Cuppycake & I are in a book-study group along with 3 friends!

Currently we are reading and discussing

The Holy Year of Mercy

A Faith-Sharing Guide with Reflections by Pope Francis

Compiled by Susan Heuver

God’s boundless mercy has become the recurring theme of Pope Francis’ preaching and teaching.  He so desires that we understand the mercy of God that he has called for an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy!

This faith-sharing guide provides an opportunity to participate in the holy year in a meaninful way with eight-sessions featuring a Gospel passage followed by a homily on that passage by Pope Francis.  Questions for reflection and discussion focus on both the Scripture text and the homily.

We are having a wonderful time reflecting & discussing as we make our way through this grace-filled year with our friends!

 Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington,  describes it best when he shares,

“It takes both Gospel texts and Pope Francis’ insightful reflections and presents them in a way that is borh challenging and thought provoking.”

And I can attest this is very true!

Each session it is as if my heart is personally ministered to by God through the continual messages (all various in nature) of just how much He loves me.  This past session was a reminder of that as He held me, wiped away my internal tears, and just like the leper restored my self-worth.  Each time this happens I am humbled & thereby do more for others than I ever imagined possible because He gives me the courage to do so, despite my own fears of rejection.

“God’s mercy overcomes every barrier and Jesus’ hand touches the leper.  He does not stand at a safe distance and does not act by delegating, but places himself in direct contact with our contagion.”

Pope Francis

I am so thankful to be restored again!

And even though I know I am unworthy, sinner that I am, I wish to give Him thanks more often!  Yes, each thursday I offer up 3hugs& blessings but I am challenging myself to find 5 things (good or otherwise,) to praise Him for each day!  I certainly know how to go to Him and “ask,” but today may I begin to make “thanks” more natural!  And by His grace, may this also include any suffering I may be experiencing; as I know there is joy to be found…

even in our suffering.

So far I’ve been mindful of 3 moments of praise to offer Him and so it is I share them (with you,) as a part of my 3hugs&blessings Thursday!!

1. For God’s word to me during my Lectio Devina,

(in Christianity, Lectio Divina-Latin for “Divine Reading”- is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s Word. It does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but as the Living Word.  Traditionally, Lectio Divina has four separate steps: read; meditate; pray; contemplate)

which was taken from Psalm 57:

“May God send his truth and his love.”

2. For a dear fellow-blogger, Dr. Jonathan Neal Colter, who reminded me today we have a personal CHOICE to make in the way we ‘care for’ our bodies!  I encourage you to scroll over to his site where you will find many health-beneficial posts to encourage you to make educated choices for yourself  on  how  you  may  CHOOSE  to  manage  your  over-all “well-being!”

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?   You are not your own;”

1Corinthians 6:19

3. And lastly for an unexpected jaunt with friends to a rare (but favorite) lunch-stop…Lucky Louie’s! Now, I know this may seem contrary to my second chosen blessing for the day; however, I PROMISE IT’s NOT!! Because remember…all things in moderation, and I do pray 3-4 hotdogs a summer fall into the moderation category! (giggles.)

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.“

1 Corinthians 6:12

Although I do enjoy the creative-combinations in which they have transformed locally made Smith’s Natural Casing Hotdogs at Lucky Louie’s,  it is also a fun-space to meet over a counter or picnic-table & visit with friends!

 Beginning today, may all of our eyes be openned to the mercy of the Father in the face of Jesus and draw us into deeper prayer, deeper communion with others, and the ability to share it with those around us!

And may these 3hugs&blessings be a small but courageous attempt at that!