Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our country and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today we celebrate a significant feast in the Catholic Church dedicated to honoring all the saints, both known and unknown, who have attained heaven. This solemnity acknowledges the “great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1, celebrating the lives of those who have faithfully followed Christ. We are all called to be saints and Smitten with Goodness. If you are looking for someone to walk alongside you in your faith journey, let me know. On this Fourth Anniversary of this blog, let’s remember and pray for all the faithful departed, reflecting on the communion of saints and the hope of eternal life.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with grateful hearts, celebrating the feast of All Saints. We honor all the saints, both known and unknown, who have faithfully followed Your will and now rejoice in Your presence in heaven.
Lord, we thank You for their example of holiness and dedication. May their lives inspire us to live with the same fervor and commitment to Your teachings. Help us to strive for sainthood in our own lives, seeking to love and serve You with all our hearts.
We pray for the strength to follow in their footsteps, to be courageous in our faith, and to trust in Your divine plan. As we remember the communion of saints, we ask for their intercession, that we may grow in virtue and grace.
On this special day, we also remember and pray for all the faithful departed. Grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them. May we all be united in Your love, looking forward to the day when we will join the saints in heaven.
All Hallows’ Eve, commonly known as Halloween, has deep roots in Catholic tradition. The term “Halloween” is derived from “All Hallows’ Eve,” which is the vigil of All Saints’ Day, celebrated tomorrow.This day is dedicated to honoring all the saints in heaven, both known and unknown.
Lord God, Our hearts are crowded with gratitude as we celebrate the feast of Thanksgiving. We have come to this our feasting table with great joy and eagerness, for we are truly grateful to you, our God, for all that we have been given. We pause now and, in silent prayer, do thank you for the great generosity of Your gifts.
We also thank one another for gifts – especially for the gifts of love and affection that we have freely shared. We are thankful for all who are present at this our feast as well as for all those who have labored in love in order to bring this dinner to our table.
May You, our God, bless this Thanksgiving feast and all of us who shall share it in your holy name.
Throughout our lives, we endeavor to see God and seek Him in our actions. Afterall, everything around us belongs to God. By observing God’s creation, we can see and respond to Him as we are part of this creation, along with our neighbors and even our enemies.
We strive to have a pure heart, and to follow God. We achieve this by recognizing the divine presence in those around us, continually seeking God’s face, and listening for His voice. Today, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of creation, rejoice in it, and praise God for revealing Himself to you.
God, creator of the world, you have given us all that is good. And caused the world to flourish. Open our eyes so that we may see the beauty of your kingdom and tend and protect it for generations to come.
How thankful are you for the divine presence in your life?
In Luke 5:1-11, we witness Jesus stepping into the fisherman’s boat uninvited, directly entering Simon’s life. Without hesitation, He begins giving instructions, first asking Simon to move away from the shore and then to venture into deeper waters. This act symbolizes the invasion of grace. The most crucial decision you will ever make is whether to cooperate with Jesus once He steps into your boat.
There is nothing more fulfilling in life than deepening your relationship with God. Your desire to begin to pray or deepen your prayer life is one that comes from God himself.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18)
Thank you Lord for Your grace, drawing us to know your heart. Amen
A Litany of Gratitude The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.
Mindful of the generosity of many, the prayers and labor of all in our midst, we offer these petitions to you Lord.
We give thanks for the generosity of many in our communities, who everyday share their gifts and talents with others: To you, Lord, we give thanks.
We give thanks for a good harvest, for farmers and those who provide food in our long term care communities: To you, Lord, we give thanks.
We give thanks for the opportunity to come together daily, to learn, share, and grow in a common ministry of peace and love. To you, Lord, we give thanks.
We are mindful of the many lacking adequate food, proper clothing, safety and security around the world. May we give thanks for all those who work for justice in our communities and around the world. To you, Lord, we give thanks. Lord, we thank you for the bountiful love you show us and to all those dear to us, through your Son, Jesus, both now and forever.
Smitten With Goodness 