One week before I wrote this, I received an unexpected understanding of the psalmist’s words. I was outside an office building, caught the tip of my sneaker on a concrete lip and gravity took over. I knew immediately that I had fractured my wrist when I landed on the pavement and could not get up.
But God was with me in the guise of a young couple who helped me stand, called an ambulance, offered to drive my car home and called me that same night to be sure I was all right. Even in pain, I felt myself in the presence of the Love that raises up those who are falling.
- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.
Sr Chris, what a powerful example of Gods' love for us all . And you wrote this reflection for us with a broken wrist. Praying that you're feeling better. We always look forward to your reflections. Blessings, Rita.
Sr. Chris, sorry about your fractured wrist. Hopefully it has healed well. I Returned from my retreat in Fatima feeling totally renewed in spirit. That is the reason I attended. I have been to Fatime many times since 1989, it has a spiritual draw on me. But the retreat is what I needed. I was falling mentally after a long summer, having a hip replacement, & not being able to workamp as previous summers. It was hard financially & I was relieved to come to south Texas where I winter workamp & where someone could care for my cat while I was away. Having a wonderful retreat leader & having times to reflect made a world of difference. The Lord takes very good care of me, physically & spiritually.
Praise others who are willing to assist when the opportunity arrives. Amen!
I had a very similar incident. My elderly husband was in my parked car unaware of my fall. Kindly people helped me,located him, and all went well. I fractured my wrist as well but was sorry I was never able to personally get in touch with the good samaritans who helped me J c
Sorry to hear of your mishap, Sr. Chris, but love the message of your devotion! God's angels are everywhere!
Amen...sorry to hear about your mishap Sr. Chris... your guardians angels were close by to lift you up in every way... the miracles of our Lord are so wondrous
Thank you Sr. Chris and I hope the wrist is fully healed without lingering symptoms. I hope to be an experience of Love for those who are falling or having trouble getting up. How difficult it can be to ask for help or to just be open to receiving it. May I be open to hope and coaching today. Amen.
Praise You Lord God for Your faithfulness, care and love for Jessi in her helplessness and despair in Psalm 145:13b-14, "The Lord will keep all His promises. He is faithful in everything he does. The Lord takes good care of all those who fall. He lifts up all those who feel helpless!" Amen! *** Another excellent reiew on Jessi by one of the resident she worked with by text, "Idk if Dr XXXXXXX did any feedback with you but I wanted to tell you that I think you’re brilliant and you have been doing an awesome job. Your clinical knowledge and reasoning are really good and I feel like you’re able to not just follow along well with patient cases but also be proactive when thinking and asking questions about plans and management, which is above a July intern level. More importantly though I appreciate how eager you are to learn, be involved, and help the team. I told Grant this too, but at this point in your training, attendings mostly want to see that you have a good foundation and that you’re teachable and capable of growth, which you both clearly are. I think one of your strengths is having good rapport with the team and staff, which can take a while for even interns to do but it comes pretty naturally to you. I think your bubbly, friendly personality and positive vibes work highly in your favor not just with patients and families but also as a team member, and I also felt like you were super reliable and if you were presenting on one of my patients then I felt like I didn’t have to chart review or prepare as much for them (shhh I’m not supposed to say that lol) bc I trusted and valued your assessments."
Oh Salina, very good news. The Lord is definitely with Jessi. Please tell her that we're all pulling for her and praying for her. Blessings, Rita.
Salina! What God blessed encouragement for Jessi to receive...and for your answered prayers, and ours too!!! God Bless Jessi And All Who Love Her!
That's awesome, Salina! Jessi could be my doctor any day! : )
Great, positive reinforcement Salina. Go Dr. Jess!
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.
*** Salina BSF Prayer Request 10/29/24 *** Students – Pray that the students learn to live out the behavior in keeping unity in the Church and at home by the power of the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 4:2-3, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” *** Salina – Pray that I learn to trust God and let God and let go in Revelation 5:12-14, “And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb!” Amen!!!
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email
About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us
© 2024 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.
Sr. Chris, your sharing reminds me of what my husband, Matt, did last Tuesday! We went to early vote at the Civic Center and I was in a hurry because I have not finished my prep for the student BSF lesson for the next morning. So I went out the door after we voted. As I was going down the ramp and looked back, I saw Matt with this elderly woman in his arm slowly coming down the ramp. Matt left her (she was waiting for her ride) at the bottom of the ramp and he came towards our car. I asked what happened. Matt told me that he saw this eldly woman struggling with her cane coming down the ramp so he asked if he could walked her to her car ♥️✝️ She said yes and told him how much she appreciated Matt offering her help and that no one helped her to get up or open the door for her when she first went in for voting. I felt ashamed that I was oblivious of my surroundings and the need of others :-( I am so proud of Matt :-)