Sunday Reflection (December 8, 2019)

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Happy Advent “you brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Soothing words from John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-12). John challenges us to change our attitude and way of life. True repentance produces noticeable results in our dealings with others. I am convinced that our spiritual lives are one of continual repentance because perfection always eludes, yet we should not give up because of God’s grace.

God works with us in spite of our imperfection, and give us the joy and hope of repentance. The present and future have the possibility of being different in that repentance grants us the opportunity to reshape our present and our future. If we become spiritually haughty, we diminish the chance o reshape our present and our future. May we not be snugly comfortable with the way things are. May we continually repent and make the world a better place.

Prayer for the Week (Dec. 8-Dec. 14)

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Let us pray that we anticipate the coming of Jesus our Savior: God our Father, you sent your Messiah into our world with the power of love and compassion. May all your people accept him in faith so that Christ be birthed and grow within us and among us. May your Church faithful to the Gospel of justice and peace. Amen.

 (Claretian Communications)

Sunday Reflection (December 1, 2019)

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If the Lord came today, would you be diligently working (Matthew 24:36-44)? We look for the Lord’s return, but while looking may we not neglect to do as much good as we can while we are here. Paul (Romans 13:11-14) encourages us to be prepared by “putting on the Lord Jesus Christ!”

The Holy Spirit leads us to avoid the gratification of the negative fleshly desires that tear down and destroy us and others. May we put as much energy, time, and money preparing for God’s kingdom as we do for Christmas. The Lord is coming. What will he find you doing?

Prayer for the Week (Dec. 1-Dec. 7)

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Let us pray that we bring Christ’s light to others: Lord God, your Son, Jesus Christ came as God with a human face. Lead us to create with you a love and justice that reflects your light in a dark world, and until that day may the Holy Spirit inspire and guide us to lead everyone to you. Amen.

 (Claretian Communications)

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)

Sunday Reflection (October 27, 2019)

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Let us pray that through us God be manifest: Merciful God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace. In the renewal of our lives, make known your heavenly glory through Jesus Christ our Redeemer
Amen.
(New Zealand Prayer Book)