Over the years, I have deeply appreciated watching the transformation of my nephews from single young men into tender fathers. At our family holiday gatherings, when all the little ones playing together escalates in loudness, we know that sooner or later there will be tears. Then I am so touched as one of the fathers scoops up the wailing child and cradles her in his arms. There’s something about being embraced in love and gazed at with such love that feels holy.
“Remain,” Jesus says. Abide. Rest in the place of knowing yourself beloved. Imagine his voice saying: Stay on the path I have set out for you. Remain in your deep listening to my words and your attentiveness to my Spirit.
- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.
Sr. Chris, this was so heartfelt and comforting. Thank you for sharing it. Sending light to all the LFF today, to clear our paths, warm our souls and comfort our hearts. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. 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 Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. 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.
Such a beautiful reflection, Sister Chris. You have the gift of presenting the love of Our Lord Jesus in such a gentle and loving manner. God bless you always, Dear Lady
AMEN!
That is a heartwarming commentary! I wonder if you knew our aunt Sister Mary Ellen K. IHM. She passed away about five years ago. She was at Saint Hugo‘s in the Detroit area. We miss her!
National Day of Prayer https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events/theme
Amen. :)
*** Question from yesterday, “What kind of ‘circumcision’ do you think is required for someone to be saved in the Christian faith these days?” *** Not the ceremonial kind because we are all saved by grace in John 15:11, “No! We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus. The Gentiles are saved in the same way.” *** His grace works like this in John 15:16, “You did not choose Me. Instead, I chose you. I appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit that will last. I also appointed you so that the Father will give you what you ask for. He will give you whatever you ask for in My Name (no other name but the Name of Jesus)!” ******* Circumcision of the heart is required to be saved in the Christian faith !!! *** Deuteronomy 30:6, “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live!” *** Romans 2:28-29, “A person is not a Jew if they are a Jew only on the outside. And circumcision is more than just something done to the outside of a man’s body. No, a person is a Jew only if they are a Jew on the inside. And true circumcision means that the heart has been circumcised by the Holy Spirit. The person whose heart has been circumcised does more than obey the written law. The praise that matters for that kind of person does not come from other people. It comes from God!” *** Ephesians 2:8-10, “God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your Salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it. We are God’s creation. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good works. Long ago God prepared these works for us to do!” Amen ????✝️????
John 15:9, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have loved you. Now remain in My love!” *** How to remain in Jesus’ love? John 15:10, “If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love. In the same way, I have obeyed My Father’s commands and remain in His love!” *** What happens when I remain in Jesus’ love? John 15:11, “I have told you this so that you will have the same joy that I have. I also want your joy to be complete!” *** What is the command in order to remain in Jesus’ love? John 15:12, 17, “Here is My command. Love one another, just as I have loved you!… Here is My command. Love one another! ******* What does “love one another” mean and look like? Jesus gave us His personal example in John 15:13, “No one has greater love than the One Who (Jesus) gives their life for their friends!”
Yesterday morning was the last BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) class this school year. Sharing with you the joy of the Lord - responses from the BSF students (ages 7-11) ******* 1. What Name of Jesus gives you encouragement and strength? Why? Holy; He is the Light of the world; Good Shepard (Shepherd); ceril (courage) 2. How has John helped you in your belief in Jesus? Care; loves us; Love; his Book the Bible; Love others 3. What is your favorite verse from the book of John? Why? John 3:16; John 3:16; John 3:16; Jesus rose from the dead; Ezekiel 1:6 4. What was the most helpful truth you learned about Jesus? Why? Jesus loves His people; that He’s Savior…why = I know I’m safe; Jesus is pationt (patient) 5. How will you live differently because of what you learned from John? to care for people; by knowing Jesus died forever me; that I will always know He love me; onusty (honesty) 6. Who was your favorite person from the book of John besides Jesus? Why? John; olovethem (all of them); thomas 7. What miracles means the most to you? Why? Making the blind man see; Babey (Baby Jesus); the blind men see 8. Questions you always want to ask about Jesus…….Do animals live in heaven? [Dogs???]; How He Loves us; if Jesus was born from sinner how was He perfect?; wut ar you lik (what are You like); how tall is You; Why did you not stop sin?
Prayers for Rich. May God Bless him. ????????
This one hurts a little too much. I lost my brother to cancer over a year and a half ago. Now my neighbor and good friend Rich is suffering the same fate. Full time home hospice has begun, and he is getting weaker by the day. I wish I could do more than pray but I know God is in control and will care for him. I've been praying this prayer every night for a while now...O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of your being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you. ...Rich... Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
Bill L. , I have been praying that same prayer to St. Peregrine a lot recently for my best friend Rick and now for our neighbor at our vacation home in SC as she was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer and is now in hospice care. Thank you for posting this prayer. Cancer touches everyone.
Bill, I can imagine the heaviness in your heart. I know your brother is watching over you and guiding your steps as you care for your friend Rich. Your work is important here. You are doing God's work by ministering to your friend and walking the journey with him. May God bless you both.
Dear Bill, praying for your Dear Friend Rich and his family at this time. We trust in the Lord and pray that His Love and comfort will be with him during these difficult days. Sorry for the loss of your brother, Bill. Prayers for your heart.
Bill L. - sometimes it’s such a feeling of overwhelming hopelessness, not being able to “do more”…to do something. All I know is that it’s God’s plan and my best prayer is to trust Him and keep praying we feel His presence, there’s sweet comfort in that. God Bless Rich And All Who Love Him.❣️
Amen.
Prayers for you, Bill, & for your friend Rich. Tribulations can be hard to bear. "Without the struggle of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases." St. Rose of Lima
Bill- so sorry. Prayers for you both. Hard to watch the suffering. May you find peace.
Thank you Sr. Chris of the reminder to keep our Lord at the center at all times....Prayers for you Bill as well as your friend, Rich... you have been such a true and loyal friend...I will keep your prayer close to my heart today
Amen.
Amen
Amen
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I love the devotions. Not a Catholic, but I use the readings in my own devotion/prayer time daily. My focus is trying to listen more deeply to God. Not easy! Thank you for this!