What have you done lately to further God's reign? We as Christians proclaim that God reigns over all the earth and we are called to be the hands and feet of the mystical body. But that means that we must be active in our ministry and we must work to extend God's reign. What does that mean to you? I think it calls me to engage in conversation about God with others. I am instructed to bring the Good News to everyone. Only when we share the message of Jesus and His sacrifice can others come to truly understand what that gift allows. I also think we should be more active in doing. We need to notice where the needs are in our community and respond to those needs like Jesus did when He walked the earth. The economic downturn has caused us all so much difficulty and the burden of new taxes and monumental governmental intervention will only worsen that for us. However, there are those that are being forgotten because we are troubled by our political leadership and the strain of oppression. It must not cause us to forget out responsibilities. Do not forget to respond to our brothers and sisters who are homeless, poor, and hungry. Can you get involved in a prison ministry and bring Jesus' message to them? Is there a modern day orphanage in your community that needs your support both financially and prayerfully? Even when we feel like the burden of the world is crashing down on us, we are called to be the hands and feet of the Lord. Finally, remember to exhibit a Christian attitude in all that you do; even in disagreement or uncomfortable situations. Even when we are sad or burdened or troubled. We need to pray our way out of it and spread the message of our Lord and Savior. God does reign forever and ever and we should be sharing that message in all that we do and say.
I am just beginning to dive into the beautiful, ancient devotion to the Five Wounds of Jesus, and I wanted to share a bit of the journey with you. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to look at the Crucifix this closely, but I’ve found such a gentle guide in St. Bernard of Clairvaux . In his Jubilee Rhythm on the Passion, Bernard doesn't treat the wounds of Jesus as distant historical facts or sights to be avoided. Instead, he approaches them with the tenderness of a friend, speaking directly to the feet, hands, side, and face of our Lord. For someone like me who is just starting out, his rhythm teaches that prayer isn't just about reciting words; it’s a holy hide-and-seek. Bernard invites us to literally hide ourselves within these wounds, seeing them as clefts in the rock where we can find shelter when our own lives feel turbulent or heavy. As I start this process, I’ve been practicing what I call gazing and greeting. Following Bernard’s lead, I look at the Crucifix an...
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