Prudence
“The true virtue of prudence ought to be really practiced, the more so because it is like spiritual salt that gives taste and savor to all the other virtues.”
[The Art of Loving God, St. Francis de Sales]
Prudence is a virtue that we should practice faithfully.
May God Be Praised.
Prayer to aid us in our Examen [examination of conscience].
Dear God, I offer You my good deeds and my gratitude for Your love and Your patience. The Psalmist instructs us to live “… like a tree that is planted beside the flowing waters ….” Our flowing water is Your Grace. St. Francis de Sales offers us this insight, “The good [person] is like a tree planted by the waterside that will bring forth its fruit in due season, because when a soul is watered with charity, it brings forth good works seasonably and with discretion.” And de Sales offers us this guiding principle, "What is the prize if is not Jesus Christ? How can you take hold of him if you do not follow him."
Lord thank you, for today, with each of its joys and each of its sorrows. As the sun begins to set, quiet my heart, my mind and my soul so I can ponder my faithfulness. Take my failures, fill them with Your Grace and make good come from them.
May the silence of this night, its darkness and quiet, prepare me for tomorrow and enable me to be grateful, as I bless Your holy name. Give me the Courage to do Your Will for Your Honor and Your Glory. Anoint me with Your forgiveness as You fill me with the Blessings of Repentance and a Renewed commitment to follow You. Grant me the fortitude to make You the center of my life. [Dcn. George Kelly]
May God Be Praised.
Isaiah’s Vision
Isaiah offers us this magnificent vision “In days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills…. They shall beat their swords into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another nor shall train for war again.”
Today ponder Isaiah’s vision and praise God.
May God Be Praised.
Remembering 9/11/2001
Today we should take time to remember and reflect on the events of 9/11, for many they are seared into their hearts and minds, for others it is a time to learn about 9/11. Take time to search your heart for the pain and hurt you haven’t forgiven yet, especially those in our families. 9/11 taught us many lessons - - one of the most important is how fragile life is - - so today forgive in your families because tomorrow may be too late.
The Greek playwright Aeschylus wrote, “And even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart, until in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful* grace of God.” [*awful in ancient Greek meant awe-inspiring or awesome]
“Wisdom through the awful grace of God” is a powerful insight into life itself. Today we should reflect on the “awful grace of God” assured that God’s Grace will guide our life here and will carry us to the Joy of God’s love in eternity.
May God Be Praised!
I wonder as I wander.
I will remember the Words of the Lord, as I recall His wonders of old. Today is filled with uncertainty, what difficulties and joys will enfold while I walk with the Lord.
What good can I do this day?
Any good that I do I give to You, Lord. Any hardships I encounter I ask for You grace to handle.
May God Be Praised.
Finding the Way
Lord, help us evade worldly allurements that will lead us into sin; we prefer to dwell in Your house. We pray for the strength avoid the allurements of the mansion of luxuries, for the shed of Your grace.
Climb the mountain of life with us, so we may find the mountaintop of Your Way.
May God Be Praised.
Today we celebrate the
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us go to her in times of need and in
times of thanksgiving.
The prophet Jeremiah tells us, "When you look, for me, you will find
me.
Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the
Lord ...."
With Mary and St. Teresa of Calcutta, i.e. Mother Teresa we are reminded us to
seek the Lord with all our heart, trust Him and He will do the rest.
May God Be Praised!
