May 26, 2019

52nd anniversary of my ordination , 5/20/1967
Pray for me
6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21: 10-14, 22-23; John 14: 23-29
So often we have problems with the Church. We know that people in our families have problems with
the Church. Many times these problems are over some teachings. Other times over personalities who
are in leadership positions who make decisions that are uncomfortable. Sometimes it is over church
people who just seem to be too mean and even too strict. As a result of these ‘situations’ many ‘leave’
the church. Unfortunately the Church is judged by the non-loving, non-caring attitude, or wrongly
informed interpretations of Church law and even false doctrine by people who are in positions of
authority. I have encountered these situations and they turn my stomach because good people have been
hurt. I know that I have been in situations myself that I ‘turned-off’ students, parishioners, people.
Hopefully I was able to make amends. I know I have prayed often for these people and continue to do
so. I use a phrase at every mass stating: ‘I pray for those who I love and those who love me…I pray for
those I have a hard time in loving and those who have a hard time in loving me.’ I am always very
sincere with these words. The Church, as any institution, is made up of people who I hope are happy in
what they are doing. If a person is not happy in what they do then they will definitely bring suffering to
those around them. If a person is happy in what they are doing, their actions speak of their toleration,
caring, affection, forgiveness and love. Today’s readings help us get in touch with the sufferings of the
early Church.
Paul and Barnabas were in Jerusalem sharing with the Church leaders about the enthusiasm that the
people of Antioch had accepted the Gospel of Jesus. This was especially in the way that they had
opened the door in full acceptance of the gentiles. But the door was closing. Some within the Church
believed that the gentiles were getting an ‘easy ride’ because they didn’t have to have to follow the
dictates of the Mosaic Law especially with regard to purifications and circumcision. This was spurred
on by Jewish believers who arrived for Judea insisting that even gentile converts must accept the sign of
the covenant imposed on Abraham and his descendants. They did recognize the continuity between the
Jewish and Christian faith but why should these converts be ‘let off easy’. It’s not fair…the proverbial
challenge when things don’t go my way and I am made to suffer. Paul and Barnabas challenged this need
for full acceptance of the Mosaic Law. This huge problem, and it was huge, was brought to the elders in
Jerusalem, the first Ecumenical Council—the Council of Jerusalem held around 50 AD. Today’s reading
from Acts skips verses 3-21 which contain the arguments presented to the leaders. Today’s reading skips
ahead to the outcome of the debate. With the Holy Spirit as the guide, the Jerusalem Council requires
ONLY that gentiles abstain from unlawful marriage unions and from meat associated with pagan rites or
not properly prepared. Very significantly, there is no mention of circumcision as a requirement for
salvation. The formal decision is unique and important: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to
place on you any burden beyond these….” It is always the Holy Spirit that brings us beyond the threshold
some would not have crossed.
John shares in Revelation what it is like in heaven: it needs neither sun or moon for the glory of God
illuminates it. God is love. Heaven is love. There is no sin present, just love.
Chapter 14 of John’s Gospel consists of a series of Jesus’ teaching preparing the apostles for His
departure. It has been traditionally referred to as Jesus Farewell Discourse. Jesus continues to
emphasize why He must go and how they are the ones He has chosen to continue His life and
teachings…they are formulating God’s plan, God’s Church. What is most important is that it is all about
God’s total love and God’s total presence with them even in difficult times and in stress and sufferings?
“Whoever loves Me will keep My word, and My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our
dwelling with them. Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words, yet the word you hear is not Mine but that
of the Father who sent me…The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you
everything, and remind you of all that I told you.” We can’t just utter words or follow pious practices, we must
keep Jesus’ word on love, mercy and forgiveness and put it into daily practice in our lives. By entering
into a special relationship with Jesus we are entering in a special relationship with the Father and with
the Holy Spirit. God is one and God’s love is one with each of us all the time in every moment of our
lives. How am I loving? Where do I need the Holy Spirit’s help today?
Jesus promises that He will never leave us alone. The Holy Spirit guided the formation of the early
Church as we see so beautifully in the Acts of the Apostles and the Holy Spirit continues to guide it
today. As a result of this, the Church will never fail, but it is not immune from making mistakes. It has
made a huge bundle and continues to do so Despite dark times in its history and even today and
leadership failures, recovery, peace, grace come through the Holy Spirit. When I rely on myself and my
feelings and beliefs, I can easily be narrow-minded and feeble in my attempts to love as Jesus taught.
When I am open to the Holy Spirit and listen and reflect in prayer and listen to the Spirit and the wisdom
of God’s holy people, I am on a much better standing.
Connections a resource for preachers shares this insight: “Peace, as given by Christ, is perspective that
shapes all our actions, behavior and values; it is peace that is centered in our selfless love for others,
comfort that is found in realizing God’s presence in our very midst in the love of others. We want
‘peace’ that makes it possible for us to move forward with our plans for our lives; the ‘peace’ we
envision is the result of the world working the way we want it to. But the ‘peace’ of the Risen Christ
challenges us to put aside our own self-obsessed agenda and need to control in order to take on the
Gospel that places forgiveness and reconciliation, justice and community, before all else.”
So I reflect on:
• Spend time and reflect on how I experience the guidance of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit in my life.
• What does living in the presence of God look like for me?
• Have I ever been confused or upset about church laws or obligations? Was the problem with the
church or with me? How did I resolve my concerns?
• What helps me live in the peace of Christ?
Sacred Space 2019 states:
“These words are part of Jesus’ great farewell discourse at the Last Supper. The following day will see the
immense outpouring of His love on the cross, a love that remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. This
unconditional love calls for our unconditional ‘Yes.’
Lord, help me overcome my guilt, my shame, and my fear. Help me throw open wide the doors to my inmost
heart so that my transcendent God can make His home there.”

May 19, 2019

5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21: 1-5; John 13: 31-35
How do I feel about going to Heaven? I hope every person responds ‘I feel good about that!’ No doubt many
do not feel that positive they might believe in the old saying, ‘I’m not worthy of Heaven, I just hope I can sneak
in the back door.’ There is no ‘back door’ to heaven. Jesus calls every person to Heaven, am I listening? The
Holy Spirit gives each person the desire, the gifts and the ability with the Spirit’s help to maintain a constant
living profile to Heaven. Am I listening and agreeing to follow God’s way? Do I believe that God loves each
individual that much that God wants each one in Heaven forever? Do I realize that it is about God’s love
helping me? I often say that I am a sinner; there is absolutely no doubt about that. I resonate with Paul’s words
to the Romans 7: 14-15, “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold into slavery to sin. What I do, I do not
understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate.” I am a Sinner, AND I am a loved sinner, God loves me
always. And I am a redeemed sinner. This is why Jesus came to die for me and for each person. So I am a
loved redeemed sinner. I will have ups and downs, many of them. I am called to live with Heaven as my
home. How am I doing? Today’s readings give a solid path to follow.
Paul and Barnabas are completing their first missionary trip. They have been gone for two years. Instead of
blazing new paths they decide to retrace their steps encouraging the people who have accepted the Gospel
message of Jesus, the message of God’s love. They point out very concretely that the ministry of love is going
to be the most difficult task they will undergo; the same is true for us. Who wants to be nice…who doesn’t
enjoy holding some sort of grudge…who really wants to love those who hurt us or persecute us…who wants to
love their enemies? Paul and Barnabas “…strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in
the faith, saying, ‘It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” These words said it all:
many of these disciples had witnessed firsthand the angry response and even stoning by people in the
community. No one is going to tell ‘them’ what God is about…they do what they want to do…they ‘know it
all’. When people in these communities gathered, they shared the persecutions and difficulties they were
enduring for the faith. God was bringing in more and more gentiles to be witnesses and believers. Is my faith
just surface deep? Do I ‘give up’ or ‘give in’ when times get tough? God has done wonders in the lives of the
people Paul and Barnabas evangelized. God has done wonderful things in our lives. We have touched many
because we are loved and God gives us so many graces to get through the bad times which amazes us no end.
We have put ourselves in the hands of our Lord. We have let God be God to us. Do we take time to reflect on
this and to express our gratitude along with spending time in reflection?
The various visions John beheld on Patmos tell the story of the ‘final days’. (Rev 19: 11-18) A final battle (19:
19-21) will unseat Satan for all eternity (20: 1-3) Following the final (20: 1-15), God’s reign will be
experienced in its fullness (1: 1-8). Today’s passage many people have chosen to be read at funeral liturgies. It
looks at a question: How am I present to another? Often it is face to face. Yet it can be on the phone or in
countless media apps. We do this in a note or a letter or in pictures. In John’s Book of Revelation he uses the
‘new city of Jerusalem’ descending from the heavens, as a sign of the presence of the invisible God with people
on the other side of death. He promises us that the world of suffering and death is no more. It has been
replaced by a holy and new Jerusalem. A loud voice, God’s voice proclaims “Behold God’s dwelling is with the
human race…Behold, I make all things new.”
In John 13: 21, we hear of the announcement of Judas’ betrayal. Jesus was deeply troubled, “Amen, Amen, I say
to you, one of you will betray me.” The apostles were flabbergasted…who could do such a thing…they knew how
much each had given up and how they had learned to love and live Jesus’ words. They would follow Him to
‘the ends of the world.’ Jesus told John that It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” He handed
this to Judas and “Satan entered him.” Judas leaves, no one knows why and Jesus teaches His disciples a new
commandment: “love one another. As I have love you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that
you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The point is…the basic question is we need to look at how
Jesus loved and how am I to love today? Love is practical…in the now…is that where I am loving? Sunday
Homily Helps by Mary Lynne, a mental health counselor offers “real people in real situations” to see how
concretely love is to be exercised:
1) Jesus’ love is unconditional:
“Mary’s husband Tom was an abusive alcoholic. To protect herself and her children they divorced. Tom
continued on his downward path. When his alcoholism destroyed his liver and he was down and out and
needed, Mary cared for him until he died. Like Jesus’ love, hers was unconditional.
2) Jesus’ love was sacrificial
“When Kay learned that her brother-in-law needed a kidney, she agreed to be tested. She was a match.
Despite the fact that she had three young children, she donated her kidney to save his life.” Like Jesus’ love
hers was unconditional.
3) Jesus’ loved social outcasts as well as the rich leaders.
“Beth passed by a homeless man every evening. One day she stopped and asked him what he needed. Wise or
not, she brought him home, bought him warm clothes and got a state ID for him. He returned to the streets with
hope and means to live on. Beth and her family helped someone whom others had rejected.” Like Jesus’ love
theirs did not discriminate.
4) Jesus’ treated all as equals
“Joseph was six when he ran ahead of his parents while touring Baltimore’s harbor. When they caught up
with him, he was sitting on a stoop chatting with a homeless, toothless man. Both were smiling.” Like Jesus,
Joseph not only treated this man as an equal, he truly believed they were equals.
5) Jesus’ love was compassionate
“Jim and Don are retired but spend three days a week working at an inner-city parish food pantry. They stock
shelves and distribute food to needy families.” Like Jesus’ love, theirs is compassionate.
6) Jesus sometimes broke the letter of the law to follow the law of love.
In 1963, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and sent to jail for protesting the treatment of blacks in
Birmingham, Alabama.” Like Jesus, he broke the law and paid the price for a higher cause.
Each of us is called to live Jesus’ command of love…all the time…when convenient…when inconvenient…This
is what love is all about.
Sacred Space 2019 states
“Judas had ‘gone out.’ Lord, may I never go away from You. May no human being be lost to You. Everyone is a brother
or sister for whom You died, as St. Paul says. Let me become more like You by loving everyone and commending them to
You. Stretch my heart till all my fellow humans are gathered in.
‘O, that my monk’s robe were wide enough to gather up the suffering people of this floating world.’ (Ryokan, a Zen monk
who died in 1831)”

May 12, 2019

4th Sunday of Easter C
Acts 13: 14, 43-52; Revelation 7: 9, 14-17; John 10: 27-30
How do I feel when people disagree with me? Am I instant on letting ‘my thoughts’ be heard first? Do I listen
intently to the other person and not formulate my own response to them before they finish talking? Do I feel
that I am always right or most of the time am right? Who is the judge of right and wrong in this matter? Whose
side is God on? Do I really listen to God? Or do I prefer the sound of my own voice? Today’s readings put this
‘difficulty’ into its proper perspective.
The first reading from the Acts starts with verse 14 telling of Pauls’ arrival in Pisidia. Paul and Barnabas are on
their first missionary journey to the western provinces of Roman Empire in Asia Minor, present day Turkey. On
the Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas go into the local synagogue. After the Torah readings and the prophetic
readings of the day, the synagogue officials invite Paul to share his thoughts. Paul never hesitates to speak
about God’s love for all and His plan for salvation fulfilled in Jesus. Paul explains how Jesus was the absolute
fulfillment of the readings they have just heard. “The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the
people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt.” Then God freed the people with amazing signs and wonders and
led them while putting up with them for forty years in the desert. “When He had destroyed seven nations in the land
of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance.” They entered the Promised Land, “one flowing with milk and
honey”. God assigned Judges to help them up to the time of Samuel the prophet. Then, seeing that all the
neighboring countries had kings, they wanted their own kings. God gave them Saul, then removed him and
replaced him with David. Then God promised that from David’s descendant, He would provide a savior, Jesus.
Paul shares how John the Baptist, “…heralded His coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of
Israel.” The people of Jerusalem and the religious leaders failed to recognize Jesus and they condemned Him to
death. Paul adds, “…and by condemning Him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after
sabbath.” There was no basis for His death penalty but they asked Pilate to permit them to crucify Him. Paul
and Barnabas and the Apostles are witnesses to this. This message was well received and these two were
invited back the next Sabbath.
For this appearance “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they
were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul had said.”
Sunday Homily Helps for today was written by James Auer, who has written many popular books for teens and
adults on living as Catholics. He shares how Paul and Barnabas’ encounter with the Jewish people reflects tragic
interactions that so often happened among people who believe differently within the same church.
The cast of characters:
a) Paul and Barnabas’ enthusiastic preaching about Jesus had resulted in much controversy.
b) The Jews, refers to those who did not accept Jesus as the promised Messiah
c) Many Jews believed. The first believers in Jesus were Jews as Jesus was. Some kept aspects of their
Jewish faith while maintaining Jesus as the promised Messiah.
d) The Gentiles. If you’re not a Jew you’re a gentile. A gentile might be black, Hispanic, white, or Asian and
might be a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Hindu, or an atheist.
e) Women of prominence and leading men. These were most likely Jews who got along well with the
occupying Romans; who were influential and listened to.
So what happened…what was at stake:
a) Paul and Barnabas were ‘on fire’ with the Gospel of God’s love and God’s plan.
b) Why didn’t the Jews accept Jesus? Some were so passionately attached to their Jewish faith that they saw
Jesus as a heretic as well as His followers. Paul certainly was a member of this group before Jesus appeared
to him. Others were silent because they were afraid, maybe of being singled out or maybe because of some
reprisals.
c) The gentiles who accepted the Gospel message were excited to get to know a God who loved them enough
to become one of them and die for them…this was a no-brainer to them.
d) Now the women of prominence and leaders of the community wanted to keep their status. They took
whatever side best accomplished this.
So what can we learn: where is my faith located? Holding on to my convictions is good but am I pig-headed in
refusing to try to understand those who believe differently? How do I best show God’s love? This love is all
encompassing, is all caring, is all forgiving, is all merciful is always loving!
In the Gospel we hear of the eight-day feast of the Dedication which celebrates the Maccabees’ reconstruction
and rededication of the temple and its altar. Jesus is teaching and the Jews have confronted Him. They want a
plain answer, Is He the Messiah? Jesus declares He has already told them but they just don’t believe Him.
Jesus describes those who believe in Him as His sheep. The issue is not who is right or who is wrong. The
answer is rooted in faith. Those who do not believe that Jesus and the Father are one will never understand nor
believe. Those who accept Jesus and understand His works and the works of God accept Jesus out of faith.
Thomas Merton says that Faith is a Gift from God…Faith is also a Mystery…and Faith is a Relationship. Am I
the most important person in my life? Do I realize that life is all about God and not me? Do I realize that I am
a sinner and struggle with sin each day, and God forgives me if I ask? Do I believe that God created me and
loves me right now just the way that I am and He is always helping me to see that love and to live in that love
by loving others with His help?
Today is Mother’s Day. Connections a newsletter for the weekly gospel gives these marvelous comparisons,
“The vocation of motherhood is very much an extension of the vocation of the Good Shepherd. In their total and complete
love for their children, moms (and dads!) are the hand of God leading us through the rocky roads of life and catching us
when we fall; in the wisdom of their experience and in their constant and patient support, they are the ‘voice’ of the Good
Shepherd calling us to the safety and forgiveness of home. Christ speaks in many voices—including our own. We can be
the ‘voice’ of Christ’s compassion, comfort, forgiveness and peace even our smallest and simplest words and acts of
kindness and generosity. Today may we give thanks for our mothers who are the very voice of the Good Shepherd in our
lives, assuring us with hope, mending our brokenness, be it our limbs or hearts, loving us unconditionally and completely,
as God assures and heals and loves us from the moment of our birth.”
Sacred Space 2019 states:
“Once again, Lord, your words ease our aching hearts. You know us; You give us your best gift, which is eternal life; You
will defend us from anyone who tries to snatch us away from You. What more can we ask?
On my side is the invitation to follow You. But do I think of myself as Your follower? My daily prayer helps me keep You
always in view, to listen to Your voice, and to deepen the relationship that exists between us. Thank You for this graced
time.”

May 5, 2019

3rd Sunday of Easter C
Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41; Revelation 5: 11-14; John 21: 1-19
The stories told in the readings today focus on the responsibility each Christian has to be true witnesses of
Jesus each in our own world. So the reflection is: how are we doing? We have finished the season of Lent,
Holy Week and Easter. We’ve made resolutions, we’ve made changes in our life habits, we’ve reflected on
God’s goodness and Jesus’ total and complete giving and love. So the question stated to us: have we
rehabilitated ourselves? Have we redirected our lives and cleared our eyes and hearts and minds in the
direction as living as Jesus’ followers and as true Christians? We probably respond by saying, ‘Not quite…
but we’re working on it.’ This is a lifelong quest, a journey in faith that lasts as long as our earthly life
exists on earth. But we do have to constantly be updating our spiritual journey and changing our lives with
the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Today’s readings set the scene and gives us practical examples to help us on
our daily trek to the Lord.
Chapter five of Acts starts off looking at the sin of Ananias as Sapphira. They had sold a piece of property,
kept some of the money and gave the remainder, “…and put it at the feet of the apostles.” We would say, ‘Thats
a really nice gesture.’ But the previous chapter verses 32-36 shares the life philosophy of the early Church.
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions as his own, but
they had everything in common…There was no needy person among them for those who owned property or houses
would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles , and they were distributed to
each according to need.” Realizing what this married couple had done, Peter asked, Ananias, why has Satan
filled your heart so that you lied to the Holy Spirit and retained part of the price of the land?” [Finish reading this story, it’s a
powerful one,] Then Acts recounts of the many miracles and signs done by the apostles to those in need and
hurting focusing on the sick. The guards working for the high priests and Sadducees, out of jealousy threw
the apostles in the public jail. After lecturing them, the ‘angel of the Lord’ came and released them, walking
right by the guards. They started preaching of God’s love and Jesus’ teaching and again were arrested and
we begin with today’s first reading. The High priest reminds them that had been given a direct order to stop
preaching in the name of Jesus. This was totally ignored by the apostles. Peter says this today and gives the
tremendous advice for us, “We must obey God rather than human beings.” And Peter invites the high council to
repentance and the forgiveness of their sins of putting Jesus to death. Naturally the council didn’t pay any
attention to the apostles who were not intimidated at all. They left “…rejoicing that they had been found worthy
to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name (of Jesus).” Am I willing to suffer humiliation, mockery, being
looked at as a ‘religious fanatic’ because I live my Christian faith?
Previously in Acts Christ is identified as the Paschal Lamb without blemish whose blood saved the new
Israel from sin and death. This is the main title for Christ, being used twenty-eight times. John explains in
his vision that he hears the voices of thousands in the heavenly court proclaiming the Lamb of God to be
worthy of all adoration. Then he hears all creation joining in giving praise to the Father and to the Son who
is the Lamb of God. Can I picture myself in this immense crowd lifting up my voice in honor and praise to
God…and not just for one ‘praise hymn’ but on and on, forever? If not, why not? Have I been negligent in
my loving and thanking God? Is gratitude the main component of my heart?
Today’s gospel contains a lengthly story of Jesus with five of His apostles and two disciples. In reading the
previous chapter and its verses (30-31) we can see that these clearly have given a conclusion to John’s
gospel. Scholars maintain that this is a later addition to the fourth Gospel. Now today’s chapter seems to be
a compendium almost as if something had to be added. It shows us that Jesus’ call is universal. Jesus calls
each one of us to live in unity with all people, they are my brothers in sisters. Each person has been called
to share their faith stories and their faith with others. Just the unusual fact of the number of fish caught
being 153 has a message. St. Jerome tells us in his Biblical Commentary that zoology at that time specified
153 different kinds of fish. So the call of Jesus is to be shared to all. Also another fact is that the apostles
net did not break. How could that be possible with such an enormous catch? So even with the diversity of
all peoples, the Christian community need not be torn by divisions.
Now we come to Peter’s interaction with Jesus. Three times Jesus asks if Peter loves Him. Each time Peter
responds without any hesitation and with his total confidence and firm faith with a resounding ‘YES’. Jesus
tells him to feed His lambs and sheep. Peter is reaffirming his love for Jesus and Jesus forgives Peter’s
threefold denial. The final word Jesus says to Peter is to “Follow Me.” This certainly touches the open
wounds of Peter’s denial with reconciling love. How many times have we come to the sacrament of
Reconciliation and said and prayed that ‘I will never commit this sin again.’ We do this with total sincerity.
And we sin again and again! What does this do to us? We feel: ‘I’m just never going to be able to be free
from sin…I will just never get to heaven…I’m just no good and I can’t see how God could possibly forgive
me…Is this that ‘unforgivable’ sin Jesus talked about.’ Jesus is rehabilitating Peter for his important
ministry. He totally shows Peter God’s love and compassion. He is to follow Jesus all the time and God is
with him all the time and helping him all the time and loving him all the time even in the sin that pops up
over and again. In the Catholic tradition of Reconciliation, sorrow for sins has always been a prerequisite
for absolution coupled with the intent of amending my life. The priest gives the penance of three Our
Father’s, three Hail Mary’s or the like and we go on. Peter before this ‘fish story’ NO doubt felt that he
would go to his grave without being able to ‘make things right’ with the Lord face-to-face. Peter’s
rehabilitating, through LOVE, is not intended to make him feel better about himself but to instead free him
for loving service to others. He is to love…do the best he can…knowing he is weak…and will sin…but he
is needed to love and show others the power of love and the power of forgiveness. By asking Peter three
times, Jesus allows Peter to completely erase his shame and get on with the task Jesus assigns him. So must
I…all the time!
So I reflect on:
• Jesus comes to me in the Eucharist to forgive and needs me so that, like Peter, I can undertake the
mission to which I am called by my Baptism: extending God’s love, care and forgiveness to all in my
world and the world.
Sacred Space from 2016 says:
“Peter was not one for sitting around moping; he knew where Jesus had found him before and was confident that his
busyness would not hide him from the Lord. We see him now, directing the activity of the others yet remaining open to
the direction of the stranger. What does this say to me about my own life? Where do I need to take control? How is it
that I need to be open to a voice that calls me beyond myself?
Jesus, You meet me at the water’s edge of my ordinary life. You accept me lovingly, You encourage me, You invite
me to abundance. Nourished by the food of Your word, warmed by the fire of Your unfailing love, may I in turn nourish,
heal, and love those I meet today.”