Prayers for our clergy.

Today's reading.

St. John Chrysostom


The first reading sets forth a pretty tall order for our clergy. Sometimes I am tempted to think that a vocation to the religious life is easy, especially when my own vocation gets a little overwhelming. However, following the path God calls you to is never going to be the easy road, no matter where it takes you.
One more thing: I wonder what happened to the young man that Christ brought back to life. Did he go through surviver guilt and wonder, "Why did I not die? What am I supposed to do with my life?" Did he answer the call to his vocation? Through His death and resurrection, Christ brings me back to life. What a great reminder for me to live my vocation to the fullest today!
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son to be my salvation. Help me to live as one brought back to life, especially in my vocation as a mother. I ask your blessing upon all of our clergy, especially those studying for the religious life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. John Chrysostom, pray for me and for an increase in religious vocations.

Prayers for the world.

Today's Readings

Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary


I'm pretty sure that the church doesn't look at current events when it sets the lectionary. God in His providential wisdom knows just what we need to hear when we need to hear it. Today's readings speak mostly to our need to pray for our leaders, our country, and our world. Remembering September 11 can lead me to despair, however, today's scriptures give me hope. Hope that prayer will lead us to a peaceful world. Hope that even government leaders, like the centurion, can do the right thing no matter what their faith. Hope that the Lord will hear our prayer.
One more thing: The feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary was extended to the whole church after the king of Poland entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary and defeated the advancing Muslim army. Join me in praying in a special way to Mary today for her intercession for a peaceful world and a peaceful home.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder of hope. When the trouble so of the world overwhelm me, remind me of the hope I have in you and in eternal salvation. In your precious name I pray, Amen. Most Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for peace in our world and in our home.