Recently, I was asked to sing for a group of prisoners. When I was first approached about it, every muscle in my body tensed. I thought, “I have never been in a prison before. What will it be like? How should I act? I’m not sure I am capable.” Imagine my surprise when I blurted out, “Yes, of course I’ll go!” I won’t say I wasn’t a bit scared, and extremely unsure of myself, but it ended up being the most remarkable blessing, in every way.
All of us tend to stick with what we know. It’s human nature. Jesus reminds us that a very important part of each journey of faith is to step outside of our comfort zones as fearlessly as we are able—to go on our way, carrying Love with us, trusting in God’s provision as we do. We are not promised it will be easy, only that we will not be alone.
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.
*** Paul's desire to preach in Rome in Romans 1:13-15, "Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that I planned many times to visit you. But until now I have been kept from coming. My work has produced results among the other Gentiles. In the same way, I want to see results among you. I have a duty both to Greeks and to non-Greeks. I have a duty both to wise people and to foolish people. So I really want to preach the good news also to you who live in Rome!" *** God's plan for Paul to the Gentiles (you and I) and Peter to the Jews in Galatians 2:7b-8, "It was the task of preaching the Good News to the Gentiles. My task was like Peter’s task. He had been trusted with the task of preaching to the Jews. God was working in Peter as an apostle to the Jews. God was also working in me as an apostle to the Gentiles!" *** Paul's uncomfortable way to reach the Gentiles in Rome in chains in Acts 24:22-23, 27; 25:24-25; 26:32; 28:16, 28-31, "Felix knew all about the Way of Jesus. So he put off the trial for the time being. “Lysias the commanding officer will come,” he said. “Then I will decide your case.” He ordered the commander to keep Paul under guard. He told him to give Paul some freedom. He also told him to allow Paul’s friends to take care of his needs...Two years passed. Porcius Festus took the place of Felix. But Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor. So he left Paul in prison.......Festus said, “King Agrippa, and everyone else here, take a good look at this man! A large number of Jews have come to me about him. They came to me in Jerusalem and also here in Caesarea. They keep shouting that he shouldn’t live any longer. I have found that he hasn’t done anything worthy of death. But he made his appeal to the Emperor. So I decided to send him to Rome........Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free. But he has made an appeal to Caesar.".......When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself. But a soldier guarded him..."Here is what I want you to know. God has sent His salvation to the Gentiles. And they will listen!” For two whole years Paul stayed there in a house he rented. He welcomed all who came to see him. He preached boldly about God’s kingdom. He taught people about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one could keep him from teaching and preaching about these things!" ******* Are you ready to be in uncomfortable chains for Chirst in declaring the Gospel (Good News)? 2 Timothy 4:16-18, "The first time I (Paul) was put on trial, no one came to help me. Everyone deserted me. I hope they will be forgiven for it. The Lord stood at my side. He gave me the strength to preach the whole message. Then all the Gentiles heard it. I was saved from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will save me from every evil attack. He will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. Give Him glory for ever and ever. Amen!"
Apologies it should have been Phil 3:12-14 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
It’s normal to feel nervous when taking on a new challenge, but always remember the love of God will never lead us where the grace of God cannot sustain us. We are eternally a work in progress, forever expanding our comfort zone. Philippians 3:12-13 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
You are truly a blessing Sarah...LFF, please pray for my wonderful friend, Solange, who is on her way to do a biopsy and is very scared, my cousin Keith who is the epitome of healthy and had a massive heart attack and requires triple by pass surgery, and my friend JJ who is recovering from surgery
Good morning Cheryl, keeping you and Solange, Keith and JJ in prayer and that they receive all that they need to to get through the challenges they’re in right now. Dear Jesus, please let them feel your loving Hope.
Cheryl, lifting you and your friends Solange, Keith and JJ that they are at peace and will be healed quickly. Amen.
Including you and your friends in my rosary this evening, Cheryl
Cheryl I will pray for you and your friends right now. Successful biopsy for Solange, strength and quick recovery for JJ and Keith. Ken
Sorry my blessed phone duplicated message after identifying motorcycles two times
Ken, we know you are still not a robot.
Sarah I can totally understand and relate to your feelings about the prison. Years ago when I was a high school Dean of students, we took some of our students to the Elmira correctional facility (Prison). To participate in a program called "Scared Straight " We were taken through the main area with all prisoners cells above us, noise was loud and frightening. Then guards took us To a large meeting room, where prisoners told their stories and answered students questions. It was a great program students were engaged and told me that it was worthwhile for them and should be continued next year. The high school was located 3 miles from prison which was on a hill visible from school. Later I took students there from the Alternative High School. I didn't think that the Lord was guiding me, I thought I was doing it on my own. That was decades ago I have learned a lot since then. Living faith family please keep praying for the souls in purgatory and peace in our world. Ken Sarah I can totally understand and relate to your feelings about the prison. Years ago when I was a high school Dean of students, we took some of our students to the Elmira correctional facility (Prison). To participate in a program called "Scared Straight " We were taken through the main area with all prisoners cells above us, noise was loud and frightening. Then guards took us To a large meeting room, where prisoners told their stories and answered students questions. It was a great program students were engaged and told me that it was worthwhile for them and should be continued next year. The high school was located 3 miles from prison which was on a hill visible from school. Later I took students there from the Alternative High School. I didn't think that the Lord was guiding me, I thought I was doing it on my own. That was decades ago I have learned a lot since then. Living faith family please keep praying for the souls in purgatory and peace in our world. Ken
Love this Ken. I remember Scared Straight.
"The good Lord does not do things by halves; He always gives what we need. Let us then carry on bravely." St. Zelie Martin This quote is so very true & I am so very grateful.
Love this gospel reading. One of my all time favorites.
Sarah it appears you have many talents, singing and helping others with your words are two. Thank you. Blessings to all the LFF especially those with extra needs these days and may we all spread the love of God through all the world.
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Thank you for your encouragement, Sarah and all I can say is Wow!!. You broke out of your comfort zone and brought the beauty of you and your voice to people who desperately need to be Seen and deserve humane respect. I remember when I was receiving the LF booklets that there was a section in the back with an appeal from Pope Francis for the prayers and contributions for the prison inmates. They need to feel loved and cared for.