Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song. Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.
God is our help and our shield. He is always there for us when we need Him. Even when we feel most abandoned by Him, He is there, lending us His Strength. He is the Source, Center, and Summit of our joy. He is the beginning and the end of our hope. He is the most perfect love we will ever experience. He will never do anything to drag us down. Indeed, He will do everything He can to lift us up in our times of need and raise us to Heaven.
Do we rejoice in the Lord? Do we trust in His Plan? How are we a help and shield to others?
O Lord, in you our hearts trust and rejoice.
Amen.
Showing posts with label God's Help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Help. Show all posts
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Twenty-Second Saturday in Ordinary Time
God himself is my help. O God, by your name save me, and by your might defend my cause. O God, hear my prayer; hearken to the words of my mouth.
If our cause is worthy, God will help us. Even if we are weak and have all the world stacked against us, if we trust in God, we can move mountains. Even if we are poor, if we are willing to pay the price, then we will be rich in what truly matters. Even if we are lost, if we trust in the guidance of the Lord, then we will find ourselves at the right places and the right times to do the most good. God is our help. It is by His Holy Name that we are all saved and it is by His might that we are defended against the evil and wickedness of the Devil. It is to Him that our hearts, minds, and spirits should turn to in times of need. It is Him whom we should pray to and petition. He is our Savior and our Lord and we should be wholeheartedly His.
Do we seek God’s Help in our times of need? How can we make prayer and petition a central facet of our lives? How can we be a helper and defender of others?
O Lord, by your name we are saved.
Amen.
If our cause is worthy, God will help us. Even if we are weak and have all the world stacked against us, if we trust in God, we can move mountains. Even if we are poor, if we are willing to pay the price, then we will be rich in what truly matters. Even if we are lost, if we trust in the guidance of the Lord, then we will find ourselves at the right places and the right times to do the most good. God is our help. It is by His Holy Name that we are all saved and it is by His might that we are defended against the evil and wickedness of the Devil. It is to Him that our hearts, minds, and spirits should turn to in times of need. It is Him whom we should pray to and petition. He is our Savior and our Lord and we should be wholeheartedly His.
Do we seek God’s Help in our times of need? How can we make prayer and petition a central facet of our lives? How can we be a helper and defender of others?
O Lord, by your name we are saved.
Amen.
Monday, August 5, 2019
Eighteenth Monday in Ordinary Time
Sing with joy to God our help. “My people heard not my voice, and Israel obeyed me not; So I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts; they walked according to their own counsels.”
There are many things in this world that can drown out the voice of God. Other people can lead us astray. TV, computers, games, and other forms of entertainment can distract us from what we should be doing. Our goods and possessions can come to possess us. We can suffer setbacks and difficulties without once turning to God for help. We complain about what we have, we envy what others possess, we are consumed by consuming. Our hearts are hardened with hatred, prejudices, sins, and evil thoughts. However, all these things can be overcome if we turn to the Lord, pray for His intercession, and are willing to listen to what He is asking us to do with our lives. It might not be where we want to go, but it is what is best for us and the sooner we accept this and humble ourselves before God, we sooner we will have peace and spiritual prosperity.
What are the things in our lives that are drowning out God’s voice? What can we do to free ourselves from these spiritual dead ends? How can we walk in God’s counsel rather than our own?
O Lord, we sing to you, who helps to soften our hearts with love and mercy.
Amen.
There are many things in this world that can drown out the voice of God. Other people can lead us astray. TV, computers, games, and other forms of entertainment can distract us from what we should be doing. Our goods and possessions can come to possess us. We can suffer setbacks and difficulties without once turning to God for help. We complain about what we have, we envy what others possess, we are consumed by consuming. Our hearts are hardened with hatred, prejudices, sins, and evil thoughts. However, all these things can be overcome if we turn to the Lord, pray for His intercession, and are willing to listen to what He is asking us to do with our lives. It might not be where we want to go, but it is what is best for us and the sooner we accept this and humble ourselves before God, we sooner we will have peace and spiritual prosperity.
What are the things in our lives that are drowning out God’s voice? What can we do to free ourselves from these spiritual dead ends? How can we walk in God’s counsel rather than our own?
O Lord, we sing to you, who helps to soften our hearts with love and mercy.
Amen.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot
Remember the marvels the Lord has done. They had weighed him down with fetters, and he was bound with chains, Till his prediction came to pass and the word of the LORD proved him true.
Even in our troubles, God remains faithful to us. We might suffer for a time, short or long, but always God will deliver us from our difficulties. If we are besieged by temptations, He will protect us from evil. If we are imprisoned by sin, He will offer us the freedom of forgiveness. If we are suffering in some way, He will heal us. If we are blind, He will help us to see. If we are lost, He will help us find our way. If we are falsely accused, He will be our Advocate. If we are mocked or persecuted, He will defend us. We might not always know why we have to pass through dark nights or imprisonments, but God is good and He will release us and help us to prosper in spirit and truth. We just need to remember God does marvelous things for all his good and faithful servants.
Are we weighed down by any worldly fetters or chained by imperfections and sin? Do we ask for God’s aid in freeing us? Do we remember even in our worst moments that God wants to do marvelous things for us?
O Lord, release us from our fetters and chains and help us remember your marvelous deeds.
Amen.
Even in our troubles, God remains faithful to us. We might suffer for a time, short or long, but always God will deliver us from our difficulties. If we are besieged by temptations, He will protect us from evil. If we are imprisoned by sin, He will offer us the freedom of forgiveness. If we are suffering in some way, He will heal us. If we are blind, He will help us to see. If we are lost, He will help us find our way. If we are falsely accused, He will be our Advocate. If we are mocked or persecuted, He will defend us. We might not always know why we have to pass through dark nights or imprisonments, but God is good and He will release us and help us to prosper in spirit and truth. We just need to remember God does marvelous things for all his good and faithful servants.
Are we weighed down by any worldly fetters or chained by imperfections and sin? Do we ask for God’s aid in freeing us? Do we remember even in our worst moments that God wants to do marvelous things for us?
O Lord, release us from our fetters and chains and help us remember your marvelous deeds.
Amen.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Fifth Thursday of Lent
The Lord remembers his covenant forever. Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.
There are many reasons to look at the Lord and seek to serve Him constantly. He is our Heavenly Father, who created us and now protects us for evil. He is our Beloved Brother, who showed us the Way, the Truth, and the Life and wants only to lead us to salvation. He is our Holy Advocate, who inspires us to do the right thing and helps us be the best versions of ourselves. He is true to His Word and has adopted us as His children. He loves us. He is merciful toward us. He pours out His graces upon us. He has wrought wondrous deeds for us, but He has also wrought small miracles in our lives that we won’t really know about until they are revealed in the next life. He has given us every guidance along the way so we might not be lost to the world, but walk the narrow path to heaven. Let us hope we will devotedly follow Him so that one day we will be called His good and faithful servants.
Are we serving God constantly in all our thoughts, our words, and our works? Do we seek Him as we ought? How can we recall and give thanks for all His wondrous deeds?
O Lord, we look to you in your strength and strive to serve you constantly.
Amen.
There are many reasons to look at the Lord and seek to serve Him constantly. He is our Heavenly Father, who created us and now protects us for evil. He is our Beloved Brother, who showed us the Way, the Truth, and the Life and wants only to lead us to salvation. He is our Holy Advocate, who inspires us to do the right thing and helps us be the best versions of ourselves. He is true to His Word and has adopted us as His children. He loves us. He is merciful toward us. He pours out His graces upon us. He has wrought wondrous deeds for us, but He has also wrought small miracles in our lives that we won’t really know about until they are revealed in the next life. He has given us every guidance along the way so we might not be lost to the world, but walk the narrow path to heaven. Let us hope we will devotedly follow Him so that one day we will be called His good and faithful servants.
Are we serving God constantly in all our thoughts, our words, and our works? Do we seek Him as we ought? How can we recall and give thanks for all His wondrous deeds?
O Lord, we look to you in your strength and strive to serve you constantly.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Fifth Wednesday of Lent
Glory and praise forever! “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.”
Our heavenly Father deserves to be glorified and praised. He is our Creator. He is our protector. He is our refuge in whom we trust. He is all the things we should aspire to be. He is our Savior through His Beloved Son. He is our guide through the Holy Spirit. His is the name we should glorify and praise above all others. He is the source, the center, and the summit of all that is good and should take the place of honor in our hearts, minds, and souls.
In what ways do we glorify and praise our Heavenly Father? How do we allow Him to help and guide us? What can we do to lead others to a greater appreciation and love for our Good God?
O Lord, we will glorify and praise you forever.
Amen.
Our heavenly Father deserves to be glorified and praised. He is our Creator. He is our protector. He is our refuge in whom we trust. He is all the things we should aspire to be. He is our Savior through His Beloved Son. He is our guide through the Holy Spirit. His is the name we should glorify and praise above all others. He is the source, the center, and the summit of all that is good and should take the place of honor in our hearts, minds, and souls.
In what ways do we glorify and praise our Heavenly Father? How do we allow Him to help and guide us? What can we do to lead others to a greater appreciation and love for our Good God?
O Lord, we will glorify and praise you forever.
Amen.
Friday, March 15, 2019
First Friday of Lent
If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand? Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
Sometimes we experience sorrow and misery in this life. We lose something that is precious to us. A loved one. Our health. Our wealth. Our occupation. Or any of a myriad of things. In these dark nights we can lose our way and feel completely helpless. In times such as these, we should not be afraid to call out from the depths and ask God to hear us. He will listen and in His Infinite Mercy, He will come to us in a way, a place, and a time that will be best for us and lead us closer to our salvation. We just have to trust in Him and allow Him to work His wonders in our lives.
When we are sorrowful or despairing, do we turn to God for consolation, comfort, and help? Do we mimic God’s Compassion in our own lives? If not, then how can we become as merciful to others as God is to us?
O Lord, we cry to you from the depths, hear our voices!
Amen.
Sometimes we experience sorrow and misery in this life. We lose something that is precious to us. A loved one. Our health. Our wealth. Our occupation. Or any of a myriad of things. In these dark nights we can lose our way and feel completely helpless. In times such as these, we should not be afraid to call out from the depths and ask God to hear us. He will listen and in His Infinite Mercy, He will come to us in a way, a place, and a time that will be best for us and lead us closer to our salvation. We just have to trust in Him and allow Him to work His wonders in our lives.
When we are sorrowful or despairing, do we turn to God for consolation, comfort, and help? Do we mimic God’s Compassion in our own lives? If not, then how can we become as merciful to others as God is to us?
O Lord, we cry to you from the depths, hear our voices!
Amen.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.
The grace of God has done many things for us. It has brought us to life through the love of God the Father. It has given us every aid to be holy through the teachings and examples of Jesus. It has provided us with spiritual support through the inspirations and protection of the Holy Spirit. It has saved us and trained us to reject godless ways and worldly desires. It has encouraged us to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in an age that encourages us to live immoderately, greedily, and faithlessly. It gives us every opportunity to be cleansed of our sins, reform our lives, and become a people eager to do what is right. There is no excuse for us if we fail to live up to our calling as Christians because God's Grace provides us all we need to be good and faithful servants to God and His children.
Do we welcome God's Grace into our lives or shut it out through sin and pride? How can we be more open to the graces He is trying to pour out into our lives? What can we do to become more grace-full people, eager to do God's Will in all things?
O Lord, save us and train us to reject the godless and worldly ways that seek to lead us astray.
Amen.
The grace of God has done many things for us. It has brought us to life through the love of God the Father. It has given us every aid to be holy through the teachings and examples of Jesus. It has provided us with spiritual support through the inspirations and protection of the Holy Spirit. It has saved us and trained us to reject godless ways and worldly desires. It has encouraged us to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in an age that encourages us to live immoderately, greedily, and faithlessly. It gives us every opportunity to be cleansed of our sins, reform our lives, and become a people eager to do what is right. There is no excuse for us if we fail to live up to our calling as Christians because God's Grace provides us all we need to be good and faithful servants to God and His children.
Do we welcome God's Grace into our lives or shut it out through sin and pride? How can we be more open to the graces He is trying to pour out into our lives? What can we do to become more grace-full people, eager to do God's Will in all things?
O Lord, save us and train us to reject the godless and worldly ways that seek to lead us astray.
Amen.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Fifteenth Friday in Ordinary Time
"O LORD, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in your presence, doing what was pleasing to you!" And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: "Go, tell Hezekiah: Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you: in three days you shall go up to the LORD's temple; I will add fifteen years to your life. I will rescue you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; I will be a shield to this city."
Our prayers and petitions never fall on deaf ears with God. If we ask for what is good for us and He deems it necessary for our salvation, then He will answer our request. He wants us all to have a good life. Not one of worldly success, but one of spiritual success. He will never give us something that isn’t good for us. He will always provide us with the gifts, talents, and graces we need to overcome all the obstacles in the way of our salvation. He will heal us of our sins and rescue us from our foes if we come to Him in prayer and ask for His help with humble and contrite hearts.
Do we pray to God for help with all our difficulties? Do we thank Him for all our successes? How can we conduct ourselves in God’s presence, doing what is pleasing to Him?
O Lord, hear our prayers.
Amen.
Our prayers and petitions never fall on deaf ears with God. If we ask for what is good for us and He deems it necessary for our salvation, then He will answer our request. He wants us all to have a good life. Not one of worldly success, but one of spiritual success. He will never give us something that isn’t good for us. He will always provide us with the gifts, talents, and graces we need to overcome all the obstacles in the way of our salvation. He will heal us of our sins and rescue us from our foes if we come to Him in prayer and ask for His help with humble and contrite hearts.
Do we pray to God for help with all our difficulties? Do we thank Him for all our successes? How can we conduct ourselves in God’s presence, doing what is pleasing to Him?
O Lord, hear our prayers.
Amen.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
No one is immune to suffering and weakness, especially the followers of Christ. As God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” This revelation can be difficult to accept when we are going through trials and tribulations, mockery and persecution, and all manner of hardships. However, it is true. God’s Grace is always sufficient. He gives us exactly what we need to overcome our difficulties... perhaps not always in a physical way, but always in a spiritual one. At the same time, our weaknesses do indeed perfect our power, our gifts, and our talents because they remind us to be humble and depend upon God. Without our weaknesses, we would believe ourselves sufficient and turn away from God. And so, although we might not understand why a particular trouble should befall us, we should be able to understand our trials are not meant to break us, but to perfect us in faith, hope, and love.
What trials are we facing today? Have we called upon God’s Help in overcoming them? Are we willing to suffer them until the end of our days if doing so would be for the greatest service to God and others?
O Lord, your grace is truly sufficient for all of us.
Amen.
No one is immune to suffering and weakness, especially the followers of Christ. As God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” This revelation can be difficult to accept when we are going through trials and tribulations, mockery and persecution, and all manner of hardships. However, it is true. God’s Grace is always sufficient. He gives us exactly what we need to overcome our difficulties... perhaps not always in a physical way, but always in a spiritual one. At the same time, our weaknesses do indeed perfect our power, our gifts, and our talents because they remind us to be humble and depend upon God. Without our weaknesses, we would believe ourselves sufficient and turn away from God. And so, although we might not understand why a particular trouble should befall us, we should be able to understand our trials are not meant to break us, but to perfect us in faith, hope, and love.
What trials are we facing today? Have we called upon God’s Help in overcoming them? Are we willing to suffer them until the end of our days if doing so would be for the greatest service to God and others?
O Lord, your grace is truly sufficient for all of us.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Wednesday of Holy Week
The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; And I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.
God provides us with everything we need to grow and prosper in faith, hope, and love. If we pray for them, He will give us the right words to speak to others in counsel or comfort. If we pray for it, He will open our ears so we might hear His voice and follow His commandments, teachings, and inspirations. If we pray for it, He will give us the grace and strength to resist temptation, indifference, and distraction and never turn our backs on Him. If we pray for it, He will give us the patience, mildness, and mercy to give our backs to those who beat us and forgive those who mock or persecute us. He is always there for us, standing by our side and ready to offer us all we need to succeed as His good and faithful servants.
Do we give thanks to God for all He has given us? Do we ask for His help in all our trials in this life? How can we be more open to His aid and guidance?
O Lord, grant us the gifts and graces we need to grow in faith, hope, and love.
Amen.
God provides us with everything we need to grow and prosper in faith, hope, and love. If we pray for them, He will give us the right words to speak to others in counsel or comfort. If we pray for it, He will open our ears so we might hear His voice and follow His commandments, teachings, and inspirations. If we pray for it, He will give us the grace and strength to resist temptation, indifference, and distraction and never turn our backs on Him. If we pray for it, He will give us the patience, mildness, and mercy to give our backs to those who beat us and forgive those who mock or persecute us. He is always there for us, standing by our side and ready to offer us all we need to succeed as His good and faithful servants.
Do we give thanks to God for all He has given us? Do we ask for His help in all our trials in this life? How can we be more open to His aid and guidance?
O Lord, grant us the gifts and graces we need to grow in faith, hope, and love.
Amen.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Fifth Friday of Lent
"Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him." But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!
God is our mighty champion. He wants to defend us from evil and protect us from sin. He wants to lift us up when we fall, to lend His strength to us when we need it, and lead us to victory over the wickedness of the world. He wants to grant us His grace and forgiveness. He loves us all and He will not let our enemies overpower us if we trust and depend upon Him. However, He will not force His aid and protection upon us. He wants us to choose it freely and willingly by testing us and probing our minds and hearts. If we choose Him as the center of our lives, then He will rescue us from the power of the wicked and champion us through the valley of darkness to the light of paradise.
Do we seek out God’s help in our lives? Do we depend upon Him and trust He will see us through all our difficulties? How can we make Him the center of our lives in thought, word, and work?
O Lord, rescue us from the power of the wicked.
Amen.
God is our mighty champion. He wants to defend us from evil and protect us from sin. He wants to lift us up when we fall, to lend His strength to us when we need it, and lead us to victory over the wickedness of the world. He wants to grant us His grace and forgiveness. He loves us all and He will not let our enemies overpower us if we trust and depend upon Him. However, He will not force His aid and protection upon us. He wants us to choose it freely and willingly by testing us and probing our minds and hearts. If we choose Him as the center of our lives, then He will rescue us from the power of the wicked and champion us through the valley of darkness to the light of paradise.
Do we seek out God’s help in our lives? Do we depend upon Him and trust He will see us through all our difficulties? How can we make Him the center of our lives in thought, word, and work?
O Lord, rescue us from the power of the wicked.
Amen.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Second Monday of Lent
Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
All of us rebel against and depart from God’s commandments from time to time. We allow temptations to lead us astray and into sins both venial and grave. We make excuses for our actions and try to convince ourselves we are not to blame. However, no one forces us to sin. It is our choice and when we make the wrong choice we must make amends with God and those whom we’ve sinned against. We do this through seeking out the sacrament of Reconciliation, making a good confession, and doing penance. If we do all these things, then God in His Divine Mercy will forgive us and we shall have another chance to live holy lives conformed to the commandments and laws of our Heavenly Father.
What sins do we have the most trouble resisting? Do we ask God for His help against these weaknesses? How can we reflect God’s Mercy in our own lives when others sin against us?
O Lord, be merciful to us who have sinned against you and seek your forgiveness.
Amen.
All of us rebel against and depart from God’s commandments from time to time. We allow temptations to lead us astray and into sins both venial and grave. We make excuses for our actions and try to convince ourselves we are not to blame. However, no one forces us to sin. It is our choice and when we make the wrong choice we must make amends with God and those whom we’ve sinned against. We do this through seeking out the sacrament of Reconciliation, making a good confession, and doing penance. If we do all these things, then God in His Divine Mercy will forgive us and we shall have another chance to live holy lives conformed to the commandments and laws of our Heavenly Father.
What sins do we have the most trouble resisting? Do we ask God for His help against these weaknesses? How can we reflect God’s Mercy in our own lives when others sin against us?
O Lord, be merciful to us who have sinned against you and seek your forgiveness.
Amen.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered he is able to help those who are being tested.
Jesus understands what we go through each day because he was incarnated and lived here on earth for over three decades. He has been tempted like us, but without sin. He has suffered like us, but without giving up hope in our Heavenly Father. He has been bullied, persecuted, and shunned like us, but without seeking revenge. He knows the trials and tribulations we face and he is willing to walk us through them all if we allow him. He become like us so he could give us a perfect model to follow... a way to faith and mercy and love. He wants to help us through every obstacle from the moment of our conception to the moment of death so we might one day join him forever in the heavenly feast.
Do we seek God’s help in our times of need? Are we as merciful and helpful to others as Jesus is to us? How can we be more open to God’s grace in our lives?
O Lord, help us through the tests of our lives.
Amen.
Jesus understands what we go through each day because he was incarnated and lived here on earth for over three decades. He has been tempted like us, but without sin. He has suffered like us, but without giving up hope in our Heavenly Father. He has been bullied, persecuted, and shunned like us, but without seeking revenge. He knows the trials and tribulations we face and he is willing to walk us through them all if we allow him. He become like us so he could give us a perfect model to follow... a way to faith and mercy and love. He wants to help us through every obstacle from the moment of our conception to the moment of death so we might one day join him forever in the heavenly feast.
Do we seek God’s help in our times of need? Are we as merciful and helpful to others as Jesus is to us? How can we be more open to God’s grace in our lives?
O Lord, help us through the tests of our lives.
Amen.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Fourth Sunday of Advent
To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.
This hymn of praise reminds us of the importance of praying to God for strength. None of us can bear our burdens alone. We need God’s help to keep from collapsing under the weight of our crosses, which are heavy with doubts, fears, anxieties, and all sorts of worldly worries. We need His Love to encourage and support us. We need His Holy Spirit to sustain and uphold us. We are His children and He will help us in every way to become the best people we can be. He will give us graces and talents to see us through every trial and accomplish good works, both great and small. All we have to do is recognize our dependence upon him, humble ourselves before Him in prayer and be obedient to the teachings of Christ and his Church.
Do we pray to God for strength, especially during our daily trials? How can we share our crosses with God more faithfully? What can we do to show God we are willing to submit to His Will?
O Lord, strengthen us.
Amen.
This hymn of praise reminds us of the importance of praying to God for strength. None of us can bear our burdens alone. We need God’s help to keep from collapsing under the weight of our crosses, which are heavy with doubts, fears, anxieties, and all sorts of worldly worries. We need His Love to encourage and support us. We need His Holy Spirit to sustain and uphold us. We are His children and He will help us in every way to become the best people we can be. He will give us graces and talents to see us through every trial and accomplish good works, both great and small. All we have to do is recognize our dependence upon him, humble ourselves before Him in prayer and be obedient to the teachings of Christ and his Church.
Do we pray to God for strength, especially during our daily trials? How can we share our crosses with God more faithfully? What can we do to show God we are willing to submit to His Will?
O Lord, strengthen us.
Amen.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, "Fear not, I will help you." Fear not, O worm Jacob, O maggot Israel; I will help you, says the LORD; your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. I will make of you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, and double-edged, To thresh the mountains and crush them, to make the hills like chaff. When you winnow them, the wind shall carry them off and the storm shall scatter them. But you shall rejoice in the LORD, and glory in the Holy One of Israel.
We might not be able to overcome every worldly obstacle on our own, but thankfully God is with us. He is more then willing to lend us a hand out of the darkness and into the light. He constantly tells us to, “Fear not!” After all, He is our Father and King. He won’t let anything happen to us unless we truly want it for ourselves. He won’t force faith or truth on us. He lets us make our own choice. Hopefully, we choose Him above all… even ourselves.
Do we realize God is with us? How can we live more mindfully of this truth? What can we do to make better choices that will lead us to eternal life with our Father and King?
O Lord, help us.
Amen.
We might not be able to overcome every worldly obstacle on our own, but thankfully God is with us. He is more then willing to lend us a hand out of the darkness and into the light. He constantly tells us to, “Fear not!” After all, He is our Father and King. He won’t let anything happen to us unless we truly want it for ourselves. He won’t force faith or truth on us. He lets us make our own choice. Hopefully, we choose Him above all… even ourselves.
Do we realize God is with us? How can we live more mindfully of this truth? What can we do to make better choices that will lead us to eternal life with our Father and King?
O Lord, help us.
Amen.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
"Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal.
The Church is the Bride of Christ and the wife of the Lamb. This relationship with God is mirrored in Mary, who is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Both Church and Mary have given their fiat to God. They have magnified Him, rejoiced in Him, and proclaimed Him through their thoughts, words, and works. Mary prefigures the Church. She is the model upon which the Church is formed. Her virtues are the virtues of the Church, her sacrifices are the sacrifices of the Church. It is through Mary that the Word was made Flesh and Jesus Christ was brought into the world. It is through the Church that the Eucharistic Feast is celebrated and Jesus Christ is made present to us today. Just as Mary gave her life completely to knowing, loving, and serving God, so too has the Church throughout the ages. Just as Mary was infallible in her faith, so too the doctrines of the Church are infallible, even though individuals within the Church are not. As Mary is the Seat of Wisdom who will never fail us, so too the collected Wisdom of the Church is something that cannot fail. Mary and the Church both guide us toward Christ in their own ways and we would do well to follow their lead.
Do we ask Mary for her help and guidance? Do we seek out the wisdom of the Church when we are in difficulty or doubt? How can we become more like Mary and the Church in our faith lives?
O Lord, guide us through Mary and the Church to your Divine Wisdom.
Amen.
The Church is the Bride of Christ and the wife of the Lamb. This relationship with God is mirrored in Mary, who is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Both Church and Mary have given their fiat to God. They have magnified Him, rejoiced in Him, and proclaimed Him through their thoughts, words, and works. Mary prefigures the Church. She is the model upon which the Church is formed. Her virtues are the virtues of the Church, her sacrifices are the sacrifices of the Church. It is through Mary that the Word was made Flesh and Jesus Christ was brought into the world. It is through the Church that the Eucharistic Feast is celebrated and Jesus Christ is made present to us today. Just as Mary gave her life completely to knowing, loving, and serving God, so too has the Church throughout the ages. Just as Mary was infallible in her faith, so too the doctrines of the Church are infallible, even though individuals within the Church are not. As Mary is the Seat of Wisdom who will never fail us, so too the collected Wisdom of the Church is something that cannot fail. Mary and the Church both guide us toward Christ in their own ways and we would do well to follow their lead.
Do we ask Mary for her help and guidance? Do we seek out the wisdom of the Church when we are in difficulty or doubt? How can we become more like Mary and the Church in our faith lives?
O Lord, guide us through Mary and the Church to your Divine Wisdom.
Amen.
Friday, August 11, 2017
Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin
Ask now of
the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth;
ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen
before? Was it ever heard of? Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking
from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? Or did any god venture to go and
take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by testings, by
signs and wonders, by war, with his strong hand and outstretched arm, and by
great terrors, all of which the LORD, your God, did for you in Egypt before
your very eyes?
God is
personally involved in our lives, just as He was with the Israelites so long
ago. All the goods in our lives come from Him. He constantly speaks to us
through our conscience and through the inspired words of others. He ventures
forth with us in all our endeavors and offers His aid in our times of trial and
tribulation. By signs and wonders, great and small, he delivers us from evil
and leads us to good. We might not always notice His Presence or the instances
of His Divine Assistance, but He is with us... always. In return, we ought to
do everything in our power to remember what God has done for us and to
recognize His Presence in our lives... for there should be no doubt that He
will remember us, the good and bad, when the time comes for our earthly journey
to end.
Do we keep
our eyes, minds, and hearts open to seeing, understanding, and appreciating
everything God does for us? Are our ears and consciences open to listening to
and putting into practice God’s Divine Word? In what ways do we recognize God’s
Presence in our lives?
O Lord,
thank you for all you have do for us.
Amen.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Twelfth Saturday of Ordinary Time
“Now that I am so withered and my husband is so old, am I still to have sexual pleasure?” But the LORD said to Abraham: “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I really bear a child, old as I am?’ Is anything too marvelous for the LORD to do? At the appointed time, about this time next year, I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son.” Because she was afraid, Sarah dissembled, saying, “I didn’t laugh.” But he replied, “Yes you did.”
There may be times in our lives when we feel like Sarah... we think to ourselves that something is impossible even for God to do. However, we need to remember that God is all powerful. He can help us overcome any obstacle. He can give us the strength to carry any burden. He can offer us the graces and gifts we need to fulfill His Will. He can forgive us our sins, no matter how bad they might be. He is not limited in His Love or Mercy and at the appointed time He will gives us all we need to survive our trails and thrive in holiness. But in His time, not ours. So let us resist the temptation to put restraints on God’s Goodness and Power and instead accept God’s aid in whatever form it comes... whenever it comes.
Are there things in our lives that we haven’t entrusted to God’s Providence? How can we place these things into His Hands? What can we do to become more trusting of God’s Love for us and His willingness to provide for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?
O Lord, there is nothing too marvelous for you to do.
Amen.
There may be times in our lives when we feel like Sarah... we think to ourselves that something is impossible even for God to do. However, we need to remember that God is all powerful. He can help us overcome any obstacle. He can give us the strength to carry any burden. He can offer us the graces and gifts we need to fulfill His Will. He can forgive us our sins, no matter how bad they might be. He is not limited in His Love or Mercy and at the appointed time He will gives us all we need to survive our trails and thrive in holiness. But in His time, not ours. So let us resist the temptation to put restraints on God’s Goodness and Power and instead accept God’s aid in whatever form it comes... whenever it comes.
Are there things in our lives that we haven’t entrusted to God’s Providence? How can we place these things into His Hands? What can we do to become more trusting of God’s Love for us and His willingness to provide for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?
O Lord, there is nothing too marvelous for you to do.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.” Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God.
When someone helps us, we ought to praise God for bringing that person into our lives. It isn’t an accident or coincidence that we meet helpful, loving, and merciful people in our lives. It is a God-instance. Every good we receive comes from God because He is the source of all good. No one can be good without Him. He inspires us to do what is right through the commandments of the Father, the teachings of the Son, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is why we too should jump up and praise Him when we are blessed in some way. Whether it is a great or small act of charity, a major or minor “miracle” in our lives, or a prayer answered, they all deserve an expression of our thanksgiving to God, our Good and Faithful Lord.
Do we praise God when others help us? Do we recognize Him as the source of all the good in our lives? How can we become living fonts of God’s Goodness?
O Lord, we praise you as the source of all goodness.
Amen.
When someone helps us, we ought to praise God for bringing that person into our lives. It isn’t an accident or coincidence that we meet helpful, loving, and merciful people in our lives. It is a God-instance. Every good we receive comes from God because He is the source of all good. No one can be good without Him. He inspires us to do what is right through the commandments of the Father, the teachings of the Son, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is why we too should jump up and praise Him when we are blessed in some way. Whether it is a great or small act of charity, a major or minor “miracle” in our lives, or a prayer answered, they all deserve an expression of our thanksgiving to God, our Good and Faithful Lord.
Do we praise God when others help us? Do we recognize Him as the source of all the good in our lives? How can we become living fonts of God’s Goodness?
O Lord, we praise you as the source of all goodness.
Amen.
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