Happy Easter! He Is Risen! Alleluia!
The Sanctuary of the Adoration Chapel at my parish, with Christ Jesus in the Holy Eucharist surrounded by Easter bouquets.
I am leaving this afternoon for a weekend backpacking trip along a local section of the Appalachian Trail. Also, not shockingly, I am writing this post at kind of the last minute this morning, so my Takes will be even quicker than normal. While I am hiking through the mountains and rejoicing in God’s Creation, I will be praying for my readers and your intentions.
Ever since Holy Thursday I have been going through some things in my spiritual life that came pretty much out of the blue. Every day it seems one or two things pop up, either in prayer, reading, or something that somebody says, to re-enforce this. It is a little troubling, because it is causing me to re-evaluate some things, especially with regards to my eventual vocation. One of the things that resonated strongly with me was this excerpt from Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil Homily.
“Accept the Risen Jesus into your life, then. Welcome him as a friend, with confidence. He is life! If up to now you have been distant from him, take a small step: He will welcome you with open arms. If you are indifferent, take the risk: You will not be disappointed. If following him seems difficult to you, don’t be afraid: entrust yourself to him and rest assured that He is close to you. He is with you and will give you the peace you are seeking and the strength to live as He wants you to.”
Speaking of vocations, this utterly beautiful video comes via my great friend Channing Dale. It gives a real insight into what the vocation of a cloistered nun means and looks like, and to how that call to a life of such radical love and total gift of self to Jesus might come to a young woman in the modern world.
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My spiritual library continues to expand.
I FINALLY OWN SOME CARMELITE BOOKS!! Right now, I have started in on reading some the works of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, and I can feel myself becoming something of a devotee of hers. Excellent stuff about abandonment and union with God.
I cannot believe that on Monday I will be making the Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary. Time flies. I am incredibly excited to do so, however, and I have already noticed the Blessed Mother quietly taking possession of my heart.
Thank you to everyone who was praying for me the past couple weeks; not only did I land a second job at a used bookstore run by an acquaintance of mine, BUT ALSO my hours at my primary job went back up to full-time! So grateful for the little extra breathing room in my budget. God provides… 
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
