Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest

The Lord has done marvels for us. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.

Gladness should be a core trait for us all. We have much to be happy about. God formed us in His Divine Image and gave us free will. He created us and gave us all our gifts and talents. He has provided us with graces and blessings beyond what we deserve. He has protected us from the wickedness and snares of the Devil and all those who would lead us away from Him. He has done marvelous deeds for us in great and little ways. He has adopted us as a Father. He has loved us as a brother. He has been with us in Spirit and in Truth, showing us the Way and the Life that will lead to salvation and eternal life. Yes, we have many things to be glad and grateful for and we should proclaim this to all who will hear us.

What are we glad about? How can we be happier people, even in our moments of difficulty? What can we do to spread the Good News of God’s marvelous deeds to all the world?

O Lord, you have done marvels for us and we are glad.

Amen.

Eighteenth Friday in Ordinary Time

I remember the deeds of the Lord. I remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I remember your wonders of old. And I meditate on your works; your exploits I ponder.

Every day we should take time to ponder the words and works of the Lord. We can do this through reading the Scriptures and going to Church and receiving the sacraments. We can also do it through quiet times of spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, and even contemplation of the mysteries of Christ. We can also remember God’s deeds when we act charitably and mercifully and treat others with dignity. It is a remarkable blessing to make Him present in our lives through imitation of Jesus, which is the best way to know, love, and serve God.

Do we take time to meditate on God’s works, not only in Scripture, but also in our lives? Do we remember everything He has done for us and try to imitate Him in the way we treat others? How can we put into action the commandments of our Holy Father, the teachings of His Beloved Son, and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit?

O Lord, we shall always remember your deeds.

Amen.

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.