**this picture was taken at the Sisters of St Francis of Philadelphia’s Monastery on the Feast of St Francis in 2014.
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The central practice in Franciscan mysticism, therefore, is that we must remain in love (John 15:9). Only when we are eager to love can we see love and goodness in the world around us. We must ourselves remain in peace, and then we will find peace over there. Remain in beauty, and we will honor beauty everywhere. This concept of remaining or abiding (John 15:4-5) moves all religion out of esoteric realms of doctrinal outer space where it has been lost for too long. There is no secret moral command for knowing or pleasing God, or what some call “salvation,” beyond becoming a loving person in mind, heart, body, and soul. Then you will see what you need to see. Jesus did not say, “Be right.” Jesus said, “Be in love.” — Fr Richard Rohr
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In a world where hatred and fear dominate the headlines.
In a world where obsessive mistrust leads to division.
In a world that is reeling with pain.
In a world where Creation is being ravaged and not protected.
In such a world we need to be the Love of Christ.
In this world we must become instruments of God’s perfect peace.
Perfect Peace… Shalom Shalom…
Make us your instruments, Lord
In the words of St Bonaventure–Ask not for understanding, ask for the fire.
May the fire of God’s Love consume us, renew us, and send us forth.
Dona Nobis Pacem
Wise words from Ronnie!
Jacques Ellul was a French philosopher, theologian, and sociologist who had one of the more prophetic views of modern society. With conclusions on the dangerous spread of propaganda; of how over-reliance upon technology would ultimately undermine human dignity; and how the colluding of religion with politics made for an uncontrollable, combustible mixture, he was decades ahead of his time.
read more on — ronniemcbrayer.org/2019/09/22/on-tiny-wings/
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
When words don’t come easily
When there is much on the mind and heart
Your Spirit speaks to the very depths of my being
Lord, you know the prayers of my heart
You know the ones I hold close in my heart
Lord in your mercy, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
It has been one of those days, Lord
Yet not like the days of so many
Those who wonder where the next meal will come from
Those who wonder where they will sleep tonight
As we spent our last Wednesday of the year
As we worshiped in our Outdoor Chapel
As we broke bread together
As we remembered you around the Table
We ask that you would guide our steps
That you would guide our hearts
That you would guide our spirits
That we might serve you with all of our being
May we serve all of your children with a loving heart
Lord in your mercy, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
May we truly be instruments of your peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
A must read from Chris Glaser!
The current tenor of politics has given rise to dystopian analogies.
— Read on chrisglaser.blogspot.com/2019/09/thomas-mores-utopia.html
Words of wisdom we need to hear!
…The giver’s role is simply to give generously, not to judge the worthiness of the recipient…
— Read on godinallthings.com/2019/09/02/gifts-should-have-no-baggage/
Verse of the day
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Voice of the day
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. – Howard Thurman
Prayer of the day
Thank you, God, for the purpose you have for each of our lives. Allow us to take time to reflect on the things that make us come alive, and come to you in prayer as we discern how we can use our purpose to find our place in this world.
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A day of challenges
A time for contemplation
Some time spent in Your Creation
An evening of inspiration from Sr Helen Prejean
How to ignite the spark within
How to live and serve ALL of God’s children
Food for thought and prayer
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
Lord, in your mercy, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
“The contemplative response is an invitation to stand in awe of the beauty and wonder of the created world. In the rush of our lives we rarely have time to contemplate anything, much less nature. Yet, taking time to be fully present to the world around us can expand us through awe and a sense of gratitude.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Water, Wind, Earth, & Fire: The Practice of Praying with the Elements
Verse of the day
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. – Matthew 5:7 (NIV)
Voice of the day
Mercy, detached from justice, grows unmerciful. – C.S. Lewis
Prayer of the day
You are so merciful to us, Lord. Open our hearts to extend mercy to others, especially when we might not want to. Amen.
