Prayer for the Week (Nov. 24-Nov. 30)

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Let us pray that all God’s people become more like Christ our King:  God our Father, lover of people, we recognize our King crowned with thorns and enthroned on a cross.  This King is our leader without an army or earthly might.  Like him, may we choose love and compassion as our only power and humble service as our only greatness.  May this be the way his kingdom grows within us and among us,  until you lead us unto your lasting joy.

We ask you this through Christ our Lord who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.  Amen.

 (Claretian Communications)

Sunday Reflection (November 24, 2019)

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Jesus established a kingdom not one based upon retaliation, smashing the competition, arrogance, or militarily defeating the enemy.  Jesus established a kingdom based on humility, truth, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love (Luke 23:33-38).  This was a type of kingdom no one expected, and a type of kingdom with which we have trouble establishing.

In the Christian sense, power is not a tool to dominate others and use violence to enforce that domination; rather, power is utilized to build up the kingdom of God through humility, truth, kindness, love, and yes, forgiveness.  There are prayers that remind us of this with the phrase:  “God chiefly show his power in mercy and compassion.”  May we not betray the kingdom of which Jesus bore witness and display power in enacting mercy and compassion.

Prayer for the Week (Nov. 17-Nov. 23)

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Let us pray that we expect God’s future with trust and perseverance: God our Father, we believe that your plans for us are for peace, and not disaster and fear. Keep our eyes open to the coming of Jesus, your Son. May we commit ourselves untiringly to the growth of the kingdom among us by carrying out your plans for peace and compassion. May the Holy Spirit lead us to do what makes our world more like your world.
Amen.

(Claretian Publications)

Sunday Reflection (November 17, 2019)

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The Apostle Paul encourages us “to not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). When we are weary, worn-out, and beat, Jesus does not offer a quick exit, not even a rapture; only the consolation than God strengthens us in times of distress (Luke 21:12-19).
When we are weary, worn-out, and beat may we listen  to the Holy Spirit, and allow God to strengthen us as we follow Christ.

Prayer for the Week (Nov. 3-Nov. 16)

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Let us pray to God that the saints inspire us to follow Christ as they did:  God of hope and Lord of the future, through the saints you inspire us today with new hope in the future.  Help us realize that justice, peace and love are worth living and dying for, and that one day you will crown your own work in us, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forevermore.
Amen.

(Claretian Publications)