Today, let's begin with prayer, In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...
"Loving God, you fill all things with a fullness and hope that we can never comprehend. Thank you for leading us into a time where more of reality is being unveiled for us all to see. We pray that you will take away our natural temptation for cynicism, denial, fear and despair. Help us have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility, and greater care for one another. May we place our hope in what matters and what lasts, trusting in your eternal presence and love. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our suffering world. (Please add your own intentions . . .) Knowing, good God, you are hearing us better than we are speaking, we offer these prayers in all the holy names of God. Amen." Richard Rohr
This prayer is from The Center for Action and Contemplation, and I receive one, along with a reflection, every day in my "in box." Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar who encourages us to think more deeply about God and invites us to move more deeply into our spiritual self. From this time of contemplation we are then invited to action. It's a both/and of meditation and doing! If you would like to sign up for their daily email you can do so here:
Elaine Warakomski, a member of our Blessed Sacrament family, leads a discussion on the first Thursday of each month about these reflections. If you would like more information you can visit our website:
2 Reminders and a New Opportunity:
1. Whether you have been reading LET US DREAM as part of our Laidback Book Club Facebook group, on your own, or with a friend, we will be having a ZOOM book discussion at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 11. I will include the ZOOM invite in next week's Flocknote.
2. It's time to register for EVERBODY ALWAYS which begins February 16. You can find more information about this small group book/video study in earlier Flocknotes or on our website:
3. Just a heads up that our next Laidback Book Club offering will begin February 21. We are reading KISSES FROM KATIE: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption. It is an inspirational story of living out the Corporal Works of Mercy and a beautiful example of how LOVE WORKS!
VISIT THE PRISONER
A few final thoughts for this month's Corporal Work of Mercy
We've looked at those who are imprisoned from many different angles this month, and for these last few days of January, I would like us to consider those who suffer from addiction and mental health issues in light of this work of mercy. The strain of the pandemic has caused even more people to struggle with anxiety and depression. Addiction and mental illness take away a person's freedom to be all that God has created her/him to be. This weekend I invite us to pray for those who struggle with these chains. If you or someone you know is suffering under the burden of addiction or mental health concerns there is help:
1. For a Brighter Tomorrow: Recovery Today... for a Brighter Tomorrow
2. Ten 16 Recovery Network: Real. Hope. Now.
3. Families Against Narcotics: Your Connection for Information, Resources, and Support
4. Community Mental Health for Central Michigan
5. NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness
And you know that I can't resist a good tune! Here is Water and Dust by Cory Asbury. It's an encouragement for us, particularly if we are feeling imprisoned by loneliness, isolation, fear, sadness, pride...
"just don't lose heart"
Wishing you peace, joy, and freedom,
Lyn