I wanted to try something a little different this week. Please select one of the prompts, interact with it, and respond with your thoughts. I would love to hear your insights. 1) Proclaiming from the Healed Landscape The expansive meadows and mountains under a hopeful sky reflect Jesus' mission continuing: "Let us go elsewhere... for this purpose have I come." Despite wounds, God calls you to share light—perhaps a word of encouragement to a battle buddy, patience with family readjustment, or quiet witness of faith. Let the blooming, restored land in the artwork inspire you: healing leads to fruitfulness. What small "proclamation" (a listening ear, shared story, or act of service) might flow from your own journey toward wholeness? 2) Healing in the Meadow's Renewal Gaze on the wildflowers blooming vibrantly along the riverbank—pink, purple, yellow, and blue against green hills. This scene evokes new life emerging after hardship, much like Jesus taking Simon's mother-in-law by the hand, lifting her from the fever so she rises to serve. Reflect on your own "fevers": lingering physical injuries, moral wounds from choices in service, or the exhaustion of supporting a loved one through trauma. Imagine Jesus' hand in the gentle flow of the painted river, lifting you or your family member. How does this image of blooming restoration invite you to rise and serve again—with renewed strength, perhaps in small acts of love toward your unit, spouse, or children? 3) Bringing Burdens to the Flowing River Visualize the river in the painting as a gentle path carrying away debris, symbolizing Jesus' reception of the sick and possessed at the door. Bring to this scene your burdens—comrades' unseen scars, family strains from deployments or changes, or your own guilt/anger/grief. Lay them symbolically into the flowing water, trusting Christ's compassion to cleanse and renew. How does the image's tranquil beauty assure you that no wound is beyond His reach? Offer a silent prayer: "Lord, I bring these to You—heal and restore."

Today's readings emphasize God's call to service, healing from affliction, and the strength found in prayer and mission—themes that resonate with the sacrifices of military life, the burdens of wounds (visible and invisible), and the support of loved ones. We focus primarily on the Gospel, drawing in echoes from the First Reading and Psalm for deeper reflection. Begin in a quiet space, perhaps with a crucifix or image of St. Michael the Archangel (patron of soldiers). Invoke the Holy Spirit: "Come, Holy Spirit, heal our wounds and guide our service." The Scripture: Gospel from Mark 1:29-39. On leaving the synagogue, Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her, and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and, on finding him, said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. (Supporting readings: First Reading—1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, where young Samuel learns to listen to God's call; Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 40, "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.")1. Lectio (Reading) Read the Gospel passage slowly, twice or thrice. Listen for words or phrases that stand out, as if God is speaking directly to you. For those in the Armed Forces or wounded: Notice Jesus' immediate response to suffering—grasping the hand, healing, and driving out demons. Echo Samuel's story: God calls repeatedly, even when we're unfamiliar or asleep to His voice.2. Meditatio (Meditation)Reflect on what the text means for you. Ponder these tailored prompts:

What role do you believe divine encounters play in everyday decision-making, and how has one such moment influenced a choice you've made recently? I would love to hear your thoughts and experience!

Good Evening, Warriors, I have created a simple worksheet on the five senses practice that is tailored just for you! enjoy it and practice it. I hope this can help some of you, and I will be here for questions and even a discussion with you if needed. Would it be helpful to host a live group? Let me know!!

Hello everyone! I wanted to just let all of you know that Module 1 is now open. All of you can take the course, and I hope you do! Please give me feedback, and it would be wonderful to see community responses to further the discussion and learning, for everyone to include myself!