Tag: Perspective

In the western world, it is engrained to be independent.  But to live fully we need community and connection.  Perhaps this independent mindset feeds our struggle with loneliness and anxiety.

I need others in order to really see and know myself. Otherwise, I will listen to my own arguments, believe my own lies, and buy into my own delusions. If I am going to see myself clearly, I need others to hold the mirror of God’s Word in front of me.

As Christians who still have pockets of spiritual blindness, we need two character qualities:

First, we need the loving courage of honesty. We need to love others more than we love ourselves, and so, with humble, patient love, help them to see what they need to see.  Second, we need the thankful humility of approachability. We need to forsake defensiveness, be thankful that God has surrounded us with help, and be ready to receive it—every day!

I need to wake up in the morning and say, “God, I am a person in desperate need of help. Please send helpers my way and give me the humility to receive the help you have provided. Lord, make me willing to help someone see themselves as you see them today.”

We need to live in humble, honest, intrusive, and intentional community with one another, where personal ministry that goes both ways is part of our daily culture.

God, would you send helpers my way and give me the humility to receive the help you have provided? And Lord, would you make me willing to help someone see themselves as you see them today? In your name, amen.

We are called to an intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit, the “Sweet Guest of the Soul.” Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon us at our baptism to be the craftsman of our holiness, and our consolation and strength as we await Christ’s return.

Today we celebrate Saint Dymphna who is the patron saint of mental disorders.  As many struggle with disconnection, anxiety and loneliness, let’s pray for the presence of God to envelope these hurting minds and hearts.  

No one wants to face the world alone and unaided and we do not have to because we have the help of Christ’s advocate. Let’s be aware of the gentle presence of the Holy Spirit in our souls. Let’s be attentive and docile to his inspirations and movements to console our weary hearts.

Lord, as I begin this prayer, I offer you my whole self: my thoughts, desires, decisions, actions, hopes, fears, weaknesses, failures, and petty successes. I open my entire being to you, aware that you know everything already. I’m certain of your mercy and of the purifying power of your penetrating, loving gaze. Amen

Jesus stresses two essential qualities for effective prayer: confidence and perseverance.  Prayer brings our mind into the brightness of divine light and exposes our will to the warmth of divine love.  Nothing else can purge our mind from its ignorance and our will from disordered affections. As St. Francis de Sales says: It is a blessed fountain which, as it flows, revives our good desires and causes them to bring forth fruit, washes away the stains of infirmity from our soul and calms the passions of our hearts.

When we put our heart at Jesus’ feet, this is the gift that he loves the most.

Lord, grant us the confidence and perseverance to meet you in prayer, bringing us into the light of your face. Amen

Heavenly Father, I lift up to you today my mothers and all mothers. Bless them with strength to continue to care for their children, with the same bold, selflessness Mary showed Jesus. Help my mother and all mothers feel our gratitude and truly know their impact. May we honor them today and on all days as vessels of Your love. In Your name I pray. Amen.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known 

that anyone who fled to thy protection, 

implored thy help, 

or sought thy intercession, 

was left unaided. 

Inspired by this confidence 

I fly unto thee, 

O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. 

To thee do I come, 

before thee I stand, 

sinful and sorrowful. 

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions, 

but in thy mercy hear and answer me. 

Amen.

At various points in our lives we find ourselves needing to sing a new song. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need an attitude adjustment, a change of mindset, in how I see the world and those around me. I need to sing a song of salvation rather than one of fear, doubt and despair.

As believers, we look forward to God’s coming reign. This isn’t just a future reality, it’s a present one. Every prayer, word or action can be a note of song. God gathers the world in mercy and love and everything sings together in response – the sea, the earth and everyone on it. What a beautiful vision of beauty and hope. Let’s remember this and be a part of God’s new song today! 

God of Salvation, 

The entire earth sings of your creative and saving presence in human history. We lift our voices to you in praise and thanksgiving. Grant that your power animates our thoughts, words, and deeds drawing us to sing Your healing and merciful song today!

Amen

The Church celebrates St. Catherine of Siena this week and quotes from her writings are relevant to us today. Meredith Frediani shares her perspective on one of her popular quotes.

“These tiny ants have proceeded from his thoughts just as much as I. It caused him just as much trouble to create the angels as these animals and the flowers on the trees.”

When I wake up at night for no good reason, I reflect on God’s creation. When I look up at the stars I don’t feel small. I feel awe. I feel amazed that I get to be part of all of this.

God had a big pile of nothing and from it he created everything. All of it fits together perfectly. Everything has a purpose and it is vast beyond our ability to comprehend. There are giant planets and huge rocks flying through space. And if I imagine a big funnel I can think about that enormity gradually becoming smaller: our planet, the oceans, the land, the animals, the people, the ants. 

The same God who made Jupiter made bugs, and both are necessary and needed in his plan. I don’t understand why it is important for there to be centipedes. They only serve to startle me as they dash across my bathroom floor but God made them. The oceans are miles deep and contain creatures we do not even know about yet. The forests are full of flora and fauna of an endless variety. There is weather! Why? Why can’t it always be sunny and 75 degrees? I don’t know, but that’s what God wanted. 

And we get to live here with all of it because he created us too. 

Lord, I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and I praise You for that. I praise You for Your generosity in giving us this beautiful place to live. Amen