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Full-of-Grace

faith-driven lifestyle

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A Silver Mirror and Biting Serpents – Solving the Bible’s First Murder Mystery

A Reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C What if Abel, the "good" brother in the Bible's first murder story, was actually disobeying God's instructions? What if Cain, the "bad" brother, was trying his hardest to follow them? And what if solving this ancient murder mystery is the key to understanding why we may feel gut-punched this Sunday when the first reading suddenly declares, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!"? The Sunday...

Prayer of the Faithful – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Celebrant: Brothers and sisters, we have learned that our life is hidden with Christ in God. With confidence in our Abba Father, let us bring our prayers before the One whose breath sustains us. For the Church: That all who call upon the name of the Lord may discover their true identity hidden in Christ, moving beyond the spiritual striving and spiritual bypassing to find the baptismal consciousness that simply rests in God's presence. Reader:...

Who Is Breathing in Me? – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) – Biblical Background

Quick Overview: Where Are We in the Bible? A Jarring Shift: After last Sunday's tender invitation to call God "Abba, Daddy" in the Lord's Prayer, this week's readings might feel like spiritual whiplash. We leap from Jesus teaching us intimate prayer to Ecclesiastes declaring "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!" From intimate prayer to existential crisis? What's going on here? First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 The Preacher's Shocking...

From Betraying Father to Loving Daddy – Reflection on Sunday 17OT_C

A Reflection for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time What Do We Remember from Our Baptism? I was three months and four days old when I was brought to the church for my baptism. Like most of us, I have no memory of that sacred moment when water poured over my tiny head, when I was claimed as God's beloved child, when I was wrapped in white cloth and given a candle to symbolize the Light of the World now dwelling within me. We tend to say "I was...

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) – Biblical Background

Quick Overview: Where Are We in the Bible? After last week's readings following Moses through the desert, this Sunday takes us on a dramatic leap backward—almost 2,000 years before Christ—to meet Abraham, the father of our faith. Think of it as jumping from Egypt's liberation story to the very beginning of God's chosen people. First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32 Abraham's Bold Negotiation with God When & Where: Around 2000 BC, on the road...

Prayer of the Faithful – 17OT_C

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C Celebrant: Like Abraham, we approach our loving God with bold confidence, bringing the needs of our world to the One who delights in our every prayer. Reader: For the Church throughout the world: that like Abraham, we may discover anew the courage to approach God as beloved children, abandoning fear and formality for the intimate trust of those who know they are unconditionally loved. Reader: Lord, hear us....

The Camino Crush: When Hearts Meet on the Santiago Trail

A reflection on relationships found and lost on pilgrimage, and the beautiful journey to finding true love Walking Toward Truth Instead of Escape Six years ago, on what started as an ordinary June Monday, I had the most spontaneous idea: I would walk the Camino de Santiago as preparation to become a nun. By Wednesday, I was on an airplane, boots packed and heart full of the most peculiar intention. There I was—a young woman so certain of her...

Coming Home From Camino: A Mother’s Day Reflection

Three Mothers at the Heart of Resurrection Today I'm traveling back to Poland on Mother's Day – May 26th in our Polish tradition. As I journey home, I'm reflecting on three mothers who have shaped my spiritual resurrection years ago: my earthly mother whom I'll embrace today, the Mother Church to whom I returned after 17 years in the wilderness, and Mary, the Mother of the Church. The little me holding onto my mum Like the three women who...

The Day Everything Went Wrong (And Perfectly Right)

Airport musings after a shortened Camino The Comedy of Errors Picture this: a peaceful pilgrim, fresh from three nights in Santiago de Compostela, checking out of their hostel before 10 AM with the serene confidence of someone who has just walked the Camino. That was me this morning—strolling through Santiago's ancient streets one last time, breathing in the cathedral's timeless presence, choosing to skip the four-hour queue I'd already...

The Sacred Art of Waiting: Camino Day 16

A Santiago Pilgrimage Reflection Faith is often less about movement and more about stillness. Today, my second day in Santiago de Compostela, I discovered this truth through four hours spent within the cathedral walls - a masterclass in pilgrimage patience that no amount of walking could have taught me. A busy morning in Compostela Small Graces and Gentle Transitions Last night, I had worried about switching from a hotel to a pilgrim hostel,...