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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

GATHER US IN...

THE THREE O'CLOCK HOUR

 Matt 10:27
"What I say to you in the darkness speak in the light, says the lord;
What you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops!"


The alarm clock had been set for 7 a.m.
Feeling tired at bedtime,I sought an extra hours sleep.
However, I was awakened much earlier this morning.
As I laid there, a prayer was offered for anyone needing a prayer.
Our Franciscan monks had taught us that one Hail Mary could save a life at any moment,
and prayer is especially needed during the night hours when a person may be in distress.

Looking at the clock, the time was around 3:30 a.m.
I heard a whispered voice speak these words...
"I  GATHER  IN..ALL"

My prayer has been for the well being and welcoming of those who are refugees.
Those families who have left their countries seeking asylum and safety in another area. 

1 Peter 4:8-11
...put your gifts at the service of one another,
each in the measure he/ she has received.
The one who speaks is to deliver the message...
the one who serves is to do it with the strength
provided by God.
Thus, in all of you, God is to be glorified 
through Jesus Christ
  

Often , we sing a song  within the celebration of the Mass called 

"GATHER US IN "

Here in this place a new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away,
See in this space our fears and our dreamings, 
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in- the lost and forsaken,
Gather us in- the blind and the lame;
Call to us now and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.

We are the young  -our lives are a mystery,
we are the old -who yearn for your face,
We have been sung throughout  all of history
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in- the rich and the haughty,
Gather us in -the proud and the strong;
Give us a heart so meek and so lowly.
Give us the courage to enter the song.

              Marty Haugen






Wednesday, October 10, 2018

God "rights" in crooked lines...

GOD "RIGHTS " IN CROOKED LINES

It sounds so strange to say, that
"when I am  looking for something, I find what I need
 instead of what I was looking for!"

Of course , for myself, and maybe for you also,this change of Season 
brings us to many of the chores and changes we need to put into place
 for the coming months of winter. 
Along with getting the car winter-ready, changing the summer clothes over
 for the cooler weather ones, stocking up on a few supplies that may be too
heavy to handle in the wintertime, trying to get all the doctor, dentist ,etc.
appointments done, and, hopefully over, there were other  
things needing my attention.
These Seasonal changes also affect my body, mind, emotional and spiritual well being,
as I understand, happens to many others.
Life can suddenly seem too overwhelming!
Now this has been happening for a great many years and I do become 
aware of the symptoms more quickly as time goes on, thank You God!
I am able to reach out with more trust and confidence, knowing that this too, shall pass.

Recently, after receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I also was given the Grace
of knowing what was the root cause of this suffering!
I am claiming this healing of my "inner-child "now, with this witness!

As I sit here, my glance now falls upon the pamphlet beside me...
"Infant of Prague Novena."
"JESUS,you decided to become a child,
and I'm coming to you full of trust.
I believe that your attentive love
forestalls all my needs."