September 11, 2024
23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Hope in Suffering
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Luke 6:21

On a Sunday morning, my son developed a medical issue. It wasn’t terribly serious, but it did need attention—so off we went to the ER. We were the only patients when we arrived and, over the morning and early afternoon, were shuffled to various rooms in the bowels of the hospital. It was easy to believe that we were alone there in this situation of illness and discomfort.

Until we emerged to find rooms and even hallways crowded with young and old, some barely conscious, others clearly in pain. There was no possibility of pretending that others weren’t suffering too. We were plunged right into it.

Suffering can isolate us. We can be isolated from the suffering. But whether we realize it at any given moment, our world is awash in suffering, every bit of which Jesus sees and is present to, offering hope. 

Loving Jesus, may those who suffer find hope in your promise.

- Amy Welborn

1 Corinthians 7:25-31 ✚ Psalm 45:11-12, 14-17 ✚ Luke 6:20-26
A wilted flower lying on the ground, its vibrant colors faded, symbolizing the weight of sorrow and loss; generated with AI. Image by yanisa | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

September 16, 2024 at 10:39 AM

New to this site,(thank you Vivian Amu!) I am constantly moved by those suffering the loss of loved ones that tragic day and by loved ones and friends who have lost children and loved ones tragically, whether due to accidents or disease. Offering up prayers for healing and for deep faith in Our Lords love for them

September 11, 2024 at 02:01 PM

These verses gives me hope and perspectives when it comes to sufferings!!! *** 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "Our troubles are small. They last only for a short time. But they are earning for us a glory that will last forever. It is greater than all our troubles. So we don’t spend all our time looking at what we can see. Instead, we look at what we can’t see. That’s because what can be seen lasts only a short time. But what can’t be seen will last forever!" *** Isaiah 43:2, "You will pass through deep waters. But I will be with you. You will pass through the rivers. But their waters will not sweep over you. You will walk through fire. But you will not be burned. The flames will not harm you!" *** John 16:3, "I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world!" ******* I can keep going forever finding hope and peace in His Word :-)

September 11, 2024 at 01:40 PM

*** Pray with me for Jessi as she prepares and studies today for her written and clinical exam tomorrow wrapping up her month long stay at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio ✝️ *** By His grace and for His glory that Jessi passes her exams with flying colors as an encouragement and affirmation to her. May God’s presence be with Jessi as she moves forward to where God has planned for her residency ✝️ *** Exodus 33:15-17, “Then Moses said to Him, “If You don’t go with us, don’t send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and Your people? You must go with us. How else will we be different from all the other people on the face of the earth?“The Lord said to Moses, “I will do exactly what you have asked. I am pleased with you. And I know your name. I know all about you.” Amen ✝️

jane
September 12, 2024 at 07:33 AM

Dear Lord, please be with Jessi during her exams today to give her wisdom, confidence and accuracy as she strives to amplify your word through a healing profession. Amen.

peggyR
September 11, 2024 at 09:52 PM

Joining you in prayer for your Jessi, Salina. May the Holy Spirit give her clarity of mind and may she feel Our Lord’s hand on her shoulder calming her as she concentrates on her exam. All the best, Dr Jessi!

Bill L.
September 11, 2024 at 05:47 PM

Continued prayers this evening for Susan, Juan, Jessica, Danielle and Jessi. Spent a few weeks down there for an operation many dozens of years ago.

September 11, 2024 at 11:55 AM

amen

September 11, 2024 at 11:19 AM

Praying for all those that are suffering will come to know Jesus, and for those that know Him, will grow closer to Him. A blessed day and continued prayers for all LF family.

September 11, 2024 at 10:02 AM

God Bless America, never forget those of 911.

peggyR
September 11, 2024 at 09:46 PM

Thank you TW, may we always remember those who perished that fateful day. RIP brave brothers and sisters. Amen

September 11, 2024 at 09:57 AM

Amy thank you for your comments and thoughts today,yes we all know the anguish of ER visits and hospitals. Living faith family please pray for my oldest daughter Danielle had a problem with her mammogram and has to return for a biopsy. Bishop coming to say Mass at my church tomorrow morning. Bill I lived on Long Island and lost friends and classmates on 9/11. Pam wondering if I will see you tomorrow or Sunday?? Ken

jane
September 12, 2024 at 07:31 AM

Ken, I am asking that the guardian angels of the medical team meets with Danielle’s gaurdian angel to ensure a safe procedure and fast results. May God be with her on the journey and ensure she knows she is in good hands. Sending Danielle light for this path. Amen.

peggyR
September 11, 2024 at 09:57 PM

Asking Our Blessed Mother to be with Danielle for the biopsy, Dear Ken. Her earthly Mom will be with her as well. Praying for good test results, Dear Lord Jesus.

Salina
September 11, 2024 at 01:51 PM

Praying for Danielle that the biopsy is a precautionary step to be safe ✝️ in 3 John 1:2, "Dear friend, I know that your spiritual life is going well. I pray that you also may enjoy good health. And I pray that everything else may go well with you!" Amen!!!

Rita
September 11, 2024 at 12:54 PM

KJC, praying for Danielle right now that the Lord may bring her comfort and peace. Breast biopsies aren't fun, I've had four and by the grace of God, they were all non-malignant, but I'm still high risk for cancer. Ken, make sure someone goes with her, to be her rock, when she finishes the biopsy. Praying big prayers for her. Rita

Ellen
September 11, 2024 at 11:04 AM

Praying for Danielle right now. May she feel God’s presence with her as she goes through the biopsy and the waiting.

September 11, 2024 at 09:22 AM

AMEN!

September 11, 2024 at 08:31 AM

May those who suffer find hope in your promise. Amen!

September 11, 2024 at 07:43 AM

Amen. :)

September 11, 2024 at 07:30 AM

Amy, thank you for the devotional and reminding us that suffering is universal. Through suffering and pain we know joy and happiness. Jesus is certainly present to us in this time and lets us experience hope through his resurrection. Ann, thank you for your thought yesterday on that God responds to our prayers with Yes, No, Not Yet. Yesterday we all experienced the YES for Susan. The tubes came out at about 1 p.m. The neurologist was there and her responses to cognitive questioning was 100%. Very emotional day for Juan and sister Jessica. Thank you all for these much needed prayers for her continual improvement. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. Amen.

Bill S
September 11, 2024 at 01:32 PM

Jane, what fantastic good news this is for Susan and Juan. Continued prayers for all as they receive health care.

Rita
September 11, 2024 at 12:57 PM

Wonderful news, Jane! What a wonderful God we have. All honor and praise to our God!

Kjc
September 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Jane prayers for you Susan Juan and Jessica right now. Still having to find motorcycle and stairs and traffic lights. Ken

peggyR
September 11, 2024 at 09:06 AM

Such beautiful news this morning , Jane! What joy and yes, mixed emotions for Juan and Jessica as they experienced Susan’s responding to them. Continued prayers for Susan and her family, her health care team angels. Yes, God is good all the time.

September 11, 2024 at 07:25 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, and those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to 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.

September 11, 2024 at 06:52 AM

Amen.. thank you Amy... us parents know all too well what it is like to be in the ER with your children... hope and prayer and the Dr's hands are all we have during those hours Prayers for all those who lost their innocent lives on September 11, 2011

September 11, 2024 at 05:52 AM

Amen

September 11, 2024 at 04:59 AM

9-11-2001 May we never forget those who perished that day, Prayers for them and their families.

Lia
September 11, 2024 at 05:50 AM

Amen.

September 11, 2024 at 03:51 AM

Thank you, Amy for this devotion. It is quite fitting on this day of remembrance. One of my brothers worked for a company that had two offices. One in Delaware and the other in the World Trade Centers. He was at his office in Delaware that day. He lost a lot of close friends. My prayers go out to those still suffering from that event.

A wilted flower lying on the ground, its vibrant colors faded, symbolizing the weight of sorrow and loss; generated with AI. Image by yanisa | stock.adobe.com
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