Wouldn't it be nice if you could get a fresh new layer? A new start? A re-coating of yourself? To be able to strip off the old, scratch up the bad, and patch the holes definitely sounds enticing.
Sure, there could be some initial setbacks. You may "stink" for awhile. You may notice a few "tire tracks." You may even have "sticky shoes" for a bit. But it would be worth it. Afterwards, you would look clean, you would last longer, and you would repel better. Your relationship with "traffic" would be smoother, safer and more congenial. Maybe it's time for a change. Look at yourself, and then ask for God's grace to make you more fit for the road ahead. Holy God, tear off my tattered ways, make all my rough edges smooth, and cover me with your protective coating. May Your grace regenerate, purify, arouse and strengthen me. Amen. TAGS: Prayer, Reflection The feast that we know of today as “All Saints Day” originated on 13 May in 609 AD, when Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III changed the date to November 1 when he dedicated a chapel at the Vatican in honor of all the saints, and Pope Gregory IV later extended this celebration of all saints, and their relics, to the universal church.
All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven. It should not be confused with All Souls' Day, which is observed on November 2, and is dedicated to those who have died and not yet reached heaven. Although millions, or even billions of people may already be saints, All Saints' Day observances tend to focus on known saints --that is those recognized in the canon of the saints by the Catholic Church. We are surrounded by saints – a beautiful reminder they accompany us on our journey of faith. When we pray the Apostles’ Creed, we say, “I believe in…the communion of saints.” The communion of saints is made up of men and women who have placed their hope in Jesus Christ and through Baptism, are his adopted sons and daughters. Before his death, Saint Dominic said, “Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death, and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life.” In a very special way, on the Solemnity of All Saints, not only can we pray to our favorite saints, but we can also call upon our departed brothers and sisters whom we believe are already with God. Dear God, thank you for the example of the Saints. I desire to join in their company, worshiping you forever in Heaven. Please help me follow their footsteps. Amen. TAGS: Prayer, Reflection "And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17
Having a few acorns fall from the oak tree is typical on a nice Fall day. But being bombarded by a barrage of acorns can be painful. You become tempted to wear a helmet outdoors, but you're slightly worried about what the neighbors may think or say about you. And then there's the sea of acorns in the backyard lawn that need to get raked up. Once in awhile it's okay, but doing this task every day gets old. How to turn this situation around? Scripture tells us to turn everything into a positive thing, to enjoy work, and to do all for the glory of God. So I guess an attitude adjustment is in order. Creator God, thank you for blessing us with this Fall season so that we can relish the trees and the fruit of those trees, and glorify You all the more in the time we spend amidst Your glorious splendor. Amen. TAGS: Prayer, Story "But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14
Set between a border of stones and green bushes, with a clump of wayward grass growing around it, there stands a single cross in the homeowner's front yard. Probably not meant to be decorative, there is most likely a meaning to its presence: at this time, in this location, for this homeowner. It could merely be a visible sign of a person's faith, a continual reminder of a life lost, a sign of hope, or some other significant meaning in the homeowner's mind and soul. But with little reservation, there is most likely a meaning to its presence. Casual passersby can only surmise what the meaning could be, whereas the homeowner is fully aware of the reason for the placement of the single cross in their yard. When Catholics see a cross, we overwhelmingly think about the abundant love of God who chose His Son to suffer and die for our salvation. While this single cross could have one meaning to one person and a different meaning to another person, we have to agree that it is not often that we find a single cross in a person's front yard. Let us reflect on this single cross, found in an unobtrusive and unlikely location, and the meaning evoked within us when viewing it. Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us the inconspicuous around us, and giving meaning to our visual enjoyment. Amen. TAGS: Prayer, Reflection "The LORD is my strength and my shield ..." - Psalm 28:7
The cross on the side of the road in Tennessee was massive. You certainly couldn't miss it as you drove along the highway. What did it mean? Why was it there? Perhaps it was to offer protection and guidance. Perhaps it was to make you think. Perhaps it was to make a statement. Perhaps it was to honor Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Perhaps it was to waken weary travelers. A Google search revealed that this cross "towers over the freeway and shields Christian travelers from its next-door neighbor, a XXX porn store." So, it was indeed to offer protection and guidance, to make you think, to make a statement, to honor Jesus Christ, and to waken weary travelers as it "sprouted" from the bushes along the road. In all likelihood, its placement was not a coincidence. My Loving Savior and Protector, You alone know how to shield and protect me from the evil one, and to waken the weariness within me so as not to go astray. Thank you. Amen. TAGS: Prayer, Story The title above is a slogan often used in the recycling industry. Seems like it could be used in our everyday spiritual life as well.
For those times when you don't know which road to take, way to think, words to say, or thing to do, remember: "when in doubt, throw it out." You have two choices. Would my thought, word, or deed fit more into the world's "bin," or in God's "bin"? God's "bin" is always the better choice when confronted with a perplexing situation. It is better to be safe than to cause adverse effects by following what others deem to be right. Just like that plastic bag or plastic cup, without absolute knowledge of right versus wrong, simply make the inconclusive, but seemingly better, decision to follow the path of God and place the situation in His "bin". God of unfathomable knowledge, lead me to always choose You. Amen. TAGS: Prayer, Reflection Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash "The human heart plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps." - Proverbs 16:9
The lid on the new washer was taller than the one on the old washer, so it hit the cabinet doors above the washer when open. There seemed to be two options: (1) raise the cabinet, or (2) put some kind of a "stopper" on the cabinet. While option #1 was probably the cleaner solution, it seemed way too difficult, so option #2 became the better choice. Now the question was: what kind of a "stopper" to put on the cabinet? Brainstorming resulted in a few creative options like felt pads, some kind of a rubber product, or something hung on the doorknob such as a cotton ornament or a velvet pouch. Online searches turned up some possibilities but a clear solution did not present itself. Who would have guessed that a routine trip to a crowded grocery store would provide the answer? God works in mysterious ways if you are open to them! After picking up groceries and working our way to the check-out, one aisle seemed crowded so we took another aisle to slither our way down. It just so happened that this aisle had cat toys in it. There it was: "Lamb Chop." It's perfect! Placing it between the two doors provides the perfect padding for the washer lid to rest on. It's easily removable when you need to open the cabinets, and it's attractive (and cute) when left in place. If God hadn't steered us down this aisle, we never would have found Lamb Chop. Leading us to the right place at the right time was all in His perfect design! Lamb of God, thank you for directing our steps to Your way. Help us to see Your hand in everything and make the most of every opportunity. Amen. TAGS: Prayer, Story Come Creator Spirit,
Renew me with your strength. Purify me with your love. Strengthen me with your hope. Empower me with your justice. Cover me with your protection. Surround me with your compassion. Illumine me with your mercy. Console me with your fire. Motivate me with your power. Humble me with your passion. Satisfy me with your presence. Complete me with your grace. Hear and answer me in my need. Amen. © Rev. Michael Pavlakovich Click HERE to pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts. Starts on Friday, May 19. TAGS: Prayer "For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Have you ever felt so down like you're in a chasm or deep hole that you just can't crawl out of? Are you feeling like the walls surrounding you are caving in on you, brick by brick, one by one? Do you wonder how you're ever going to get out of this "funk"? Do you need to put caution cones around you so that others will avoid you and not be the brunt of your depression and anger? Become childlike. Look up. Look beyond. See the God waiting for you with outstretched arms. Imagine your arms outstretched, reaching out to your mother or father waiting to hold you in their arms, close to their heart. Instead of looking at the bricks falling in, look at the bricks as building blocks to be constructed into a wonderfully-made work of art, created as you are by the God who loves you. Just remember: this too will pass. The pit you are in will be restored again, and patched over so that all signs of your present troubles will be removed. O Master Carpenter, patch over the holes in my life. Be my bricklayer to rebuild me anew in Your love. Amen. TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer "But they refused to listen; they stubbornly turned their backs and stopped their ears so as not to hear." - Zechariah 7:11
How well do you listen? Do you give your undivided attention to the person speaking to you? Or is your mind wandering, thinking about the next thing you have to do or want to say? God is speaking to you, perhaps directly, or most likely, indirectly through the person speaking to you. Are you listening? Or have you "stopped your ears" so as not to hear? Stop what you are doing ... right now. Stop. God is speaking to you. Are you listening? My God, turn my back to see your face. Unblock my ears to hear your voice. Come, come into my heart. I want to listen to you. Amen. TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer |
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