Day 9 - Saturday Before Pentecost

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Netherlandish Master, The Spirit, c. 1500.

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
John 21:20-25

Be silent

Pray: Father, renew my Baptism and Confirmation. Stir into flame the gifts of the Spirit in my life (see 2 Timothy 1:6-7).

On or near Pentecost, ask another Christian to lay hands on you (see Acts 19:6) and pray for you to receive the Holy Spirit. After receiving these prayers, thank the Holy Spirit for coming to you, go to Mass as often as possible, and share your faith in Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit!

THE HUSBAND-WIFE RELATIONSHIP IN EPHESIANS 5:21-23

by Pope John Paul II

Today we begin a more detailed analysis of the passage of the Letter to the Ephesians 5:21-23. The author, addressing husbands and wives, recommends them to be "subject to one another out of reverence for Christ" (5:21)....

The mutual relations of husband and wife should flow from their common relationship with Christ. The author of the letter speaks of the "reverence for Christ" in a sense analogous to that when he speaks of the "fear of God". In this case it is not a question of fear which is a defensive attitude before the threat of evil, but it is above all a case of respect for holiness, for the sacrum....

The mystery of Christ, penetrating their hearts, engendering in them that holy "reverence for Christ" (namely, pietas). should lead them to "be subject to one another": the mystery of Christ, that is, the mystery of the choice from eternity of each of them in Christ "to be the adoptive sons" of God.

In fact we read: "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord" (Eph. 5:22). In saying this, the author does not intend to say that the husband is the "lord" of the wife and that the interpersonal pact proper to marriage is a pact of the domination of the husband over the wife.

Instead, he expresses a different concept; that is, that the wife can and should find in her relationship with Christ - who is the one Lord of both the spouses - the motivation of the relationship with her husband which flows from the very essence of marriage and of the family.

Such a relationship, however, is not one of one-sided domination. Marriage, according to the Letter to the Ephesians, excludes that element of the pact which was a burden and at times, does not cease to be a burden on this institution.

The husband and the wife are in fact "subject to one another", and are mutually subordinated to one another. The source of this mutual subjection is to be found in Christian pietas, and its expression is love.

The author of the letter underlines this love in a special way, in addressing himself to husbands. He writes: "You husbands love your wives...", and by expressing himself in this way, he removes any fear that might have arisen (given the modern sensitivity) from the previous phrase: "Wives, be subject to your husbands".

Love excludes every kind of subjection whereby the wife might become a servant or a slave of the husband, an object of unilateral domination.

Love makes the husband simultaneously subject to the wife, and thereby subject to the Lord himself, just as the wife to the husband.

This item 5531 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org

Day 8 - Friday Before Pentecost

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Ottonian Master Pentecost
(Artwork: Pentecost, Artist: UNKNOWN; Ottonian Master, Date: C. 1030-40, Technique: Tempera and gold leaf on parchment)

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:

Acts 25:13-21
John 21:15-19

Be silent

Pray: Holy Spirit, produce in me Your fruit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Day 7 - Thursday Before Pentecost

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

PETRUS de Raimbaucourt, The Descent of the Spirit, 1323

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
John 17:20-26

Be silent:

Pray: Jesus, baptize me, that is, immerse me in the Holy Spirit and in the fire of purification (Matthew 3:11).

THREE MINUTES A DAY - May 28, 2009

Building a Global Village

Safia Minney developed a passion for social and environmental awareness and action during her eight years in publishing in London. But how to cultivate that?

After moving to Tokyo, Japan, she learned to see environmental issues from an Asian viewpoint. She and two university students began preparing leaflets to help locals live more ecologically conscious lives.

Eventually she started a non-profit organization called Global Village, which has now become part of the International Fair Trade Association. Then she set up the Fair Trade Company to sell the products of people who are disadvantaged or physically challenged, as well as widows and refugees from Asian, African, and Latin American countries to shops in Japan.

Safia Minney set a great example. There are countless things that you can do right where you are to promote justice and to live an ecologically aware life.

Become an example to all. (1 Thessalonians 1:7)

Inspire business owners to set a good example of honesty and ecological awareness, God.

Day 6 - Wednesday Before Pentecost

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Sacramentaire Pentecote
Illustration de la Bible de Jérusalem - Edition de luxe -Google image

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:

Acts 20:28-38
John 17:11-19

Be silent

Pray: Spirit of truth, consecrate me by means of truth. By obedience to the truth may I be purified for a genuine love of my brothers and sisters (1 Peter 1:22). I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

THREE MINUTES A DAY - May 27, 2009

When Husband and Wife Pray…

Husbands and wives need to take time to pray specifically for their partners. Here are excerpts from a prayer from Dr. Steve Stephens, author of 20 Surprisingly Simple Rules and Tools for a Great Marriage:

“Dear God, forgive me for those days that we get so wrapped up in my own agenda that I don’t actively, lovingly welcome my spouse home. Help me to make my partner’s homecoming the highlight of their day... Plant in my heart the desire to come home... to love my spouse unconditionally.

“Teach me how to make our home a haven of joy, peace and faith. Show me how to create a safe harbor and refuge that is close to Your heart – a place where the storms of life will not damage our love...

“Direct me in ways that will make each homecoming special.”

Building a loving relationship and a loving home requires the efforts of husband and wife.

As a lily among brambles, so is my love among maidens. As an apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among young men. (Song of Solomon 2:2-3)

Holy Spirit, remind couples that they must work together to maintain their love and their relationship.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

		Dear Lord, Help me to remove from my mind Every thought or opinion, Which You would not sanction, Every feeling from my heart, Which You would not approve. Grant that I may spend the hours of the day Gladly working with You According to Your will. Help me just for today and be with me in it. In the long hours of work, That I may not grow weary or slack in serving You. In conversations, That they may not be to me Occasions of uncharitableness. In the days worries and disappointments, That I may be patient with myself And with those around me. In moments of fatigue and illness, That I may be mindful of others Rather than of myself. In temptations that I may be generous And loyal so that when the day is over I may lay it at Your feet, With its successes which are all Yours, And its failures which are all my own, And feel that life is real and peaceful, And blessed when spent with You As the Guest of my soul. Amen.

Day 5 - Tuesday Before Pentecost

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Dore Pentecote

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:

Acts 20:17-27
John 17:1-11

Be silent

Pray: Father, send the Holy Spirit to give me the power to be a witness for Jesus. May I not be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

THREE MINUTES A DAY - May 26, 2009

Scientist Makes Tracks

Dr. Mark Alexander is an epidemiologist concerned about more than facts and figures.

Studies show that one third of American children are overweight and at risk for developing health problems. Moreover, those in minority communities have few resources to assist them. Dr. Alexander decided to do something.

In 2002 Dr. Alexander began a track program at an elementary school in Oakland, California, that didn’t even have a track. Even on weekends, he and his volunteers taught youngsters better eating habits – and encouraged them to have a positive attitude. The results are impressive. The students are getting in shape, eating healthier and even improving their grades.

Vonncile Harris, a mother of three, says, “Regardless of what is going on in their home or in school or just around them, he brings them in and makes them feel like they are wanted.”

You can change someone’s life for the better if you try.

Do not neglect to do good. (Hebrews 13:16)

Blessed Trinity, guide me in using my talents to assist others in improving their lives.

Day 4 - Monday Before Pentecost

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Descent of the Holy Ghost (Pentecost), Durer, c. 1510 Woodcut, 12.7 x 9.6

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:

Acts 19:1-8
John 16:29-33

Be silent

Pray: Father, may the Holy Spirit come down on me so that I will speak in tongues and utter prophecies. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

(For teaching on this, order our pamphlets: Speaking in Tongues and Seek Prophecy.)

THREE MINUTES A DAY - May 25, 2009

I Would Have...

After the humorist Erma Bombeck learned she was terminally ill, she wrote an essay called “If I Had My Life to Live Over.” Each line began, “I would have . . .”

• gone to bed when I was sick;
• talked less and listened more;
• invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded;
• taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth;
• shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband;
• cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life;
• never said, ‘Later;’
• said more ‘I love you’s’ and more “I’m sorry’s.”

Life is short. Life’s moments are precious. Seize every one. Live every moment.

The Lord created human beings out of earth, and makes them return to it again. He gave them a fixed number of days ... filled them with knowledge and understanding. (Sirach 17:1-2,7)

Remind me, Holy Spirit, to live every moment joyfully, fully, completely.

Day 3 - Sunday Before Pentecost

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

El Greco. Pentecost. c.1600. Oil on canvas. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:

Year B

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
1 John 4:11-16
John 17:11-19

Be silent

Pray: Father, make us one in the Spirit. As You have forgiven me, may I accept Your grace to forgive immediately all who have sinned against me. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

THREE MINUTES A DAY - May 24, 2009

Kudzu Gets the Goats

First introduced in the United States in 1876, kudzu was initially an ornamental vine and then a forage and erosion control crop. It went from being the “miracle vine” to “the vine that ate the South.” Growing at an astonishing rate of a foot a day, it smothers flora, swallows houses and blankets the landscape.

That is, until the goats get there!

City officials in Chattanooga, Tennessee, hired a local farmer to graze his herd of goats and clear the east entrance to McCallie Tunnel, which cuts through Missionary Ridge there. Although the solution sparked more than a few chuckles – including “goats working” signs – it proved to “work beautifully,” observed one resident who hired the goats to clear a path from her house as well.

Sometimes the answer to a problem can come from an unlikely source.

In kinship with Wisdom there is immortality... unfailing wealth... understanding, and renown. (Wisdom of Solomon 8:17,18)

I offer You my work this day, Master. Give me the wisdom to give You glory.

Day 2 - Saturday After The Ascension

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Giotto, Pentecost, c. 1305, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua

(Where the Ascension is celebrated on Thursday)

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read:

Acts 18:23-28
John 16:23-28

Be silent

Pray: Father, make me docile to the Holy Spirit as Apollos, Cornelius (Acts 10), and Mary were (Luke 1:38). As in the home of Priscilla and Aquila, may several people be filled with the Holy Spirit in my home. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

THREE MINUTES A DAY - May 23, 2009

More than Cleaning Products in Aisle 3

More and more youngsters are getting high by sniffing aerosol cleaning products, a practice known as huffing.

Because these products are easily available and there are misconceptions about it, huffing is common and lethal.

Adolescents are under dangerous illusions that it’s just compressed air and it can’t hurt you. But inhalants are very harmful and can kill suddenly. Meanwhile, busy, distracted parents are more concerned with alcohol and drugs like marijuana and cocaine than inhalants. However, studies show that at least 4.7 million teenagers have used inhalants at some point.

Parents, take precautions: educate your children early, discuss dangerous drugs and most importantly, talk, but do not scold. Since these chemicals don’t show up on standard drug tests be alert for odd smelling breath and a dazed look or slurred speech and empty aerosol containers in odd places

Protect your children. And above all, love them.

The Lord honors a father above his children, and He confirms a mother’s right over her children. (Sirach 3:2)

Father, enlighten parents so they can look after the children You have entrusted to them.

Day 1 - Friday After The Ascension

Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Anthony van Dyck. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost). c. 1618-20.

(Where the Ascension is celebrated on Thursday)

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read: The daily eucharistic readings:

Acts 18:9-18
John 16:20-23

(for a teaching on the daily eucharistic readings see: One Bread, One Body)

Be silent

Pray: Father, as a mother carries her child in her womb nine months, so I choose to suffer for love of You during these nine days of the novena. Through my redemptive sufferings, may the Church receive the fullness of life in the Spirit. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Praise GOD For Tita Lani's Recovery...

Faith in Medication

by phatcatholic

Am I showing a lack of faith if I take medication? 

I don’t think that there is anything inherently “anti-faith” about taking medication. Wine, oil, balm, figs, leaves and similar things are all utilized in Scripture to cure various ailments, and such use is laudable and encouraged:

• Sirach 38:1 Honor the physician with the honor due him, according to your need of him, for the Lord created him; 2for healing comes from the Most High, and he will receive a gift from the king. 3 The skill of the physician lifts up his head, and in the presence of great men he is admired. 4 The Lord created medicines from the earth, and a sensible man will not despise them. 5 Was not water made sweet with a tree in order that his power might be known? 6 And he gave skill to men that he might be glorified in his marvelous works. 7By them he heals and takes away pain; 8 the pharmacist makes of them a compound. His works will never be finished; and from him health is upon the face of the earth. 9 My son, when you are sick do not be negligent, but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you. 10 Give up your faults and direct your hands aright, and cleanse your heart from all sin. 11 Offer a sweet-smelling sacrifice, and a memorial portion of fine flour, and pour oil on your offering, as much as you can afford. 12 And give the physician his place, for the Lord created him; let him not leave you, for there is need of him. 13 There is a time when success lies in the hands of physicians, 14 for they too will pray to the Lord that he should grant them success in diagnosis and in healing, for the sake of preserving life. 15 He who sins before his Maker, may he fall into the care of a physician.
  

• 2 Kings 20:7 And Isaiah said, "Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover."


• Jer 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?


• Jer 51:8 Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; wail for her! Take balm for her pain; perhaps she may be healed.


• Ezek 47:12 And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing."


• Lk 10:33-34 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, 34 and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.


• 1 Tim 5:23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

The fact is, God can use the things of this world and the advances that man has made in science and medicine to heal us. It does not imply a lack of faith to take medicine anymore than it does to go to a doctor or a dentist. We also have the responsibility, as good stewards, to take care of our bodies and provide for their vitality. Taking medicine and going to the doctor is one way that we do that. 

The important thing is to keep the Lord involved as well. Pray to him daily for healing. Acknowledge the "Great Physician" working through the human physician. The amazing accomplishments that mankind has been able to achieve in science and medicine often lull us into thinking that we can do just fine without God. We must never forget that He is at work in all that is good. 

Peace of Christ to you,
Nicholas Hardesty,
Director of Religious Education

THREE MINUTES A DAY - May 21, 2009

Facing Down the Green-Eyed Monster

      Jealousy and envy are sad emotions. 

      Nancy Kennedy told her husband about a book contract a colleague had signed, then complained about her own career. He reminded her that she was an accomplished author of several books and hundreds of articles and asked her what else she wanted.  

      “More,” she answered.

      Looking back on the incident later, Kennedy felt terrible. “It gets in God’s face and says, ‘All that you have graciously provided me is not enough,’” she realized.

      When we feel diminished by the possessions, opportunities or successes of others, we blind ourselves to the blessings in our lives. Instead of spending our time and energy comparing ourselves to others, we could be fulfilling our own potential.

      As John Wesley said, “To wish to be the person you aren’t is to waste the person you are.”

      Love the Lord your God with all your heart... soul... mind and... strength... love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30,31)

      Beloved Redeemer, help me call to mind the wondrous gifts with which you’ve blessed my life. Help me grow in gratitude.

ASCENSION

Ascension

See also The Feast of the Ascension.

The elevation of Christ into heaven by His own power in presence of His disciplesthe fortieth day after His Resurrection. It is narrated in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.

Although the place of the Ascension is not distinctly stated, it would appear from the Acts that it was Mount Olivet. Since after the Ascension the disciples are described as returning to Jerusalem from the mount that is called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, within a Sabbath day's journey. Tradition has consecrated this site as the Mount of Ascension and Christian piety has memorialized the event by erecting over the site a basilica. St. Helena built the first memorial, which was destroyed by the Persians in 614, rebuilt in the eighth century, to be destroyed again, but rebuilt a second time by the crusaders. This the Moslems also destroyed, leaving only the octagonal structure which encloses the stone said to bear the imprint of the feet of Christ, that is now used as an oratory.

Not only is the fact of the Ascension related in the passages of Scripture cited above, but it is also elsewhere predicted and spoken of as an established fact. Thus, in John 6:63, Christ asks the Jews: "If then you shall see the son of Manascend up where He was before?" and 20:17, He says to Mary Magdalen: "Do not touch Me, for I am not yet ascended to My Father, but go to My brethren, and say to them: I ascend to My Father and to your Father, to My God and to your God." Again, in Ephesians 4:8-10, and in Timothy 3:16, the Ascension of Christ is spoken of as an accepted fact.

The language used by the Evangelists to describe the Ascension must be interpreted according to usage. To say that He was taken up or that He ascended, does not necessarily imply that they locate heaven directly above the earth; no more than the words "sitteth on the right hand of God" mean that this is His actual posture. In disappearing from their view "He was raised up and a cloud received Him out of their sight" (Acts 1:9), and entering into glory He dwells with the Father in the honour and power denoted by the scripture phrase.

THREE MINUTES A DAY - May 20, 2009

Emerging Like a Butterfly

      Did you ever wish you could become a new person? For Jana Johnson this was her outlook during at a difficult point in life.

      Johnson, a ULCA biology graduate recalls life during her divorce; she had primary custody of their children. She was part of the Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly project, and had taken a new job 40 miles from home to watch an endangered butterfly hatch and to help them mate.

      At times she felt as though she would fail with her children and at the job. But it was in these moments that she turned to God for assistance and courage. It took time and patience, but she was later able to release 4,700 Palos Blue butterflies into nature.

      Just as the butterflies changed, Johnson was able to grow and emerge different in every aspect of her life. “They would, like me, be free,” she said upon releasing the butterflies. 

      Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22)

      Merciful Savior, help me!