God In His Love And Mercy Calls Us To Change For The Better

Has this ever happened to you?  Just when you think everything is going smoothly, something goes awry that gives you cause to pause.  Doubt comes into the picture and you begin to wonder why now and what you did that changed your life condition.  The path you have been taking seems unsure and you become stymied as you contemplate what to do next.

O God, Have Mercy On Me! O Lord, Open My Lips And My Mouth Shall Declare Your Praise! My Sacrifice…A Humbled, Contrite Heart You Will Not Spurn!

(From Psalm 51 – The Miserere: Prayer of Repentance – of King David)

Each day I start my morning prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours with an examination of conscience in the following way:

“Lord, forgive my inequities, cleanse me from my sin, help me to be one with You in all that I am and in all that I do in thought, word and deed as well as Faith, Hope and Love.  Give me courage, strength, wisdom, understanding, peace, joy and grace to be obedient to your will.  For all those for whom I pray, may they receive your care, comfort and healing.”

Faith Requires Perseverance In All Facets Of Our Life, Especially In Communications With God Through Prayer

A religious from Europe active in missionary work in Zambia at a hospital and orphanage and more recently in the Ukraine, shared yesterday at Mass about a four-day ordeal he had in a basement of an apartment building in which 13 children were hiding after being wounded by a Russian missile.  Though he was able to help because of his work in Zambia, it was through perseverance in prayer that helped him and the children to cope with what happened and how they will be able to face an uncertain future.  This incident brings our Gospel and readings this weekend to life and hopefully us in how we live as practicing Catholics.

God, Who Created Us Out Of Love, Is Always Here For Us, No Matter Who We Are As Long As We Are Grateful For All That He Does

It is interesting to note how people react to illnesses and accidents, especially when they are either a part of it or have avoided it.  In the latter instance, most people express how lucky they were.  It was a close call, but they beat the odds.  Those who experienced a setback due to being affected either are upset because they have a problem which may be life-changing or are grateful because it was something minor.