​When do you get most angry? When a friend doesn't respond right away? When someone cuts you off in traffic? When you get a million spam phone calls? How can you offer up those moments of anger to the Lord today? 

Today's prayer was prepared by Jim Lundgren, a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, IL. 
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Immediately upon praying with today’s second reading, I was struck by the fact that St. Paul uses the word “courageous” to describe the kind of disposition we as Christians must strive to have during our time in this life. I think it stood out to be me because, if I’m being honest, when I look around at myself and my fellow Christians, “courageous” is not necessarily the word I would use to describe what I see. Lukewarm or, on our good days, committed maybe, but not courageous; at least not in the way that St. Paul must have meant it. 

I mean here’s a man who, alongside the other Apostles and disciples, risked his life everyday to share the Good News of God’s love with those around him. And then here we are, often too consumed with what’s going on in our daily lives that we don’t have time to share the Gospel with others; or, even worse, don’t have time to share our hearts with God. 

And as I was praying through this contrast between my faith and the faith of St. Paul, I felt the Lord speak to my heart: “The only difference between you and St. Paul is that he trusted me.” 

(Talk about a mic drop moment, am I right?) 

But this really shook be because I realized that the key to living a courageous life isn’t the type of personality you have, it doesn’t have to do with what time we live in, or with how old or pious we are. The key to living a courageous life is trust. It’s that simple. 

St. Paul, along with all of the saints were able to be courageous because they intentionally and specifically trusted the Lord. It can seem so hard to be bold, to take a step out in sharing the Gospel with those around us, as least it does to me. But when I trust that God is the one in control, that he can and does make everything work for the good of those who love Him, it’s easy to be brave; because when I trust the Lord, I let him do the heavy lifting. 

So today let’s ask the Lord to deepen our trust in him, that we might have the courage to be bold in his name. ​

​Take a chance today to step out in trust. Do something that you know God is asking of you, something that is difficult, even if you don't necessarily feel the courage to do that. Ask God for trust, and step out in boldness in that trust. 

Today's prayer was prepared by Lauren Wright, a Youth Minister in Rockford, IL. 
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Let’s look at the 3 questions asked in this Gospel passage and find some light in each of them.
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1. Jesus asks the teachers questions:
In the time of Jesus, when teachers were in the temple, they would ask those listening some questions. And the listeners/students were supposed to respond with a question in return. For example, if a teacher asked a student, “what is 4 plus 4”, the student could answer “what is the square root of 64”. It was in the question the students asked in return that a teacher could see if the student truly had understanding. So in this passage we find Jesus expressing that He understands. Whatever you are enduring today, the Lord understands. He gets it and knows it intimately. Why? Because He created you, He lives in your heart, He cares.

2. Mary asks Jesus, “Son, why have you done this to us?”:
Mary is not afraid to ask Jesus a tough question. Her question reveals her great trust in Him. We only ask hard questions of those we know will receive it with love. We only ask hard questions of those we know will not shame us. Whatever questions you have today, Jesus will not shame you or balk at you. Ask Him with great trust.

3. Jesus asks Mary, “Why were you looking for me?”:
Notice, that Jesus now asks Mary a question, once again expressing His deep understanding. Jesus knew that in this question, Mary was really asking Him about who He was. In His question/response back to Mary, is the simple reminder that He is a God who doesn’t abandon us, doesn’t forsake us, and doesn’t cause us harm. He only wants our good. When the Cross is heavy in our lives it can seem like Jesus is gone and doesn’t care, but in reality, He is bringing us to the Father and bringing us new life. Wherever you find yourself today, Jesus is already there, waiting for you.

Talk to Jesus about a place in your life where you need to know He understands.
Jesus, do I trust you with the questions I have, like Mary did? Why or why not?
Jesus, how in my life are you showing me that you never leave me and only want what is best for me?

Father, You created me and know me.
Jesus, You redeemed me and know me.
Holy Spirit, You sanctified me and know me.

Today, when you start to feel angry, upset or stressed give that moment to God and ask Him to increase your strength. 

This reflection was prepared by Alycia Frech, a campus minister with Ablaze Ministries. 

​Take time today to open your heart to the love of God for you. Be open to the all consuming fire of his Sacred Heart for you! He loves you more than you could even imagine! Sit with him and ponder His love for you.

"Today's prayer was prepared by Maggie Overbeck, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL. 
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