Reflection “Solitude is the place where you can hear the voice that calls you beloved.” –Henri J.M. Nouwen Prayer Loving God, Too much noise in our lives crowds out your voice. Too much distraction makes it hard to sit still, let

Prayer

Loving God,

Too much noise in our lives crowds out your voice. Too much distraction makes it hard to sit still, let alone sit still long enough for the fullness of solitude to be felt. Nevertheless we pray for the freedom to find moments of stillness, silence, and solitude, where your voice can be heard in the quiet of our hearts, speaking words of life that we need and can share with others around us. We pray this for the sake of those who serve so faithfully in this healing ministry, devoting so much of their time and energy to the care of our patients and families, and our wider communities. Indeed we pray this for all our sake—lead us into more frequent moments of life-giving solitude. Amen.

Bon Secours Day

Bon Secours Day

Prayer

God our help,

Today we celebrate the 200th anniversary of that momentous day in Paris, when twelve brave young women entrusted themselves fully into your service, establishing a foundation from which to continue bringing bon secours, “good help,” to neighbors in need. Bon Secours Day is a testament to the sisters’ perseverance and to the abiding hope that comes from your call. As we reflect gratefully on their legacy of healing, compassion, and liberation, empower each one of us to respond to your own call in our lives and bring good help to others, sharing your light with a world in need. Amen.

Reflection “One cannot hire a hand. The whole [person] comes with it.” –Peter Drucker Prayer God of wholeness, We can no more separate our personal lives from our work lives than we can separate our bodies from our spirits. And so

Prayer

God of wholeness,

We can no more separate our personal lives from our work lives than we can separate our bodies from our spirits. And so we give thanks that the ministry we’re a part of is committed to our growth as persons and invests so much in our advancement. Guide our leaders to continue such good work, as they identify and promote those ready for something new that fits their gifts and talents. Let all our associates feel the invitation to bring their whole selves to work, no matter their role or function, that we might be a place where all want to work and practice, seek wellness and thrive. As we extend your compassionate ministry with authenticity today, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “It is dangerous to make everyone go forward by the same road.” –St. Ignatius of Loyola Prayer God of my neighbor, In a culture struggling to embrace “both-and” ways of thinking and speaking, help us remember that all o

Prayer

God of my neighbor,

In a culture struggling to embrace “both-and” ways of thinking and speaking, help us remember that all our perspectives and opinions are limited as a matter of course. More than this, help us to see the dangers of imposing uniformity at the expense of free-thought and dialogue. Whether it concerns our politics or our religious convictions or even the most basic ways we conduct our affairs together in society, lead us to see the benefits and the blessings of diversity in unity. As we each pursue you and your will, in our own ways today, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Good humor and laughter are far too wonderful not to come straight from the heart of God.” –Beth Moore Prayer Joy divine, How wonderful it is to feel our spirits lift in even the darkest hour, by a well-placed joke or

Prayer

Joy divine,

How wonderful it is to feel our spirits lift in even the darkest hour, by a well-placed joke or a hilarious comment from someone who knows us so well. Among friends or with family and even between strangers, humor can bind us together above and beyond so much tragedy. May we experience more of the unifying power of laughter in our days, for we know that this gift must come straight from you heart, God above all and God always with us. Amen.

Reflection “Never say anything about yourself you do not want to come true.” –Brian Tracy Prayer Encouraging God, You endowed us with the power of life-giving speech, yet we often use our words in ways you never intended. Instead

Prayer

Encouraging God,

You endowed us with the power of life-giving speech, yet we often use our words in ways you never intended. Instead of building others up we tear them down. Instead of affirming to ourselves the dignity of our creation we echo back lies that have been spoken over us. Free us from such habits of self-destructive speech, so we can speak again the kinds of words that lead to genuine flourishing, wholeness, and peace. Within our own hearts as much as between us, in our relationships, with neighbors and you. Amen.

Reflection “As scripture says, we become like the things we love.  If you love the poor, you will share their poverty and be poor like them.” -St Francis De Sales Prayer God of those who are poor, We come to work each day in

Prayer

God of those who are poor,

We come to work each day in the field of Catholic health care to serve the needs of those who are poor, dying and underserved.  Their care is in our hands, and you call us to love them as you would, by showing compassion and accompanying them as much as serving them in their time of need. . And so as we continue to serve and accompany those who are poor today, help us to see them as you see them, precious in your eyes. Help us always to tip our scales in favor of those who are poor, knowing that through loving them, we are at the same time loving you. We ask this in the name of love, amen.