DOCSLIB.ORG

Wake Booklet

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Wake Booklet "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim. 4:7 Visitation of Martin B. Lowery Welcome 3:00 pm by: Rita L. Gitchell Film of Martin's Life 3:05 pm Produced by Mary Schellhorn "If" 3:15 pm Recited by: Timothy J. Lowery Rosary 3:20 pm Led by: Meagan Gitchell Eulogy 3:40 pm Presented by: Daniel L. Lowery Prayer Card Story 3:55 pm Read by: Thomas Martin Gitchell Prayer of St. Francis 4:00 pm Sung by: Meagan Gitchell Songs Performed by: Clare Schuch Song List Our Lady of the Rosary Played by Clare Schuch Feast Day October 7th Oh My Papa Martin B. Lowery was born on October 7, 1926. His birthday Morning Has Broken coincided with a rich Catholic feast day to "Our Lady of the Rosary." Martin had a deep devotion to Our Lady's intercession and often Rocky theme song prayed the rosary to ask God for grace. Eye of the Tiger Fight Song/Amazing Grace The rosary is a Catholic prayer filled with meditations on the life of Over the Rainbow/Simple Gifts Jesus portrayed in the gospels. It is a powerful prayer that Our Lady entrusted to St. Dominic in the 12th century. To Everything Turn Turn Turn 100 Years to Live Throughout Church history the rosary has been prayed by monks, What a Wonderful World mystics, and lay people as a way to grow closer to Jesus and cover You’ve Got a Friend their loved ones in grace. It is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare that aids us in the epic battle between good and evil. Bridge Over Troubled Water To Dream the Impossible Dream Martin often prayed the rosary and offered the prayer on behalf of his Battle Hymn of the Republic family. When his dearly beloved spouse, Rita, passed away, he led his America family in the rosary to pray for the repose of her soul. Why did he do this? Because Martin knew that the hour of death mattered. The soul Proud to Be an American of his wife mattered. He knew Rita was destined to live for all My Country 'Tis of thee eternity with Jesus in the place He had prepared for her, but he also This Land is Your Land know that Rita had an enemy who wanted to rob her of her eternal If I had a Hammer happiness. Amore This enemy is Satan, "the thief who comes only to steal kill and Kiss Me Once and Kiss Me Twice destroy" (Jn. 10:10). Satan preys on our weaknesses and hits us when I Can’t Help Falling In Love we're down to make us think that God is the enemy and not him. He Perfect Symphony tries his hardest to steal souls away from God especially at the hour of their death so that humans can be drenched in eternal misery with Sunrise Sunset him. Martin understood this. This is why he fought for his loved ones I Just Can’t Wait to Be King through prayer. Circle of Life Prayer of Saint Francis As a boxer, Martin taught his children to fight. If a bully is starting to approach you, hit him first. This is exactly what Catholics do when Hallelujah they pray the rosary. The rosary claims the graces of Christ's life and Only Time obliterates obstacles so that we can live in Truth, Beauty and Tura Lura Lura Goodness for all eternity. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling Today, we will honor Martin's life through the Glorious Mysteries of Lord of the Dance the holy rosary. Martin's Favorite Poem Recited by Timothy J. Lowery If (you'll be a man, my son) If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream -- and not make dreams your master; If you can think -- and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build them up with worn-out tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!" If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings -- nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds worth of distance run -- Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And -- which is more -- you'll be a Man, my son! Author: Rudyard Kipling Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary The First Glorious Mystery Introductory Prayers After Concluding The Resurrection of Our Lord Prayers Each Mystery Prayers Hail Holy Queen A young man, clothed in white, said to the three women Apostles Creed Our Father Our Father 10 Hail Mary's Let Us Pray... at Jesus’ tomb, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of St. Michael 3 Hail Mary's Glory Be Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not Prayer Glory Be Fatima Prayer here; but he is going before you to Galilee.” (Mark 16:6- 7) The Fifth Glorious Mystery The Second Glorious Mystery The Coronation of Mary The Ascension of our Lord as Queen of Heaven and Earth A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman Two men dressed in white garments said, “Men of clothed with the sun, with the moon under her Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven (Revelation 12:1) will return in the same way as you have seen him going The Fourth Glorious Mystery into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) The Assumption of Mary into Heaven The Third Glorious Mystery Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! The Descent of the Holy Spirit For see, the winter is past, the rains are over Through the prophet Joel, God says, “I will pour out my and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. spirit upon all humankind. (Joel 3:1) (Song of Songs 2:10-11) Our Father Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen. Glory Be Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Legend of the Albrecht Hands In the 15th century, in a village near Nuremberg , Germany there lived a goldsmith named Albrecht Durer, who had eighteen children. In order to keep food on the table for them, he had to work long hours at his trade, and at any other paying chore he could find. Despite their poverty, two of Albrecht Durer the Elder's children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew that their father could never afford to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy. Their names were Albrecht and Albert. Finally the two boys made a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when the brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his art work or, if necessary, by laboring in the mines.They tossed a coin and Albrecht Durer won and went to Nuremberg. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and for the next four years financed his brother, whose work at the academy was an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, woodcuts, and oils were even finer than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was earning considerable fees for his commissioned works. When Albrecht returned to his village, the Durer family held a celebratory dinner to mark his homecoming. After dinner, Albrecht raised a toast to his brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled him to fulfill his ambition.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Parish Prayer Leaflet
    St Francis of For Healing The Angelus Merciful God, we claim your promises of V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Assisi wholeness as we pray for those who are ill Mary, Grove Crescent Road, Stratford, London E15 1BJ in body or mind, who long for your healing R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Tel: 020 8534 1964 touch. Make the weak strong, the sick Hail Mary …… healthy, the broken whole and confirm V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. those who serve them as agents of your R. Be it done unto me according to thy Sometimes words come easily. Sometimes love. Then all shall be renewed in vigor to word. even silence is too noisy. God knows our point to the risen Christ, who conquered Hail Mary …… needs and waits patiently for us. death that we might live eternally. Amen V. And the Word was made flesh, Peace Prayer of Saint Francis Prayer for Self-Dedication R. And dwelt among us. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; Almighty God, Hail Mary …… So draw our hearts to you, where there is injury, pardon; V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. So guide our minds, where there is doubt, faith; R. That we may be made worthy of the where there is despair, hope; So fill our imaginations, promises of Christ. where there is darkness, light; So control our wills, Let us pray; where there is sadness, joy. That we may be wholly yours, Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy O divine Master, grant that I may not so much Utterly dedicated to you.
    [Show full text]
  • ORDINATION to the PRIESTHOOD of Namora Anderson & Adrian Chan
    ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD of Namora Anderson & Adrian Chan The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn Welcomes you to Ordination to the Priesthood of Namora ANDERSON & Adrian CHAN Friday, 7th September 2018 7.00 pm St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka Principal Celebrant: The Most Reverend CHRISTOPHER PROWSE D.D. S.T.D. Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn To maintain a spirit of reverence and solemnity, please turn off all mobile phones and other electronic devices. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Principal Celebrant The Most Reverend Christopher Prowse D.D. S.T.D. Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn Concelebrants The Most Reverend Patrick Power, Priests of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, and visiting clergy Promotor The Very Reverend Fr. Daniel Meagher Rector of the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Homebush Master Of Ceremonies The Reverend Fr. Paul Nulley Assisting Deacons The Reverend Mr. Graham Fullick The Reverend Mr. Ronald Maree Investiture Assistants (Namora) The Reverend Fr. Luke Verrell The Very Reverend Fr. Dermid McDermott V.F. (Adrian) The Reverend Tom Curran OCD Edward and Theresa Chan Servers The Seminarians of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Seminarians of the Seminary of the Good Shepherd Readers Mr. Peter Anderson Mr. Lionel Chan Presentation Of Gifts Anderson & Chan families Organist Mr. Ben Chesworth Choir Director Ms. Jaki Kane Cantor Mr. Roberto Keryakos Choir St. Christopher’s Cathedral Choir 1 INTRODUCTORY RITES All stand All sing PROCESSIONAL HYMN Holy God we Praise Your Name 2 Ignaz Franz (1719-1790) THE INTROIT Choir sings – Pastores dabo vobis All make the Sign of the Cross as the Archbishop says In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
    [Show full text]
  • Prayer Booklet
    Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Angel of God Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen Glory to the Father Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen Drawing by Olivia Fries The Apostles Creed Blessing Before Meals I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and Bless us, O Lord, and these, thy gifts, which we earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was con- are about to receive from thy bounty, through ceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Christ our Lord. Amen Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascend- ed into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
    [Show full text]
  • An Ecumenical Requiem
    for H.H. Swami Bodhananda Saraswati, Dr. Ruth Harring, and Brother Abraham Newsom, O.S.B. and in memoriam - Melissa Baum - Requiem in Pace JOHN WEBBER AN ECUMENICAL REQUIEM for three soli, chorus, and orchestra Full Score RIG VEDA - REQUIEM MASS - SHIVA SUTRAS - DHAMMAPADA GOSPEL OF SAINT JOHN - SATHYA SAI BABA PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPIANS - THE ACTS OF JOHN - BHAGAVATA PURANO WEBBER MUSIC - KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, USA I - Requiem in Pace II - Requiem in Dei III - Requiem in Veritate ORCHESTRA 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 B b Clarinets, 2 Bassoons 6 F Horns Solo Soprano, Solo Mezzo-Soprano, Solo Baritone SATB Chorus Strings Durata circa 60 mintues - Score is transposed ii AN ECUMENICAL REQUIEM I - REQUIEM IN PACE RIG VEDA 1:164:46 Ekam sat That which exists vipraha bahuda is One: vipraha bahuda vadanti sages call it by various names ________________________________________ REQUIEM Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord Et lux perpetua luceat eis. And let perpetual light shine upon them Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion. A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Zion. ________________________________________ PIE JESU Pie Jesu, Domine, Merciful Jesus, O Lord, dona eis requiem, sempiternam. grant them rest. Merciful Jesus, O Lord, grant them eternal rest. ________________________________________ KYRIE Kyrie eleison! Lord, have mercy on us. Christe eleison! Christ, have mercy on us. Kyrie eleison! Lord, have mercy on us. ________________________________________ PIE PIE JESU (as above) ________________________________________ SHIVA SUTRAS 1:18 Lokanandah samadhisukham. The joy of his samadhi is bliss for the whole universe. ________________________________________ AGNUS DEI Agnus Dei, qui tollis pecatta mundi O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, dona eis requiem.
    [Show full text]
  • July 18, 2021
    Our Catholic Family ✞ Pastor: Fr. David Zimmer (Office) 254-4588 St. Anthony Catholic Church DIVINE MERCY CHAPEL (Rectory) 254-4400 613 N Broadway, Linton 58552 located in St. Anthony Deacon Ken Wolbaum Parish Center Hours: M-F 9am-3pm Parish Center • East Entrance 782-4115 Secretary: Adrien Roehrich ~ Always Accessible ~ Email: [email protected] Bus Mgr/DRE: Sue Schumacher Email: [email protected] St. Katherine Catholic Church St. Paul Catholic Church Director of Rel Ed: Denice Kautz 200 1st Ave N, Braddock 58524 372 Harold St, Hazelton 58544 Email: [email protected] Director of Religion Education Director of Religion Education www.stanthonylinton.com Becky Small 387-4470 Becky Small 387-4470 Parish Office: 254-4588 www.facebook.com/stanthonylinton Parish Office: 254-4588 “His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.” --Mark 6:34 July 18, 2021 • 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time PARISH OFFICE will be CLOSED Wednesday-Friday, July 21-23 All Parishes • Liturgy, Adoration and Mass Intentions: July 19-25 19 Monday 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel 20 Tuesday 2:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Marcella Kuchar: St. Anthony 5:30 p.m. NO Mass: St. Anthony 21 Wednesday 5 a.m.-1 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel 7:45 a.m. Mass: St. Paul .........................................................................................† Joe Kalberer 9:00 a.m. Mass: St. Katherine ...............................................................................† John Ballard 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel 22 Thursday 6 a.m. - Noon Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel 5:30 p.m.
    [Show full text]
  • Online at Facebook Live at 10:00 Am Sunday, May 23Rd, 2021
    The Rev. C. Davies Reed, Rector The Rev. Allan Wallace, Curate Online at Facebook Live at 10:00 am Sunday, May 23rd, 2021 THE LITURGY OF THE WORD The Prelude Veni, creator spiritus J. Walther The Welcome The Processional Hymn Come, thou Holy Spirit Webbe 1 The Opening Acclamation Presider: Alleluia. Christ is risen. People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. Presider: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Gloria S-278 The Collect of the Day Presider: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Presider: Let us pray: Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 2 The First Reading Acts 2:1-21 When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
    [Show full text]
  • Prayers Updated 11/18/17
    Prayers Updated 11/18/17 Please note: This is not SSA/MAA Program literature. It was submitted by individual members as resources that might be helpful to our membership. We claim no rights to this information and are sharing only as a service. Those with an interest should contact the owners of the information at the links provided. This living document belongs to all of us and will be always changing. New entries are always welcome. Please send them to [email protected] All prayers are from the AA Big Book except where noted A word from God: Good morning, this is God. I will be handing all your problems today and I will not need your help, so enjoy your day! :) [not from AA BB] Morning Prayers We’re invited to do these as soon as we wake up, before leaving the bedroom, if possible God, this day belongs to you. Please guide all I think, say, and do. [not from AA BB] God, I ask you to direct my thinking. I especially ask that my thinking be divorced from self-pity, dishonesty, or self-seeking motives. After considering your plans for the day: God, I pray that I be shown all through the day what my next step is to be. I pray that I be given whatever I need to take care of such problems. I ask especially for freedom from self-will. I ask that I be given strength only if others will be helped. Third Step God, I offer myself to Thee—to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
    [Show full text]
  • SAINT AGNES PARISH the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity JUNE 7, 2020
    SAINT AGNES PARISH The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity JUNE 7, 2020 Introductory Rites Sign of the Cross and Greeting 1 Penitential Act Kyrie Eleison Glory to God Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory. Lord God, heav'nly King, O God almighty Father. Lord, Jesus Christ, only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; You are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Collect Liturgy of the Word First Reading Exodus 34:48-6, 8-9 Early in the morning Moses went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him, taking along the two stone tablets. Having come down in a cloud, the LORD stood with Moses there and proclaimed his name, "LORD." Thus the LORD passed before him and cried out, "The LORD, the LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity." 2 Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship. Then he said, "If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company.
    [Show full text]
  • Spiritus Sanctus Fraternity Newsletter SEP/OCT 2020 SPIRITUS SANCTUS Meeting Information: St
    VOLUME 3, NO. 33 Spiritus Sanctus Fraternity Newsletter SEP/OCT 2020 SPIRITUS SANCTUS Meeting Information: St. Francis Catholic Church When the Spirit of truth comes He will guide Fourth Thursday of every month you into all truth He will speak, He will 5pm Eve Prayer; 5:30pm Mass declare and He will glorify. Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm Newsletter deadline: Within 15 days before the meeting! Please submit articles/photos to: Annie Knakmuhs, ofs, maz1741@@gmail.com Lord, make me an instrument of your peace... To be a true peacemaker, you must work to preserve Submitted by Jan Lothert, OFS inner peace, which will then govern your mind and your actions. Do this for the love of Christ, so that He may be In this time of social unrest and division, our world is crying out for seen in you no matter what you suffer at the hands of peace; peace in our nations, our communities, our homes and families, the world. THE ADMONITIONS: 15 and most critically, in our own hearts. How do we as OFS seek to become instruments of this peace and then in turn transfer it to our Very simply, you must learn to not be upset over an world? injury because it is an offense to you. Rather, out of love for God, train your thoughts on the harm that your The Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis is now known to have been enemy is doing to his own soul with each sin or offense written 700 years after St. Francis, yet it continues to be universally he commits.
    [Show full text]
  • Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your
    As a part of our effort to increase and improve prayer during the Year of Faith, we will be praying a different devotion each month at the end of Mass. Please take this prayer home with you and pray with your family! January 2012— The Prayer of St. Francis This month, Holy Spirit is joining its prayers to those of the universal church for peace and Christian unity. St. Francis is a wonderful example of a person who worked for peace and unity Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi among the Christian people by building up the Church through renewal. By entering into prayer about how the Lord was calling Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. him to build up the church, Francis was taken on a journey of Where there is hatred, let me sow love; conversion that not only brought him from sinfulness to a life of where there is injury, pardon; holiness, but from one level of holiness to the next. where there is doubt, faith; The Prayer of St. Francis embodies much of the spirit that St. where there is despair, hope; Francis taught and gave as an example not only to those who where there is darkness, light; were in his order, but to everyone he met. This prayer, while not and where there is sadness, joy. written by St. Francis himself, brings before us the values of pausing for reflection, of considering the needs and the hurts of others, and of asking for the grace to look more and more like O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek Jesus.
    [Show full text]
  • Lord's Prayer Our Father, Who Art in Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name
    Catholic Identity: Prayers Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary Hail, Mary! Full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. Credo I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and became man, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
    [Show full text]
  • A Reflection for the Feast of Saint Francis
    A REFLECTION FOR THE FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS Our world is full of noise and hustle; many of us live in one-hour increments, shuttling to and from activities, interacting more and more with technology and less and less with others. It is difficult to see the mystical meaning in a leaf, make time to go to a mountain trail or look away from our phone to notice the dewdrop. Called from his life of wealth, privilege, excitement and parties to one of simplicity, peace, prayer and connection with the natural world, Saint Francis provides a model for us. As we celebrate and remember Francis’ love of the earth, care for animals, commitment to the poor and sick, let us use today as an invitation to consider how we might make space, as Francis did, for simplicity, peace, prayer and nature in our lives. The great spiritual leaders have consistently taught us that peace is an inside job. By cultivating peace in ourselves, we can become instruments of God’s peace in the world. God speaks through the psalmist, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) In this moment, here and now, you are invited to stillness in God’s presence. To be still and know. To breathe deeply and dwell in the peace of God. Pause for three deep cleansing breaths. Let us pray, as included in The Prayer of Saint Francis, to be made instruments of God’s peace. LORD, MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE. Let us remember, “Peace comes from within, do not seek it without.” [Buddha] LORD, MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE.
    [Show full text]