Messenger of Joy

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  This will make you children of your heavenly father.  – Mt 5:44-45

Reflection.  Hatred is the enemy of happiness.  Avoid as much as possible anyone who persecutes you, but do not descend into hatred.  Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that … your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11).

Prayer.  Lord of life, bless me with the strength to at least strive for the impossible, namely to love my enemy.  

For you have been my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  – Ps 59:17

Reflection.  Which is your real enemy?  Is it Satan, or are your own sins your greatest enemy?  Be aware of the opponent within, and ask God to protect you from your own inordinate desires.

Prayer.  Lord, cleanse me of my sins and shield me from temptation.  

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.  – Isa 43:1

Reflection.  Don’t let yourself believe that you are a poor helpless creature, alone against the world.  Not so!  The Lord claims you as His own; He will not let you go.

Prayer.  Heavenly Father, I am under the shadow of Your wings; You alone give me peace.  

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!  For He … blesses your children within you.  – Ps 147:12-13

Reflection.  St. Augustine said, “We are an Easter People, and Alleluia is our song.”  When the going gets rough, think of God’s constant blessings.  This eternal truth will lift your drooping spirit.  It is all in the mind.

Prayer.  Jesus, teach me how to control my thoughts with the truth of our faith.  Help me to reject fear.  

An honorable name is more to be desired than great riches.  – Prov 22:1

Reflection.  Being a crowd pleaser is no way to build a good reputation.  But standing up for the truth against public opinion is.  Stay focused and do the right thing.

Prayer.  Lord, I want to do Your Will.  I leave my reputation to the history books.  

Have mercy on me, O God, in accord with Your kindness.  – Ps 51:3

Reflection.  The Book of Psalms is a spiritual treasure.  Jesus told a parable about a tax collector who stood off at a distance and prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner”(Lk 18:13).  Jesus praised him for his humility, and the tax collector “returned to his home justified” (Lk 18:14).

Prayer.  Dear Lord, give me a humble heart, that I may win Your blessing.  

He would feed [you] with the finest of wheat and … honey from the rock.  – Ps 81:17

Reflection.  No one can describe the indescribable.  The word ineffable refers to profound mystery.  We know that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, but we can’t explain how.  It doesn’t matter.  Enjoy the mystery.

Prayer.  Dear God, thank You for coming to us and for blessing us with Your presence.  

The Lord is in His sacred temple; silence before Him, all the earth.  – Hab 2:20

Reflection.  Step out of the world every once in a while.  Enter the silence of your local church.  Smell the candles, and rest before the Lord in the tabernacle.  Be still and know that He is God.

Prayer.  Dear Jesus, deepen my sense of reverence for the Holy Eucharist.  

Seek His Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.  – Lk 12:31

Reflection.  Some think the Christian life is a trial.  Why not think of it as an easy test?  It is a time for tending to yourself, a time of training for the race, a time of preparation.

Prayer.  Dear Jesus, help me to seek Your Kingdom above all else.  

You are to go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.  – Lk 9:60

Reflection.  If you have any hope of persevering in your good intentions you are going to need the grace of God.  Be smart.  Look to Jesus day in and day out, and ask for His grace.

Prayer.  Dear Jesus, keep my eyes fixed on You and my heart filled with Your love for others.