If you're feeling anything like I'm feeling, you're stretched. It's the time of year when there are so many demands on our time. We not only have our regular commitments of work, family, and kids; there are the added commitments of traveling, shopping, planning and special events for the holidays. If we aren't careful, the important things like our prayer times, family dinners, conversations and time with loved ones start to take a hit.
The first reading this Sunday (1 Kings 17:9-24) really spoke to me about this. Here's a woman who has nothing left; she's already used or allocated all of her resources and someone comes along asking her for assistance. She declares, "I have nothing!", I'm ready to die. You and I might similarly declare, "I have no time, no energy, nothing left". But then she is challenged to use her resources for God's plan, for God's kingdom and she's assured she will not want for anything. As it turns out, her generosity brought rich and unexpected rewards for her and her family. She had to trust and to act.
As we draw closer to this season which has the potential to hijack our lives and leave us with nothing, let's take this woman's example seriously. When others come seeking our assistance, let's not respond out of fear or guilt, but instead listen for the voice of God. Take seriously the call to set aside time each day for prayer. Make certain to get to Mass & Reconciliation, the Sacraments are our source of strength. Give of yourself prudently for the building of God's Kingdom in your home and community. Let's never be afraid to share what we have, instead, let's learn to trust that God will provide for all of our needs when we seek to do His will. Then, I believe we will discover "the jar of flour did not go empty nor the jug of oil run dry as the LORD had foretold through Elijah." |
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This Week in the Church
- Thursday, November 15: Memorial of St. Albert the Great
- Friday, November 16: Memorial of St. Margaret of Scotland
- A princess (fun to teach little girls about, especially those who love to pretend being a princess!) She had a deep love for Christ and the Catholic church and raised her 8 children to be devout Christians as well. She set aside specific times of each day to read the Scriptures to her children.
- As a family, set aside some time today to read a story or two from the Bible.
- Saturday, November 17: Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary
- The story of St. Elizabeth of Hungary is an awesome one! She was a queen (another one! again great to use when teaching little girls about our beloved saints!) but she used her wealth, position and power to help the sick and poor.
- Today, as a family go through your pantry and set aside food to be given to the poor. Bring it to the parish with you on Sunday! Ask St. Elizabeth of Hungary to help you grow in charity.
- Wednesday, November 21: Memorial of the Presentation of Mary
- Today we celebrate the Tradition that Mary was presented by her parents Anne & Joachim to God in the Temple. A reminder that from the beginning of her life she was dedicated to God.
- Today as a family make a visit to one of our churches. Dedicate your family to the Blessed Mother and ask for her protection.
- Eucharistic Adoration is from 7-8pm at Holy Child.
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