Prayer with fasting is good. Almsgiving with righteousness is better than wealth with wickedness. It is better to give alms than to store up gold,Words from the angel, Raphael, who serves God, to Tobit and his son Tobiah, recall for us in powerful brevity the way of life to which we are called. We ask difficult questions like, What can I do to change things? How can I make a difference in my world? How can I help others? How do I turn my life around?
for almsgiving saves from death, and purges all sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life,
but those who commit sin and do evil are their own worst enemies. (Tobit 12:8-10 NABRE)
Raphael reminds us that our lives should be spent giving praise to God and our actions should be these:
- Pray
- Fast
- Give
- Do good
I propose that in times of greatest struggle, we should resist our human nature and with deliberate purpose, begin to do these four things to the exclusion of all other things.
Lord, in this time of trial, when we feel no peace, grant us the grace of faith; when we feel no joy, grant us the grace of hope; and when we feel no comfort, grant us the grace of trust in you. Help us to lay down our impossible problem and heavy burden and tie on your yoke which is easy and your burden which is light. Awaken your Spirit in us now more than ever before so that your light shines brighter in us now than it ever has. We ask all of this with complete confidence in the name of Jesus, your son. Amen.
Today, I will pray, fast, give, and do good so that my day may become a prayer of praise to God.
Saint Norbert, twelfth-century Church reformer who had success in converting heretics, reconciling enemies and rebuilding faith in indifferent believers, pray for us.
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