My father was a swim coach during most of his teaching career. One of my favorite quotes of his that I still use quite often: “Get in the pool!” What it meant was that if you had an ailment, something about entering that water was supernaturally healing. Have a bruise? “Get in the pool!” Acne? “Get in the pool!” Broken arm? “GET IN THE POOL!” Alright, so that last one is a stretch, but you get the point.
When Elisha told Naaman essentially to “Get in the pool,” to wash in the Jordan to cure his leprosy, Naaman was reluctant; his heart was hardened toward believing that healing could possibly be within reach. Yet, it was, and it still is for all of us. Through Baptism, we enter into the cleansing mercy of God; by the water that poured from the side of Christ, we are forgiven and healed.
******* Starting a 40-day prayer journal specifically for my daughter, Katie, the self proclaim agnostic to come back and walk with Jesus, her Savior and soon to be Lord ✝️ *** Day Fifteen - Lord God, my hope and security are in You alone! Remind me that You are God and I am not! Your plan is always better than my plan! Your timing is not my timing *** Give me the attitude of these 3 young men in Daniel 3:16-18, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him. They said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to talk about this anymore. We might be thrown into the blazing furnace. But the God we serve is able to bring us out of it alive. He will save us from your power. But we want you to know this, Your Majesty. Even if we knew that our God wouldn’t save us, we still wouldn’t serve your gods. We wouldn’t worship the gold statue you set up.” *** I will not bow down to fear, anxiety or hopelessness! You are the God Who is in control of all things at all times! You are able to bring about Your plan for Katie’s good and your purpose! By Your Grace for Your Glory! Amen ????✝️????
Amen, Salina. God is absolutely in control at all times!
I still tell my kids and grandchildren " put ice on it " Please pray for Marge Stanley a parishioner asked me to tell my friend Terry that she was very near Goin to meet the Lord. They both together to get the altar ready to 630am mass many years ago. Jane keep up the good work maybe you can send us some food,or at least cooking tips. Ken
Love all the “Dad” comments!! My Dad used to say” Go splash cold water on your face and you’ll feel better!” Oh the wisdom of our beloved Dads!!
May Your unfailing compassion, O Lord, cleanse and protect Your Church. ...without You she cannot stand secure. The Voice Within: "Listen and attend with the ear of your heart." St. Benedict
AMEN!
Amen. :)
Amen
Peace to everyone, Amen!
Praying for the Pope. Praying for immigrants, for workers losing their jobs, and for the poor, hungry and sick across the world who are in need of food and medical aid. Praying for Ukraine and its people.
Amen.
I find it funny. My dad said the opposite. When he did not want to participate in the debate or argument, he would say, "I am getting out of the pool!" Both are wise advice.
This reminded me of my dad as well ???? His classic response was "Hot, soapy dishwater does wonders"! To this day I have never owned a dishwasher, and I don't mind doing the dishes. In fact, some of my siblings believe that I love it! That may be a bit of a stretch, but our fathers are so wise. Doing dishes always makes me think of my dad, and now will also be a reminder of how the Virtue of Humility can open me to God's gift of cleansing and healing water in many different forms.
Let’s look at Naaman’s journey to healing in 1 King 5:1-10! *** First God helped him win battles against Aram’s enemies (Mind you that Aram is Gentile country)! *** Then God sent a captured young girl from Israel to be a servant of Naanan’s wife *** Then God gave this captured young girl from Israel a compassionate heart to tell her master to get healing from a prophet in Samaria *** But Naaman instead went to his king and the king of Aram sent Naaman to the king of Israel *** The king of Israel torn his clothes receiving the letter from the king of Aram to heal Naaman *** Elisha heard that and told the king of Israel to send Naaman to him *** When Naaman came to the door of Elisha, he didn’t greet Naaman in person but sent his servant to tell Naaman to wash in Jordan 7 times! ******* Naaman was angry that Elijah didn’t show up to heal him, but instead sent him off to Jordan!!! *** What does this event tell you about God? *** What does it tell you about yourself? *** What does it tell you about others?
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them 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.