Restore the joy of our youth

"God our Father, may we look forward with hope to our resurrection, for you have made us your sons and daughters, and restored the joy of our youth……" (Mass Prayer)

In his passion and death and resurrection, Jesus Christ reconciles us to God and at the same time restores our spiritual youth which was lost by the sin of Adam and Eve. When we participate in the Eucharist, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ restore the joy of our youth.

The Eucharist and Love

"Lord, may this Eucharist which we have celebrated in memory of your Son, help us to grow in love ….."

The Eucharist helps us to grow in the love of God and of our neighbor.

Spiritual Sacrifice

"Merciful Lord, make holy these gifts and let our spiritual sacrifice make us an everlasting gift to you……"

In the Offertory, we offer the bread and wine, which represent the fruits of our labor to God. As the priest makes the offering on our behalf, we offer silently our joys and sorrows, our delays, disappointments and obstacles. In a holy exchange, God gives these back to us as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Do not be afraid

"It's me. Don't be afraid." (John 6: 20)

Peace is the special gift of Easter. This peace is a deeper awareness that Christ who was dead is now alive forever more. He is near me. He is in me. So I will not fear. I will not be afraid for Casa. I will not be afraid for SFJ. I will not be afraid for the Enterprise. I will not be afraid of anything. It is Jesus Himself who tells me, 'Don't be afraid.'

Time of famine

"Lord, let your mercy be upon us as we place our trust in you…

See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them inspite of famine." (Psalm 33: 18 – 19)

God will have mercy on those who trust in Him to have mercy on them. I trust in God to have mercy on me with regard to the Enterprise. In fact, I believe He will.

God watches over those who fear Him. Lord, fill me with your fear.

Those who hope in God will be delivered from death and God will supply their needs even in time of famine.

Service of the word

"We ourselves will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word." (Acts 6: 4)

I am deeply attracted to prayer and the service of the word.

Lord Jesus, lead me, guide me and use me. Amen.

Prioritizing Ministries

"It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food." (Acts 6: 2)

There is a hierarchy in ministries. Food for the soul is more important than food for the body. "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that falls from the mouth of God" (Acts 6: 4)