Blessed Are You Who Hunger Now, for You Will Be Satisfied

When you’re lost, out and walking in the dark

Look down and light those embers in your heart

— "Fire Inside" by City Wolf

Seeing God

Years ago, a young man came to a hermit and said, “Master, I want to see God.”

“Very well, my son. Pray, ‘My God, I love you,’ one hundred times a day, and you will see God.”

The next week he returned. “Master, I prayed it one hundred times a day. Nothing happened. I want to see God.”

The old man smiled. “Well done. This week, pray it 1,000 times a day, and you will see God.”

Another week passed. “Master, I prayed it 1,000 times a day. Still nothing. I want to see God.”

The hermit nodded. “Very well. This week, pray it 10,000 times a day.”

When the young man came back again, he was deflated, sad, and angry.

“Master, I prayed the prayer 10,000 times a day—and still, nothing.”

“Nothing?” said the old man. “Come with me.”

He led the young man to a river.

“Do you want to see God?”

“Yes.”

“Then follow me.”

The hermit waded into the river—first up to his calves, then his waist, then his neck. The young man followed until he could barely touch the bottom. He started to speak: “Master, I don’t understand. I want to—”

Before he could finish, the hermit plunged his head underwater. The young man fought, clawed, struggled—but to no avail. His strength began to fail.

Then, the hermit pulled him up.

“My son, when you want to see God as desperately as you just wanted to breathe, then your desire will be satisfied.”

Created from—and for—Desire

“God, in a plan of sheer goodness, created man to share in his own blessed life.”

— Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1

God had a dream when He created you. A desire. The Church calls this the universal call to holiness, and those who answer that call are honored as saints. That call is inscribed deep in our hearts. It’s what we refer to as a vocation—a calling to become who we were made to be.

And as St. Thomas Aquinas once said:

“Man is desire.”

One Problem, Three Responses

Desire is a fact. It’s not good or bad by itself—it simply is. So the question becomes: What do we do with it?

Christopher West describes three typical responses to desire:

1. The Addict indulges every craving, often in shallow or destructive ways, harming others and ultimately himself.

2. The Stoic sees the addict’s wreckage and concludes that desire itself is dangerous. He tries to tame it with control and moderation—but never lives fully.

3. The Mystic seeks to fulfill desire in God and His will.

On paper, the Stoic and the Mystic might seem similar. But history tells a different story. Where is the Stoic Mother Teresa? The Buddhist Francis of Assisi? The Stoic Catherine of Siena? The Buddhist Augustine?

They do not exist.

Their lives—if they can be called lives—are a slow waiting-to-die.

So we’re left with a tension: we want to unleash our desires, yet we fear their power to destroy us.

What are we to do?

Follow the Path of Life

Would it be wise to purify our desires before we act on them? Absolutely.

But here’s the problem:

It’s our desires that need to be purified.

And we can’t purify them unless we first become aware of them.

So let’s start by letting them out.

Bring superficial desires to light. Examine them. Dig into them. And when you do, you’ll often discover that what seemed shallow was pointing to something deep.

Imagine your 12-year-old daughter asks for a smartphone.

The Stoic mom says, “No.”

The Mystic mom says, “Why?”

“To talk to my friends and keep up on social media.”

“And why do you want that?”

“To feel closer to them. To connect.”

“And why do you want that?”

“Because I want real friendship.”

And that—the longing for intimacy—is a good and holy desire.

Maybe you still say no to the phone. Or maybe you talk about how phones can get in the way when people are together but distracted. Maybe you get a dumb phone. The important thing is:

When you dig into a superficial desire,

You uncover a deeper one.

Dig In

The young man said he wanted to see God. But did he?

Did he want it the way he wanted air when he was drowning?

If you asked a drowning man why he wants air, he might say, “Because I want to live.” Ask him why he wants to live, and he might just say, “What else is there?”

But ask that same man why he wants to see God, and he might not have an answer. Perhaps no one led him to ask that question deeply. He was taught to want God—and that’s better than nothing—but it’s not the same as discovering that desire for himself.

This is why journaling is so powerful.

Journaling lets us unleash our desires on paper. It’s safer than acting them out. It also helps us evaluate those desires before we act. If you’d like help exploring your desires:

Check out the “Life Begins with a Dream” worksheet.

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“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

-Luke 22:19

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As Catholics we believe that when Jesus said these words in Sacred Scripture that He truly meant them. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol, but really the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. It is an incredible gift given to each one of us that we can lovingly accept at each and every Mass. 

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Throughout Church history, God has confirmed this great mystery in extraordinary ways. These Eucharistic Miracles serve as powerful reminders of Christ’s real presence among us.

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So this month, as we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, let’s explore some of these great miracles.

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Lanciano, Italy 

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The Miracle at Lanciano is one of the oldest Eucharistic Miracle dating back to the 8th Century. A priest experiencing doubt about the True Presence found that, while praying the words of Consecration at Mass, the bread and wine turned into human flesh and blood. 

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The blood coagulated into five globules, which many believe represents the five wounds of Christ. 

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Studies conducted in the 1970s and 1980s by doctors of human anatomy and histology, as well as the World Health Organization, found that the flesh was fresh (rather than 1200 years old) and had the same structure as human heart tissue. The globules of blood were determined to be of type AB. 

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Having remained preserved until this day, you can still visit the flesh and blood at Lanciano’s Church of San Francesco.

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Betania, Venezuela

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Studies conducted on a 1991 miracle that took place in Venezuela had similar findings. 

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During the consecration at Mass, a priest broke the host into four sections and consumed one piece himself; one of the remaining pieces began to bleed. The studies confirmed that the blood was taken from a living heart and was of type AB. 

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This miraculous host is on display at the Augustinian Recollects convent of the nuns of the Sacred Heart in Los Teques.

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Santarém, Portugal

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In the 13th Century, a woman sought help from a sorceress when she found out her husband had been unfaithful to her. The sorceress promised to make her husband loving again for the price of one consecrated host. The woman agreed.

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She managed to smuggle a host out of mass in a handkerchief; however, before she could return it to the sorceress, the cloth became stained with blood. Frightened, the woman hid the host and the cloth in a drawer. That night, the drawer emitted a bright light.

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The woman repented and returned the host to the Church, now called the Church of the Holy Miracle.

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Chirattakonam, India

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The Church has still seen its share of Eucharistic Miracles even in our current century, like the 2001 miracle at a parish church in Chirattakonam, India. 

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The priest at St. Mary’s Church exposed the Blessed Sacrament before mass one morning, and quickly noticed three dots appearing on the Host. When he returned, vested for mass, he found that there was now the image of man’s face–an image that became more clearly the image of Christ crowned with thorns. 

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The Archbishop who investigated this event wrote: “For us believers what we have seen is something that we have always believed…”

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The host still remains enshrined in the Church.

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Legnica, Poland

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One of the most recent Eucharistic miracles occurred on Christmas Day 2013 at St. Hyacinth’s Shrine in Legnica, Poland when a consecrated host fell on the floor. Following the procedure, the host was placed in water to dissolve when suddenly, a reddish color appeared on it. 

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Various research institutes including the Department of Forensic Medicine in Szczecin which found the contained tissue from a human heart. Other tests found that this tissue showed signs that the tissue had experienced great distress or agony.

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It was approved for veneration in 2016.

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These are only a few of the extraordinary miracles God has given us to confirm Christ’ true presence here on earth. 

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In fact, Blessed Carlo Acutis who described the Eucharist as “my highway to heaven” created a website to highlight miracles of the Eucharist around the world. 

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You can still visit this site to read more about the profound love of Jesus in the Eucharist.

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Raising a healthy family doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, some of the best habits are the simple ones — practiced consistently and together.

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Eat Together Whenever You Can

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Shared meals aren’t just about food; they’re about connection. Family meal time comes with a plethora of benefits for both physical and mental health. 

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Families who eat together are more likely to eat more nutritiously–consuming more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains each day. Children who grow up in families that eat together tend to make healthier food choices and have lower rates of obesity.

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Conversations flow naturally around the table, strengthening communication skills for each of the members and giving each person a chance to process/cope with the stress of the day.Family dinners are also associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, as well as higher self esteem.

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Prioritize Sleep for Everyone

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Sleep is the foundation of health, especially for growing kids. And let’s face it, parents need it just as much.

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When everyone in the house is well-rested, day-to-day life feels a little easier—moods are better, focus is sharper, and immune systems are stronger. It’s unfortunately also one of the first areas to suffer when life gets busy so establishing a good sleep habit is important for maintaining health in every season.

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Set consistent bedtimes (even on weekends) and limit screen time an hour before bed to create a calming evening routine allowing your body to get the rest it needs. 

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Get Moving–Together

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Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, kids are more likely to stay active when they see their parents moving too. Make it fun, not forced. 

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Whether it’s a bike ride after dinner, a spontaneous dance party in the kitchen, or a game of tag in the backyard, these moments of shared movement do more than get the heart pumping; they strengthen family bonds and boost everyone’s mood. They also encourage a good night’s sleep, reduce stress, and increase energy levels for all. 

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If you’re looking for a more structured exercise routine, our Pietra Fitness Online Studio offers workouts for every member of the family no matter their age or fitness level, including kids.

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Limit Screen Time and Encourage Real-Life Play

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Screens are part of modern life, but they don’t have to dominate it. Healthy screen habits create space for creativity, physical movement, and meaningful relationships. The goal isn’t to ban technology but rather create balance.

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Set boundaries around screens by making “tech-free” zones like the bedrooms or dining table, or limiting how much time is spent on screen each day. You can also decide to make screen time “shared” time with the family by establishing a weekly family movie night.

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However, don’t just remove screens, offer appealing alternatives like art supplies, audiobooks, puzzles, baking together, or outside time.

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Make Prayer Part of Your Family’s Daily Rhythm

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Just like nutritious food and good sleep feed the body, prayer nourishes the soul. For Catholic families, regular prayer isn’t just a habit—it’s a relationship. It centers us in God's love, helps us process emotions, and brings peace into our homes.

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Prayer is a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and disconnection both from one another and from God.

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Prayer helps reorient your family to what really matters. It cultivates gratitude, strengthens relationships, and builds a home where God is known and loved—not just on Sundays, but every day.

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Healthy families aren’t built overnight but rather over shared breakfasts, afternoon walks, and little choices made with love. These small steps today can plant the seeds for a lifetime of wellness and joy.

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“I might only have one match, but I can make an explosion.” — “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten

Kate’s Mom

Kate’s mom had a plan for her daughter’s life. It involved a respectable young man from an upstanding family and a future built on social standing and security. As the youngest of her siblings, Kate was the focus of her mother’s hopes—and scrutiny. Surely, she should’ve been grateful. But Kate had other ideas.

She knew in her heart that this match wasn’t God’s will for her. Every time she tried to speak up, her mother interrupted, dismissing her thoughts as foolish. Her mother believed she was doing what was best. But Kate believed otherwise—and she chose a dramatic way to be heard.

The Normal Responses to Being Ignored

When someone ignores us, we typically respond in one of two ways: sadness or anger.

Sadness arises when we feel powerless—when we believe there’s nothing more to do. Anger flares when we believe action might still change things. Both responses are deeply human, and both can be valid.

But many of us get stuck. The sad remain sad—even when action is possible. The angry stay angry—even when anger only burns bridges. And some of us do nothing at all… until we explode.

Into this very human struggle, Jesus speaks a radical truth:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the land.”

What could He mean?

The Promise of Land

Let’s start with the “land.” God promised land to Abraham, a land of freedom and blessing. Moses led the people toward it, but could only glimpse it from afar. Joshua brought the Israelites in, yet even this fulfillment left room for deeper understanding.

The Promised Land was never just about geography. It was about freedom:

• Freedom to worship the living God.
• Freedom to raise a family in peace.
• Freedom to work with dignity.
• Freedom to follow one’s God-given vocation.

It was about a space to live intimately with the Lord—a place of healing, forgiveness, and purpose.

Isn’t that what we long for too? So how do we get there?

Who Are the Meek?

Sadness and anger are emotional. Meekness is rational. Meekness is strength under control—calm, intentional, and courageous.

Imagine you’re cooking, and a towel catches fire. If you’re sad and do nothing, the fire will spread. If you get angry and throw gasoline on it? The house burns faster.

But if you act with reason—meekness—you douse the flame and save the home.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

That is meekness. And it is the gateway to freedom.

The Way to Meekness

We could study assertiveness techniques, memorize scripts, and practice for hours. Or—we could go straight to the source:

“Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” — Matthew 11:29

What does Jesus teach us about meekness?

• He writes in the dirt, then declares: “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.”
• He calls out hypocrisy: “You brood of vipers, whitewashed tombs.”
• He overturns tables—not people.

He doesn’t strike with fists, but speaks with fire and clarity. His words pierce, not to wound, but to awaken.

One of His most powerful moments comes before the High Priest:

“I have spoken openly… Why ask me? Ask those who heard me.”

A guard strikes Jesus across the face.

Does He retaliate? No. He responds:

“If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if rightly, why do you strike me?” — John 18:23

His words land with the quiet power of justice. Whether the guard repented or not doesn’t matter—what matters is Jesus gave him the chance.

Three Ways to Follow Jesus in Meekness

1. Deep Communion with the Father

• God holds all things, even our suffering.
• He does not promise comfort, but He promises Himself.
• He transforms every cross into a path toward holiness.

2. Tend to the Emotions

• Don’t let sadness or anger drive you.
• Start with your body: breathe, release tension.
• Step back and observe. Ask: What’s happening here? Is this person crying out for something?

3. Engage with Courage to Find Clarity

• Ask questions that provoke reflection: What’s going on? What are you talking about? Why did you strike me? Who are you looking for?
• Set gentle, firm boundaries: Stop. Let these men go.
• Invite with love: Come, follow me. Zacchaeus, come down—I’m coming to your house today.

Kate’s Mom (Part Two)

“Aaaiii!” Kate’s mother screamed. She could hardly believe her eyes.

Kate had cut off her hair.

Her mother’s fury knew no bounds. She grounded Kate for five years. During that time, Kate would be the family servant—scrubbing floors, cooking meals, washing laundry by hand. She received her mother’s coldness—or worse, her cruelty.

But Kate? She built a sanctuary in her soul. Her silence was not surrender. It was strength. And when the time was right, she emerged—not in rebellion, but in radiant holiness.

She would become one of the greatest mystics in history.

She would become a Doctor of the Church.

Her name? Catherine of Siena.

If you enjoy journaling or working with worksheets, feel free to print this out for your personal use: Meek Like Christ Worksheet

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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and for good reason! A well-balanced breakfast fuels your body, jumpstarts your metabolism, and provides the energy you need to tackle the day ahead. 

But with busy mornings, it’s easy to reach for sugary cereals or skip breakfast altogether. The good news? A nutritious and satisfying breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this post, you’ll find some delicious, easy-to-make breakfast recipes that will nourish your body and keep you feeling full and energized. But first, let’s explore what makes a truly great breakfast.

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What Makes a Good Breakfast?

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A healthy breakfast includes a balance of macronutrients—protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates—to keep your blood sugar stable and prevent mid-morning crashes. Here’s what to focus on:

• Protein: Helps with muscle repair, satiety, and energy levels. Great sources include eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, and meats.
• Healthy Fats: Supports brain function and keeps you full longer. Look for foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and natural nut butters.
• Complex Carbohydrates: Provides steady energy and fiber to keep digestion smooth. Whole grains like oats, quinoa, whole wheat toast, and fruit are excellent choices.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and superfoods (like chia seeds or flaxseeds) add essential nutrients for overall health.

By choosing the right combination of these nutrients, you’ll set yourself up for a productive and energetic day. Now, let’s dive into some easy and delicious breakfast recipes that will make your mornings healthier and more enjoyable!

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Breakfast Frittata

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A Breakfast Frittata is a simple yet delicious way to pack protein and veggies into your morning meal! Light, fluffy, and endlessly customizable, frittatas are perfect for using up leftover ingredients and can be made ahead for a quick, nutritious breakfast. Whether you prefer classic flavors like spinach and cheese or heartier options with sausage and peppers, this dish is a great way to start your day. 

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This recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction offers several options for customization so you can enjoy your favorite items all in one simple dish. 

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Breakfast Burritos

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A Breakfast Burrito is the perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings! Plus, they’re easy to meal prep and freeze for a quick breakfast anytime. 

Wrapped in a warm tortilla and filled with protein-packed eggs, cheese, and your favorite add-ins like veggies, sausage, or avocado, it’s a delicious and satisfying way to start the day. This High-Protein recipe from What Molly Made even has 35 grams of protein. 

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Looking for more egg-cellent recipes? Check these out.

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Overnight Oats

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Overnight Oats are an easy-to-prep, grab-and-go breakfast that can be customized in so many delicious ways. There are only two ingredients needed–old fashioned oats and your choice of milk–but so many nutritious add-ons to make it even tastier like:

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• Chia seeds: give the oats a pudding-like texture
• Greek yogurt: for an added boost of protein
• Honey or maple syrup to sweeten
• Favorite mix-ins or toppings: fresh or dried fruit, nut butters, nuts and seeds, cinnamon, cocoa powder, etc. 

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How to Make Overnight Oats:

1. Add your oats to your preferred jar.
2. Top with your milk of choice (1 part oats + 1 part milk)
3. Add mix-ins of choice (optional)
4. Mix everything together until all the oats are submerged in milk.
5. Refrigerate overnight and eat!

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Savory Breakfast Bowl

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Start your morning with a hearty and satisfying Savory Breakfast Bowl! Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this dish will keep you full and energized for hours. A well-balanced bowl is a delicious way to fuel your day. 

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Check out this recipe from Two Peas and their Pod for an easy and customizable option!

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Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Bowl

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Packed with wholesome ingredients like roasted vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, this Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Bowl is designed to support your body's natural defenses while keeping you full and energized. 

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With a balance of fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory nutrients, it’s a delicious way to fuel your morning. You can find an easy and flavorful option here. 

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Cooling down is an essential yet often overlooked part of an effective workout routine. Taking a few extra minutes to cool down properly can make a big difference in your recovery, performance, and overall well-being. 

Whether you're lifting weights, running, or doing a full-body workout from our Pietra Fitness Online Studio, a proper cooldown is essential for your body to transition safely from exertion to rest.

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Why Cooling Down Matters

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While a warm-up prepares your body for movement, a cooldown helps your body transition back to a resting state. Without it, your heart rate, breathing, and muscles experience an abrupt shift that can lead to discomfort or even injury. A proper cooldown routine allows your body to gradually recover.

Here’s why it’s so important:

Helps Prevent Dizziness and Lightheadedness
During exercise, your heart is pumping blood more rapidly to supply oxygen to your muscles. Stopping too abruptly can cause blood to pool in your extremities, leading to dizziness or even fainting. A gradual cooldown helps your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal safely.

Reduces Muscle Soreness and Stiffness
Engaging in gentle movements and stretching post-workout helps flush out lactic acid, a byproduct of intense exercise that can contribute to muscle soreness or cramping. This can improve flexibility and reduce tightness, making your recovery smoother.

Enhances Recovery and Flexibility
A cooldown session that includes light movement and stretching keeps your muscles supple and prevents stiffness. Over time, this can improve your overall flexibility and mobility, reducing the risk of injury.

Promotes Relaxation and Mental Clarity
Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. A proper cooldown, especially when combined with deep breathing or mindfulness, can help transition you into a calm, relaxed state, reducing stress and mental fatigue.

Lowers the Risk of Injury
Tight, overworked muscles are more prone to injury. Taking time to stretch and cool down keeps your muscles elongated and balanced, helping to prevent strains, sprains, and other workout-related injuries.

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How to Cool Down Properly

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A good cooldown doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are some simple steps:

• Gradual Movement: Instead of stopping suddenly, slowly decrease your intensity. If you’ve been running, switch to a brisk walk before coming to a full stop.
  
  
• Gentle Stretching: Focus on major muscle groups that were engaged in your workout. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds to allow your muscles to relax.
  
  
• Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to help your body return to a resting state and reduce post-workout stress.
  
  
• Hydration and Nutrition: Replenish your body with water and a light, protein-rich snack to support muscle recovery.

By taking just a few extra minutes to transition out of exercise properly, you can boost recovery, improve flexibility, and reduce your risk of injury. So, next time you finish a workout, don’t rush off—give your body the care it needs to perform at its best!

This is why all Pietra Fitness classes include a dedicated cooldown at the end of each session. By combining gentle movement, stretching, and deep breathing, Pietra Fitness ensures that your body and mind can fully relax and recover after exercise. Whether you're doing a high-intensity workout or a slower, more meditative session, the built-in cooldown helps maximize the benefits of your practice.

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Blessed are you who weep, for you will laugh. — Luke 6:21

I see kids in the street

With not enough to eat

Who am I to be blind

Pretending not to see their needs?

— Michael Jackson, “Man in the Mirror”

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Vicki’s Roommate

Vicki grew up in a Catholic home, attended Catholic school from kindergarten through high school, and then went to Marquette to study psychology. Her freshman roommate seemed like a nice enough girl—until she started crying every night, uncontrollably. Vicki did her best to console her, and one day the whole story came out.

Her roommate had been pregnant twice. The first child she gave up for adoption. The second, she aborted. Through tears, she wept:

“I can live with the adoption. I can’t live with the abortion.”

Whoa. That hit Vicki like a ton of bricks. What do you do with that?

The Blindness of Positive Thinking

If you have a garden, you’ve had weeds. There are two ways to deal with them. One is to repeat the affirmations of positive thinking:

“There are no weeds. There are no weeds. There are no weeds.”

The other is, of course, to pull the weeds. One way, you have a beautiful garden. The other, a tangled mess. Sticking our head in the sand is not how we follow Christ.

We live in a broken world. We can either face that fact and embrace it—or pretend not to see.

Hardened Hearts

The early Christians often hurled a single insult at their pagan contemporaries:

“You’ve hardened your hearts!”

A hardened heart can’t see suffering, can’t feel compassion. It's like the priest and the Levite in the Parable of the Good Samaritan—they pass on by.

Each time we ignore suffering, our heart grows a little harder… and the world a little colder. This isn’t a call to feel guilty for not doing everything—it’s a reminder to do the little bit we can.

Make Coffee

Leslie was in a coffee shop one day, chatting with a worker named Mark.

“Were you working the other night when all those people were outside across the street?”

“Yep, that was me,” Mark replied.

“And did you bring them all hot cups of coffee?”

“I sure did. I saw them out there and felt like there was nothing I could do… except make coffee.”

Leslie began to tear up:

“That was the wake for my 16-year-old son, Ben. So many people showed up that they had to stand outside and wait. I just wanted to say thank you for taking care of my friends and family.”

Mark couldn’t do everything—but he could do one “stupid,” little thing: make coffee.

You’ve Got to Move!

And sometimes that movement starts small. Here are three steps to help you get moving:

1. See the world as it is: There are weeds in my garden.
2. See the world as it could be: There could be no weeds in my garden.
3. Make the world as it should be: Pull the weeds.

That’s what Mark did. He saw people standing in the cold. He imagined a world where they were warmed by hot coffee. So he brought them hot coffee.

"If one of the brothers or sisters is in need of clothes and has not enough food to live on, and one of you says to them, “I wish you well; keep yourself warm and eat plenty,” without giving them these bare necessities of life, what good is that?" — James 2:15–16

But What About Vicki?

When Vicki heard the words, “I can live with the adoption. I can’t live with the abortion,” something clicked. Her friend was grieving. She needed to grieve the loss of her child. That was the only way forward.

So Vicki helped her do that. Over time, she developed more strategies and insights. Eventually, she founded Project Rachel, the Catholic Church’s official response to mothers (and fathers, grandparents, siblings) mourning the loss of a child to abortion—offering them hope, forgiveness, healing, even joy.

She would help tens of thousands of women across the world—and train others to do the same. She would personally meet Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. She would become a force for good. A force for God.

"Whatever you did for one of these least of my brothers, you did it to Me." — Matthew 25:40

Vicki saw the hurt. Mark saw the cold.

They didn’t do everything.

But they didn’t look away.

Blessed are you who weep…

If it would be helpful, try this Compassion Worksheet.

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As we enter into the solemn days of Holy Week, we turn our attention to the climax of the Story of Salvation–the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

As He hung on the cross, Jesus uttered seven profound statements known as the “Seven Last Words of Christ.” 

These words not only reveal the heart of our Savior but also offer deep spiritual insights for our lives as Christians. As St. Augustine observed: “The tree upon which were fixed the members of Him dying was even the chair of the Master teaching.”

Let’s take some time to meditate on the Seven Last Words of Christ and unpack what they mean for our lives.

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“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

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With the first words He offers from the cross, Jesus shows us the ultimate example of forgiveness. In His moment of deepest agony, Jesus doesn’t pray for himself or for his suffering to end; rather, Jesus prays for those who are causing His suffering and extends His mercy to them.

This is a call for us to forgive those who wrong us, no matter how deeply we may have been hurt. True forgiveness reflects the heart of Christ.

‍Reflect: Is there anyone in your life whom you find difficult to forgive? How can you embrace Christ’s example of mercy and forgiveness in your relationships?

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“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

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Two criminals were crucified alongside Christ, one on His right and one on His left. One thief mocks Jesus and demands He proves His identity as the Messiah; but the other repents of his sins and recognizes Christ's ability to save, asking Jesus to “remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus responds to the penitent thief (now recognized as St. Dismas) with his second word from the cross, promising eternal life to those who repent and turn to Him in faith. It’s a reminder that God’s mercy is always available, even in our final moments; we need only ask for it. 

‍Reflect: What does the promise of eternal life in paradise mean to you? How can you live today with the hope of eternal joy, regardless of your circumstances?

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“Woman, behold, your son. Behold, your mother.” (John 19:26-27)

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Standing at the foot of the cross and sharing in His agony was Jesus’ mother Mary and John the “Beloved Disciple.” He knew their distress and knew the pain they would feel when He died, but He was able to extend a tender gesture of love to them.

As Jesus hung on the cross, He entrusted the care of His mother to John and he to her. In doing so, He not only cared for her earthly needs but also gave us all a spiritual mother.

‍Reflect: How can you draw closer to Mary as your spiritual mother? What role does she play in your spiritual life, and how can you turn to her for guidance?

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“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)

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These words, taken from Psalm 22, reflect the profound sense of abandonment that Jesus felt in His humanity. In His darkest hour, Jesus expressed the raw anguish of feeling forsaken by the Father. 

This cry resonates with anyone who has ever felt alone or distant from God. Yet, it also points to the fact that even in our deepest pain, we can turn to God. Jesus knows that even in the silence God is with Him and with us. 

‍Reflect: Have you ever experienced a feeling of abandonment or distance from God? How can you trust in His presence and care even in the darkest moments of your life?

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“I thirst.” (John 19:28)

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In His final moments, we are once again reminded of our shared humanity with Jesus as He expresses a need of the flesh. Yet Jesus’ fifth word not only expresses a physical thirst, but also a deeper spiritual thirst. He thirsts for the salvation of souls, for us to come to know Him and experience the fullness of life in Him. 

These words stand as a reminder of our own longing for God and the living water that only He can provide.

‍Reflect: What are the deeper longings in your life that only Christ can satisfy? How can you seek Christ more fully to fulfill your spiritual thirst?

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“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

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These words were not words of desperation, but triumph. 

With the sixth word, Jesus declared that His mission on earth was complete. The work of salvation was accomplished—sin was atoned for, and the price for our redemption was paid in full. 

This statement calls us to remember the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. There is nothing more we need to do to earn salvation; it is finished. We needn’t live our life without hope; He has already won the final battle. 

‍Reflect: What areas of your life do you need to trust God has already completed for your salvation? How can you let go of the need to "earn" God’s love and accept His finished work on the cross?

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“Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

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With His final words, Jesus entrusts His spirit to the Father, affirming His complete trust and surrender to God’s will. 

This act of total abandonment to the Father’s care challenges us to live with the same trust in God, even in the face of death and suffering. It’s a call to surrender our lives into God’s hands, knowing that He holds us always.

Reflect: In what areas of your life do you struggle with surrendering fully to God? How can you practice greater trust and abandon yourself into God's care and will?

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Take these words to prayer, particularly on Good Friday. Ask the Lord to reveal to you His immense love for you and to help you take each of these lessons to heart so that you can emerge more fully into the joy of the Resurrection.

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