For many generations, Catholics have been taught to be very reserved about expressions of faith. Some faithful Catholics might hesitate even to pray in public at a restaurant. Perhaps it is out of fear of appearing “showy” with their piety. But could it also be fear of what people might think?
The martyrs and missionaries we remember today were courageous in sharing their love for the Lord. They made their dwelling among the Native American peoples in North America, learning their language and culture, and meeting their physical and spiritual needs, even though it meant opposition and torture.
Your missionary work requires the same spirit, even if your circumstances and environment are entirely different. Your witness ought to be founded on love for Jesus and love for the people around you. By your beautiful witness of compassion and generosity to others, you can acknowledge that Jesus is the source and inspiration for your life!
Dear Working Mom, please know that my prayers are with you and your family as you work through the challenges you are currently experiencing. I have a daughter who has been through a similar situation and came home from college a couple times and now is attending school locally and working part time. In my wildest dreams I didn’t think she would ever be able to hold down a part time job and attend school part time, however this seems to be working for her and she is making new friends in the process. She has been through counseling as well and now is often the first one to recommend it to others if she thinks they could benefit. Her first year of college was 2020 during the pandemic and that isolation really affected her. Not sure if that has impacted your situation with your boys but the after effects are very real at least for us. What I will tell you is never to give up and keep your faith close to your heart at all times. I have been praying for my daughter multiple times a a days and asking Mary through the Rosary and St. Micheal to protect her and shine light in her life. About a month ago she had a birthday and she asked for a Bible. I was STUNNED but so eternally grateful as she was a self-proclaimed agnostic before this happened. She is interested in the stories and now has watched several episodes of The Chosen with my husband and I. I thank the Lord every day for her progress and I know you will too as slowly but surely you will begin to see His love taking shape in your home.
Steve your words are so very true and close to my heart. I do not preach to anyone but they all know in my community that I go to church and believe in God. That my actions are Gods actions. To do otherwise in my community would shut me and Gods love out. Blessings to all the LFF especially working mom and all the others needing an extra hands these days. May we all spread the love of god through all the world everyday.
Thank you to all of those in the Living Faith community for your outpouring of love and prayer. As I said earlier, I have never posted before, but I have been running on empty. I will move forward today and take comfort knowing that I have beautiful souls praying for my family and will continue to persevere. God Bless You all.
Amen.
Cheryl praying for your petitions from yesterday. Yes, Ken prisons and prisoners themselves can be scared to those of us who don’t know that world. Many stories of the “prison room” at a large Baltimore hospital where up to 3 men at a time shared a room each handcuffed to his bed rails. I worked IV Therapy then and would have to go in to put in and check their IV’s. I was so young and too timid to share the Lord in words but I think my actions and treatment to them conveyed love. Never be afraid to touch with kindness. Anyone else watch the daily videos on the U.S. Conference of Bishop’s site? This “bot” thing is horrible. If you’ve figured out a way to “sign in so we can be protected from bots” please let me know—I haven’t been able to figure out how to access the videos from the site.
One of the many things I love about Living Faith is how you respond to others’ calls for help. The outpouring of love and prayer so many showed today for Working Mom was heartfelt and heart-warming. Our faith is truly alive and giving aid and comfort to the needy. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you and inspire you. I know He is already at work in Working Mom’s situation. God bless you all.
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.
Amen. Peace and joy be with you.!
Thank you Steve for the reminder that God has blessed us abundantly so that we might share his compassion and generosity with others. This is our witness to others of our Christian faith but it is also an answer to the call to be God’s hands and feet and heart in the world for those who might never have experienced His love in action. God can never be outdone in generosity so as we give of ourselves and our resources we receive much more in return to be used for the Lord’s purposes.
Offering up prayers for you and your family this morning.
Ephesians 1:15-23 *** What have the Ephesians done right? Faith in Jesus resulting in loving others in Ephesians 1:15, “I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus. I have also heard about your love for all God’s people!” *** How did Paul react to the Ephesians’ faith and love? Ephesians 1:16-17a, “ I have not stopped thanking God for you. I always remember you in my prayers. I pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the glorious Father!” *** What did Paul pray for the Ephesians? Ephesians 1:17b-18, “I keep asking Him to give you (1) the wisdom and understanding that come from the Holy Spirit. I want you (2) to know God better. I pray that you may (3) understand more clearly. Then you (4) will know the hope God has chosen you to receive. You will know that (5) what God will give His holy people is rich and glorious!” ******* How did Paul describe Jesus to the Ephesians? Ephesians 1:19-23, “And you will know God’s great power. It can’t be compared with anything else. His power works for us who believe. It is the same mighty strength God showed. He showed this when He raised Christ from the dead. God seated Him at His right hand in His heavenly kingdom. There Christ sits far above all Who rule and have authority. He also sits far above all powers and kings. He is above every name that is appealed to in this world and in the world to come. God placed all things under Christ’s rule. He appointed Him to be ruler over everything for the church. The church is Christ’s body and is filled by Christ. He fills everything in every way!” *** How will you pray for others and describe Jesus to others?!?!?!
This is my first time reaching out. I am in desperate need of prayers for my family. I have 2 young men who have beautiful hearts but have been hurt many times in our crazy society and are subsequently falling apart. One sits in his room and refuses to go to therapy and the other is struggling and on the verge of giving up a tremendous college scholarship and dropping out. My husband is struggling with his own issues, including unemployment and I am trying to hold all the pieces together. I pray for the grace to say and do the right things to help my family and I pray that the Holy Spirit can touch my family and bring peace to their hearts. I humbly ask for and prayers that this community is willing to give.
Amen
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To Working Mom, the afore-mentioned Ken has posted many prayers on this site that I include in my nightly prayers. One of which is a 'Surrender Novena'. A novena is said for nine days. I have been praying this for over three years now. It comforts me. \\\Jesus, I surrender (include the names) to you, take care of everything!///