We are drawn to the word “new.” When we meet someone whom we haven’t seen for a while, we ask, “What’s new?” When we buy anything—from hand lotion to a car—we want the “newest” version. We imply new is good.
But the author of Ecclesiastes makes this claim: “Nothing is new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Is that true? Is life merely a series of “the same old same old”? Perhaps it’s more accurate to say that life consists of “the same old” and “the new.” What’s more, sometimes the “same old” and “the new” are the same thing! Take the rising of the sun each morning. Same old sun but always a new day. And what about God’s love for us? The same enduring love but a love renewed and refreshed each day.
St. Augustine said it best when he addressed God as “O Beauty ever ancient, ever new.”
- Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as 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.
Thank you Sister Melannie for another beautiful reflection. Sunrises and sunsets have always left me in awe of the Lord’s presence. I wanted to share part of a poem I wrote re: the essence of a sunrise. You begin to see the ball of light seemingly cradled in hands as it rises In awe you watch as the beauty unfolds for what a miracle it comprises The sun is then lifted by the hands of the horizon like a child is lifted from it’s womb It now provides warmth to all on the earth and like a child your heart it consumes The sun gently rises with support from above and leaves you wanting to see so much more Perhaps this event foreshadows your future depicting an eternity meant to restore For certain you’ve witnessed a most precious moment providing you peace and calm Imagine your soul as that glimmering ball lifted up from the depths of His palm
Bravo Mary Beth! Just stunning.
Mary Beth, such a beautiful poem. I keep reading it and rereading it. Thank you so much. Blessings, my friend. Rita
Mary Beth…your poem was beautiful! My heart felt it and I could envision - “ The sun is then lifted by the hands of the horizon”. Thank you!
Amen! I feel closer to God now than I did when younger. Maybe because the time to meet him is getting closer.
I totally agree with you, Irene ✝️
Beautiful reflection as always Sister Melannie, thank you! Sending prayers of hope, healing and Our Lord’s everlasting Love to all of you on this new day. We are blessed beyond measure to be alive and live to serve each other as Jesus asks us to do
May the Lord bless us all with this new day filled with His renewed love!
Sr. Melannie thank you those are great words to ponder when times are hard. Having to deal with the same mean, hateful, evil people on a regular basis weighs heavy my heart but I will try to use a mental fresh start to get through. Blessings to all the LFF. May Gods hands aid those with extra needs these days and may we all spread the love of God through all the world.
Stormi and Bonnie, God sees your heart. I walk with you here. When in doubt, be kind. Ken, today I had to navigate like 4 different Re Captcha screens. They bore me. Oh and BTW, I’m not a robot.
Bonnie and Stormi I hear both of you and have experienced mean evil people over my life. You have heard this before but it needs repeating. Take some deep breaths 4 or 5 then say " He's/ She's A child of God " works for me. Bonnie adoration chaple is my Sunday ritual gets me going for the week. Jane and Pam still identifying stairs,motorcycle, busses and traffic lights. Ke
Stormi I agree with you. Yesterday I was taking with a Christian coworker at work. I said why do people have to be mean ? He responded “People suck”. I said yes “Mean people suck!” Are mean people the ones that are not God’s people or are they suffering Gods people? We unfortunately have to deal with them daily and sometimes they say hurtful words. Maybe because they are miserable and can’t find joy in their life or this crazy world. Then I think about myself and how I treat others. Sometimes I’m mean to a stranger or a loved one . I ask God to help me not take out my frustrations on others or lash out against others. I pray every day that God sends someone who will not be mean to me and people that are respectful, considerate and kind. Some days he actually does . He send strangers or loved ones that are not mean or hateful.. Then I remember some people are in such pain and aren’t aware they can offer their suffering and pain to God for certain graces they can receive for all of us. Thank you Lord for the interaction yesterday in Adoration Chapel with a kind Adoration Chapel Volunteer. Thank you Lord for all who cross my path that are kind and generous and show love to me! more people did adoration Chapell just think of how people would not be mean and follow our Lord Jesus Christ.
AMEN!
"Heavenly Father, form in me the likeness of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and deepen his life within me that I may be like him in word and deed. Increase my eagerness to do your will and help me to grow in the knowledge of your love and truth." Amen
Amen, Miguel ✝️ What a great prayer ♥️
Same old me with a fresh start on a new day. Its darker in the am each day, the sun has a different angle. The sun peaks through showing its beautiful rays. Oh a new day.
Amen! :)
Amen...may the Lord shower his blessings upon everyone today
Amen :) I remember a song from the '70s called Sunshine :) Have a great day LFF :)
Lia you brought back fond memories. I usually get up earlier than my blessed wife Kathy. During her final years she would tell me I made her day seeing me sitting looking out the window Then I started singing " You are My Sunshine my only sunshine..." Thanks for reminding me, of special times Living faith family please pray for Jeannete one of my Feedmore clients told me she has the flu , she's in her 90's and is always upbeat,sometimes gives me candy. Ken
Thank you, Sr. Melannie, for this refreshing devotion. I'm a Sunset kinda guy. But every once in a while, I marvel at the dawn of a New Day.
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Sr. Melannie, loved how you finished here… “O Beauty ever ancient, ever new.” This was just so thought provoking. New, refreshed, replenished - all feels fresh, even when it’s older in age and experience. I get to visit Susan tomorrow and am excited. Continued prayers for her as her next step will be to leave the hospital and enter rehab! Blessings to all and sending light to all those in the path of Storm Helene which promises to be devastating. Amen.