April 8, 2026
The Octave of Easter
The Gift of Presence
I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you.
Acts 3:6

When I worked in Manhattan, I would take the train from New Jersey to the Ninth Street station in New York City each morning. Waiting outside the station was a homeless man, Robert, who greeted commuters with his take on the day’s headlines. Sometimes, I would buy him breakfast, and we’d have a spirited conversation on the sidewalk. One day, Robert shared with me that while some people offered him money, what he most appreciated was people who would take the time to chat and look him in the eye. His deepest longing was to be fully seen.  

I thank Robert for sharing his wisdom. With limited funds, we might not have silver or gold to give, but we all have the gift of presence to offer one another. It costs us nothing but time.

Holy One, may I truly see you in each person I encounter today, and may I take the time to be fully present.

- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.

Acts 3:1-10 ✚ Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9 ✚ Luke 24:13-35
Old entrance to subway station in downtown New York. Image by MacieBledowski | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

Salina (not in control) Respond to comment
April 8, 2026 at 12:17 PM

✝️ Pray with me… Salina Smith BSF Prayer Request 04/08/26 *** Students – Pray that the students ask the Holy Spirit to help them live according to God’s Word in repentance and obedience! Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart!” Amen! *** Salina – Pray that I will be motivated and make time to clean out and organize the living and dining room for friends visit in late...
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Salina (not in control) Respond to comment
April 8, 2026 at 11:46 AM

26 ******* Peter gave the lame man more than his presence, he gave the man Jesus first and foremost in Acts 3:6-8, “Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold. But I’ll give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.” Then Peter took him by the right hand and helped him up. At once the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. He went with Peter and John into the temple courtyards. He walked and jumped and praised God.” When was the...
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April 8, 2026 at 11:02 AM

Wonderful story Sister as I go to my weekly volunteer day at Saint Vincent de Paul. I am also a member of IHM here in California.

April 8, 2026 at 10:01 AM

AMEN!

April 8, 2026 at 09:59 AM

Greetings Living Faith Ohana and Sr. Chris. Sr. Chris' devotional and words today; allows me to remember of what I did when I worked in Honolulu with Hospice there. Every Wednesday I would go to the beach and go for my mile swim. There were always homeless gathered around a table. After freshening up, I would buy my plate lunch that had way too many carbs for one person, I sat at the table with them, introduced myself with my Hospice ID around my neck and gave them all forks or chopsticks and we shared my meal. I would get...
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Salina (not in control)
April 8, 2026 at 11:52 AM

Love this, Scott ❤️ That’s what communion should look like in Acts 2:42, “The believers studied what the apostles taught. They shared their lives together. They ate and prayed together!”

April 8, 2026 at 09:48 AM

Amen

April 8, 2026 at 09:47 AM

I too have a story about how my parish priest father Ron told us about his dealings with homeless people. When he left our parish I wrote him. Enclosed is part of letter . Yes people I still write letters. Father Ron Just a short note to say thanks for all you have done for Nativity, and for me, I have learned a lot from you, and want you to know how your life has influenced me. I have a grandfather clock and it chimes every 15 minutes. I recall you told me that is a good time to remember...
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April 8, 2026 at 09:36 AM

Amen. :)

April 8, 2026 at 09:10 AM

Truly what a great message you shared with us thank you for that God bless us all with time to give Amen Amen Amen

April 8, 2026 at 09:03 AM

Chris, thank you for your message. Presence . Amen!

April 8, 2026 at 08:38 AM

As Patrick and Sr. I have my own stories. But I do believe time is no substitute for money and money is no substitute for time. I can’t give much money these days but I have abundant time and give it sometimes so much it hurts physically, but I do respect those who give of their money and possessions freely. Our governments systems, as many, try to fix problems requiring money with aide programs and do the same with time like big brother programs or pregnancy counciling programs but it takes equal amounts of both. Throwing money at people without...
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Scott
April 8, 2026 at 09:59 AM

Praise and give thanks to the living Spirit Vicki and your reminder of what each of us is called to do living as Christian in this world.

PeggyR
April 8, 2026 at 09:21 AM

Good morning Vicki, thank you for your words of wisdom and for your gifts of encouragement and love to all of us. Sending prayers to you and Garrett and your whole family, Beautiful Lady.

April 8, 2026 at 08:21 AM

Sr. Chris what a sad but great story. Don't you just wish we could hold out our hands to all those in need and all be healed? I pray everyday for all to feel the love of God and know his goodness to find peace in all their hearts. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Holy Spirit I ask that you fill the hearts of all and guide us to a more heavenly earth.

Stormi
April 8, 2026 at 08:40 AM

Vicky G. as always prayers and love to you! I imagine God with his hands cupped around you holding you to help, guide and hopefully ease your struggles. Thank you and Scott and any others not commenting for their support and prayers for all in need. What an inspiration you are! On an additional note for those on this site whether you comment or not please believe that God is ever good and in our lives. To my virtual Ohana BLESSINGS!

April 8, 2026 at 06:17 AM

Amen... thank you Jesus...day and day again

April 8, 2026 at 02:43 AM

I worked in London UK in late nineties, I commuted early Monday mornings and flew home to my wife and two daughters Friday evenings. —-I lived alone in an apartment near enough to walk to and from work. One day heading home I passed a young man in a wheelchair drinking beer from a can. Our eyes met, I walked on. —- A few paces past him I stopped, something in his bright piercing blue eyes penetrated my heart. I went back and spoke to him. —- He was English and friendly, it turned out he had lived in Ireland...
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PeggyR
April 8, 2026 at 08:46 AM

Patrick, thank you for your heart wrenching, tender and beautiful story this morning. It must have been difficult to hear this man’s story, yet it must have been so uplifting for him. To have an encounter like that is a blessing like no other. You both saw the face of Jesus in each other that day. Today we pray for the innocent and suffering people in Iran and hope that they may find the face of the Holy one in someone today. My heart breaks for all this unnecessary suffering. Thank you , Sister Chris for your qmessage of Universal...
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Old entrance to subway station in downtown New York. Image by MacieBledowski | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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