Friday, January 22, 2010

Novena for Life IV

Quebec, 2003

Day Four
To Love Through Amazement

Prayer
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


~~~~~~~

Since I wrote about "Rachel" two years ago things have changed for her. Last year the home she managed in China for children with critical health problems was closed. Now she is working stateside to get health care for these children at risk. "Rachel's" place of work has changed, but not her mission. Please pray for her and all work to improve the value of everyone's lives.

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.

~~~~~~~
As for her presence in my life and how I have been touched by her, I say,
Thanks be to God!


5 comments:

  1. Beautiful prayers and reflections, and such a beautiful story of love and commitment.
    Thanks so much for sharing this. Such a wonderful example and inspiration.
    God's Blessings on those that answer His call with such affirmation.

    And God Bless those that answer reluctantly too.

    Love and Prayers,
    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, I think Ive forgotten the beauty and peace of reading your blog.
    thank you
    br.freddie

    ReplyDelete
  3. I remember 'Rachael' very well Cathy. How could anyone not be touched by her life, her witness and her outright love for the most weak and most vulnerable.
    May God guide and protect her and all those who help her in any way to walk the road she feels compelled to walk, out of love.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Perfect prayer and reflection for today!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cathy, I am so late to this, but I will begin tonight and join with you.

    ReplyDelete

Your insightful comments are appreciated and I want all to feel comfortable and welcome.