Devotion July 26, 2022

Sunday Reflection (July 24, 2022)

As we search for answers to the problems of the world and our community that lead to peace, harmony, and establishing a more just, fairer, and merciful society, keep asking God to give us the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:5-13). Bear this in mind: Prayer is not about bending God’s will to our will, rather prayer is asking that we learn to do God’s will with the help of the Holy Spirit.

When we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit our perspectives and priorities become more in tune with God’s. By the way, that does not mean we will always agree on political issues, but it does mean we will act without malice and act with kindness and compassion. The rest of our Christian lives is about integrating our perspectives and priorities with God’s perspective and priorities, and if we err, may we err on the side of kindness and compassion. So, do pray “God, give me the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit leads us to live out God’s will, not through force of arms, but through love and good works, arising from kindness and compassion.

Prayer for the Week (July 24, 2022-July 30, 2022)

Let us pray for trust in the promises of God: Lord God, may we serve you faithfully in the present and to be ready to follow you in the future. Take us by the hand and guide us through all obstacles to the land of your promise.  Amen.
   (Claretian Publications)

                         

Devotion July 20, 2022

Devotion July 19, 2022

Sunday Reflection (July 17, 2022)

In the bond of love God has reconciled us to God and one another. We have become part of something far larger than ourselves (Colossians 1:20-28). This is more than a personal reconciliation but the reconciliation of all things “on earth and in heaven.” Yet, we know from our perspective that reconciliation is incomplete, but we hope for the time when it is complete. Until then we work at being reconciled with others as much as we are able, and as you know, that is not always easy.

Prayer for the Week (July 17, 2022-July 23, 2022)

Let us pray that we gladly hear the Words of Christ: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming from God and reconciling us to him. Teach us to listen to your Words, and treasure them more than anything else. For you eternally dwell with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

     (Claretian Publications)

                         

Devotion July 13, 2022

Devotion July 12, 2022

Sunday Reflection (July 10, 2022)

The book of Deuteronomy reminds us that God’s Word is not something so far removed that we cannot get a glimpse of it (Deuteronomy 30:9-14). I am not suggesting we grasp God’s Word in its totality, but enough of God’s Word to lead us in following divine paths. God’s Word is close to us, yet we may seek answers far and wide because we want a second opinion that fits the answer we want. How close is God’s Word to you?

The Christian life is a blessing from which others learn about the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ through Christians (Colossians 1:1-14). May we comprehend God’s love in a deeper way. May we learn more about God’s love for the world and enact God’s grace in the world. We are sent with the message of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ so that others may know of God and God’s grace.