It helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection, no pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
March 16, 2016
Dear Jesus, We know that our life journeys may have many twists and turns, some unexpected, others just part of living. Help us to bear painful surprises. When we stray from your way, may your mercy call us back. May we become welcome guides to others, all in your love. Amen
March 15, 2016
Dear Jesus, Help me to remember those times when I felt close to you, when my heart was filled with admiration and warmth for you and your message, when you gave me comfort in difficult times, when I was overcome by the beauty of creation, when all things just seem to fall into place. Amen
March 14, 2016
Dear Jesus, At times I just have to slow down and rest in your presence to get some perspective on what I am to do in my life. I can easily get caught up in trivialities and miss what is truly important or fail to get enough rest and exercise to be able to face day to day challenges. Be my guide to make good choices in following your way of love and self-giving. Amen
March 13, 2016
Lifted up on the Cross You promised the repentant thief a place with you in paradise, lifted up as a sign in the desert You promised to draw us all to yourself.
March 12, 2016
Lord Jesus, lifted up on the Cross You offered yourself for us all. Your wounds for our healing, Your sufferings for our faults, Your agony for our peace, Your forgiveness for our sins, Your thirst for our comfort, Your blood for our redemption, Your death for our life.
March 11, 2016
For those who have died life is changed, not ended. In your goodness, Lord, we pray their faults and failings mended and heaven’s crown thus won, we will remember them transformed into the image of your divinity, we will think of them changed into glory. Amen
March 10, 2016
Treasured in time immeasurable how much more then are we in glorious splendour adorned, clothed in richest glory.
March 9, 2016
We Will Think of Them Changed Into Glory Even though I feel the loss, and sadness presses heavy down, yet memories linger on, a melody of flowers to ease the pain of parting. Lord, one little flower that perishes is clothed by you in splendor and glory, and how much more then we, we who are made imperishable, who are loved by you eternally.
March 8, 2016
My thoughts go with you, my dearest friends, my tears weep for you, my love never ends. Your memories linger, your smile that cared, your listening ear, your goodness shared. My heart ever hold you, my embrace never cease, my prayer enfold you, my wish is your peace. In God’s deepest love, in God’s gentlest care, in God’s sweetest joy, This is my prayer. Amen
March 7, 2016
In our busy world there are so many who do not want to know, who do not want to share our sorrows or grief. Yet the Lord cares. The Lord knows all your suffering, and He has promised, He will comfort you; We will enfold you in His love.
March 6, 2016
I truly believe this: That the Lord’s love for you is so strong that your grief has not been forgotten, nor you loss unheeded, nor your tears unheard.
March 5, 2016
It is the lord Himself who will show you His tender mercy, who will pour His peace upon you to keep you hoping, keep you trusting.
March 4, 2016
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
March 3, 2016
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.