April 25, 2016
St. Mark
1 Pt 5: 5b-14
In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Daily Prayer
The spiritual life is unique for each individual as God calls us by name and has a specific plan for our lives. In today's first reading Peter tells us to fulfill our obligation to that plan by being humble, sober, vigilant, and steadfast in faith. Despite these instructions, we can still question our purpose in God’s plan: Why am I here? And where can I find God? St. Ignatius understood people’s concerns, and that is one of the reasons he created his Spiritual Exercises. He wanted them to be a source and guide for others to experience God in their lives and to grow in deeper union with him. As St. Ignatius taught, we are all on a unique journey with the same final destination.
What do I need the most today to help me on my journey? Pray throughout the day for this grace always remembering it is enough.
—Mary Lou Manion is an intern in the spiritual direction program at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, Barrington, IL.Prayer
Life-giving God, help me walk with you this day.
Help me become “steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, untiring in love!”
—The Jesuit Prayer Team
Please share the Good Word with your friends!
