Thursday | April 25, 2024
1 Peter 5:6-7:
So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God…. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you
St. Mark
God Cares for Us
I was reading this Scripture just as we were warned that a hurricane was coming our way. Humbling ourselves means facing the truth of our own limitations, that we are not in control. This invitation is to cast all our worries on God not just because God is all powerful but because “he cares for you.” That God cares for us, is with us with great personal love in all our anxieties, has throughout my life, again and again, helped to calm the great storms of escalating fears inside me.
We had no great damage from that hurricane. Yet even if we had, (for in the past, sometimes what I feared did happen), being assured that God’s care was with me was a blessing beyond words.
Let us pray today for people who are experiencing great anxieties, that they may have some indication of God’s caring presence with them.
- Patricia Livingston
1 Peter 5:5b-14 • Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17 • Mark 16:15-20
Wednesday | April 24, 2024
Acts 13:3:
Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Covered in Prayer
In commissioning Barnabas and Saul, the fledgling Church is on the verge of some of her most dynamic growth. These two missionaries are prepared not just by their fellow disciples but “sent forth by the Holy Spirit” (v. 4). They laid the groundwork with fasting and prayer.
Fifteen centuries later in Switzerland, Fidelis of Sigmaringen offers a similar example. He left a career in law to become a Capuchin Franciscan priest, displaying a heart for the poor and vulnerable. He bravely stepped forward at a contentious time in the Church, appealing to those who had left the Church. His reputation for deep prayer and unflagging zeal inspired others. He urged himself on, frequently saying, “Woe to me if I should prove myself but a halfhearted soldier in the service of my thorn-crowned Captain.”
What could the Holy Spirit accomplish if we imitate these evangelists’ prayers, enthusiasm and joy in our workplaces, neighborhoods and faith communities?
- Steve Pable
Tuesday | April 18, 2023
Matthew 28: 18-20 (RSV-CE):
Luke 2:33-35:
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."SOURCE: Living Water Catholic
Friday | October 28 2022
Luke 6:12-16:
Jesus’ all-night vigil is significant in that it is a time of prayer and discernment prior to choosing the Twelve. Jesus comes down from the mountain, gathers all the disciples and chooses his core group of missionaries. They are to go out to and preach God’s holy word.
I know that your call to me was not a one-time event at the beginning of my journey with you. You call me every day through your word and sacrament and in the ordinary moments of my life.
Thursday | October 27, 2022
Luke 13:31-35:
Despite the Pharisee’s hostile warning, Jesus remains committed to his mission. His destiny, the fulfillment of the will of his Father, lies in Jerusalem. He refers to the third day, a foreshadowing of the resurrection. Jesus laments the stubbornness of his people.
I draw strength from you, especially during those challenging times when I am tempted to give in, to hide, or to find another way. You are there beside me reminding me that there is only one way.
Wednesday | October 26, 2022
Luke 13:22-30:
Jesus is heading to Jerusalem, to his suffering and death. The question posed to him about few being saved is presumptuous on the part of the person asking. Jesus does not answer directly but uses the opportunity to warn the people about misunderstanding what discipleship requires and the cost it brings. It is not an easy road.
On this journey with you I falter, I fall, I lose hope. I am ever thankful that you catch me when I falter, pick me up when I fall, and when I despair, you restore my hope.
Tuesday | October 25, 2022
Luke 13:18-21:
Tiny beginnings yield great results. The mustard seed becomes a bush that grows to great heights. The yeast causes the dough to rise and increase in size. And so, it is with God’s kingdom inbreaking in the smallest life events and through the most insignificant people.
I am thankful for the insights you give into the kingdom. You use ordinary and relatable things to explain that which is otherwise difficult to understand.
Monday | October 24, 2022
Luke 13:10-17:
How could Jesus see this woman and not respond to her needs no matter the day? How could the synagogue leader witness Jesus’ compassion and not see the necessity of Jesus action? The crowd sees and rejoices.
Help me to be kind, compassionate and forgiving toward others. I pray to live in your love.
Sunday | October 23, 2022
Luke 18:9-14:
The targeted audience for this parable, those who are self-righteous is clear. Though he follows the prescribed laws, the pharisee’s prayer gives him away. He does what is expected to benefit himself while despising the tax collector who is conscious of his sinfulness and seeks God’s mercy.
Humility is a beautiful virtue for which I pray. May I walk humbly with God today and always.
Saturday | October 22, 2022
Luke 13:1-9:
As in the case of the Galileans murdered by Pilate and the people killed in a construction accident, no one can know the exact moment of death. Now is the time to repent and dedicate one’s life and living to the kingdom.
Loving and merciful God, I am in awe of your patience with me. Though I am often easily distracted, hesitant and unsure, you know my heart and beckon me to join you on your path.
