by Adam Mitchell | Jan 26, 2020 | Podcast, Prayers
“They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.”
Matthew Chapter 4, verse 21
How spontaneous are you? Do you look for challenges? We can only admire the apostles James and John who had the heart-stopping courage to leave their comfort zone as fishermen and take up a new calling. “Come after me,” said the preacher from Galilee, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Today’s Gospel is a remarkable lesson in commitment and renewal. I know, it’s only the fourth Sunday of a new year and resolutions are still fresh in our minds. But it’s still a good time for us to ask: What are we willing to commit ourselves to as believers? And do we believe we can live up to our commitments?
When James and John left their nets to follow Jesus, they modeled a kind of radical shift that not only changed their thinking, but the way they lived. In fact, their zeal was so great, Jesus gave them the nickname of Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder.”
Friend, we don’t have to announce our faith to the world with rolling thunder. But Jesus is asking us to leave our nets behind—our personal comfort zone—and live our call to mission with courage and deep faith. We have the Gospel; we have each other. That’s all we need to make our light shine for the world.
Prayer for 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lord, open my lips to praise You
open my mind to know You
open my heart to love You
and open my soul to receive You.
Your word, O Lord, is a lamp
for my feet on the journey of life.
Give me the wisdom to hear Your call
the courage to respond and
the patience to await Your mercy.
Help me, Lord, to let go of anything
that keeps me from loving You and
all my Brothers and sisters for whom
You gave up Your life.
Everything comes from You, O God,
so into Your hands I commend
all that I have and am
for the glory of Your Name and Reign.
Amen.
Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso
I hope today’s reflection has special meaning for you. This is Father Ray Finch, sending you a blessing for the week, and an invitation to listen in again next Sunday.
by Adam Mitchell | Jan 19, 2020 | Podcast, Prayers
“I will make you a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Isaiah 49:6
I love the theme of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25): They showed us unusual kindness.
Here’s the background: When St. Paul arrived in Malta with his disciples, carrying the light of salvation, the people welcomed him with “extraordinary hospitality.” (Acts 28:2) The weather had turned bad, but the hosts lit a fire and welcomed their guests with kindness.
An act of kindness can be a game-changer in any relationship, a gesture of reconciliation that brings people closer together. As the Church begins a week of prayer for the unity of all Christians, let’s remind ourselves that “unusual kindness” can make a difference in reaching what may have felt like an unreachable goal.
Where’s a good place to start? Our mission calling is to love and serve the Lord by witnessing his compassion, so begin there. Listen to others first before judging. That was a lesson I learned during my years among the indigenous people of South America’s Altiplano. The communities were divided between Catholic and evangelical Christian, each with different ideas of worship and religious expression. It took time, but we were able to overcome divisions just by inviting people to listen first. By showing respect and understanding, somehow the differences became less divisive. This is how reconciliation among Christian communities can begin.
Friend, we have two assignments during the Church’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Pray for healing. Then witness the compassion of Our Lord where it is needed most. That way, I am confident one day all will be one in Christ.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lord Jesus, You prayed
Your disciples would be united
under the banner of faith, hope, and love.
Help us strive toward that unity for which
You suffered and died; help us recognize
true friends even among strangers and above
all open our ears to listen to the highest
hopes and deepest hurts of our
Brothers and sisters.
May we welcome each guest
as if they were Christ himself
and may we offer hospitality to all
as Abraham and Sarah once
entertained angels unawares.
Grant us healing, O Lord
that we may serve You and Your people
with renewed strength and zeal.
Let us look beyond the things
that divide us and help us help
each other along the paths of righteousness
according to Your will.
Amen.
Prayer by Father Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.
by Adam Mitchell | Jan 12, 2020 | Podcast, Prayers
“He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”
Acts Chapter10 Verse 38
Here’s a suggestion for the early days of January: Let’s make 2020 a “Francis Year.” If I sound mysterious, I don’t mean to. Our Holy Father wants us to be inspired to greatness, constantly renewed in the Spirit. So let’s check in with him and see how we can make this New Year our personal best as missioners.
“Ask yourselves this question,” says Pope Francis. “How often is Jesus inside and knocking at the door to be let out…?”
That’s a very personal question. But one worth pondering. We can start our spiritual check-up with those who have always meant the most to us: our families. This is where relationships are born and cared for—and where misunderstandings can cause the most hurt. In one of his talks on family life, Our Holy Father said something I’ve never forgotten: “A healthy family life requires frequent use of three phrases: “May I?” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry.” Never, never, never end the day without making peace.”
Friend, in today’s Gospel Jesus acknowledged his call to serve when he received the gift of baptism. Pope Francis reminds us that through baptism each of us is called to be a missionary disciple, too. From that day forward we were anointed to do good and witness the joy of the our faith. So with these blessings, I wish you what I’m calling a “Francis Year.” Our Holy Father keeps things simple. He says, “Whether the New Year will be good or not depends on us choosing to do good each day.” May each of us choose to do good and pass it on.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for The Baptism of the Lord
At Your baptism, Lord Jesus,
the Holy Spirit set Your heart ablaze
with love for sinners, the poor,
the oppressed, and those on the margins
of society, the church, or perhaps even
our friends and family.
Make our relationships healthy and holy
through Your spirit of reconciliation.
Give us the courage and humility
to ask “May I…?”
the strength to say “I’m sorry”
and the wisdom to say “Thank you”
to all people through whom
You bless and fill my life.
May my baptism compel me
to cross every border,
to travel any distance, great or small,
to leave the comfort of this world
to seek, find, and share with all
Your gospel of peace, mercy and truth.
Amen.
Prayer by Father Joseph R Veneroso, M.M.
by Adam Mitchell | Jan 5, 2020 | Podcast, Prayers
“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1
Everyone has a ritual for ringing in the New Year and mine is pretty simple. The first thing I do is pause and thank God for my blessings.
The year has been rich in Gospel witness—a blessing with so many rewards. Thanks to you, our Fathers and Brothers have brought the compassion of Our Lord to more families in need. Many of them have joined us as members of the faithful, taking on important pastoral roles as teachers, deacons, and leaders of prayer. Our Church is growing!
Faith is what motivates us to be who we are, the belief that when we witness the Gospel as missioners, more people come to know Christ and faith grows. Want to “rise up in splendor” and shine your light of faith? Here’s my suggestion: Share a blessing—a kind word, a visit, a helping hand. This is the essence of mission. So let’s live it!
A New Year is an opportunity for renewal, for starting over. The experiences we share as people of faith always bring us closer to God. And that includes our Journey of Faith each Sunday. The conversations you and I have are one of the blessings that add richness to my life, and I hope to yours. I look forward to another year of prayer and renewal in your company. Be sure to share your thoughts with me throughout the coming year and the ways mission is enriching your life.
Friend, my prayers are with you for a New Year filled with blessings. God will be with us, I know, because our mission faith is strong. I can’t think of a better way to begin anew than with encouragement from St. Paul: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God.” (Roman 8:28) May our year be rich in goodness and every expression of God’s love.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for the Epiphany of the Lord
Lord, we have on earth no lasting city,
but you, Creator of the new,
eternal Jerusalem, you chose
to live here below among men and women
with Your Son, Jesus Christ,
the Lamb of God,
as the Temple not made by hands.
While we wander in the world
remind us of our heavenly home
where all the righteous are citizens.
Walk with us each day of
our earthly exile
and draw us closer to yourself
by drawing us nearer to each other.
Let Your radiance shine through Your people
to guide to Your throne of mercy
all who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death
that everyone might be reborn anew.
Amen.
Prayer by Father Joseph Veneroso, M.M.
by Adam Mitchell | Dec 29, 2019 | Podcast, Prayers
“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another…”
~ Colossians 3:12-13
Time to get dressed up in your best finery. No, I’m not thinking of New Year’s Eve, although I love a good party just as much as anyone! I’m thinking of Paul’s advice— to put on the mantle of compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness… you add the rest.
Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? Because we want to be better people of faith than we were before. At their deepest level, I think of New Year’s resolutions as profound expressions of faith—a desire to bring God into our plan for personal improvement! And we know that God’s presence is the one ingredient that insures success.
In the course of a new year, there will be detours and distractions aplenty. That’s why we have prayer and the Sacraments to keep us grounded. And we have each other. Those of us on this Journey of Faith are joined together in prayer all year long. The more we pray together, the deeper our relationship with Christ and one another.
Friend, as you begin a New Year, remember the unique gifts that God gave you in Baptism. Whatever your New Year’s resolutions, infuse them with the faith of a missioner committed to witnessing the Gospel and sharing God’s eternal love. I know it will be bountiful year. Prayer will make it so.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for Feast of the Holy Family
God of all time and space
You left eternity and heaven
to dwell with us on earth.
Into Your merciful hands
we commend this passing year
with all its joys and sorrows,
victories and failures,
to do with what You will.
And from the wellspring of Your mercy
let me draw refreshing waters
of renewal and rebirth.
God of past, present, and future
I consecrate this new year to Your
name and dedicate it to help
building up Your kingdom here on earth:
a kingdom of peace and justice,
a kingdom of love and understanding,
that all peoples may come to know
Your saving grace, and praise Your Holy Name
till the end of time.
Amen.
Prayer by Father Joseph Veneroso, M.M.
This is Father Ray Finch saying thank you for taking your journey of faith with me today. Until next time, you are always in my prayers.
by Leah Mahnken | Jan 4, 2015 | Peace & Social Justice, Prayers
God is our refuge and our strength. An ever present help in times of trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1
Where are you God?
By Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.
When mountains shake, or the heavens break
Open to unleash floods upon the earth
Or when a child suffers and cries
Out to you and, despite my prayers, dies
For lack of medicines, or food or clean
Water, can you blame me, Lord, for wondering
Where are you?
When drugs or violence claim another life
Despite all efforts to end the clash
Between competing groups who fight
To determine who’s right and who controls
Their bodies but loses their souls
Am I wrong, Lord, to question
Where are you?
O Lord, in my darkest night of sorrow
Without any hope for tomorrow
In the silence of my heart long broken
By the Word forever spoken
You alone can bless my loss
As you once did on the cross
Open my eyes to see
Your presence ever next to me
When I question out of fear
You answer: I AM always here!
by Maryknoll Society | Jun 1, 2012 | Prayers
Service and Generosity
God, grant me the generosity Of Spirit.
Let me not think solely of myself today, but m
make the effort and take the time to touch another’s life.
Let me reach out to perform at least one kind act, to smile, to listen, to embrace.
Grant that I may live this day spreading joy among my brothers and sisters
In Christ, in the fulfillment of the Gospel’s command to love one another
Amen
by Maryknoll Society | May 25, 2012 | Prayers
A Prayer for a Mission Heart
Lord, serving you is my greatest joy.
Help me to become as compassionate and caring as Jesus was.
Help me share your love for the sick and the poor with kind words and acts of charity.
Help me to live your Gospel, especially among those who are separated from you, or don’t know you at all.
Walk beside me now and always.
I promise to do your Will always until the day I am home with you and all the Saints of heaven.
Amen
Short-term Mission | Global Mission Projects | Prayer Corner | Vocations
by Maryknoll Society | May 11, 2012 | Prayers
A Mother’s Prayer
How soft and beautiful are your little hands.
How innocently they snuggle up against my breast.
Some day…
Some far-off day these little hands must leave behind
the warmth, the toys of fun-filled childhood days
to find their place in the world…
to take up the work of mankind.
Oh how I long to know these hands will find their place!
That someday they will make their imprint on the world.
That they will be hands used not to hurt, nor to take from others, nor cause dishonor.
But instead will be virtuous hands–hands to heal, or to defend, to build, to create, to pray, to worship, to love.
Hands, that though they may become scarred and worn from work
will have lost none of the tenderness and innocence I see in them now.
It may be that these hands will never become famous, but I pray that the world will be better because of their touch.
David A. Tomko,
Butler, Pennsylvania,
a friend of Maryknoll
From “A Maryknoll Book of Prayer“
by Maryknoll Society | Sep 11, 2011 | Peace & Social Justice, Prayers
“A thousand years in your eyes are merely a day gone by, before a watch passes in the night, you wash them away; they sleep, and in the morning they sprout again like an herb.” Psalm 90:4-5
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