COVID 19 Pandemic Prayer

King Alfonso X, King of Spain in the 13^TH century said, “Had I been present at the creation, I would have given some useful hints for the better ordering of the universe.”    
I wonder what happened when Alfonso reached heaven’s gates?   

Occasionally each of us allows our pride to pride to overtake our common sense.  We are called to Discipleship with failures and asked to offer forgiveness to others.  We are called to Discipleship with love and to offer hope to others.

There are hundreds of books written on leadership and thousands of articles on it.  Many of these experts write about the characteristics of leaders or leadership.  But really a little common sense and reflection can help us figure what are the most important characteristics of good leaders.

I think the three most important characteristics are:

            Honesty/Truthfulness

            Vision

            Respect for others.

Jesus had each of these characteristics and He called each one of us to be disciples who follow God’s will.  That means we should be honest and truthful, share Jesus’ Vision and respect each person we met because they are a child of God.

Many years ago Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”

Today Jesus is asking you that same question, “Who do you say that Jesus is?”   

If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God – it should be the primary motivator in your life, in your actions.  Maybe this story can help make the being a disciple of Jesus clearer, “A jeweler was visiting a silversmith, whose works she sold in her shop.  As he worked on a new piece, he showed her how the silver ore is held in the heat of the refining fire until it is purified.  ‘How do you know when the ore has been in the fire long enough?’ she asked.‘ …When the silver is fully refined, I can see my own image in it.  Then I know it has been in the fire long enough.’”  (Connections, August 21, 2011)

Jesus is calling you to reflect His image, the image of God!  That call is to LEAD!  So how can we do that?  Honestly live the 10 Commandments!  Live the Vision of the Beatitudes!  Respect others by loving our neighbor as ourselves!  Bring the fragrance of Christ to our world by your life.

May God Be Praised!