Bobbie Ann Taylor

The Tenth Station of the Cross: A Mercy Reflection

“Jesus is robbed of His garments.” In the Tenth Station, we commemorate one of the many unjust humiliations that Our Savior suffered for us on His way to Golgotha. How many times have we experienced various unjust “robbings”? How many times have we been the victim of offences and negligences to our persons, our relationships, and our properties? For example…

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The Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Stations of the Cross: A Mercy Reflection

In the Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Stations, Jesus receives help and consolation—and gives counsel and consolation-- as He makes His way to Golgotha.

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The Fourth Station of the Cross: A Mercy Reflection

I wish I could name for you whoever the author or speaker was that first introduced me to the realization I am happy to share in this reflection. While I can’t give credit to that person by name, I can honor the person by helping to spread the beautiful thought the person had about the Fourth Station of the Cross (“Jesus meets His Sorrowful Mother”).

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It's tangible! … Let's not miss out on feeling Mother Mary's loving closeness and protection!

When I was a little girl, I loved dressing up in my aunt’s hats, heels, and scarves. I liked identifying with her. I liked the feeling of pretending to be her; practicing to walk in her steps; attempting to be grown up.

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Out of the Mouths of Babes: "I already did!"

After another night in which our toddler cried, tugging at his ears, our family doctor recommended we take him to an ear specialist. Stunned by the results of the ear examination, we heard the news that our son had two punctured ear drums.

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The Third, Seventh, and Ninth Stations of the Cross: A Mercy Reflection

In the Third, Seventh, and Ninth Stations of the Cross, we remember that Our Blessed Lord fell more than once while carrying His Cross, as He made His way to Golgotha.

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Out of the Mouths of Babes: "My Mommy said to say, ‘Thank you.'"

When our children were young and my husband was the only one earning a fulltime income, our kindergarten-aged daughter was eligible for a reduced lunch. To say we penny-pinched was no exaggeration. Every penny was accounted for. Period. If I bought myself a pack of gum (which I chewed a lot of then), I felt guilty.

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Out of the Mouths of Babes: With the Help of Thy Grace

Years ago, when our eight-year old son was preparing for his first reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the director of CCD was a neighborhood woman named Mrs. Grace Lewis (actual first name).

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The Second Station of the Cross: A Mercy Reflection

Although I hadn’t really thought about it until I started writing this reflection, I realize now how strongly I have been influenced by years of experiencing Franciscan meditations during Lenten Stations of the Cross devotions.

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The First Station of the Cross: A Mercy Reflection on "Washing one's hands" and Condemning

After paying my respects to the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in whichever church I enter, whenever possible, my next steps are directed toward the Stations of the Cross. One of the bonuses of so many years of Coast-to-Coast USA business travel was getting to see so many different artistic renditions of the fourteen Stations of the Cross.

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Rosaries, Pre-prayed!

After the breakup of the USSR, Rosaries were sent from a parish in this country to people who had long been deprived of Sacraments and sacramentals. Two things struck me about those Rosaries that were being sent: they had been handmade, and they were being pre-prayed!

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Out of the Mouths of Babes: "And I want it back!"

Decades ago, Art Linkletter hosted a television program that featured interviews with children, in a segment called “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” I’ve been thinking that Jesus likely could write a book, too, as Linkletter did, on the darndest things that kids say--kids of all ages, kids from all places, starting with the children He drew to Himself.

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Shrove Tuesday (2/9/16): Mardi Gras Alternative

When I first learned about and began to practice the Divine Mercy Devotion, it was a Jesuit priest, as well as one of his laywomen parishioners, who, for a number of years, were instrumental in my Faith journey. Through them, I came to appreciate the dynamic faith of my New Orleans brothers and sisters. I say that to put into context what I am about to say next.

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Looking ahead: Powerful Ash Wednesday Detachment Simulation Exercise

Jubilee Year Ash Wednesday, on February 10th, is fast approaching. On that day, as our foreheads are signed with ash-crosses, some of us will be invited to change our lives and believe in the Gospel. Others of us will be reminded that we are dust, and into dust we will return.

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How I came to know about the Divine Mercy Devotion...with twists and turns...

Here’s how those two Scripture verses played out in my life with regard to the Divine Mercy Devotion. I share this series of “twist and turn” experiences so that if you are facing “tough times,” you may have hope that inasmuch as God always is faithful to His promises, in the end, if you cooperate with His Grace, things will be more than okay!

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