"There is strong shadow where there is much light."  The days are getting longer and the sun is starting to shine a little more often. Shadows are getting stronger. Spring is here!
In a similar way, when things are going well for us, the "strong shadow" comes out of the light to stop us in our tracks, humble us, and put us back in our place. When the good times roll, the light lengthens; when the Prince of Darkness appears, the shadow strengthens. The two go hand-in-hand. O God, lengthen my light and guide me when the shadows strengthen beside me. Amen.  A little reflection to carry you through your day ...
In happy moments, praise God. In difficult moments, seek God. In quiet moments, trust God. In every moment, thank God! Amen.  "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15
As part of the cognitive therapy following his stroke, he was told to match the socks laid out before him and put them in the basket. He performed this exercise with such slow finesse. He studied the details of each sock and then placed the pairs in neat piles in the basket. It was fascinating to watch him tackle the intricacies of this seemingly simple task. How often do we glance over the graces and "socks" that are placed before us? Do we take the time to appreciate the beauty and the joy of everything around us? Thank you, Jesus, for all that we have and all that You have given us. May we slow down, at all times, and on all occasions, to take time to give you thanks. Amen.  The man set aside his walker and threw his arms around the life-size statue of his Beloved Saint in a tight bear hug. He squeezed the statue with all his might and laid his head on the statue's shoulder. I so wanted to join him in a big group hug!
I was sure that when he saw me, he would be embarrassed. But rather, he turned around, grabbed his walker, looked at me with a grin that stretched from ear to ear, and shuffled away. He had just met up with his long-lost friend. It’s wondrous what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you’re blue A hug can say, “I love you so,” Or, “I hate to see you go.” A hug is “Welcome back again.” And “Great to see you! Where ‘er you been' A hug can soothe a small child’s pain And bring a rainbow after rain. The hug, there’s just no doubt about it -- We scarcely could survive without it! A hug delights and warms and charms; It must be why God gave us arms. Hugs are great for fathers and mothers, Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers; And chances are your favorite aunts love them more than potted plants. Kittens crave them, puppies love them, Heads of states are not above them. A hug can break the language barrier And make your travel so much merrier. No need to fret about your store of ‘em; The more you give, the more there’s more of ‘em. So stretch those arms without delay And give someone a hug today! --"What Hugging Can Do", Dean Walley, The Messenger Oh, the power of a hug. Sometimes we need them. Sometimes we give them. Have you hugged someone today? Have you been hugged by someone today?  Halleluia! All glory, praise and honor to You Most Glorious Lord Jesus! You have risen from the grave, You have conquered sin and death, You have opened the gates to Heaven! Halleluia! All praise and honor to You Most Glorious Lord Jesus!
(SOURCE: https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/triduum-and-easter-prayers/prayer-meditation-for-easter-octave/) |
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