Devotion
Consider the Lilies
Frances Taylor
The first time I saw Sidney Poitier in a movie was in "The Lilies of the Field" for which he won an Oscar for best actor. The movie had a couple of important lessons and every time I read today's gospel passage I am reminded of both the movie and the lessons. A group of sisters want to build a chapel and they don't have the means to do it but believe that if they pray hard enough, the Lord will provide the means and men to do the work. Sidney needs a place to stay and the Superior sees her man. He stays on and works to build the chapel. Okay, you know there must be a twist! He tries to do it alone and fails. Eventually he must ask for help and the chapel is built.
Today we are being told not to worry about the needs of tomorrow but to concentrate on the "now." But what kind of "now" are we supposed to concentrate on? Not, we are told, on what we are to eat and drink, but to seek first the kingdom of God and then God will provide everything else that we truly need just as he feeds the earth to bring forth the flowers and cares for the birds of the air. The second lesson from the movie is that we all need help at times. Sometimes we need to ask for help, and sometimes we need to be help for others. It is often through his people that God provides for our needs. If we are truly seeking God's kingdom we will be ready both to ask for help and to offer it. As we continue this season of Lent. Let us reflect on the ways in which we will work to bring the kingdom to others through our prayers, fasting and almsgiving so that our celebration of Easter might be even more glorious.
Prayer
Yes, Lord. I know that you know us and you know what we need even more than we know ourselves. Give us the grace to put you and the kingdom first in our lives trusting in your goodness and mercy to provide for us. Amen.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
