Reflection “Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining.” –Teddy Roosevelt Prayer Creative redeemer, There seem to be a lot of whiners these days! Among our family and friends, amidst those who share i

Prayer

Creative redeemer,

There seem to be a lot of whiners these days! Among our family and friends, amidst those who share in our work and activities, or if we’re honest, in the face that we see looking back from the mirror. It seems to be part of being human that, at some time or another, we all become prone to whining and complaining about problems. Yet we ask for strength, that we might become the kind of people who can shut off the whining and get on with the tasks at hand. May we gain a reputation for being problem solvers who know how to manage the tensions we face with creativity and joy. Amen.

Reflection “If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you.” –Romans 8:11 Prayer Life-

Prayer

Life-giving love,

This thought should probably make us more ecstatic! The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us? Wow! Emboldened by such a promise, may we renew our commitment to pursuing the mission you have given us, extending your compassionate ministry to others in need. What have we to lose? As resurrection people, we pray for more courage and resilience to answer your call. Amen.

Reflection “Holiness, not safety, is the end of our calling.” –Lilias Trotter Prayer Holy God, If we survey the history that shapes who we are in Catholic health care, we really should have no expectation that our mission will lea

Prayer

Holy God,

If we survey the history that shapes who we are in Catholic health care, we really should have no expectation that our mission will lead us to enjoy security and comfort in this world. If we are extending your mission faithfully, we can be sure instead that our experiences will point us in hope for a world not yet come. As we strive to bring more of that world into the here and now, lead us into holiness rather than safety. Make us bolder in standing up for what’s right, defending those in need, and advocating for a world in which all can flourish. Come what may. Amen.

Reflection “I’m not afraid of failure; I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.” –William Carey Prayer God on mission, We all want to look back and see that we’ve made a difference in the lives of others. With family

Prayer

God on mission,

We all want to look back and see that we’ve made a difference in the lives of others. With family and friends and the people we’ve been called to serve along the way, we want to know our endeavors have made an impact. As a ministry, we hope to look back and see that we’ve succeeded at all the things you have called us to do, the things that ultimately matter. Rather than succumb to the fear of failure, empower us to continue being bold in extending compassion, improving health and well-being, and embodying the values that make our lives worth living together. Amen.

Reflection “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” –Simone Weil Prayer Attentive spirit, The gift of attention is one of the sweetest offerings we can extend to others. To be present and attentive, eager to listen

Prayer

Attentive spirit,

The gift of attention is one of the sweetest offerings we can extend to others. To be present and attentive, eager to listen with our whole being to the person before us. Help us to honor the dignity of all your children by becoming more generous with our attention. May we see the people around us through your eyes, respecting them as the persons they are. As we extend your compassionate ministry today, help us respond to the goodness within every individual by giving them the gift of attention. Amen.

Reflection “It is what it is. But, it will be what you make it.” –Pat Summitt Prayer God of tomorrow, We often see the gap between the way things are and the way they should be. For those of us in the helping professions, we see t

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

We often see the gap between the way things are and the way they should be. For those of us in the helping professions, we see this gap and sincerely long to overcome it, for the good of others and the betterment of our communities. Yes, we were first drawn to this work because we hope to see more of your dream for humanity come into reality through us. Encourage us today as we pursue that dream once again. No matter how long we’ve been at it, remind us that the future will be what we make it. With your presence to guide and accompany us, we have every reason to believe that healing and deliverance will come. Amen.

Independence Day (US)

Independence Day (US)

Prayer

God over all,

The American flag is an enduring symbol of freedom and hope for people in search of a land of opportunity. A nation where the shared pursuit of the common good might enable the flourishing of each and every citizen. And vice versa, where the flourishing of individual citizens leads them to build up the common good. As a ministry called by your name, help us resist the temptation to sentimentalize such noble ideals. Instead, on this day especially, may we renew our commitment to embody these ideals with conviction, devotion, and a sincere desire for unity, across all our differences. Amen.