand firm in our faith, even in difficult circumstances.
6. Mary: Humility and Obedience
• Lesson: Mary’s humble obedience to God’s plan teaches us about the beauty of surrendering our will to His.
7. Lydia: Hospitality and Generosity
• Lesson: Lydia’s hospitality and generosity teach us about the importance of using our resources to bless others.

The women of the Bible offer us valuable lessons that we can apply to our own lives as Christian women. Their stories inspire us to trust in God, to be courageous in the face of adversity, to be faithful and loyal, to be humble and obedient, and to be hospitable and generous. May we learn from their examples and strive to live lives that honor God.

Firm in Faith: A Woman’s Strength in God

Scripture: Psalm 73:26 (NLT) - “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”

Devotional:

There are moments in life when we feel our strength waning, when confidence falters, and doubts creep in. In those times, we may wonder how we can keep going. Yet, as women of faith, we are reminded that our strength does not come from ourselves alone. Psalm 73:26 declares, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”

God’s presence in our lives is the assurance that our strength will never fade. When we feel weak, He is our source of unwavering strength. When confidence wavers, He is the foundation of our faith. Our reliance on Him is not in vain, for His grace sustains us, His Spirit empowers us, and His Son, Jesus Christ, is our everlasting hope.

As we navigate the challenges of life, let us hold fast to the promise that God is our strength. In moments of weakness, may we find renewed confidence in His presence. Let us lean on Him, knowing that His grace is more than sufficient for us.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being the strength of our hearts. In times of weakness, help us to rely on your unfailing strength. When our confidence falters, remind us of your unwavering love. May your grace sustain us, your Spirit empower us, and your Son be our everlasting hope.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

John 6:16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea,
embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum.
It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.
When they had rowed about three or four miles,
they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat,
and they began to be afraid.
But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
They wanted to take him into the boat,
but the boat immediately arrived at the shore
to which they were heading.

A New Thing

Scripture:
Isaiah 43:19 (KJV) - “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

Devotional:

In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, God promises to do a new thing in our lives. This verse from Isaiah reminds us that God is always at work, bringing about new beginnings, even in the most unlikely places.

When we find ourselves in the wilderness, feeling lost and alone, God promises to make a way. He will lead us out of our wilderness seasons and into a place of abundance and blessing. Just as He provided rivers in the desert, He will quench our thirst and satisfy our deepest longings.

God’s promise of doing a new thing is not limited by our circumstances or past experiences. He is not bound by what has been; He is always doing something new. As we trust in Him and His promises, we can look forward with hope and anticipation to the new things He is doing in our lives.

No matter what you may be facing today, trust that God is at work. He is making a way where there seems to be no way. Embrace His promise of new beginnings, and watch as He transforms your wilderness into a place of abundance and blessing.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your promise to do a new thing in our lives. Help us to trust in your timing and your plans, knowing that you are always at work, even in the most difficult seasons. Lead us out of our wilderness and into a place of blessing and abundance. We trust in you, Lord, and we thank you for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

John 3:31-36
The one who comes from above is above all.
The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,
but the wrath of God remains upon him.

Patience in God’s Timing

Quote: “Patience is adjusting your time to God’s time.” - Mother Angelica

Scripture:
Psalm 27:14 (NIV) - “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) - “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Devotional:

In a world that values instant gratification, patience can be challenging. We want things to happen according to our timetable, forgetting that God’s timing is perfect. Mother Angelica reminds us that patience is not simply waiting; it’s about adjusting our time to God’s time.

When we trust in God’s timing, we acknowledge that His plans are far greater than our own. We may not understand why things aren’t happening as quickly as we’d like, but we can trust that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Patience is a virtue that is developed over time. It requires us to surrender our desire for control and to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty. As we wait on the Lord, He strengthens us and renews our hope, enabling us to persevere with joy and faith.

Let us adjust our time to God’s time, knowing that His timing is always perfect. May we wait patiently, trusting in His plans and purposes for our lives.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your perfect timing. Help us to be patient as we wait on you, knowing that your plans are best. Teach us to adjust our time to yours, trusting in your wisdom and sovereignty. Strengthen us and renew our hope as we wait on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Defined by Grace

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) - “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Romans 8:1 (NIV) - “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Devotional:

There are moments in our lives that we wish we could erase, times when we’ve made mistakes or faced circumstances that we’re not proud of. It’s easy to let these moments define us, to believe that they are the sum total of who we are. But as daughters of the King, we are not defined by our worst moments. We are defined by grace.

When Jesus looks at us, He doesn’t see our past mistakes or failures. He sees us as new creations, washed clean by His blood. In His eyes, we are beloved, cherished, and redeemed. Our identity is not found in our past but in the love and grace of our Savior.

No matter what you’ve been through, no matter what mistakes you’ve made, you are not defined by your worst moments. You are defined by the love of Christ. Embrace His grace, and let it shape your identity. You are a daughter of the King, loved beyond measure.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace that defines us. Help us to see ourselves as you see us, not as our past mistakes define us, but as new creations in Christ. May we live each day in the light of your love, secure in our identity as your beloved daughters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Sacred Mystery of the Holy Eucharist: A Devotional for Women

Scripture: John 6:53-58 (NIV)
“Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.’”

Devotional:
In John chapter 6, Jesus reveals a profound truth about the Holy Eucharist, a truth that has been central to the faith of Christians for centuries. He says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51, NIV).

For 1500 years, all Christians partook in the Holy Eucharist, and no one denied the fact that this was the actual body and blood of Christ. This belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist has been a cornerstone of Christian faith and worship.

When we receive the Eucharist, we are not just receiving a symbol or a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice. We are truly receiving His body and blood, soul and divinity. It is a profound mystery that goes beyond our human understanding but speaks to the depth of God’s love for us.

As women of faith, let us reflect on the importance of the Holy Eucharist in our lives. It is a source of grace, strength, and spiritual nourishment. When we receive the Eucharist, we are united with Christ in a profound way, and He abides in us.

I invite you to go to a Catholic Church and sit in the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Spend some time in silent prayer, acknowledging His presence and opening your heart to receive His love and grace.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Yourself in the Holy Eucharist. Help us to always approach this sacrament with reverence and awe, knowing that we are truly receiving Your body and blood. May the grace of the Eucharist nourish our souls and strengthen our faith. We pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of this sacred mystery. Amen.
Commentary in link . Love Jennifer

Finding Christ in the Darkness: A Tuesday Morning Devotional for Women

Scripture: John 1:5 (NIV) - “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Devotional:
As women of faith, we often face moments of darkness in our lives. These may come in the form of challenges, struggles, or uncertainties that seem to overshadow the light of Christ. However, even in the midst of our darkest moments, Christ is still present, shining His light and offering us hope and comfort.

In John 1:5, we are reminded that the light of Christ shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This verse speaks to the enduring presence of Christ, even in the most difficult circumstances. No matter how dark our situation may seem, His light is always there, ready to guide us and bring us through.

When we feel overwhelmed by the darkness, let us remember that Christ is with us. He is our beacon of hope, shining brightly to lead us out of the shadows. In His light, we find strength, peace, and the assurance that we are never alone.

As you start your Tuesday morning, take a moment to reflect on the light of Christ. In whatever darkness you may be facing, know that He is there, shining His light to guide you. May His presence bring you comfort and peace, and may you find strength in knowing that He is with you always.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the light of Christ that shines in the darkness. In moments of struggle and uncertainty, help us to see His presence with us. Give us the faith to trust in Your plan, knowing that You are always working for our good. May we find comfort and strength in the assurance of Your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Heart of Mary: A Monday Morning Devotional for Women

Scripture Reflection - The Beauty of Tears:
“Jesus wept.” - John 11:35
“She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” - Mark 14:3

Reflection:
As women, we often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, facing challenges that can bring us to tears. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, who stood at the foot of the cross, we too may find ourselves shedding tears of sorrow, pain, or joy. But in our tears, we find beauty - the beauty of a heart that is open, vulnerable, and deeply connected to God.

Mary’s heart was filled with love, compassion, and faith. She embraced God’s plan for her life, even when it led to the foot of the cross. Her tears were a testament to her love for her son and her trust in God’s will. In her tears, we see the beauty of surrender, of letting go and letting God.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you respond to challenges and difficulties in your life? Do you allow yourself to express your emotions, including tears?
2. In what ways can you emulate Mary’s trust and surrender to God’s will in your own life?
3. How can you see tears as a form of beauty and vulnerability, rather than a sign of weakness?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, whose heart was full of love and faith. Help us to embrace the beauty of tears, as a sign of our vulnerability and trust in You.

Lord Jesus, you wept with those who weep and showed us the depth of your love through your tears. May we be open to expressing our emotions, knowing that you are with us in our joys and sorrows.

Holy Spirit, guide us to surrender our hearts to God’s will, trusting that His plans for us are good. May our tears be a source of strength and beauty, reflecting our love for You.

We offer this prayer through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.🙏

Embracing God’s Plan: A Devotional for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Devotional:
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord commemorates the angel Gabriel’s visit to the Virgin Mary, announcing that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. This event marks the beginning of the Incarnation, the moment when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Mary’s response to this incredible news is a model of faith and surrender to God’s will.

Imagine the scene: a young woman, engaged to be married, visited by an angel with a message that defies all logic and human understanding. Mary could have been fearful or doubtful, but instead, she responded with trust and humility, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan changed the course of history. Through her willingness to cooperate with God’s will, she became the Mother of our Savior. Her example teaches us the importance of openness to God’s plan for our lives, even when it seems challenging or unexpected.

As we celebrate this solemnity, let us reflect on Mary’s faith and courage. Like her, may we be open to God’s will, trusting that He has a plan for each of us. May we respond with the same faith and humility, knowing that God’s promises never fail.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, on this solemnity of the Annunciation, we thank you for the example of Mary, who responded to your call with faith and obedience. Help us to be open to your will in our lives, trusting that you have a plan for each of us. Give us the courage to say “yes” to your call, even when it seems difficult or uncertain. May we, like Mary, be willing to cooperate with your grace, knowing that you are always with us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.