Quebec, 2003Day Four
To Love Through AmazementPrayer
Father of life, as you have given me the gift of life, so may I give it away each day to your, and to my brothers and sisters, that through penitence, prayer, and charity my days on earth may lead me home to you.
A Reading from the first Letter of Saint John 3:14-16, 19-20
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brother. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him. The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers...Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.
(silent reflection)
Prayer
God of all creation, help me to listen with everyone I meet to the profound and persuasive echo in their heart of the Gospel of Life and the joy of your presence.
A Reflection by Pope John Paul II*
Yes, dear brothers and sisters, our Christian communities must become genuine "schools: of prayer, where the meeting with Christ is expressed not just in imploring help but also in thanksgiving, praise, adoration, contemplation, listening and ardent devotion until the heart truly "falls in love." Intense prayer, yes, but it does not distract us from our commitment to history: by opening our heart to the love of God it also opens it to the love of our brothers and sisters, and makes us capable of shaping history according to God's plan.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...*Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, Novo Millenio Inuente, no. 33
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I feel the need today to tell the story of a young lady from our parish who is a living witness to us all. She daily lives out the word of God by deed and example. Rachel (this is not her real name but those who know her will recognize who it is, and I cannot tell this story without a name for that is what will give this story life). Rachel lives this "life of love" every day. She began this journey of love when she was a university student and spent a summer in India caring for the indigent, sick and dying. Rachel says she felt the tug of our Lord to go to China after graduation, and as parents are wont to do, tried in all ways to discourage her going to this godless place in fear and love for her. I would have been no different if one of my children had said the same thing to me. For we love them and want the very best for them. But again His ways are not our ways.
Rachael did indeed go to China where she cares for handicapped, abandoned, and orphaned babies and children, most of whom are girls. Rachel openly witnesses to her faith daily. She travels by bus making several transfers to attend Mass daily. She and fellow employees pray and study together. She walks among the people with the assurance of the Holy Spirit. This tender, gentle, soft spoken young lady daily LIVES the Word of God.
Rachel says she could not say "no" to the call for she was compelled to do so. The Lord's summons to her was so strong that she could not deny Him. And so it is, that in the midst of the parish of St. John the Baptist (though far from us) , we have a living example of what it means to truly answer the call and live it daily.
And what of her parents? They are gracious, loving supporters of their gift, their treasure from God.
Rachael did indeed go to China where she cares for handicapped, abandoned, and orphaned babies and children, most of whom are girls. Rachel openly witnesses to her faith daily. She travels by bus making several transfers to attend Mass daily. She and fellow employees pray and study together. She walks among the people with the assurance of the Holy Spirit. This tender, gentle, soft spoken young lady daily LIVES the Word of God.
Rachel says she could not say "no" to the call for she was compelled to do so. The Lord's summons to her was so strong that she could not deny Him. And so it is, that in the midst of the parish of St. John the Baptist (though far from us) , we have a living example of what it means to truly answer the call and live it daily.
And what of her parents? They are gracious, loving supporters of their gift, their treasure from God.
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As for her presence in my life and how I have been touched by her, I say,
Thanks be to God!
As for her presence in my life and how I have been touched by her, I say,
Thanks be to God!
God bless 'Rachael' and give her the strength and courage to keep on doiung good and living the gospel.
ReplyDeleteI also want to travel far and help people... I am a student nurse. Many people think it is weird whenever I say I want to work as a volunteer to Africa or even on the Souther part of my country to help the poor. Here in the Philippines where most people choose to go abroad to work, Nursing is one of the many lucrative and promising "abroad" jobs.
ReplyDeleteI just pray that God will allow me to pass the upcoming board exam here in the Philippines.
God bless you, Mon as you study and take your exams. The entire world needs good nurses. Pray that you might discern His will and the Spirit will move you to where you need to be. My prayers for you and all who are summoned by the call of Our Lord.
ReplyDeleteStories such as this are so inspiring! I know it's not my calling to go literally into the mission field (just like it didn't turn out to be St. Therese of Lisieux's), but hearing about these courageous and grace-filled young people, Rachael and Mon, I'm reminded to help in their work through prayer! Bless both of them!
ReplyDelete