Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Mae, Part One

Mae grew up on a ranch in Wyoming. She met her future husband at an FFA convention, waited faithfully for him while he completed his military service, and raised four kids with him. For 35 years she ran a restaurant serving soups, salads, sandwiches, big plates of pasta, and homemade pies.

If you had the pleasure of being invited to her home, she greeted you with a warm smile and a squishy “grandma” hug. Then she’d offer you something to eat—perhaps her locally famous cinnamon rolls—and something to drink, either sweet tea or lemonade from a large pitcher in the fridge. Then she’d sit you down, smile again, and ask her magic question: “So, what’s going on?”

The Art of Making Peace

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. When Jesus blesses the peacemakers, He’s blessing those who make shalom.

Shalom isn’t just the result of a treaty between warring nations. It’s much more. It can mean peace, but also wholeness, rest, belonging. Perhaps the best translation for shalom is the feeling you get when you’re “home”—like Mae’s home.

A house + love = a home.

The Enemy of Shalom

There are a lot of candidates for this one: America? Modernism? Media? Social media? Posturing? A culture of activism and busyness?

I think the opposite of shalom is fear. Fear of not being loved. Fear of not being enough. Fear of not fitting in.

If you were to rise above your fear for one moment and ask, “What am I seeking?”—would you find a better answer than shalom?

“Man’s problem is that he doesn’t know how to sit quietly in his own room.” — Pascal

Finding a Balance

Mae worked. She was a tornado every morning as she got her restaurant ready and handled the rush for breakfast and lunch. She could peel a carrot faster than any human I’ve ever seen.

But she also knew how to relax—when the store was closed, when she went home to dinner with her family, on Sundays, and anytime she entertained guests.

“There is a time to work and a time to rest.” — Ecclesiastes

Nurture Shalom

The world is not going to give you shalom. The world doesn’t know shalom. The world only knows striving, bustle, and constant activity.

But Jesus keeps calling you to it—and offering it as a gift.

When He does, the world starts screaming: “You can’t do that. It’s useless. It’s worthless. You don’t want to be worthless, do you?”

Yet shalom is where you discover your worth. Will you nurture it?

Jesus’ Invitation

I, Jesus, invite you to Shalom with Me today.

There will be no agenda

except enjoying one another’s company.

Feel free to invite your friends and family—if

that would make you feel more at home, okay?

RSVP

☐ Yes  ☐ No

Mae, Part Two

What was going on with Mae was sad. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in her abdomen. She spent her last days at home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

One night as she slept, she saw a beautiful light—more beautiful than anything she’d ever seen before. When she woke up the next day, she told her husband, Hank, “Don’t worry about me… They’re calling me home.”

After years of making shalom for others, she was finally welcomed into her Father’s house as His beloved daughter.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

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When it comes to fitness, most of us celebrate the hard work—the early mornings, the tough workouts, the sweat that proves we’ve given it our all. However, progress doesn’t just come from continually pushing harder. It also comes from slowing down.

Rest days are where your body rebuilds, your energy resets, and your hard work truly pays off. Giving your body this time to recover is just as important as the effort you put into training.

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Why Rest Days Matter

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When you exercise, you’re actually creating small amounts of stress on your muscles, joints, and nervous system. That stress is good; it’s what challenges your body to grow stronger. But without rest, your body doesn’t have the time it needs to repair and adapt. Think of it this way: workouts break your body down, but rest days build it back up, stronger than before.

Skipping recovery can lead to overtraining (fatigue, irritability, sleep problems), higher risk of injury, and burnout or loss of motivation. On the other hand, a well-placed rest day helps prevent injuries, supports long-term consistency, and makes your next workout even more effective.

During rest, your body:

• Repairs muscles: Micro-tears from exercise are rebuilt, making muscles stronger.
• Replenishes energy: Glycogen stores are restored so you’re fueled for your next workout.
• Balances hormones: Stress hormones like cortisol decrease, while growth-promoting hormones increase.
• Strengthens the mind: Rest days improve focus and motivation, helping you approach your workouts with renewed energy.

From the very beginning, rest has been part of God’s design for us. After six days of creation, God Himself rested on the seventh day—not because He was tired, but to show us the rhythm He intended for our lives (Genesis 2:2-3). The Sabbath was made for us (Mark 2:27), reminding us that rest is not wasted time but sacred time.

When we honor rest—whether that’s a Sunday set aside for worship and family, or a recovery day between workouts—we’re acknowledging that we are not machines. We are made in the Image and Likeness of God. Rest reminds us that our strength ultimately comes from God, not from our own striving.

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Make the Most of Your Rest Days

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A good rest day involves making choices that actively support your body in its recovery and strength-building. Sometimes this means taking a full break, but other times it might involve gentle movements like walking or stretching.

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The right choice depends on your fitness level, training intensity, and how your body feels. Listening to your body is key; fatigue, soreness, or irritability are often signs you need more recovery.

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Here are a few practical tips for making the most of your rest day:

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1. Prioritize sleep: Nothing beats quality rest for recovery.
2. Hydrate well: Water supports joint health, muscle repair, and energy balance.
3. Fuel smart: Nutritious meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs speed up recovery.
4. Manage stress: Rest isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Reading, prayer, journaling, or simply being still can refresh your mind.

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The healthiest fitness journeys aren’t built on endless training, but on balance. Rest days transform your hard work into results—stronger muscles, more energy, and a healthier mind. 

Take the time to embrace recovery with the same intention you bring to your workouts and you’ll be amazed at how much further it takes you.

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our bodies naturally crave warmth, nourishment, and grounding. 

Fall is the perfect season to lean into healing foods that offer comfort as we move into the cooler months and also support immunity, digestion, and overall health in the seasons where illness is more prevalent. 

Filling your plate with the bounty of autumn will nourish both your body and soul, helping you stay healthy and ready to do the Lord’s Will. 

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Pumpkin & Winter Squash

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Pumpkin, butternut, acorn, and delicata squashes are packed with vitamins A and C, which help strengthen the immune system. Their high fiber content also supports digestion and helps keep blood sugar balanced. Roasted, pureed into soup, or baked into muffins, these vibrant vegetables bring both comfort and nourishment.

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Apples and Pears

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Is there anything more “fall” than a basket of apples? Fall fruits like apples and pears are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them excellent for heart health and digestion. 

Apples, eaten with their skin on, provide pectin—a type of fiber that feeds healthy gut bacteria. Pears offer gentle sweetness and hydration. Enjoy them fresh, baked, or stewed with cinnamon for a warming treat.

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Dark Leafy Greens

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While summer may be the season for salads, fall is the time to sauté kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard. These nutrient-dense vegetables are loaded with calcium, iron, and vitamin K, supporting bone and blood health. 

They’re delicious sautéed with garlic and olive oil or stirred into a warm grain bowl, like this one.

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Root Vegetables

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Carrots, beets, turnips, and sweet potatoes thrive in the cool soil of fall and bring earthy sweetness to the table. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, root vegetables help boost circulation and support detoxification. 

Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness, making them perfect for hearty side dishes.

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Mushrooms

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Mushrooms are immune-boosting powerhouses. Varieties like shiitake, maitake, and reishi have long been used in traditional medicine for their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Add them to soups, stews, or sauté them for a savory addition to your meal.

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Nuts and Seeds

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As the weather cools, our bodies need more sustained energy. Nuts and seeds, particularly walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals like zinc and magnesium. Sprinkle them over oatmeal or salads for a seasonal boost.

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Bone Broth

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Bone broth is one of the oldest healing foods, and for good reason. Simmering bones with vegetables, herbs, and spices releases minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as collagen that supports joint, skin, and gut health. 

A warm mug of bone broth on a chilly day feels like a hug from the inside out. You can sip it on its own, use it as a base for soups, or cook grains in it for extra flavor and nourishment.

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Warm Spices

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Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cloves not only bring cozy fall flavors and incredible scents but also support digestion and reduce inflammation. A mug of spiced tea or a sprinkle of cinnamon over roasted squash can help your body stay resilient through seasonal changes.

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God, in His wisdom, created the seasons and filled each one with its own bounty. Summer’s juicy fruits hydrate us, spring greens cleanse and refresh, winter’s hearty fare sustains, and autumn’s vibrant harvest strengthens and prepares us for the colder months ahead. Nothing is by accident—our Creator has provided what our bodies need, right when we need it.

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Healing foods help you align with these God-ordained rhythms and allow you to enjoy what the season offers.

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So this autumn, let your plate be filled with foods that heal and your heart full of gratitude for the Creator who 

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In the world to come they will not ask me, ‘Why were you not Moses?’ They will ask me, ‘Why were you not Zusya?’—Rabbi Zusya in Brothers Karamazov

Introduction

In 1976, Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in his garage. By 1985, Apple was bringing in $150 million a year and held nearly 20% of the global computer market. But Jobs’ fiery personality clashed with his board, and he was forced out. By the time he returned in 1996, Apple was bleeding $800 million a year and had fallen to just 5% of the market.

Fifteen years later Apple had become the most valuable tech company in the world, with $25 billion in yearly profit and a $350 billion valuation.

What changed? And what does that turnaround have to do with holiness?

The Father’s Promise

Jesus promises, “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8).

Is He exaggerating? Ask Gemma Galgani, Catherine of Siena, Maria Goretti, Peter and Paul, Padre Pio. The saints truly saw God — not just with their eyes, but with their lives. And Jesus promises that we can too, if we become pure of heart.

That’s what purity of heart is: becoming fully yourself, the one God made you to be.

The Condition for Seeing God

In modern speech, the heart is either an organ (“heart disease”) or the seat of emotions (“I love you with all my heart”). Both are true, but Scripture goes deeper.

In the Bible, the heart is the core of the person — the hidden center, the place beneath all our masks. It is who you are when no one is watching — except One who always is.

In short: your heart is the real you.

To be pure of heart means to live as that true self, the one God created, stripped of anything false or unnecessary.

Purity of heart is being fully yourself — without clutter.

From “Fake Me” to “Real Me”

Psychologist Kurt Lewin once described life as a balance of two forces:

• Driving forces that push us forward.
• Restraining forces that hold us back.

Change, he said, can happen in two ways:

1. Add more driving forces.
2. Remove restraining forces.

Imagine you’re camping on a cold night, building a fire. At first, you add kindling, then sticks, and lastly logs. But if one log is wet, the fire dies down. What’s the best way to revive it? Not by piling on more wood — but by removing the wet log.

Holiness by Addition or Subtraction

At the beginning of the spiritual life, growth often comes from adding: daily prayer, weekly church, small group, spiritual reading. All good.

But sooner or later, adding more no longer feeds the flame. It smothers it.

When the problem is “too much,” the solution is not “more.”

Just as we cannot breathe in without ever breathing out, we cannot endlessly add devotions without also letting go of what no longer belongs.

Holiness isn’t only addition. Sometimes it’s subtraction.

Purity comes not just from doing more, but from eliminating impurities.

Conclusion

When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1996, the company was making over 400 products. Jobs erupted: “This is insane. We can’t be world-class at 400 things. We’re going to do 12 things. Everything else goes.”

They cut hundreds of products — even profitable ones — and focused with laser clarity. Out of that pruning came the iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad. The rest is history.

What about you? What are your “400 things”? What distractions, habits, or commitments clutter your life?

The saints teach us: holiness doesn’t come from being busier. It comes from being simpler.

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If you are someone who benefits from journaling and putting pen to paper, check out the "Eliminating Impurities Worksheet".

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Mary is often called the Mother of Sorrows—a title that may seem heavy at first glance. But in this title lies a profound truth: Mary knows what it means to suffer, and she knows how to walk with us in our own seasons of trial. 

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She isn’t a distant figure watching from heaven; she is a compassionate Mother who has felt the full weight of human grief and still said “yes” to God.

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This month, the Church celebrates the Seven Sorrows of Mary (with the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15) where we remember the ways in which Mary suffered alongside her Son and recognize the ways that she can accompany us in our own sorrows. 

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Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows

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The Church honors the Blessed Mother with the titles of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Mater Dolorosa, both of which have been depicted in religious art throughout the centuries. Images of her Immaculate Heart are often shown as being pierced with seven swords, her Seven Sorrows:

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1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)
2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)
   
   
3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
   
   
4. Meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary (Luke 23:27–31)
   
   
5. Standing at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25–30)
   
   
6. Receiving the body of Jesus (Luke 23:50–54)
   
   
7. Placing Jesus in the tomb (Luke 23:55–56)

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Despite these moments of great trial and suffering, Our Lady remained faithful and steadfast in love, and she can help you do the same. 

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Whether our suffering comes from illness, loss, betrayal, uncertainty, or the pain of watching someone we love walk a difficult path, Mary understands. 

While she was conceived without sin, Mary still lived in a fallen world and felt the pain caused by sin and death. Because she has walked this road herself, Mary offers more than sympathy—she offers true empathy. 

When we turn to her, she doesn’t brush aside our pain or rush us toward solutions. Instead, she stays with us, like she stayed with Jesus at the foot of the Cross. And not only that, but she can use that heart and pain to guide us, as she does in all things, closer toward her Son. 

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Walking with Mary in Your Suffering

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If you are in a season of trial, invite Our Lady of Sorrows to walk with you. 

Mary intercedes for us with a mother’s tenderness, bringing our needs to Jesus just as she did at Cana. She teaches us to say yes to God even when the road ahead feels uncertain, modeling the trust and surrender that carried her through her own sorrows. 

Her steadfast presence strengthens us to persevere, reminding us that faith is not about avoiding the Cross but about standing firm beneath it.

In your own suffering, don’t be afraid to approach Mary as your own mother. Tell her your fears, your grief, and your doubts. Ask her to help you see Jesus in the midst of your trials. 

You might pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows, meditate on one sorrow each day, or simply rest in the knowledge that she understands your pain.

Mary’s sorrows did not end in despair—they blossomed into the joy of the Resurrection. As you walk with her, she will teach you to cling to hope, even in the darkest moments, and to believe that God’s love will have the final word.

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Bone broth has been around for centuries, and for good reason; it’s one of the most nourishing, versatile, and comforting foods you can make. 

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Whether sipped from a mug on a cold day, used as a base for soups and stews, or consumed as a post-workout snack, bone broth is a simple way to boost your nutrition and support overall health.

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Bone broth is a savory, nutrient-packed liquid made by simmering marrow-rich animal bones (like beef, chicken, turkey, pork) and connective tissue for 12 hours or more. 

This slow cooking makes it nutritionally richer than traditional stock, extracting protein, collagen, electrolytes, and other healthful ingredients that support your body in a variety of ways.

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Rich in Nutrients

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As stated earlier, the slow cooking process to make bone broth extracts large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the broth, creating a nutrient-dense drink. 

Depending on the bones used, you’ll get calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium—minerals essential for bone strength, muscle function, and heart health.

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Supports Joint Health

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Because it’s rich in collagen and gelatin, bone broth can help support healthy joints. These compounds contain amino acids like proline and glycine, which help maintain the cartilage that cushions joints. 

Over time, consuming collagen-rich foods may improve flexibility and reduce discomfort from joint stiffness.

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Improves Sleep Quality

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The amino acid glycine contained in bone broth is often used as a sleep aid, as it can reduce daytime sleepiness and improve sleep quality. Glycine may also help lower core body temperature which is a natural part of the sleep process.

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Promotes a Healthy Gut

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The gelatin in bone broth can help strengthen the gut lining, which is especially beneficial for those with digestive issues like leaky gut syndrome, IBS, or food sensitivities. A healthy gut lining supports better digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

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Boosts Immunity

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Bone broth is packed with minerals and amino acids that play a role in immune health. The slow simmering process creates a warm, hydrating liquid that’s easy to digest—perfect when you’re under the weather. Plus, the natural compounds from bones and marrow help nourish the body during illness and recovery.

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Supports Skin, Hair, and Nails

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Collagen isn’t just good for joints—it also helps improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance. Many people find that adding bone broth to their diet leads to healthier hair and stronger nails, thanks to the boost of amino acids and minerals.

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Hydrating and Comforting

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Bone broth is a warm, mineral-rich liquid that can help with hydration, especially in cooler months when you might not drink as much water. And beyond the nutritional benefits, sipping on a steaming cup of bone broth can be grounding and soothing—like a hug in a mug.

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"You will cast all of our sins into the depths of the sea." --Micah 7:19

Belshazar’s Debt

A long time ago in a land far, far away, Belshazar had a problem. A big problem. He had incurred an astronomical debt with King Darius—what today would be roughly a billion dollars. One day, royal soldiers dragged him before the king.

“What have you done? Squandered my wealth with nothing to show for it? You and your family shall be sold into slavery to pay the debt.”

Belshazar fell to his knees. “No, my lord. Please—have mercy!”

The king paused, then said, “Because you have sought my mercy, you shall have it. Be gone from my sight.”

And Belshazar smiled as he left the king’s presence.

Alone on a sandy atoll, Jasmine felt the sun burn her skin. No shelter. No food. The only water around her was the sea. In a random act of defiance, she scooped up a handful of sand and tossed it into the ocean. Then another, and another. All day, every day. Each throw made her feel a little stronger. Did it make a difference? She didn’t care. It felt right.

Jesus’ Promise of Mercy

Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it. And the only way to save a fallen world was with mercy.

In the Old Testament, two Hebrew words describe God’s mercy:

• Rahamim — “motherly, life-giving mercy.” When Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly,” He was speaking of rahamim.
• Hesed — “heroic, life-saving mercy.” When the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery and Jesus replied, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone,” He was showing hesed.

This is the mystery of divine mercy: it is both life-giving and life-saving. And it is ours as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Beneath the sand, Jasmine found sharp rocks. She hurled one into the ocean. This time the water splashed her skin. The salt stung—yet it also exhilarated her. She tried again, letting her hand linger in the water. Yes, there was pain. But also cleansing. Healing. And something more?

The Four Levels of Love

Jesus teaches: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” To understand this from our human perspective, we can approach mercy through the lens of love.

Scholars describe four levels of love:

1. Need-love (childlike love): “I love you because I need you,” like a baby for its mother.
2. Trade-love (conditional love): “I’ll do this if you do that.” A love that keeps score.
3. Mature love (unconditional love): “I love you because I love you.” Freely chosen, even costly, yet rich in reward.
4. Divine love (mercy): Love that remains even when wronged—when love is met with scorn, rejection, betrayal, or abandonment. Mercy is not enabling; it calls with compassion, yet with truth: “Repent. Turn back to Me. I have grace for you.”

At last, Jasmine had enough of sand and rocks. She flung herself into the sea. She held her breath, expecting to drown. She didn’t. She discovered she belonged there—not to the barren sand, but to the sea. The ocean embraced her, and she knew she was finally home.

Belshazar’s Betrayal

Leaving the king’s presence, Belshazar encountered his colleague Aminadab.

“You scoundrel! You owe me $1,000. Pay up—or I’ll have you and your family sold into slavery!”

“My friend, I cannot pay today. Give me a week, and I will repay you in full.”

But Belshazar sneered. “Guards! Seize him!”

When King Darius heard of it, he was outraged. “Wicked servant! After I forgave you, how could you not forgive your fellow? The measure you use will be measured back to you. Guards—take him away to be sold as a slave!”

Conclusion

Each of us desperately needs mercy—from God, and from others. In Jesus, mercy has already been offered us through His death on the Cross. Now we face the same choice: will we remain on the barren sand, clinging to resentment and despair, or will we plunge into the boundless ocean of mercy—where we truly belong?

If you are someone who finds worksheets helpful, print this one out: Into the Ocean of Mercy Reflection Worksheet

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In a world that often feels unpredictable and overwhelming, establishing a daily routine might seem too simple to make a real difference. However routines, those small, repeated actions we build into our lives, can be powerful tools for supporting mental health. 

Whether you're navigating stress, struggling with anxiety or depression, or simply trying to feel more grounded in your daily life, a consistent routine can provide the stability your mind and body crave.

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Routines do more than simply keep us organized; they give shape and meaning to our days. When we know what to expect, our brains don’t have to expend as much energy in making decisions or managing uncertainty–reducing the cognitive load that can contribute to stress or cause burnout. 

Routines that include healthy habits like a regular wake time, daily movement, healthy meals, prayer, connection with others, and a restful bedtime routine offers numerous mental health benefits, including:

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Lower Stress and Anxiety 

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Predictable rhythms offer a sense of stability in an unpredictable world. When the basic structure of your day is already in place, your mind feels more at ease—and less prone to racing thoughts or worry.

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Better Sleep Quality

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Regular sleep and wake times help to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier to go to sleep and feel rested. Quality sleep is deeply connected to emotional resilience, concentration, and overall mental well-being.

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Stronger Emotional Regulation

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Routines support self-care practices like prayer, exercise, and quiet time—all of which help you stay grounded and respond to life’s challenges with more patience, clarity, and grace.

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Increased Productivity and Motivation

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When healthy habits are built into your day, you’re less likely to waste time or feel overwhelmed by decisions. Instead, you gain momentum through small, repeated actions that move you forward.

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Greater Sense of Purpose and Interior Peace

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Simple routines help you live intentionally. Even ordinary tasks—like making breakfast or going for a walk—can become opportunities for reflection, presence, and gratitude when done with purpose.

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Order in the external things of life often cultivates order in the soul. St. Benedict believed that peace was found not by escaping daily duties, but by entering into them with intentionality and devotion. A well-lived routine can calm the interior noise and make us more attentive to God’s voice.

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Feeling of Closeness to God

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When your day has structure, it’s easier to recognize moments when God is near. Whether it’s through morning prayer, a quiet cup of tea, or an evening examen, routines provide a framework that helps you pause, notice, and receive God's presence.

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How to Create a Routine that Works for You

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If you’re starting from scratch, don’t try to overhaul your whole day at once. Begin by anchoring one or two key parts of your day; the morning or the evening are the easiest times of the day to do this. 

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Here are some tips to get you started: 

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• Start small. Choose one area to focus on first.
• Be realistic. Aim for progress, not perfection.
• Track your rhythm. Use a planner or journal to notice what’s working.
• Celebrate consistency. Every small success is worth acknowledging.

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Keep in mind that your routines are meant to support you, not stress you out. Life changes. Kids get sick. Schedules shift. So make sure you keep your routine flexible. 

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Creating a routine gives you a steady foundation in which to thrive. When you experience seasons of higher stress or greater uncertainty, a well-built routine can help you maintain a sense of peace and order. 

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