It was mentioned to me today that I may need to consider changing the name of my blog because yesterday's post was not very hopeful. I will admit that it has been difficult to see through the enveloping darkness around us both here at home and around the world. Let me assure you that I remain a person of hope because of the power of Jesus Christ.
The murder of an elderly priest while he was in the midst of the Eucharistic liturgy is quite disturbing. The desecration of St. Clement Church in Bowling Green, Missouri breaks my heart. The political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle continues to boggle my mind. The half-truths and blatant lies take a toll. Catholic politicians abandoning the faith to win votes is disheartening. Some comments are almost unfathomable. Nancy Pelosi reached a new low in her condescending remarks regarding the uneducated white male voters hurting Hillary Clinton in the polls because of gays, guns, and God. (God, meaning a woman's right to choose.)
I remain hopeful because the turmoil that surrounds us has the potential to eventually lead us into being people of fervent prayer. I know many people are in the midst of fulfilling St. Louis de Montfort's 33 day preparation for consecration to Jesus through Mary which culminates on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. This is a powerful method of growing deeper in our relationship with the Lord. I am grateful to be aware of several groups of people truly delving into these 33 days of prayer and reflection with great intensity and fervor.
Starting on August 15, will be the annual 54 day rosary novena. This will culminate on October 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. A novena is 9 days of prayer. This particular 54 days of prayer consists of three novenas in petition (9 days times 3 = 27) followed immediately by three novenas of thanksgiving (9 days times 3 = 27). I encourage you to mark your calendar and join in this exceptional novena. You can learn more at their website:
www.novenaforournation.com/
Despite the harsh realities we face in our country and around the world we continue to pray for an increase of the theological virtues in our lives--faith, hope, and love. Our joy is rooted in the love of God, not our politicians. We have a responsibility to stay informed and a duty to serve others. We do this not simply because of humanitarian motives. We do this because we are compelled by the love of Christ to be witnesses of Eternal Truth. My dear friends, that is why we are people of hope.
The murder of an elderly priest while he was in the midst of the Eucharistic liturgy is quite disturbing. The desecration of St. Clement Church in Bowling Green, Missouri breaks my heart. The political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle continues to boggle my mind. The half-truths and blatant lies take a toll. Catholic politicians abandoning the faith to win votes is disheartening. Some comments are almost unfathomable. Nancy Pelosi reached a new low in her condescending remarks regarding the uneducated white male voters hurting Hillary Clinton in the polls because of gays, guns, and God. (God, meaning a woman's right to choose.)
I remain hopeful because the turmoil that surrounds us has the potential to eventually lead us into being people of fervent prayer. I know many people are in the midst of fulfilling St. Louis de Montfort's 33 day preparation for consecration to Jesus through Mary which culminates on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. This is a powerful method of growing deeper in our relationship with the Lord. I am grateful to be aware of several groups of people truly delving into these 33 days of prayer and reflection with great intensity and fervor.
Starting on August 15, will be the annual 54 day rosary novena. This will culminate on October 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. A novena is 9 days of prayer. This particular 54 days of prayer consists of three novenas in petition (9 days times 3 = 27) followed immediately by three novenas of thanksgiving (9 days times 3 = 27). I encourage you to mark your calendar and join in this exceptional novena. You can learn more at their website:
www.novenaforournation.com/
Despite the harsh realities we face in our country and around the world we continue to pray for an increase of the theological virtues in our lives--faith, hope, and love. Our joy is rooted in the love of God, not our politicians. We have a responsibility to stay informed and a duty to serve others. We do this not simply because of humanitarian motives. We do this because we are compelled by the love of Christ to be witnesses of Eternal Truth. My dear friends, that is why we are people of hope.
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