Twenty-Ninth Monday in Ordinary Time

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast.

God brought us to life through and with Christ. We gave us our lives for a purpose and wants us to fulfill His Will. As such, He gives us every grace we need to accomplish His Divine Plan. He wants to think, speak, and work through us so He might bring about the greatest good for all His beloved children. We are hampered in doing His Will when we fall into sin and indifference. However, He is always besides us, offering forgiveness and mercy so we might repent and do what is right and good. He is kind and loving and provides us all we could ever hope for in our lives. He offers us salvation as a gift and if we are humble and trusting enough, we receive it with open minds, hearts, and spirits.

For what purpose has God given us life? How are we fulfilling or denying this purpose? How can we accomplish God's Will more faithfully, hopefully, and lovingly?

O Lord, we thank you for the immeasurable graces you've given us.

Amen.

Twenty-Fifth Friday in Ordinary Time

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for everything under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

God’s Divine Plan for us does not always match up with our plans. However, He knows what is best for us and if we trust in Him, then no matter what happens to us, we will know it is for our good and the good of others. We were born for a purpose and will die for one, too. We will have to die to ourselves in some ways so we can live in others. We must be willing to tear down ourselves so we might be rebuilt in God’s image. We must be willing to suffer loss so we might gain in spirit. We must be willing to defend ourselves from the attacks and snares of the Devil so we might have eternal peace with God. Just like Jesus, our lives will not be without suffering and loss. We will need to be able to accept the sacrifices being asked of us and know in our hearts that if we commend our spirits to God, He will take care of them.

Do we trust there is a divinely appointed time for everything under the heavens? Are we willing to trust God will see us through our trials and tribulations to a deeper peace in Him? How can we become more patient with God’s Divine Plan?

O Lord, not our will, but your will be done.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Monica

We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.

God makes us worthy of our calling through His graces. He gives us the virtues, goodness, and strength to be good and faithful Christians. He is the one who brings to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of our faith. We are His instruments, His living vessels and our primary purpose on this earth is to do His Will, to glorify Him, and love Him and His children. It is by doing these things with a humble and self-sacrificing heart that we are saved and eventually glorified. Moreover, we are not only responsible for ourselves, but also the faith lives of those around us. We are called to do everything we can in order to help our family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies to become instruments of God's Love, Mercy, and Grace.

Are we putting our time, talents, and treasures to good use? Are we making every effort to fulfill the purposes God has given us? What are we doing to help others fulfill their purposes?

O Lord, make us worthy of our callings.

Amen.

First Thursday of Advent

A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates
to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.

The traits of the nation in this scripture should also be our traits. They are the traits God wants us to have because they reflect His Goodness and led us to holier lives. We are called to be just as the Heavenly Father is just. We are called to keep the faith, just as our ancestors did during good times and bad. We are to have a purpose, just as Jesus did. He came into the world to reveal the depth of God’s Love and Mercy and our lives should reveal the same. We are called to keep the outer peace just as the Holy Spirit provides us with inner peace. Last but not least, we are asked to trust in God and allow Him to lead us through the darkness and into the light of eternal life.

Are we dedicated to justice and keeping the faith? Do we have a firm purpose in our lives to know, love, and serve God and His children? Do our words and actions keep the peace?

O Lord, in peace, we trust in you.

Amen.

Second Thursday of Easter

Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.

God is trustworthy. This is something we should keep in mind whenever we start to ask, “Why me?” Perhaps the trials and tribulations we have in this life help lead us to where we need to be. Maybe the reason why we go through difficulties is because they serve some greater purpose. Most importantly, God gives us the gift of His Holy Spirit to see us through all of our problems. He loves us and expresses this love through all the graces He gives us. If we are so focused on our sufferings and complaints, we miss these little miracles that surround us. So the next time something bad happens to us, perhaps be shouldn't ask “Why me?” but rather “What grace will come from this?”

How often do we ask ourselves “Why me?” Can we change our hearts so this this question becomes: “What grace will come of this?” How can we remind ourselves that God gives us the Holy Spirit to overcome all our trials?

O Lord, we accept your testimony. Grant us the gift of your Spirit.

Amen.

Fourth Friday of Lent

You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.

It is important for us to remember God has sent us into the world. Just like Jesus, we find our source in the Lord. There is a purpose to our lives beyond mere survival and worldly success. He sent us into the world to be reflections of His Divine Image and shine with the light of His Love, Mercy, and Grace. All of our good works come from Him and without Him we could do nothing.

How do we remind ourselves of the one who sent us? What purpose do we have in God’s Divine Plan? What is the best way for us to know, love, and serve God and His Children?

O Lord, send us into the world to do your will.

Amen.