Prayer for Trust

Lord, I am very grateful for the times I can see Your hand at work in my life, the moments I can feel your presence and sense your love for me. But for those other times I pray, dear Lord, that I might have unquenchable trust in you. When I cannot see where my life is headed or how all things work for good for those who love you, I ask for trust that you are in charge. When I do not feel your presence, even when I am at prayer or worshipping at Mass, I ask for trust that you are near. When I feel anything but lovable, remind me that your love keeps the universe in motion, even the small part of it that is me. Amen

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages … Mathew 9-35

The second-graders were asked to draw a picture of "Jesus and Me" in a setting of their choice. Some children depicted themselves playing baseball or football with Jesus. A few were skiing down the slopes with Jesus. One boy was jumping on a trampoline with Jesus, while a girl was enjoying an ice-cream cone with Jesus. But the special aspect of the pictures was this: A conversation was always going on between the child and Jesus.

One child, for example, stands by the ocean with Jesus and says, "Look out, Jesus, here comes a big wave." Another boy walks down the stairs with Jesus saying, "Let's clean the basement, Jesus." Another child says, "Thank you for making ME."

We marvel at how effortlessly these children incorporate Jesus into their lives and how easily they converse with him. How present is Jesus in my daily life? How easily do I talk to him?

Jesus, thank you for being part of my everyday life.

Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God … Ephesians 5:1-2

I have read that for many non-Christians, one of the biggest obstacles to becoming a believer is not theological, but how they see Christians around them acting.  We are not always the best models of the faith.

The questions we must ask ourselves today:  Are we imitating God and His Church in a way that will draw others to the faith?  Are we loving and forgiving?  Do we understand that we are called to serve all, especially "the least of these"? Or do we judge those we perceive to be different? Do we project to others a faith that is characterized by false piety, superiority, hatred and intolerance?

Our call is to a life of love, and anything else will sound flat.  For without love, we have nothing to offer a world yearning to find meaning beyond itself.

God, may I always seek to imitate the pure love I find in you.

Steve Givens