Prayer for the World February 21, 2024

Prayer for the World, February 21, 2024

Be Transformed.  Believe in the Gospel

Introduction

We usually think of Lent as a time to “give up something”, to do penance.  The deeper challenge, however, is to go a step further and examine our motive for doing these things.  There’s a hint to what this deeper challenge might be in the admonition “to rend your heart, not your garments,”  i.e., change your heart, be transformed .   Believe in the Gospel!

Mantra:  Berakah, the Blessing by Jan Navotka 

https://youtu.be/XBs9qgmqwXE?si=TDmga0okpwn98dOF

From the Source of Everything, from the Ground of Being.

Receive strength and light, receive peace, receive love.

From my heart to your heart, from my soul to your soul,

Receive strength and light, Receive peace, receive love.  (2X)

Reading for Reflection

When I think of inner transformation, I hear a call to see with Jesus’ eyes and to love with Jesus’ heart.

            I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;

            I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you

            A heart of flesh.  Ezekiel 36:26

Women Religious in the United States are embarking on a new initiative focused on “Transformative Justice” in response to the question, “What is ours to do in this time?”  This involves looking at the 2024 election campaign through the lens of transformative justice and holding it in prayer.  It also includes how we think and act in relationship to those with whom we differ.  How can we reach across the divides in our Church and Society?  In the Synodal process in the Church, called for by Pope Francis, we are learning to listen respectfully to each other with the goal to understand better what God is speaking to all of us.  This respectful listening is a process or approach we can also utilize beyond the Church, even when it comes to politics.  Easy?  No, but worth the effort.

Silent Reflection

Reading

The following words of Pope Francis encourage us to always root our efforts toward transformation in faith. 

“I cannot fail…to remind the Catholic faithful of the motivations born of their faith. … since we know that authentic faith not only gives strength to the human heart but also transforms life, transfigures our goals and sheds light on our relationship to others and with creation as a whole.”  Laudate Deum, #61

When I watch the news every evening or read the newspaper, it often stirs up in me feelings of compassion, sorrow and at times, anger, at the suffering and injustice I witness.  As we journey through Lent toward Holy Week, we are reminded of another admonition, “to believe in the Gospel, to believe in the Good News.”  Change and transformation is possible, and it begins in the hearts of each one of us.  

from Thea Bowman, FSPA

“I think the difference between me and some people is that I’m content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle we’d have a tremendous light.”

May we receive the grace to do our little bit this day.

Silent Reflection

Mantra