The low feeling I had this morning was curtailed by the powerful voice of the Christian musical group Kutlass singing "That's What Faith Can Do." Just when I was about to let the devil have a sliver of hope, God sent me an angel with a clear message. Every word in that song was what I needed to hear. My God is an awesome God. He is ever present and I am so glad that I have an ongoing, growing, loving relationship with Him. Back to the message from God's angels. Kutlass sings "Anyone can feel the ache. You think it’s more than you can take but you are stronger, stronger than you know. Don’t you give up now." Okay, so maybe this speaks to everyone but that is just the point. This morning I felt alone and was thinking why is this happening to me? Kutlass continues, "I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains, hope that doesn’t ever end, even when the sky is falling." The very essence of faith is what they are talking about here. Do you really think that God can move that mountain? Do you have an everlasting hope even when there are earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and massive snow storms? Back to the music, "I’ve seen miracles just happen. Silent prayers get answered. Broken hearts become brand new. That’s what faith can do." Indeed! How often have you muttered a prayer under your breath? Did you even realize when it was answered? Did you thank God? I frequently find myself celebrating the answer and then suddenly remember where it came from. God doesn't need to be thanked or even expect it but we are called to be a grateful people. Again, it is a realization that God is active in every aspect of our lives. Kutlass sings a little later in the song, "Overcome the odds, you don't have a chance. When the world says you can’t, it’ll tell you that you can!" That is the most comforting sound we can ever hope to hear. God's voice, in whatever form, telling us that we can do it. He will be there to help us. His hand is upon us. Even when the economy has crashed, folks are losing their jobs, their retirement accounts are gone and they are about to lose their house, faith can change all of that. A miracle can happen. Are you asking for one right now? Are you giving it to God unconditionally? I struggle with this just as you do. We have to train our spiritual self to trust and have faith. Like the saints before us, we need to believe that our prayers will be answered. I am praying right now for a miracle. I hope you get yours too.
Finding St Anthony Among the Lost Items
Saint Anthony of Padua, though often associated with finding lost articles, was primarily known in his lifetime as a powerful and eloquent preacher. Originally a Canon Regular of St. Augustine, he was inspired to join the newly formed Franciscan order after witnessing the martyrdom of the first Franciscan missionaries in Morocco. His conversion to the mendicant life under St. Francis of Assisi transformed him, deepening his commitment to poverty, humility, and evangelical preaching. Gifted with profound theological knowledge and a captivating speaking style, he traveled across Italy and France, drawing immense crowds with his clear and passionate sermons, converting many and combating heresy with his unwavering faith and intellectual rigor. Beyond his public ministry, St. Anthony was a mystic who enjoyed profound spiritual experiences, most notably a vision of the Infant Jesus. This intimate connection with the Christ Child is a hallmark of his iconography, often depicting him c...
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