Faith manifests in many ways

 

1.  PRAYER

from SACRED SPACE 

https://sacredspace.com/

2.  MEDITATION 

https://youtu.be/Jyy0ra2WcQQ?si=Yz8nT-tbL40JGpC1

3.  Song

https://youtu.be/EXXfzBAw6tw?si=BqPq6gtsfZBNa8X0

4. NARRATIVE

FROM SACRED SPACE

SOMETHING TO THINK AND PRAY ABOUT THIS WEEK

Faith manifests in different ways

In reading a piece about the last judgement a woman in her eighties wondered, ‘If God has forgiven me, why is there a judgement?’ I could understand her question. Taking some theological liberty, I said that the judgement after death was for God to say again to each of us that we are forgiven, and to remind us of the good we had done and had tried to do. Her reply was, ‘Consoling for the once baptised who have fallen away’. Was she thinking not of herself, but of her children, most of whom were not churchgoers? I think so. Many people’s religious questions often cloak a worry they have about others.

Many parents and grandparents worry about the lack of faith in their children and grandchildren. It is a deep sadness for a generation that did their best in handing on faith and practice. Some nuggets of wisdom can help: ‘Let God look after them, he loves them even more than you do’; ‘We all find our own way to God and in life’; ‘Their faith will come at its own time’. It is consoling to think that much goodness –kindness, love for the poor, prayer, care and compassion –is passed on by parents, even if the faith of a younger generation might be expressed differently.

Mary and Joseph wondered what had got into Jesus to run off and leave them worried and anxious. His answer, ‘I must be about my father’s business’, is relevant also for us. Many people are about their father’s business in different ways than I am, or a parent is. The important thing is that somehow, somewhere, we are, in trying to live the good life, ‘about our father’s business’!

Donal Neary SJ, The Sacred Heart Messenger, January 2021

5. MEDITATION 

https://youtu.be/tck7E11SdR8?si=EGbqDc7hxDzF90JQ

6.  SHARING

 

7. INTENTIONS AND PRAYERS 

"Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude. Thank You for the gift of life, the air I breathe, and the strength You give me each day. I am grateful for Your unwavering love and for providing for my needs, even when I don't see it. 

Thank You for my family and friends, who bless me with their kindness and support. Thank You for the opportunities to grow, for the open doors, and even for the closed doors that protect me. Thank You for the lessons from disappointments, which help me trust You more. 

Help me to never take Your blessings for granted and to live with a spirit of thankfulness in all circumstances, so that my life may be a reflection of my gratitude to You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen". 

8. SONG 

https://youtu.be/nGlPk7Vzy2M?si=Evj2Mubr1G9mMSnb