Vessel & Altar

We hold this treasure in earthen vessels.

Daily liturgical formation for Catholic women who pour out — and who need to be poured into. The vessel holds the treasure and pours it out. But the vessel also needs to be filled.

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What’s ready for you every morning

Today's Readings

First Reading, Psalm, Gospel — referenced and linked

Reflection

A substantive daily meditation written for Catholic women

The Challenge

A concrete call to action — something to carry into your day

One Prayer

A single prayer to anchor the day

Five minutes. Every morning.

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This is what’s waiting for you every morning. Read the full reflection.

Yesterday's Reflection

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Readings

Read today’s readings at USCCB

The Reading

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. - 1 Peter 2:9

Reflection

You have tasted that the Lord is good. The tasting is the beginning. The longing that follows the tasting is the sign that what was given is real - like the newborn infant whose whole body is oriented toward nourishment, the person who has tasted the Lord's goodness cannot settle for anything less.

You are God's people. Once you were no people. Once you had not received mercy; now you have received mercy. The identity is given before the conduct is asked for. You are royal - not because of what you have achieved but because of who called you. You are holy - not because you have been perfectly obedient but because of the one who declared it over you.

Bartimaeus asked for the one thing: I want to see. He received it and followed on the way. He did not ask for comfort, security, or rank. He asked for the capacity to follow. Sister, what is the one thing that, if given, would change the following? Ask for it. He stops for the unstoppable cry.

The Challenge

Like newborn infants long for pure spiritual milk. Name one practice this week that puts you in the posture of longing rather than consuming - one time you will sit before the Lord asking for the pure spiritual milk rather than deciding what you think you need. Let the longing be the prayer.

One Prayer

Lord, I want to see. I want the sight that follows the call. You called me out of darkness into wonderful light - let me live from that light rather than from what was familiar in the dark. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.