Today, Lord, our hearts are filled with concern for all who are suffering from the effects of Ian. The power of nature was played out in our midst. So much to ponder, to take it, to bring to You. You are the God of all, the Creator of all. You love us and care for us in ways we can only imagine.
Stay by our side during these “clean up” times. Remind us of Your Presence. Hold all in Your tender arms. Amen.
On this day, the church celebrates the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Each were given a specific task by God; each protected in a special way. Each delivered messages. They were protector, guide and comforter.
As we continue to experience the strength of Ian, it is a consolation to recall that the Archangels, angels, saints and all holy men and women are praying for us at the throne of God. We may not hear their voice but we can feel their power. This is a time for gratitude for all the ways that God watches over us.
To God be glory and honor and praise. Amen.
Let my prayer come before you, Lord. (Psalm Response for Wednesday, September 28, 2022)
Each day, we pray to You, Lord. With hands wide open and and arms lifted, we call on You. With grateful hearts, we thank You. With heavy hearts we pray for those who mourn the loss of a loved one. With hope-filled hearts we ask for protection for all in the path of the hurricane, Ian.
You are our protector, O Lord. You are watchful of all. Your faithfulness is forever. We are confident in Your presence. In You we will be safe from all harm.
We trust in You. We love You.
Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
From the Weekly Update of Queen of Peace Catholic Academy, September 28, 2007:
“Each morning, Wednesday through Friday, Fr. Jeff has been joining us for Drop-off at the Church area. One by one the students dance up to him to get their “high-five” and a greeting for the day. Sometimes, parents, too, steal a moment to ask a question or share a story. The students value this brief encounter and will even run up to the church door to have that hand encounter before Fr. Jeff slips into the church for 8:00 AM Mass. This is special; this is God’s love in action one to another.
These early morning moments highlight the responsibility we have not only to ourselves but also to one another. They also bring to mind the sense of community and the fact that we are truly one body in Christ. Whether we do something tiny (like a “high-five”) or something huge, the effect on another can be the same. Our Baptism calls us to membership in the Church, into the family of God. Our ordinary lives, filled with routine actions can make a great day for another. It can inspire; it can activate. It can change hearts; it can affirm.
We can never underestimate the work of God in our lives. We can never understand fully the length and breadth and height and depth of God’s love. We can never measure one tiny deed against the enormity of what God can do through us. We can, however, open our hearts to all possibilities – and then let God do what God does best. So, get ready for God’s miracles to be done through and in us! “
The Opening Prayer used at Mass yesterday was a heartwarming one indeed. “O God…we pray your grace abundantly upon us…”. We are certainly in need of God’s grace all the time – in decision making, in listening, in speaking, in reaching out, in courage. Our comings and our goings are in need of the assistance that only God can provide.
It is true that we quite often implore God’s grace. Sometimes it is without thought and without gratitude. Sometimes, too, we believe that our accomplishments are our own doings, a product of our preparation and intelligence. We fail to give honor and praise to our God. It is God’s grace, feely given and never earned that fills us.
God, our Creator, thank You for Your grace that fills us enabling us to be the person You made us to be!
Attending Mass each weekend provides the opportunity to be in the presence of mystery. Although we may gravitate to the same area of church each time, our pew companions usually vary. Whether the front seat or the last, we all gather for the same reason. Each one comes to glorify God in some way and to receive Eucharist. Social or economic status have no bearing. Young or old have no bearing. We are one and an important part of this presence of mystery.
In some ways we can liken this “presence” with the “Presence”. Coming together as God’s creation, as one Body, our actions and intentions to be inclusive and to embrace all imitates the life and message of Jesus.
Look around as you attend Mass and be awed by the variety of who you see. Praise God for calling you to this Family of God to be One.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus will be read on Sunday.. It’s a story of having everything and having nothing. Preparing we pray…
Lord hear our prayer!
Lord hear our prayer!
God, our Father and Creator, we are grateful for all You have made. All are loved by You and made for a purpose of Your design. In Your creation there is no inequality. We are one body in Your Son, Jesus.
In His life here on earth, Jesus taught us Your way. He enjoyed the company of all. He spoke with all, ate with all, blessed all. We want to be like Him.
Spirit God, fill our hearts with unconditional love. Fill us with the great desire to follow Jesus in every way we can. Let no one be ignored, put aside or made to feel unimportant..
We believe in You. We trust in You. We love You. Amen.
All praise and thanks to You, our Creator God! Thank You for Your protection from all that hinders us on the path toward You. We know it is necessary for detours and stumbles and pebbles and sticks. Each of these give us pause; each allows the time to redirect and to go deeper in our trust and faith.
When we are faced with a difficult decision, guide us. When we hear Your call to speak, send Your Spirit. When we are not sure of Your way, remind us of Jesus’ words and actions.
Always, loving God, we desire to be grateful for gifts and graces received. Our hearts are open to take in Your blessings and to use them in Your service. We are Your children, Your creation. In You we have confidence. In You we place our hope and love. Amen.
Sometimes God feels as near as ourselves handing out blessings and gifts. Sometimes when we listen carefully we can hear the words of Jesus flow from the mouth of a co-worker as a story is being told. Sometimes the wish of another comes alive at an unexpected time in ways never imagined. Sometimes when a task appears insurmountable a simple request to the Spirit for assistance comes like a rain shower.
To unbelievers this is hard to envision or to know as gift. But to those whose lives are a daily prayer to God filled with gratitude and intercession, this is ordinary, the way things are with our loving Creator. The tinge of surprise still comes, but the awareness and gratitude come as well. There is no pause, no wonder. Just a quick “thank You!” from a grateful heart to the Heart of the One who made us all and loves us all.
Their message goes out to all the earth. (Psalm Response for Wednesday, September 21, 2022)
How beautiful is the sky adorned with clouds and the sun and stars and moon! Each tells of God’s love for us. God’s creativity is enormous. God’s care for all creation is powerful.
Each new day follows the one before filling us with signs of God’s love. Each day tells of God’s plan, of Jesus’ teachings and miracles.
God listens to our cries, to the pleadings of our heart. God listens and responds in the beauty all around.
Their message goes out to all the earth.
Heart of Mission 