Posts by Joanne Huestis-Dalrymple
Fear Not
It is a common saying that it says, “Do not be afraid” or “fear not” 366 times in the Bible. Once for each day of the year, including leap year. And although I have never actually counted, I have no reason to doubt this. The Lord made it very clear that we are to trust…
Read MoreQuiet Moments
Our ten-year-old daughter has been very sick since Christmas. She has had appointment after appointment. We have gotten a few answers. In truth, my attention has been very focused on her, and the season of Lent has felt, well, not very productive in terms of my spiritual life. Or so I thought…. Even in the…
Read MoreReturn to Me
The first line of the first reading is an appropriate start to Lent. Today, Ash Wednesday, begins our Lenten journey to Easter. “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God” Joel 2:12. It is the perfect time…
Read MoreMatters of the Heart
Today’s gospel from Mark is the account when the disciples are with Jesus in a boat and realize they have forgotten their bread. They become distressed at this realization and Jesus warns them; and reminds them of what they have been through together. Guard Yourselves Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of…
Read MoreBegin Again
I should preface this with this: exercise is extremely important to me, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The other day, I found myself pulled in several different directions. My husband looked at me and said, “Go out for a walk/run. You will feel better after that and a shower.” So, I made use of the…
Read MoreSinners
“You can’t reason your way around the Cross.” A long time ago, I met with a very wise priest for spiritual direction on a matter concerning a book a group of women were studying through at church. He gave very wise council. I think I wrote about it on GVM once before. This quote is…
Read MoreLove Transforms
Today’s gospel puts the spotlight on St. Joseph. I have written about my great love and respect for St. Joseph in an earlier GVM reflection. We are treated to the beginning of his story of love, sacrifice, and devotion as Mary’s spouse and Jesus’s earthly father in this reading. I am taken aback by his…
Read MoreChoosing Joy
Dear Brothers and Sisters, today’s gospel reading is on the genealogy of Jesus. While this is extremely important, instead I would like to focus on this third week of Advent. This past Sunday at Mass, the priests wore their rose-colored vestments. I say that with a little giggle as I type because we used to…
Read MoreEleazar and Zacchaeus
The Old and New Testament readings go very well together today. Have courage. Be humble. We all need this message in our time. Firstly, in the Old Testament reading, Eleazar, a notable Scribe is faced with a situation that could potentially compromise his character with God. At the same time, depending on his response, it…
Read MoreMission, Community, Discipleship
The themes in today’s gospel from Luke are mission, community, and discipleship. God calls each of us to these things. However, they look different for everyone because we were created uniquely. We each have our own calling. God uses us in big and small ways and they are equally important because together we make up…
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