Joy!

Ours is a strange and often dark world, filled with peril. There are wars and rumours of wars. There are daily events that shock the conscience and take one's breath away. Yet, through it all, we Catholics are called to find joy in the sorrow, knowing that we have been saved throught Christ.

The idea of joy amidst suffering always reminds me of a hymn that was a staple at my high school's liturgies -- "How Can I Keep From Singing."

Some quick research revealed that the hymn was written by an American Baptist minister in the mid-nineteenth century. In light of our strange and dark times, I found the words of the song (posted below) quite inspiring.

Remember: There is always joy in Christ!

My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?

What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?

As always, Praise God!!

End of the Day Prayer

Everyone knows that prayer is essential to a good spiritual life. Prayer is the food that nourishes the soul and strengthens one's relationship with the Lord. In particular, I think that prayer at the end of the day is crucial. Those moments at the end of the day when I am able to collect myself and place myself before God and take the time to review the day with Him are great. The problem is that, for me at least, those moments are ever so rare.

Despite my best intentions, I frequently find it difficult to engage in any substantial prayers at the end of the day. More often than not, by the time I make it upstairs for bed, I am spent and can barely utter a "thank you, God" before falling asleep! I guess we all have things to work on...

Still, even though I am a flawed end of day pray-er, I thought I would pass along a prayer that I discovered a few years ago in my parish newsletter. I have found it to be a very helpful (and succinct) end of the day prayer that allows me to place myself and my day before God even when I am totally exhausted. I have made it a practice each night to say this prayer in front of the crucifix that hangs on the bedroom wall.

I hope that some of you out there find this beautiful little prayer as helpful as I do!

Prayer for the End of the Day

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with all its Love, all its Sufferings and all its Merits.

First - To expiate all the sins that I have committed this day and during all my life. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Second - To purify the good that I have done badly this day and during all my life. Glory be to the Father . . .

Third - To supply for the good that I ought to have done, and that I have neglected, this day and during all my life. Glory Be to the Father . . .

Amen.

Praise God!!

Earthen Vessels

"Brothers and Sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels."

These are the words of Saint Paul in his second Letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 4:7) and were the first words of the First Reading today at Mass.

"Earthen vessels..."

Sometimes, I think we expect too much of the "earthen vessels" around us. Too often, we expect more than frail humanity can give. We are human. We sin and we fail constantly. So much so that sanctity should be what surprises, not sin.

"We hold this treasure in earthen vessels."

Yet, despite our sinfulness, God wills that we -- frail and fallen men and women -- are to be the ones that hold the treasure of His truth and proclaim that truth to the nations.

Why would God will that "earthen vessels" would hold such "treasure"? Saint Paul immediately gives us the answer: "[so] that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us." (2 Cor 4:7). In other words, the wonders of Christ steadfastly proclaimed by fallen men and women throughout the ages, despite their individual frailty, is a profound testament to the Truth.

Yes, we hold the treasure in earthen vessels, but by the grace of God, we are able to proclaim that Truth and pass that Truth to others. Despite our imperfections, despite our frailties, despite our flaws . . . "we are ambassadors for Christ." (2 Cor 4:20) (emphasis mine).

Praise God!!