Be Joyful

"Rather be joyful, be glad forever at what I am creating, for look, I am creating Jerusalem to be "joy" and my people to be gladness." (Isaiah 65: 18)

I will be joyful; I will be glad in the Lord.

Thank you, Father.

The Sacraments and New Life

"Father, creator, you give the world new life by your sacraments. May we, your Church, grow in your life and continue to receive your help on earth …."

The sacraments give us new life. As the plant sheds its old leaves and sprout new buds, so the sacraments renews our lives.

Oh, that everyone would come to the sacraments to be renewed.

"Come to the waters, all who thirst; though you have no money, come and drink with joy." (Isaiah 55: 1)

Lord, fill me with this water. Use me to bring people to this water.

The sacraments are the ordained means of growth for the Church. Destroy the priesthood, you destroy the sacraments and the Church.

Trusting God

"Lord, I put my trust in you; I shall be glad and rejoice in your mercy, because you have seen my affliction." (Ps 31: 7-8)

The Lord will show me mercy. He has seen my pain and poverty. He sees me; He hears me; He loves me.

Light of the Gospel

"Father, you enlighten all who come into the world. Fill our hearts with the light of your gospel, that our thoughts may please you, and our love be sincere…" (Mass Prayer)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a light to the world. When our hearts are filled with the light of the Gospel like the blind man in John 9: 1-41, our thoughts will be pleasing to God.

Blessed is the man who meditates on the word of God day and night.

Increase our reverence

"Lord, we offer you these gifts which bring us peace and joy. Increase our reverence by this Eucharist and bring salvation to the world …"

The Eucharist undoubtedly brings us peace and joy. I bear witness to this truth.

Reverence to God and sacred things increase our faith. I have experienced this.