Paul is saying a very difficult goodbye in today’s first reading. Those of us who are experienced parents can likely relate. For decades, my wife and I kept watch over our own little flock. But they are grown and gone now. Especially when they were little, we did whatever was needed so that our children were safe and well. Even when the difficulties seemed insurmountable, the joy far outweighed the sleep deprivation and the worries.
Today, our son and daughter-in-law are making us proud as they endure some of the same sacrifices for the sake of their flock. Our eldest daughter and her husband are doing the same. One day, the seemingly endless nights, the countless hours attending youth sporting events and the myriad other activities will come to an end for them too. God willing, each of their children will move into a healthy adulthood. The best that we can do is offer them our blessings and commend them to God.
Good afternoon all! Thank you so much for your kind remarks regarding today's devotion. It is very rewarding to know that my efforts (in concert with the Holy Spirit) and all the efforts of the Living Faith staff are appreciated. God bless everyone in the Living Faith Family.
The eldest of my little flock came with me to walk the El Camino de Santiago. What a blessed experience that was! The group we were with was enthusiastic & supportive. We had a priest with us & celebrated Mass every day. Walking does free us from our burdens!
I remember selfless love and sacrifices for our little flock. Our first grandchild is due July 1 but as a result of my selfish desires and my idol of significance as it stands, my daughter has decided not to tell my granddaughter that I even exist. I pray daily that over time as a result of my newfound SELFLESS love, dedication to Jesus Christ, and Catholic faith the Holy Spirit will work in my daughter's heart to once again accept me as a Dad and Granddad.
Beautiful reflection, Terence. Oh how we receive so much joy from our little flock. I believe that Our Lord Jesus loves His whole flock, He embraces everyone because they’re all his children, no guardrails, just Love unconditional.
Excellent. Your message is spot on and very necessary for all new parents to realize. Thank you!
Thank you Terrence. Beautiful and meaningful reflection. Headed to Suzan’s funeral today. Tomorrow they will bury her in Southern Illinois. May eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her.
Suzan and her family will be in my prayer's tonight, as well as you, Jane.
God Bless Suzan And All Who Love Her.
Sending prayers of peace and comfort as you celebrate Suzan’s life and lay her to rest, Jane. You were there for her when she needed help the most. Respect for you and your husband.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, 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, Darfur 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.
John 17 is my favorite chapter of the Gospel of John because it is the prayers of Jesus. If you want to know how to pray for yourself, your loved ones and other believers, this is the chapter!!! *** Jesus prayed for Himself in John 17:1-5 *** Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:6-19 *** Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:20-26 ******* Here is what catches my attention in today’s readings! *** John 17:17, “Use the Truth to make them holy. Your Word is Truth!” To be holy is to know the Truth (Jesus is the Truth, the Way and the Life in John 14:6). To know the Truth is to understand the Word! Therefore, study God’s Word to discover God’s Truth and God’s Truth will set us free to be holy! *** John 17:14-15, “I have given them Your Word. The world has hated them. That’s because they are not part of the world any more than I am. I do not pray that You will take them out of the world. I pray that You will keep them safe from the evil one!” It’s Jesus’ prayer that His followers receive God’s Word and they will be hated (in my case being cancelled even on this site), but I will be kept safe from the evil ones! ✝️ *** Acts 20:28-30, “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—His church, purchased with His own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following!” Guard myself and His flock in feeding and shepherding them (in God’s Word) by the power of the Holy Spirit! ✝️ ******* His Word demands a verdict from you: accept or reject because you cannot ignore His Word ♥️ I am called to lead the next generation (the flock) in His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit, not to lead them in religion or rules or sacrifices or do/don’t ✝️ The Holy Spirit will do His work as I share God’s Word with them ♥️
I cannot agree more, it touches my heart too see my children taking care of their own flocks. Praise Jesus! Amen!
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your love. Set our lives aflame with your gifts. Grant us: wisdom to choose what is good and true; understanding to embrace your plan of salvation; right judgment to act according to your will; courage to share our faith with others; knowledge to live as disciples of Jesus Christ; reverence to respond faithfully to your grace each day; and wonder and awe in your presence. Inspire us with enthusiasm for our Catholic faith. Grant us boldness to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, and help us to bring the transforming power of the gospel to our world. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. AMEN. ...OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY, GLORY BE... Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – Understanding Comes through the Holy Spirit. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God. 1 Corinthians 2: 12
Bill L. ~ Thank you!
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Sorry to those following. Thought I did this one,,, Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your love. Set our lives aflame with your gifts. Grant us: wisdom to choose what is good and true; understanding to embrace your plan of salvation; right judgment to act according to your will; courage to share our faith with others; knowledge to live as disciples of Jesus Christ; reverence to respond faithfully to your grace each day; and wonder and awe in your presence. Inspire us with enthusiasm for our Catholic faith. Grant us boldness to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, and help us to bring the transforming power of the gospel to our world. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. AMEN. ...OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY, GLORY BE... Thursday, May 16, 2024 – One Spirit, Many Gifts There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit: there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12: 4 - 6