Daily Thought For August 19, 2017

Against Rash Judgments

Our souls may lose their peace and even disturb other people's, if we are always criticizing trivial actions - which often are not real defects at all, but we construe them wrongly through our ignorance of their motives.

St. Teresa of Avila

Daily Thought For August 18, 2017

Can I Get An Amen? 

With Christ as the center of your life, you will never be disappointed.

Pope Francis

Daily Thought For August 16, 2017

One Reason I Enjoy Retreats & Spiritual Conferences

When large numbers of people share their joy in common, the happiness of each is greater because each adds fuel to the other's flame.

St. Augustine

Daily Thought For August 13, 2017

"Take Courage, It Is I; Do Not Be Afraid"

Lectio

Matthew 14:22–33

Meditatio

“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

As I pray with this Gospel account, I contemplate each part of it, entering into the story as if I too were with Peter and the other disciples in their boat. As they set off, the wind begins to rise, rocking their boat. In the heart of the night, as the wind tosses the disciples’ boat, Jesus comes “toward them walking on the sea.” I sense the fear that comes upon Peter and the disciples, but Jesus comforts and strengthens them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Jesus does not scold Peter for his fear, but simply calls to him, “Come,” thus inviting him to a deeper trust in Jesus and in his word. Peter leaves the security of his boat to follow Jesus. But when Peter takes his gaze off Jesus and looks around at the waves, seeing how strong the wind is, he starts to sink. But even in the midst of his panic and fear, Peter again turns his attention to Jesus, the only one who can save him. As soon as Peter cries out to Jesus, the Gospel tells us that “immediately” and without hesitation, “Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter.”

This encounter allows Peter and the other disciples on the boat to more clearly recognize Jesus as the Son of God. But what about me? Just like Peter, how often I want proof: Is it really you, Jesus? Are you really with me? Jesus invites me also to deepen my faith in him, in whom we meet a God who loves us so much that he became one of us. He continues to come to me and to each of us today, in the midst of the darkest storms of life.

Oratio

Jesus, you know about all the storms in my life, all the uncertainties, trials, and suffering that I and those I love are going through. You know about all the fears and doubts I hold within, and how small and hopeless I am before them all. When I feel overwhelmed and afraid, and when I struggle to believe you are with me, help me to take courage from the knowledge that you are always with me. May I behold the greatness of your love that works with more power and beauty than I can imagine.

Contemplatio

“Be still and confess that I am God!” (Ps 46:11)


Daughters of St. Paul. (2011). Ordinary Grace Weeks 18–34: Daily Gospel Reflections. (M. G. Dateno & M. L. Trouvé, Eds.) (pp. 24–25). Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media.

Daily Thought For August 11, 2017

The Struggle In Every Moment

Love leads to communion, 
and communion allows everyone to move forward in harmony. Communion is not a happiness passively enjoyed, 
but it struggles to maintain a fraternal spirit and to open the doors of this fraternity 
to all people. 
By nature, love propagates itself; 
it is contagious, communicates to others, and draws everyone toward communion. 
I must engrave this maxim within myself: 
"Communion is the struggle of every moment." A moment's neglect can destroy it; 
a mere trifle suffices, 
a single thought without charity, 
an obstinately maintained prejudice, a harmful attachment, 
an erroneous direction, 
a personal ambition or interest, 
an action done for myself and not for the Lord, returning to a bad habit already abandoned, the desire for personal satisfaction 
that overrides what is pleasing to the Lord. 

Help me, Lord, to examine myself in this way: 
Who is the center of my life: you or me? If you are the center, then everyone will be gathered into unity. 
But if, instead, I see that people around me lose interest and disperse, 
that will be a sign that I have put myself at the center. 

from Prayers of Hope — Words of Courage by Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan pp.34-35

Daily Thought For August 10, 2017

Prayer & Forgiveness Work Together

Forgiving the men who killed my parents and brother was a process, a journey into deeper and deeper prayer.

Immaculée Ilibagiza

Daily Thought For August 8, 2017

Living Stones In God's Holy Temple

The Holy Spirit, in the variety of his gifts, unites us and enables us to contribute to the building up of the Church in holiness. In this great work, each of us has a part to play; each of us, as a "living stone", is needed for the growth and the beauty of God's holy temple. Let us ask the Lord to help us to take an ever more active part in the Church's life and mission, guided by the Holy Spirit and with Jesus as our cornerstone.

Pope Francis