Fast Pass To Jesus

~Here I am Lord; I come to do your will~

I just love reminders that it is only God's will, and not our own, that brings us true joy and peace.  We can search the world over and seek the comforts of personal pleasure but nothing, absolutely nothing, satisfies us like the dwelling place of the Lord.  


 On the way to that dwelling place, I am also reminded that Our Lady waits for all of us, eager to take us directly to her Son.  After all, who better to deliver us promptly to the Father than Our Mother?  Like any good Mother, she holds out her hand.  When one of her little children grabs hold, we are suddenly zipped to the front of the line and lead quickly to the Lord; She is the ticket and "Fast Pass" to Jesus.  

We were honored to witness 2 young men make their First Profession of Vows to the Discalced Carmelite Friars.  The ceremony was beyond beautiful and beyond words, really. 

In was their first profession of vows to the order, after being a novice for 1 year.  They were glowing from their "Fast Pass", seen and heard by all who witnessed and listened to the first words of their vows:

"I desire to live faithfully with the Virgin Mary, a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ..."
It is no surprise that Our Lady was their leader to the Lord!
{These 2 Brothers will proceed to renew their vows each year for the next 4 years, for a total of 5 years.  After the 6th year, they make their final vows to the Carmelite Order.}

Here were these 2 young men, courageously counter-cultural, exclaiming: "Here I am Lord; I come to do your will."  This was the Mass Responsorial Psalm so the congregation prayed a long with them.  These words spoke volumes today.  After the Rite of Religious Profession, Examination, and Profession, it was as if we, the lay people, renewed our own personal vows as Catholic Christians, right a long with them.  

Their "yes" to God's will was the impetus to my own renewed "yes." Their brave example fueled my resolve to persevere and keep fighting the good fight. 
Nope, we can't do a single, darned thing on our own but we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us... And our Mother who carries the Fast Pass!

{We can also encourage one another.  If you haven't picked up your Fast Pass, the Consecration to Jesus through Mary will change your life. I post some links in this post from the archives} She is calling us all to her Army as the battle wages on.
*The next start date is coming up on February 20th*

One of the brothers gave us a tour of the Monastery grounds after the Mass.  The views were incredible!

Heaven on a hill...The Rat Race does not live here!

Believe it or not, our family went back to the "rat race" encouraged. Despite the culture around us that tries its best to discourage, we were renewed in hope by the faithful.  Just as the witness of these 2 men, we are called to be the same light to one another.  It is my deepest prayer that we may pass on the torch of hope and encourage others to the same.
"I command you; be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1: 9~
*Don't forget your Fast Pass*
Is your Mother calling you?