Daily Thoughts: “I prefer a
church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the
streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from
clinging to its own security.” These words of Pope Francis seem to find life in
our readings and in our feast today. As
a Church today we honor the life of St. Martin de Porres, a man noted for his
work with the poor. In the Gospel (Luke 14:12-14) Jesus asks us to think and
act not just within our comfort zone but to think and act outside it. We are
challenged by both Jesus and Pope Francis to walk out into a bruised, hurting
and dirty world and to celebrate life with the people we find there.
This is not an easy challenge. It takes
guts, it takes selflessness, and it takes the ability to love. As St. Paul puts
it in his Letter to the Philippians it take a humble regard for others, seeing
them as important as ourselves. It takes a community effort with no one person
being more important than everyone else.
Pope Francis’ constant theme is for the
Church to be a Church of Mercy. St. Martin de Porres practiced mercy in the
face of racism, poverty and his care for the outcasts of his time. St. Martin
found dignity of every person and invited all to God’s banquet. Pope Francis
has asked us to find dignity in each person and to invite all to God’s banquet.
The challenge today is to ask ourselves do we find dignity in each person we
meet and are we willing to journey with them to God’s banquet?
Have a great day everyone!
Daily Prayer: Grant, O Lord our
God, that we may never fall away in success or in failure; that we may not be
prideful in prosperity nor dejected in adversity. Let us rejoice only in what
unites us and sorrow only in what separates us. May we strive to please no one
or fear to displease anyone except You. May we see always the things that are
eternal and never those that are only temporal. May we shun any joy that is
without You and never seek any that is beside You. O Lord, may we delight in
any work we do for You and tire of any rest that is apart from You. Loving God,
let us direct our hearts towards You, and in our failings, always repent with a
purpose of amendment. Amen! (Adapted from a prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas)
A Runner's Thoughts: "Run in
the present moment, not from something and not to something. Strive for a
grace-filled as well as a graceful run." (Roger Joslin)
Daily Blessing: Happy Monday
everyone! I hope this finds you well and energized for a new day and a new work
week. Winter touched many of us this weekend. I have to say I was glad I was
not running the NYC Marathon yesterday, it was really cold mostly due to the
wind. I felt for the runners as they headed up First Avenue right into the
wind. I did my best to cheer them on but I have to say I was glad when the last
ones went by and I could get myself in out of the cold!
I want to thank everyone for the
birthday wishes yesterday. I had a very nice birthday spending most of it stand
on First Avenue cheering the runners on especially those from Fred’s Team. Then
I made my way home and had a nice dinner out with Fr. Robert and Fr. Edward.
The highlight of my dinner was a glass of Blue Moon Pumpkin! It is the little
things at my advanced age that make all the difference! But to all who called,
sent texts, facebook postings, cards and emails – thanks for the birthday best
wishes! It was a great day and a great start to “61!”
My prayer of blessing this morning is a
simple one – I ask God’s blessings for all of you today through the
intersession of St. Martin of de Porres, whose feast we celebrate today. He was
a man dedicated to the poor, to all in need and had great faith in God’s
presence in his life. So though the intercession of St. Martin de Porres may
God bless you and protect you today and always. May God’s face smile upon you.
May God’s grace enter into all you do. May you live today rich in a harvest of
faith, hope and love which God has planted within you and may you always know
that nothing can separate you from the love of God! Blessings to all and have a
great day everyone. Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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