September 23, 2020

St. Pius of Pietrelcina

Lk 9: 1-6

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. 

Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

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.

Being hope-bearers

I read a post on social media recently which read like this, ”I don’t know about you but I could really go for some precedented times.” People are down on hope and for good reason, these are unprecedented times after all. 

We are called in a deeper way than ever before to do what the Twelve did when they were sent  to proclaim, cure and heal. They brought nothing with them but their lived experience of Jesus who told them to never be afraid and to always trust in his love and protection.

The power of our lived experiences of Christ is no different. There is great power to heal a downtrodden heart by simply sharing what your faith has offered you during these unsettling times. We are all so very hungry for the hope and peace which surpasses all understanding; and you and I are being summoned in unprecedented ways to be hope-bearers.

And if you find yourself down on trust and hope, consider using the gift of your memory to recall the times God carried you through similar experiences. God is doing the same for you now.

—Mona Snider is a spiritual director, instructor and mentor at the Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City in Missouri. Mona and her husband, Bruce, live in the Kansas City area and are the parents of Ben, Sophie and Grace.

Prayer

A Prayer for Hope and Peace

Heavenly Father, I am your humble servant,

I come before you today in need of hope.

I need hope for a calm and joyful future.

I need hope for love and kindness.

I pray for peace and safety.

Some say that the sky is at its

darkest just before the light.

I pray that this is true, for today seems stormy and dim.

I need your light, Lord, in every way.

I pray to be filled with your light.

Help me to walk in your light, and live

my life in faith and service.

In your name I pray, Amen.

—Mona Snider