COVID 19 Pandemic Prayer

Many experts write about the characteristics of leaders, but really a little common sense and reflection can help us figure what are the most important characteristics of good leaders.  Three of the most important characteristics are: Trust, Vision and Respect for others.  Jesus is the leader extraordinaire; James Hind wrote: “Christ was the most effective executive in the history of the human race.  The results He achieved are second to none.  In only three years, He defined a mission and formed strategies and plans to carry it out.  With a staff of twelve unlikely men, He organized Christianity, which has grown to … 1.5 billion … He recruited, trained, and motivated twelve ordinary men to become extraordinary.  He is the greatest manager and developer of people ever.”  (The Heart & Soul of Effective Management: A Christian Approach to Managing & Motivating People (1973), p.13-14)

You and I are called to be part on His organization Christianity, His vision statement is for His followers to “Love God and love each other.”  During the COVID 19 Pandemic loving God and loving each other is challenged in many small ways.  By living each day aware that COVID 19 has temporarily altered our lifestyle, but not our choice to love God and love each other, we can continue to focus on God's love.

 

Today see God in each person you interact with today, and if today you don’t interact with anyone, see God in your mirror.  St. Augustine said, "There are two loves, the love of God and the love of the world.  If the love of the world takes possession of you, there is no way for the love of God to enter into you.  Let the love of the world take the second place and let the love of God dwell in you.  Let the better love take over." 

St. Francis de Sales wrote, "Always be impartial and just in your deeds. 

Put yourself into your neighbor’s place, and him in yours, and then you will judge fairly . . . Frequently, therefore, examine your heart, whether it is so disposed towards your neighbor, as you would have his disposed towards you, were you to change places; for this is the true test."

“God takes pleasure to see you take your little steps; and like a good father who holds his child by the hand, He will accommodate His steps to yours and will be content to go no faster than you. Why do you worry?”

Let the better love permeate you today and every day, take little steps toward Jesus and He will guide you.

May God Be Praised!