Remember the Covenant I Made With You

I will remember the covenant I made with you… that you may remember … when I pardon you for all that you have done, says the Lord God.  — Ezekiel 16, 63

A friend shared this story with me: Trish, a teenager, asked her seventy-five year old grandmother (a widow for ten years) why she was always so cheerful and upbeat.  Her grandmother replied, "Because every day I remember how much your grandfather loved me."

Knowing we are loved colors our attitude toward life. The love we receive from parents siblings, spouse, children, friends or extended family encourages and sustains us especially during difficult times. But the greatest love we have received is God's love for each one of us — a love that persists despite our sins and failings. God's love is a forgiving love. We are challenged to love in the same way. Whom might I forgive today?  (Hint: start with the person in the mirror.)

Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

Treasures in Heaven

Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 19:24

Our culture is one of striving: We strive for money, more things, more status, more everything. The cliché "more is more" pretty much sums us up. We know we can't take our bank account and our things with us when we leave this world, but it doesn't stop us from trying to amass more that our children and grandchildren will have to divide, distribute or dispose of.  Scripture tells us to store our treasures in heaven, not down here. Maybe we need to spend more time thinking about the kind of collections we want, the things of true value we can enjoy for all eternity.

My mother has always encouraged us to live lives of contentment. Instead of more is more, she maintains enough is enough. When we aren't clutching our things, we can embrace the real treasures. We can be rich in the ways that are pleasing to God.

Kristin Armstrong

LIVING WITH FAITH

Prayer for Peace

O God, you are the source of life and peace.
Praised be your name forever.
We know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace.
Hear our prayer in this time of war.

Your power changes hearts.
Muslims, Christians, Jews remember and proudly affirm
that they are followers of the one God,
children of Abraham, brothers and sisters;
enemies begin to speak to one another;
those who were estranged join hands in friendship;
nations seek the way of peace together.

Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these truths
by the way we live. Give to us:

         Understanding that puts an end to strife;
         Mercy that quenches hatred; and
         Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance.

Empower all people to live in your law of love. Amen.

(Author unknown)