January 31, 2015 - Saturday

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16 NABRE)

There is a moment in the life of everyone who believes in God when they actively choose to believe or not to believe. At some point it seems, we are each confronted with a circumstance that prompts us either to say, "Yes, I will trust God to help me through this situation," or to say, "No, I am all alone in this." Now, it's not always quite that dramatic, but it certainly occurs for anyone who has active faith.

Do you remember your own moment?

Have you had more than one moment like this? I can recall many of them through the years, and I'm not able even to recall the first. I believe it is important that we choose our faith every day.

Lord God, you gave your only son Jesus to me and to all of us. You gave him to us in the incarnation and so we exchange gifts at Christmas. You gave him over to death for us so that he could rise from the dead. And so we celebrate at Easter. You did this so that we who pass through these moments of choice might have eternal life with you. Lord, there is no way I can comprehend the fullness of this gift, but I can decide again today that I will put my faith in you. And I can again say thank you.


Today, I will trust God, who loves us so much, to protect me in this life and lead me back to him in the next.


Saint John Bosco, patron of boys, editors, and youth, pray for us.

January 30, 2015 - Friday

At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. (Matthew 11:25 NABRE)

So, is it true that God really prevents some people from accepting what Jesus taught or the significance of his deeds? Why would he do that?

Matthew's gospel tells us that acceptance of Jesus' teachings depends on God's revelation to us which is only granted to those who are open to receive it. Jesus calls this quality of openness toward the gospel being childlike. By contrast, people who are arrogant and refuse even to be open to the truth of what Jesus taught, we are told, are, as a result, prevented from seeing it at all.*

I suggest that, since it is not an intellectual compromise, even the wise and learned among us can decide to remain open toward the gospel, and by such a choice, made without conditions, made in a childlike manner, can, through God's gift of revelation which will absolutely follow, come to accept the gospel. Simply put, there is no risk to making such a decision, but there is an eternal consequence to avoiding it. Leaving us with just one question: Why wait?


Today, I will reaffirm my personal decision to be open to the gospel message.


Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti, who shows us how to accept correction and change our ways, pray for us.

January 29, 2015 - Thursday

Let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust,
with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience
and our bodies washed in pure water.
Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope,
for he who made the promise is trustworthy.
We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.
We should not stay away from our assembly,
as is the custom of some, but encourage one another,
and this all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25 NABRE)

Many people think religion is an invention of men designed to control or console us. However, when you consider what the writer to the Hebrews calls us to do in today's verses, you can see the error in such a line of thinking. (Dare I even call it a clever misdirection of the evil one?)

Today's verses call us to do four things which are neither controlling nor consoling. They are individualistic, risky, and troubling, so consider each one carefully:

• We should approach God with sincerity and trust
• We should hold onto our faith without wavering
• We should excite one another into loving and helping others
• We should assemble together and encourage one another with the urgency of Jesus' return

Today, I will evaluate my own experience of religion to see if it is a weak and human thing controlling me, or if it is something that pushes me outside my comfort zone to approach God with sincerity and trust and to engage with others in love and compassion no matter the cost.


Servant of God Brother Juniper, remembered for your humility, patience, and generosity, pray for us.

January 28, 2015 - Wednesday

But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” (Mark 4:20 NABRE)

Natural spring near the route to Jerusalem*

Jesus often taught crowds of people with parables (a type of analogy used to teach a lesson), but he saved the interpretation of the parables for his disciples. He taught each group according to its capacity to understand.*

Today's verse is from one such parable, a familiar one called the Parable of the Sower. In it, the sowing of seed represents the breakthrough of the kingdom of God into the world. As the sower walks along, seeds fall on different types of ground each with a different outcome:

• Seeds on the path are eaten by birds. Jesus say some of us have the word taken away by Satan as soon as we hear it.
• Seeds on rocky ground sprout quickly, get scorched, and dry up for lack of roots. Jesus says others of us hear the word, receive it with joy, but fall away when persecution comes because of the word.
• Seeds that land among thorns are choked out and produce no grain. Jesus says some of us hear the word but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit.
• Seeds planted in rich soil produce abundant fruit. Jesus says others of us hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.

The various types of soil refer to the diversity of our personal responses to God's kingdom and the outcomes of each response. The seeds planted in rich soil yield a great harvest indicating the ultimate consummation and fulfillment of the kingdom.*

Lord Jesus, Word of God, thank you for teaching us about God's kingdom in our world. Protect me from Satan who would keep me from knowing you. Protect me from fear and give me courage in those not-so-infrequent moments when I receive persecution because of your word. Protect me from anything this world offers that might choke out your word. Only you can protect me from these things so I ask for your Divine Mercy. Open my heart so I can hear your word and accept it. Give me opportunities to share with others about your word so that they too might bear fruit as seeds planted in rich soil.


Today, I will seek Jesus' protection against the pitfalls and dangers I will face.


Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

January 27, 2015 - Tuesday

And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.
[For] whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34-35 NABRE)

Preaching to a packed house (literally, a house so filled with people his mother, Mary, and friends were unable to get in close enough to talk to him), Jesus draws close to each listener, as close as family.

Imagine it. Jesus the Lord, the Messiah, calls us his brothers and sisters. We are his family. One of the great strong points of our society is the value we put on family. It is not uncommon to hear people say that the most important thing to them is family. But, family requires work and commitment and sacrifice, doesn't it?! Are we willing to do God's will, even if it means work or commitment or sacrifice? Is Jesus our brother, do we treat him like one?

Jesus, my brother, thank you for seeking me and for the wonderful and life-affirming gift of family. I imagine you and I sitting at the kitchen table over breakfast. As the sky lightens, you pass me a cup of tea and we laugh about the eggs that have gotten cold, the snowstorm outside the window, and the prospect of a busy day. We talk about the Father and what we'll do today to help him strengthen the family, maybe even grow it a little bigger. As we pick up the dishes and clear the table, just before we set out for work, we promise to meet again at suppertime when we'll talk again about how the day went. I'll see you tonight, brother.


Today, I will enjoy my brother's company.


Saint Angela Merici, courageous model of deep Christian faith and love, pray for us.

January 26, 2015 - Monday

Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his marvelous deeds. (Psalm 96:2-3 NABRE)

Imagine what could happen if you and I each decided right now to encourage someone who is struggling in their faith?

What encourages others? What heats a faith that has cooled to lukewarm? What words could possibly have the power to convince and persuade the smart person, the clever one, the cynic, or the angry? Only the bare truth of our personal experience with God has a chance. Nothing but the story of how I encounter God personally in my life even has a chance to encourage, heat, or soften anyone toward faith in God.

When God places opportunities in our path to share our story, we should take them boldly and without being ashamed.* Today's verse reminds us to actually sing about God's greatness every day so everyone can hear us! And if we think about it, about the amazing things he does for us, it isn't hard to do!

Don't hesitate. Don't worry about the enemy at work against us. Although his methods are nearly invisible, although he knows our nature and our fears and uses them against us at every turn, although he uses weapons we don't even see, wielded by an army we don't even recognize--even using us when our guard is down, we should fear nothing! The battle is already won! And so, let's focus on sharing our story.

Lord God, you have no equal. Help me articulate my story so that I can share it with others. Some people just need a little encouragement and it helps to know we all struggle. Some need to remember how much you love each one of us. Some need to recall that each of us has value because you are our father. And some will need to see me submit my will to yours so that they might come to faith. Help me to live my life as this kind of witness to the love and mercy you show me every day.


Today, I will marvel at what God has done in my life and encourage someone in faith.


Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops and close friends and associates of Saint Paul, pray for us.

January 25, 2015 - Sunday

After John [the Baptist] had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15 NABRE)

I wonder how seriously we take these words of Jesus in our own lives. My guess is that the whole idea is almost so big and so grand, we can barely catch it, and then we lose focus, and then we miss it. I wonder if today, for just these few minutes, we can let Jesus' words take hold of our thoughts and then our hearts, and finally our wills.

There are some subtle points in this short passage that should really grab us and take hold of our thoughts. First, we might recognize that Jesus begins his public ministry by echoing the message of John the Baptist (See Matthew 3:2), urging his followers to realize that time is short, to start believing, and to act with urgency.

Second, both teachers describe the reason why we need to act with immediacy, why we need to prepare our hearts: By sending Jesus, his only son, to come and live among us, God began to establish his kingdom here on earth. Christians believe this is a gradual process which will conclude with Jesus' second coming, but it began firmly in Galilee with God's work in Jesus.*

So, as we wait for the perfection of God's kingdom, we are told to submit our wills to God's. Notice the imperative tone of Jesus' command when he tells us what to do. First, he tells us to repent. He wants us to turn our lives from rebellion to obedience towards God.* And finally, he tells us to believe in the gospel.

Lord Jesus, I stand in awe of what you are doing right now in my life and in your creation! Thank you for drawing me to you, for giving me knowledge of you, and for clearing a path for me to walk. Prepare my mind and heart to accept you on your terms, not mine. Show me each attitude of mine that causes me to rebel against you and give me the strength to let go of it, so that my will better reflects yours each day.


Today, as we commemorate the fascinating Conversion of Saint Paul, I will seek Jesus in each person I encounter.


Saint Paul, first to bring the good news of Jesus to those beyond the Jewish community, pray for us.

January 24, 2015 - Saturday

For God is king over all the earth;
sing hymns of praise.
God rules over the nations;
God sits upon his holy throne. (Psalm 47:8-9 NABRE)

We all have a boss, someone we report to and to whom we are accountable for our actions. Here, the words of King David celebrate the one to whom he reports! David recognizes that God is the King of Kings who rules over all the earth and all nations.

Lord God, you alone are sovereign over all creation. You are the one who was not created. You are the one to whom kings offer praise. You are the one who sits on a holy throne. You are immortal and mighty. You are the eternal God who was before all time, who is, and who will be. You caused all things. And you want a relationship with me: I am fleeting, made of dust. I am clay. I am fallen. And you want this relationship so much, you allowed your only son, Jesus, to suffer beyond what I can even imagine and to die as a sacrifice for my human failings, to turn my head and my heart toward you. And Jesus, in turn, left me your holy Spirit as a guide so that I might keep myself in relationship with you and tell others about you too.


Today, I will marvel at God's greatness and my own smallness, to appreciate the immensity of the gift he gave me in Jesus.


Saint Francis de Sales, patron of authors, deafness, journalists, and writers, pray for us.

January 23, 2015 - Friday

But this is the covenant I will establish with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds
and I will write them upon their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. (Hebrews 8:10 NABRE)

Quoting the prophet Jeremiah (31:31-34) from over six hundred years earlier, the writer to the Hebrews recalls the prophesy of a new covenant (which is like a promise, contract, or agreement) that God would make with his people. He tells us that, as God's people under this new covenant, we have had immediate knowledge of God's laws placed within us as well as forgiveness of our sins.*.

Lord, thank you for the new covenant your son, Jesus, established with us, who are your people. Thank you for providing us with knowledge of what you want us to do. Thank you for your Spirit within me who guides me. And finally, thank you for giving me your forgiveness, without which I would never have the chance to share in your eternal company.


Today, I will be grateful that knowledge of God crosses generations, for the gift of looking back through salvation history to see the thread of God's promises, and to have the chance to share this brief meditation with you here.


Saint Marianne Cope, called Mother Marianne, who ministered to those with leprosy on the Hawaiian island of Molokai about one hundred years ago, pray for us.

January 22, 2015 - Thursday

Sacrifice and offering you do not want;
you opened my ears.
Holocaust and sin-offering you do not request;
so I said, “See; I come
with an inscribed scroll written upon me.
I delight to do your will, my God;
your law is in my inner being!” (Psalm 40:7-9 NABRE)

Today's psalm reminds us that, more than rote rituals, God wants us to obey him. He wants us to do his will. Not only that, he wants us to find delight in the doing of his will! He wants us to know that he places his law within each of us as a guide to discerning his will.

Lord, thank you for placing your law within each of us so that we have the chance to find your will as we seek it. And thank you for the added grace of your holy Spirit who dwells within your faithful followers. Please help me to represent you to others today, especially those to whom you are estranged, so that they might recognize your living and divine presence in our modern world, so that they might be drawn back to you. By your Spirit, I delight to do your will, my God. Thank you again for such a gift, and may the fruits of your Spirit grow in your orchard here among us.


Today, on this Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for those who are suffering the loss of a child through abortion, asking that they find healing and peace.


Saint Vincent, whose life reminds us that we remain faithful by God's power and not our own, pray for us.

January 21, 2015 - Wednesday

He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.”
Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent.
Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. (Mark 3:3-5 NABRE)

Do we still grieve Jesus because of the hardness of our own hearts? Are we in some ways like the religious leaders who plotted to murder Jesus, or are we like the man with the withered hand who trusted Jesus and was healed? Do we look for ways to discredit, or minimize, or mock Jesus? Or do we seek healing through belief in him?

It seems to me that the influence of what might be called group-think is not always a good influence. Look at the way the group of Pharasees behaved toward Jesus. They had become a misguided group of self-important leaders. And then look at the simple faith of the crippled man.

We should be on guard in our hearts against anything that the culture, any group or individual member of a group tells us which encourages us to try and discredit the authority of Jesus. We should continually check ourselves to root out any hardness in our own hearts that causes us to remain silent as others mock Jesus. Each day, we should lift up in praise the name of Jesus, so that others may see us worship him as part of our ordinary lives.


Today, I will simply seek Jesus asking him to heal me and to shower his divine mercy on us all.


Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr, patron of girls, pray for us.

January 20, 2015 - Tuesday

When God made the promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, “he swore by himself,”
and said, “I will indeed bless you and multiply” you.
And so, after patient waiting, he obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:13-15 NABRE)

Abraham had faith enough to wait patiently for God to fulfill his promise. We should seek the same kind of faith. Can we wait for God? Can we wait with patience?

When we start each day in prayer, no matter how briefly, before the bustle and rush of obligations begins, we set ourselves up for success. We prepare our minds and our hearts to accept what God will provide for us in the day ahead. We recall that God is eternal and not bound by time as we are, so his time isn't influenced by our circumstances.

Lord, thank you for this day and for granting me this time of quiet prayer. I look forward to watching my day's path unfold and learning how you will keep me company in the faces of others. May your holy Spirit bring me the expectation of the fulfillment of your promise and the joyful endurance to wait patiently for it as I walk this path today.


Today, I will remember that God fulfills all his promises for those who patiently wait.


Saint Fabian, unlikely third-century bishop and martyr, pray for us.

January 19, 2015 - Monday

No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. (Hebrews 5:4 NABRE)

God raises up each of us to a unique calling. Even Jesus was called by God to be our high priest and messiah. He makes this calling known to us as we grow and seek him.

Our response to God's call is our offering to him, our gift, our choice.

Lord God, when you call me I want to hear you. Where you send me, I want to go. To those who will hear me, I want to speak. Thank you, my God, for the honor of this life and for the unique gifts you have given to me so that I can uniquely answer "yes" to your call.


Today, I will look for the handprint of God on my life, in my talents, in my choices, and in my thoughts.


Saint Macarius the Great of Alexandria, who sought the guidance of the holy Spirit, pray for us.

January 18, 2015 - Sunday

Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.
So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” When Samuel went to sleep in his place,
the LORD came and stood there, calling out as before: Samuel, Samuel! Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:8b-10 NABRE)

Lord, you speak to us in many ways. To Samuel, you came in a dream and called him by his name. To Peter and the apostles, you approached them as a man and invited them to follow you. To me, it is through your holy Spirit that you share yourself. At times, though, I admit that I feel as disconnected as Jesus must have on the cross as he cried out, wondering why you had forsaken him. Please keep me always mindful of your presence because it is so difficult to endure times when I do not sense your it. What must eternal despair be like without your companionship! Speak to me, Lord, and I will answer. Help me to remain quiet within, always listening for you, so that I will know your voice when I hear it. 


Today, I will listen for the Lord's call and ask him to speak to me as his servant.


Saint Charles of Sezze, whose life reminds us that saints are not simply born saints, but become saints by seeking to connect with God's divine grace, pray for us.

January 17, 2015 - Saturday

That the next generation might come to know,
children yet to be born.
In turn they were to recount them to their children,
that they too might put their confidence in God,
And not forget God’s deeds,
but keep his commandments. (Psalm 78:6-7 NABRE)

Today's verse is the same as yesterday's. As I meditated on it, I encountered an aspect of it I had not noticed the first time around, but which leapt out at me and insisted on being recognized!

Not only does this section of Psalm 78 instruct us to share God's word with the next generation, it explains why we are to do this: So that our children might put their confidence in God, not forget what he has done for us, and keep his commandments.

On one hand, this might not seem to be a profound insight. It might even seem obvious. However, consider each aspect of this motivating passage and its depth begins to emerge.

When we are in need, where do we put our confidence? In our society, we are taught to be self-reliant. As we become older, relying less and less on our parents for our physical needs, we lose track of the truth that it is God who provided for us, through our parents. And it is God who provides for us, even through our own efforts.

When we grow confident in ourselves, we forget what God has done for us, dwelling instead on what we've done for ourselves. At the time this verse was written, the dramatic history of the Jewish people provided a compelling reminder of what had been done for them as God's people. Today, we live in a dangerous global community which still threatens us as believers, yet God continues to protect us. This is something well worth remembering.

When we are overconfident, trusting too much in our own abilities, we risk forgetting to keep God's commandments to love one another and to love God, and all that these require.

And so, let us be thankful for the opportunities we are given to teach our children about God. This instruction will help us in our own journeys as we start them on their way!


Today, I will seek to be God-reliant, to be mindful of his protection, and to keep his commandments.


Saint Anthony of Egypt, who devoted your whole life to solitude and prayer, pray for us.

January 16, 2015 - Friday

That the next generation might come to know,
children yet to be born.
In turn they were to recount them to their children,
that they too might put their confidence in God,
And not forget God’s deeds,
but keep his commandments. (Psalm 78:6-7 NABRE)

God commands us to teach our children what has been taught to us about him. We are told to pass down from generation to generation what we know about him. We are told to unfold the puzzling events of the past, the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and the stories of his strength and the wonders he performed.

Today's verse from Psalm 78, was written nearly 2,700 years ago, which means about 90 generations of parents have followed this decree of God since it was written, each one sharing with their children what they know of our God.

The curious can refer back to God's original command in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 4, verse 9*  (Which is believed to have been composed several hundred years even before Psalm 78, and describes the time of Moses, ancient even then!). The command itself comes through an address given by Moses to the Israelites and is part of an explanation of the first commandment (found in Exodus 20:2-3).

Lord, today, with so much history behind me, so many generations of parents and families passing down the stories of your deeds, your strength, and the wonders you performed, I thank you for the chance to share in this continuing thread of purpose you give to your people. And I thank you for increasing my knowledge of you along the way, knowledge which you provide me with as I follow your command to teach others.

Today, I will remember that the greatness of God endures across the generations.


Saint Berard and Companions, martyrs for following the command of God to tell others about him, pray for us.

January 15, 2015 - Thursday

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NABRE)

Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, thank you for manifesting yourself in our world today. Thank you for each fleeting glimpse of your kingdom though it is still yet to come in its fullness. Thank you for the gift of prayer so that I can share my experiences with you each day. Thank you for hearing and answering my requests, and especially for the moments of clarity when I am able to recognize your responses. 

Lord my God, you keep me from being overcome by anxiety. Thank you for this and for the chance it allows me to know something of your great peace which guards my heart and my mind. Please keep me strong so that these moments of peace may prepare me for the day's trials, so that I might recall you each time my thoughts are drawn away, so that I might welcome the prompting of your Spirit during each moment of decision, and so that I might seek to share your peace with each person you place in my path today.


Today, on this Thankful Thursday, I will express my overwhelming gratitude to the Lord for the many faithful people he has placed in my life.


Saint Paul the Hermit, who teaches us to make choices that bring us closer to God, pray for us.

January 14, 2015 - Wednesday

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35 NABRE)

Jesus was known to withdraw to solitary places in order to pray. He did this on ordinary days and in the midst of whatever was going on at the time. Sitting here, in the predawn darkness of this day, I'm grateful to have started my day as Jesus so often did, in prayer. I am thankful that this gift of time has been given to me to share with the Lord. What a good way to start each day! I am grateful that you join me in daily prayer! Today, and for this month of January, let's pray together for peace.

Lord, our world still groans with the pains of division. We suffer great losses daily and we struggle to remain hopeful. Our faith is assaulted every single day and we don't always hang onto it very tightly. It is so easy to become disillusioned by the news of the day, locally, nationally, internationally, and even within our own families. Lord, today I ask that you bless us with a tangible gift of peace because, even if it is brief, your people need a respite. We are desperate for a reminder of your love. Jesus, today, I pray with a sense of urgency, to ask this, so that in this blessed gift of peace, some who are faultering in their faith will be renewed by your merciful heart.


Today, I will pray the rosary, asking especially for God's peace in this troubled world.


Our Lady of Fatima, who asks us to pray for peace especially by praying the rosary, pray for us.
Saint Felix of Nola, faithful servant of Jesus despite persecution, pray for us.

January 13, 2015 - Tuesday

He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers,”
saying:
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers,
in the midst of the assembly I will praise you” (Hebrews 2:11-12 NABRE)

Jesus is our human brother and we share a common origin in God. And Jesus' coming among us, calling us brothers, dedicates us to a holy purpose. He demonstrated for us how to proudly and publically proclaim God's kingdom and how to praise him. He calls us to live so as to give glory to God in the choices we make for our lives.

Brother, thank you for coming among us, for sharing our earthly experience. You know suffering and hardships as I do, even more. You know joy and peace as I do on occasion. Just knowing that you were a man like me is comforting, calling you brother and friend is empowering. Jesus, I realize the greater implication of this is challenge, not comfort. I know that the condition and needs of our fellow man have been left in my hands. My friend, thank you for leaving your holy Spirit to help me and to show me the way that always points back to the Father.


Today, on this Joyful Tuesday, I will accept my brother, Jesus, by praising our Father.


Saint Hilary, whose holiness did not spare you from a life of controversy, problems, pain and frustration, pray for us.

January 12, 2015 - Monday

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15 NABRE)

Jesus' baptism marked the beginning of his saving ministry. In much the same way, our baptism marks the beginning of our service to God. We serve because Jesus, who was the fulfillment of the promise of a savior, calls us to serve God by serving one another.

Jesus, you tell me to repent, to express my sorrow and regret for the times I act, speak and think in ways that hurt, ignore, offend, or reject you. Please accept my repentant heart. Jesus, you tell me to believe in the gospel. Please acknowledge my belief, which I express in all my limited ways, and keep me mindful of  your living presence in me. And Jesus, you tell me to serve others in your name. Please accept my service, showing me even more opportunities to express your presence in our world by helping others in need.


Today, on this great day of hope and promise, I will thank God for the gifts of his Spirit, without which I would not have any power to respond to his call.


Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, pray for us.

January 11, 2015 - Sunday

God indeed is my salvation;
I am confident and unafraid.
For the LORD is my strength and my might,
and he has been my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2 NABRE)

More than 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah describes the confidence God's people placed in the Lord. Today, nearly 3,000 years later, we can say the same.

Lord Jesus, you are indeed my salvation. You keep me from every harm that evil would bring upon me. You deliver me from the inevitable consequence of sin and replace it with hope. My Lord, you are my strength and my might. You carry me through so many days when I would otherwise give up, when I would otherwise give in to exhaustion in its many forms. Your Spirit gives me confidence and takes away my fear. You offer fleeting glimpses of your participation in my life. I want more, but they are enough for me. They remind me that I am never alone. You are always at my side. Always. Thank you, Jesus, my constant companion.


Today, on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, I will celebrate the unlikely blessing of my own baptism into the spiritual body of Christ.


Blessed William Carter, who encouraged others in faith, pray for us.

January 10, 2015 - Saturday

And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask,
we know that what we have asked him for is ours. (1 John 5:14-15)

IF.

For such a small word, IF wields substantial influence, doesn't it? It complicates things. It confuses what is otherwise clear. It annoys people. So, when we encounter IF in a biblical passage, we are wise to pay particular attention to it.

In today's verse, which is a passage from John's first letter, in which he is actually writing about praying for sinners, we're told with certainty that God hears our requests and gives us whatever we ask for--IF we ask for something that is according to his will. Now, the context here is that it is God's will that we pray for each other, and when we do, he answers our prayers.

Lord, help me to pray well. With your guidance, help me to pray first for those I love. Let my prayer reflect my desire to see your will done in this world. I ask this because you taught me to pray, thy will be done on earth. Let my requests be according to your will. Lead us all to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.


Today, I will ask God's Son, Jesus, with great confidence, to shower us all with his divine mercy.


Saint Gregory of Nyssa, who had deep faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ, pray for us.

January 9, 2015 - Friday

What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NABRE)

In Jesus, we can overcome all our afflictions and trials.* In God's love for us, he made "all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Lord, my God, thank you for gathering us to you, for protecting us in all circumstances, and for your perfect love. I trust in your faithfulness to me, confident that you do not leave me stranded in this world. I rely on your protection over my life, with clear memories of the many times you have kept me from harm since I was a boy. And I am grateful for your perfect love, humbled by your call to know and to serve you in this short life of mine.


Today, I will remember that God supports and protects me in very concrete ways as I seek to follow his path.


Saint Adrian of Canterbury, who trusted in God's protection, pray for us.

January 8, 2015 - Thursday

Because you have the LORD for your refuge
and have made the Most High your stronghold,
No evil shall befall you,
no affliction come near your tent. (Psalm 91:9-10 NABRE)

God our Father is our protection, our refuge from the storms of life which seem to swirl all around us. He is our stronghold against the many harms actively seeking to tear us away from him.

One of the storms I struggle with is easily visible if you look around in our current culture. We've developed a tendency to downplay the positive and strong role of men. It might be a bit of an over correction as our society continues to elevate the rights of women--which is so important, or it may be the result of other factors. But the concept of manhood these days is often reduced to a sitcom punchline or the biting sarcasm of an Internet meme. And that's not OK.

Men need role models. We need to see other men of good character who are not afraid to act virtuously and to speak confidently about what is right and wrong. Men need to see other men living in the clear, compassionate and strong light of God's Spirit.

And so Lord, today I ask for your special protection over the generations of my family, especially the men. Protect us from the evil which is all around us. Guard us from temptations in our own hearts and from the harm that would come to us from others. Hold back all the evil, both subtle and obvious, that would ensnare us. Keep us on your path and when our hearts and minds turn from you, remind us of your constant presence with us, recall in our thoughts your gentle healing, and hug us somehow so we remember you are still there. Lord, may we rely on your protection as we seek to lead our families to you.

May each of us trust in you. May each of us know you in our lives, just a little more each day. May we learn gentleness, compassion, mercy, patience, and tolerance for others. May we recognize your presence in all those around us and treat them as we would treat you yourself in person.

May those who are fathers and those who may sometime become fathers see models of fatherhood in your divine protection of your chosen people, in the willingness of Saint Joseph to care for Mary and Jesus, in the prodigal's father who cried with joy when his son finally came home, and in all the other good men we know from your Word and encounter in our daily lives.


Today, I will seek my safety in the Lord rather than in my own resources or the promises of others.


Saint Joseph, model of fatherhood, pray for us.

January 7, 2015 - Wednesday

Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 NABRE)

I don't talk to myself much anymore.

I talk with God.

About a year ago, in addition to my "formal" prayer life (which still includes things like meditating on Bible verses each morning, saying memorized and spontaneous situational prayers, praying the rosary, and attending Mass), I remember specifically meditating on today's verse and then a little at a time, increasing each day over a period of probably six months, I shifted nearly all of my inner monolog from self-talk to dialog-prayer.

At first, it was a little challenging, praying to remember to talk to God throughout the day seemed odd, but I wanted to pray without ceasing despite my very busy days. Remembering to thank God throughout the day was challenging, especially when the pressures of life squeezed me. And allowing the holy Spirit to breathe within me took thought at every quiet "me" moment I could find.

Yet, it was surprisingly easy. I mean, I was "talking" anyway, so at first, my biggest challenge was not feeling silly about talking to my new invisible friend!

Anyway, this single, deliberate change of habit has changed my life. It has opened my heart to God's holy Spirit in new ways. It has drawn me closer to Jesus and made me more aware of his merciful heart. And it has left me more open to responding to God's will as I work to empty myself of the distractions of this life.

Lord, thank you for answering that prayer of mine last year, to help me pray without ceasing. Thank you for the endurance and the patience it took, and for the awareness of its effect on my life. 


Today, I will follow the prompting of the holy Spirit within me and continue to talk with my Lord.


Saint Angela of Foligno, who turned her life from endlessly seeking empty distractions to prayer and works of charity, pray for us.

January 6, 2015 - Tuesday

Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to [his] disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. (Mark 6:41-42 NABRE)

As Jesus fed five thousand men and their families, we see how he satisfied all their needs. It is fascinating to notice how he said a blessing before dividing the small amount of food among so many. He begins the impossible task with prayer. Why don't we do the same?

But maybe more remarkable is that all of these people were satisfied! And there was food left over. It is so easy for us to forget the Lord is there for us in the same way. He is anxious to satisfy our needs and even to provide extra!

Lord, may your Spirit guide my thoughts today, leading me to humble gratitude. I ask that you bring my thoughts first to prayer in all of the day's circumstances. And I ask that you satisfy my needs. Not just for me, but for my family too. Satisfy the needs I recognize and the ones I am not even aware of. Remove from me the desire for anything that would lead me away from you. And finally, keep me mindful that it is you who provides the many blessings in my life and It is my job to act as a good steward of what is truly yours.


Today, on this Tuesday after Epiphany, I will remember how great the Lord is and how much he wants to help me and provide for my needs.


Saint André Bessette, who led a holy life dedicated to Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, provider for the young Jesus, pray for us.

January 5, 2015 - Monday

The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted,
his compassion is not spent;
They are renewed each morning—
great is your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:22-23 NABRE)

Isn't that amazing to think about! God is so faithful to us that his mercy and compassion never run out. Not ever. He is kind toward us and forgives us when we make mistakes. Mercy is something granted to those who might otherwise be treated harshly. It is a choice to be merciful rather than to impose punishment. The Lord is always ready to show us mercy. He feels compassion for us and wants to help us. Always. Right now, if we need it.

The mere idea of God's endless mercy and compassion is both comforting and convicting. Do I feel compassion--a desire to help others? If I do, am I willing to acknowledge it or act on it, or do I resist or ignore it? Do I choose to grant mercy to others who are in difficult circumstances, or do I turn toward myself and treat them harshly?


Today, I will consider how I treat the many people God places in my path, recognizing we all need mercy and compassion more than we need punishment and coldheartedness.


Saint John Neumann, in whose experience we see that Christ does not give a mission without supplying the means to accomplish it, pray for us.

January 4, 2015 - Sunday

Here comes with power
the Lord GOD,
who rules by his strong arm;
Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
Carrying them in his bosom,
leading the ewes with care. (Isaiah 40:10-11 NABRE)

Shepherd with grazing sheep in Făgăraş Mountains, Romania

Consider all the things that might happen to a sheep while in a field. Good things. Bad things. Dangerous things. And consider the shepherd too. He remains watchful over his flock, with strength and caring. He feeds his flock by leading them to green pastures. He cares for them, even carrying them when they need him most.


Today, I will trust Jesus, my shepherd, in all things that will happen to me throughout this day.


Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who said, "God has given me a great deal to do, and I have always and hope always to prefer his will to every wish of my own,” pray for us.

January 3, 2015 - Saturday

I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world. (John 16:33 NABRE)

As the bustle of the holiday season fades a bit, the rush of a new weekend brings with it new distractions. Seeking peace in Jesus' presence can take effort at first, but this effort is blessed. Let's not let the troubles of this world conquer us today. Let's live courageously, with hearts guarded by Jesus.

The Breastplate (or Lorica) of Saint Patrick is a beautiful meditation on the presence of Jesus within me and around me as I walk along the path of this day:

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Today, I will meditate on the living presence of Christ within me.


Saint Paul the Hermit, whose profoundly solitary life reminds us that prayerful choices which seem to lead us away from our neighbors eventually lead us back to others, pray for us.

January 2, 2015 - Friday

Seek out the LORD and his might;
constantly seek his face. (Psalm 105:4 NABRE)

Holiday activity, even the most joyful and satisfying, can distract us from what matters most. Today's verse from Psalm 105 reminds us to slow down enough to give thanks and praise to God for all he does in our lives.

Spend some time in the present, take a minute right now, take a breath, spend this moment in the presence of Jesus. Thank him.

Lord Jesus, thank you for this moment, not the last one, not the next one, but this one right now. Thank you for what I am doing at the moment and for joining me as I do it. I give you each moment of the day ahead of me, and I will seek to be mindful of your face. I will seek you in others around me. I will seek you in all things.


Today, I will look for the Lord in everything around me, constantly.


Saint Gregory Nazianzen, who tells us that God's "joy in giving is greater than ours in receiving," pray for us.

January 1, 2015 - Thursday

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NABRE)

Happy New Year! The Lord God himself promises his people a future of hope! Even when we struggle with seemingly hopeless circumstances, he has already made a plan for us which is for our benefit, not our harm.

In this new year, let's be aware. Let's notice those times when we feel hopelessness descend over us. Let's pay attention to those times when we forget heaven's perspective because we are focusing so much on our earthly situations. And let's be honest with ourselves when we feel despair setting in.

And in the very first moment we notice these evils chasing us--hopelessness, distractions and despair, let's breathe a prayer for help. Let's ask for the quick return of hope, right perspective, and comfort.

Lord, thank you for the hope and comfort you provide to all who ask for it. Keep me mindful of your boundless mercy. And when your will allows me to confront difficulties I would rather not face, remind me of how you suffered and even died for me, so that I might offer my own suffering for the benefit of others, and so that I will lean into you for support and strength. 


Today, I will pray for world peace, with the entire Church, to Jesus who is the Prince of Peace.


Mary, Holy Mother of God, pray for us.