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Introduction – Prayers Of The Faithful

The benefits of social distancing and self isolation are seen in the low rate of COVID-19 infection in our province. Another benefit is the halt to some of the busy-ness that often made up our day. In “normal” times there was often little time to be quiet or to reflect on what was happening around us or to us. It is good to take some time each day, maybe at the end of the day, to look at how we live what we believe and how we have been faithful to following the gospel of Jesus. That can be uncomfortable and make us want to seek some distraction. Or, even worse, it may lead us to do an examination of other people’s lives. After all, that’s much easier and a lot more entertaining!

Looking at the ways we have been faithful can be very encouraging. If you have placed someone’s needs before your own or if you have chosen to let go of a resentment or to actually forgive someone who has offended you, then you have accepted God’s grace and chosen to love. But if you discover that you have acted out of selfishness or chosen to cause harm to another by words or actions, it reveals an opportunity to ask for God’s grace even more and to learn how to love a little more. That’s the best protection against the pandemic of sin that tries to enter our lives each day.

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Introduction – Prayers Of The Faithful

Four years have passed since Fort McMurray was devastated by fire. Stories are told, with great emotion, about the day when tens of thousands escaped by the one road out of town. The Israelites were lead by a pillar of fire at night as they sought the promised land. The people of Fort McMurray, many from New Brunswick, were SURROUNDED by fire and could only see the vehicle ahead of them through the dense smoke. As it grew hotter in their vehicles they thought only of reaching safety while pushing away the thoughts of failure.

Many prayed, and drew upon their faith and the faith of their parents. Some thought of loved ones, living and dead, to get them through. Others thought of the children in the car as their angels that day. Faith and love, and the concern for safety of others brought them through the fire.

St. Peter learned that reaching out in faith saved his life that day on the stormy sea. In times of crisis we would all like to be swept from present danger into a safe place. Experience teaches us that faith in Jesus enables us to reach deep down inside and find the strength and resources we need. It becomes very clear if we take time to give thanks when the dangers and sadness and losses have passed.

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Introduction – Prayers Of The Faithful

Having a close cousin can be like having a “bonus” brother or sister. That’s especially true if you were born in the same year, like Irish twins, and went through school together and shared activities and common interests. Jesus and John the Baptist were related. Their mothers were relatives.  Jesus and John might have been cousins. They were born six months apart and their lives were connected from the moment of their conception.

When Mary learned she would be the mother of God’s Son most people around her did not understand. So she went to a safe place, to visit Elizabeth, whom she knew would understand and accept her. In the Visitation the unborn John moved inside Elizabeth. He acknowledged who Jesus was, announced this news to his mother and gave reassurance and comfort to Mary. As an adult, Jesus accepted baptism from John and John prepared others to hear Jesus’ preaching.

The news of John’s murder at the hands of a tyrant must have been devastating. Jesus withdrew but the crowds followed. Jesus responded, not with selfish complaints, but with compassion. He provided for the crowds and made sure they were nourished in body and spirit. There are people in our lives who inspire and teach us like this. They encourage us to seek the true bread from God.  They show us that nothing can separate us from Him. The bonds of faith and love they share with us are never destroyed or broken but always help us to do what is right and good.