Reflection “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy! / though I have fallen, I will arise; / though I sit in darkness, the Lord is my light.” –Micah 7:8 Prayer God of Light and Life, May we never forget that our real ‘enemies’ are not on

Prayer

God of Light and Life,

May we never forget that our real ‘enemies’ are not only flesh and blood, but powers and forces that are harder to identify. They are spiritual forces within us, forces like discouragement, regret, guilt and depression, fear and mistrust and anxiety… These are experiences that can be more debilitating than any of the diseases or conditions we confront every day. When these ‘enemies’ lurk at our doorstep, rouse our spirits again, and fill us with the hope of a greater resilience. Nothing can separate us from your love! And in the power of love we will rise. Amen.

Bon Secours Day

Bon Secours Day

Prayer

God of Compassion,

From generation to generation you have revealed the depth of your love for humanity. Long before we were born, your ministry of compassion, healing, and liberation began. By your grace, and through our cooperation, we pray it continue long into the future. As we all play our part in such a great calling, we thank you especially for the Sisters of Bon Secours today, and the ways they embody your spirit of service for the life of the world. Help us who share in their ministry embrace this spirit and embody it ourselves, so that all may experience the fullness of life you desire for them. Amen.

Reflection “Witness the fact that in the Lord’s Prayer, the first petition is for daily bread. No one can worship God or love his neighbor on an empty stomach.” –Woodrow Wilson Prayer Loving God, You taught us by the word and exa

Prayer

Loving God,

You taught us by the word and example of your son Jesus that we must take care of ourselves to take care of others. Moved with compassion, Jesus showed love to so many. But he also knew when to step back and to find quiet moments, alone with the Spirit. To walk in the evening or drift on the water, to rest with friends and recoup his strength. If Jesus, God present in our flesh, made habits like this, we have all the more reason to rest as we need. In fact we must rest… for we too are in need and need to be filled. Humbly then we ask: give us this day our daily bread. Amen.

Reflection “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” –Thích Nhất Hạnh Prayer We are living in difficult and challenging times. People are stressed and overworked. And

Prayer

We are living in difficult and challenging times. People are stressed and overworked. And we are all struggling to find ways to make it through the day, to remain positive, kind, and joyful. Help us, for the sake of this patient, this family, this neighbor before me, all made in your image, to summon the courage to be kind, to extend compassion, to live in hope. We, too, feel anger and frustration, or just feel numb to our demanding world. Empower us with moral conviction to meet anger with kindness, frustration with calm, and numbness with the gift of loving presence. In choosing your way, may we be refreshed as your joy renews our spirits. Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.

Reflection “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” –Viktor Frankl Prayer Compassionate God, Open our eyes to see those who are suffering unbearable hardship today, including our

Prayer

Compassionate God,

Open our eyes to see those who are suffering unbearable hardship today, including our colleagues, all those who are practiced at hiding their pain for the sake of others. Open our mouths to speak healing words. Open our hearts to give time and attention, so that all can be healed and find strength in each other. Despite our challenging circumstances, may we nudge one another to remember our calling and restore our true purpose, reviving our senses for the meaning of our work in this world. As we continue extending your healing, compassion, and liberation we pray, Amen.

Reflection “For though the fig tree does not blossom, / and no fruit appears on the vine. / Though the yield of the olive fails and the terraces produce no nourishment, / Though the flocks disappear from the fold / and there is no herd

Prayer

God our strength,

Grace us again with energy and vision for the mission today. When we become troubled and anxious, show us a place to disappear for a moment, to be still and to know you are God. When our eyes fail to see any fruit from our work, inspire us to rejoice nonetheless, as your empowering strength fills us with vigor to take the next step. Amen.

Reflection “I have always felt that laughter in the face of reality is probably the finest sound there is and will last until the day when the game is called on account of darkness. In this world, a good time to laugh is any time you c

Prayer

Life-giving God,

Because our work is so serious, we need the refreshment that levity brings. Because we see pain and feel so much frustration, we need the release that laughter allows. Because there is death, we need the resilience of a heart filled with light. Yes, humor unites us when we are otherwise tempted to fall apart, alone in the darkness. Humbly we ask you to bind us together today. May the sound of our rejoicing break the darkness we face, that all may be filled with your life-giving spirit. May we all catch a breath after a good fit of joy, and after a moment of peace, get back on our feet. Amen.