One of the great temptations I face in the spiritual life is to be centered wholly on myself, my feelings and my sense of peace right now.
But it’s not only about me, is it? I’m part of the Body of Christ, which extends not only space but through time. This verse from the psalmist startles me for that reason. My spiritual responsibility is not only to open myself to the Lord’s presence for my own sake—gulp!—but for the sake of “a people yet to be born.”
It’s an appropriate verse for the feast of the great educator, St. John Bosco, but even if we’re not in the ministry of education, it’s a good reminder. Not to be anxious about it, but to simply remember: The gift I’ve been given is to be shared.
Saint Bosco I pray that you ask God The Father in Heaven to interceed for Thomas and help him to be what is needed to those the Lord sends to him. Let Thomas be a blessing and please ask that darkness be kept from his path. I pray for this intercession through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior AMEN
Cyndi Didn't get a chance to comment yesterday but I agree with azmom that you certainly took the prayer high road for them. I am stopping today to pray for you right now. Ken
Thank you so much, Amy! Beautiful reflection and another gentle reminder that it’s not all about”just us!” Praying and sending hopeful thoughts to all who need a little extra hope today. Jesus Lord, thank you for Your unconditional Love.
Good point. There is a huge difference between "striving for a self-determined objective and the perfect objective of God."
Thank you for sharing this!
LFF, please pray for my brother John whose little dog Bear was taken by a coyote this morning and little Bear did not survive. My brother does not have children and cares for Bear with the love of a parent. He is very distraught with the unexpected loss of his dog. Thank you.
Oh my God, that’s so heartbreaking! I can’t imagine the sadness John is feeling without Bear. I’m Praying for him this morning.
Thanks so much. He is holding a lot of grief. I will let him know you are lifting him in prayer!
Jane I know that our pets are loved members of our family. I am thinking of him and Bear tell him that the living faith family has him and Bear in our minds. Ken
Oh Jane, I can't even begin to imagine the heart wrenching emotion your brother John is feeling right now. Bear was well loved by your brother without a doubt, our pets are our family and for some, only family. Will pray for consolation of John's sorrow and steady healing in his loss.
Amen. Prayers to all with special intentions and for all in faith to be strong and know God everyday.
“people yet to be born” in Psalm 22:32 reminds me of the unborn! *** let’s look at the whole verse in Psalm 22:32, “Let the coming generation be told of the LORD that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born the justice He has shown.” *** The young people of the coming generation be told of the Lord…point them to the Lord God so they know Jesus personally! *** Then, they may proclaim justice for the unborn…the fight is now at all the states! ******* The fight is truly in telling the younger generation so they know Jesus and has a daily personal relationship with Him! It is not about pro-life or pro-choice. It is about knowing Jesus, following Jesus and pleasing Jesus! That is how justice is proclaimed to a people yet to be born :-) *** The question becomes, “Can you be Christian/Christ follower and for aborting a people yet to be born?”
Lovely reflection today...LFF, please pray for my friend of 45 years, Juliet, who, after enduring over 30 years of mental and physical abuse in her marriage was contemplating suicide...also pray for my prayer warrior friend Shanti who has been experiencing severe stomach pains and is awaiting an endoscopy
Oh Cheryl…that is so much to carry. Prayers immediately for Juliet that she may feel light and let it flow over her and take her to those who can help and move her to a better place. May Shanti find the reason for her pains and speedy recovery. Amen.
Cheryl, yes praying for both of your friends. For Juliett's faith to win over her fear. And Shanti to be eased from her suffering. God Bless.
Cheryl you are such a good friend to have. Please advise your friend to seek help from others, catholic charities has people who can help and there are anonymous sources and hot lines that might help. She does not have to put up with it. I will also pray for her and you o. My way to work this afternoon. Ken
Cheryl- I pray for a Juliet to realize how valuable her life is and will be even more so when she picks up her mat and walks away…I pray for courage and for Jesus to pull her up. I pray that’s Shantis outcome is manageable and not life changing.
Beautiful reflection Amy. To whom much has been given, much is required (Lk). One of those requirements is to share our gifts with others - in a generous and not boastful way. I am sitting here on this cold morning thanking God for keeping me warm and dry, and gently asking Him to help me do that today. Continued prayers for Mike who is on his second day of back surgery. May God be with the surgeon to ensure success. Also, lifting those who are cold and alone that they may feel warmth, connection and light.
Jane M. and Kevin, I am so touched by the LFF family. I pray for all of us, actually Mankind. Your comments touch me so deeply. Today, your comments made me cry. I took am recovering recovering from back surgery (November as well) and is by far the hardest recovery I have had. I try to be strong and patient, but sometimes I am just too sore, tired or drained. Your prayers and all LFF prayers helped me so much. I pray for all of you everyday. Each day I feel Our Lord embracing all of us and holding us close to His Heart.
Kevin, thanks for writing. Wow…that’s a lot you have done too. Mike is in his second surgery as we speak and I am lifting his care up to Jesus. Thank you for writing and I am glad you are healing too.
Jane, I’ve had 2 open heart surgeries and recently had back surgery in November. The back surgery was by far the hardest to recover from. And even though I’m 64, I’m in pretty good shape. I am still recovering at home. It’s a long road, but just this week I’ve started to feel like my old self again. It’s worth it. Keep Mike in your prayers because it will require patience and it’s been painful. I’ve prayed for Mike and all others who have requested prayer this morning. Just know, too, I stop and pray for all who request prayer, whether or not I respond in text. God bless all in the LF family!
Cyndi, I just saw your comment from yesterday. I’m so sorry that you had to go through that and be subjected to the pettiness of people. My opinion is that they are jealous of your position and this is how they show it. I love that you took the higher ground and prayed for them all. My prayers are with you. God bless!
Continued prayers for the Ukraine. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Ukraine. Please protect and send aid to those in Ukraine and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace – we who are working towards it and for all who are in danger from this conflict. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Beautiful reflection Amy! Faith in continuity! What we have received cannot be considered as our own. Life continues and those who will be here after our time should have a share in the knowledge of God and the richness of the faith handed down to us. It's certainly worth sharing. Blessings LFF. Remembering all with special prayer intentions.
Thank you for reading and for your comment!
Thank you for that great reminder, Amy. Today's first reading brought back to mind Cyndi's comment from yesterday. May it bring peace and affirmation today.
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Thanks for the reminder of self-serving versus providing for the future. DeSales said, "...do not fear about what may happen tomorrow."