According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website, Ordinary Time is the time for growth and maturation, a time of conversion. Being in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time, we follow Jesus in his human life journey.
In today’s liturgy, St. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, warns his brothers and sisters in faith about the dangers of immorality, pride, boasting, wickedness and malice. He urges them to be humble, sincere, and truthful. Jesus, in the reading from Luke’s Gospel (6:6-11) lovingly cures a man’s withered hand on the sabbath to show that love triumphs over legalism.
So how are we doing? So far this year, are we growing and maturing in our faith? How are we showing that we are made in God’s image? Granted, it is not so easy to do that in this very busy, materialistic, “me-first” world. Private time, with sincere and honest prayer to our loving Lord, is truly helpful. We need time to gather our thoughts, surrender our hearts and minds for even a little while each day. We can use our own words or use traditional prayers and Bible readings. We can keep a prayer journal. We can change our prayers each day, or each season. We can even design our own prayers.
Here is just one idea. If we write our own prayers, we can personalize them with family’s or friend’s names, special upcoming events, traveling challenges, etc.
Almighty, artistic, loving Father, you give me opportunities to pass your love to others. Inspire me with timely prayers and even small acts of kindness.
Under this autumn sky, with cooler temperatures, renew my willingness to come closer to You as I exemplify Christian care and concern.
Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to teach me and save me. Help me to be humble and generous, as I put you first and foremost in my life.
Urge me, through inspirations from your Holy Spirit, to make the most of my time as I enjoy the beautiful colors of the season.
Merciful Father, help me to be forgiving of others’ acts of unkindness against me, as I pray for them.
Now, as I see children going back to school, people busily preparing for holidays, and traffic rushing to and fro, I will try humbly to pass on your loving joy each day. Amen.
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Photo by Autmn Mott Rodeheaver on Unsplash.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.