Seeing is Believing

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead"; others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen."  But Herod said, "John I beheaded.  Who then is this about whom I hear such things?"  And he kept trying to see him.  Luke 9:7-9

In today’s Gospel, we read the story of Herod who wanted to see Jesus.  He kept looking for him not to get rid of him but to understand him better.  Many times, in life we are faced with the same issues.  We want to see Jesus but are not always sure of how to find him.  When I was in the sixth grade I remember getting glasses for the very first time and did not realize how much I had been missing until I put them on.  After wearing them for a short time I could see with a new perspective.  When we are searching for Jesus we need to be open to seeing him in all places and in all people.  Jesus promises to be with us always.  This does not mean only on the good days or when I am in a good mood.  Each day we are called on to put on Christ and to remember that he will always guide us along the journey of life.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Beginning of the New School Year

St. Angela in her First Counsel wrote:

“Therefore, pray God to enlighten you, direct you and teach you what you are to do for love of God in regard to this responsibility; for there can be no nobler one than that of being a teacher of the children of God.  Remember, then, the respect you owe them, because the more you respect them, the more you will love them; and the more you love them, the better you will watch over and care for them; and it will be impossible for you not to have them all engraven in your hearts night and day, each one individually, for this is how true love acts.  Nor should you worry about this responsibility.  Instead you should greatly thank God that you are permitted to be one of those who are allowed to exhaust themselves in guiding and looking after such a precious charge.  Have hope and firm faith in God who will help you in all things.”

As the new school year begins let us recall Angela’s words and know that she is still with us today!

Pat Schifini, OSU

World Day of Prayer for Creation

I received the following from the Catholic Climate Covenant and wanted to share it with all.  Friday, September 1st is World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, celebrated by the Orthodox Church since 1989 and by the Roman Catholic Church since 2015. It is also the beginning of the Season of Creation, which ends on October 4th, the feast day of St. Francis.

On Friday, September 1st let us take a moment to appreciate and give thanks for God’s gifts of nature. Join with Christians around the world praying for creation. Together with Pope Francis, pray for our common home:

A Prayer for Our Earth

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.  You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.  Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.  Fill us with peace that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.  O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.  Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.  Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.

                        -From Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’

Pat Schifini, OSU