The Lord is my rock and my savior.
A reflection for Friday, January 30, 2015fromDaily Prayer 2015, a book of prayer for each day of the liturgical year, authored by Rev. Stephen S. Wilbricht, C.S.C.:
It is so very easy in our day to hoard our possessions, our talents, and our time. Today’s Gospel cautions us to set free the gifts that we have been given. Do we trust that the Lord will fill us with all that we need, or are we defined by an attitude of self-reliance, self-sufficiency? Do we fear speaking the truth because it might offend, or are we able to trust that the truth “will set us free”? Jesus does not want disciples who hoard their gifts and the truth of their lives; he desires disciples who give in abundance and then give some more.
As stewards of the gifts God has given us to share, we pray:
Lord, bless your people with peace.
That all bishops, priests, and deacons may serve the Church by sharing Christ’s light, we pray: That all countries around the world may be united in the desire to achieve real and lasting harmony, we pray: That all those who live in darkness, especially those who fear living authentically, may be released from their chains, we pray: That those who hoard their material possessions may realize the need to give in abundance, we pray: That those who have died may be washed clean in the blood of the Lamb and be granted eternal rest, we pray:
Lord Jesus Christ,
you command your disciples
to be living and lasting light
for all the world.
May all those who
dwell in darkness
come to know the power
of your truth,
and may those who are afraid
to trust in your mercy
and compassion
come to know lasting freedom.
For you live and reign
with the Father
in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
