Get plenty of exercise. Prayer is an exercise … Friday, August 16

Here is a picture of a simple exercise done with the hands. It provides body and soul with a great workout.

A Rosary Meditation … The First Sorrowful Mystery, the Agony in the Garden. “It is true that God‘s power triumphs over everything, but humble and suffering prayer prevails over God Himself. ~ St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.

Prayer, it can be a struggle. It is always a source of power.

“After you have made a decision that is pleasing to God, the Devil may try to make you have second thoughts. Intensify your prayer time, meditation, and good deeds. For if Satan’s temptations merely cause you to increase your efforts to grow in holiness, he’ll have an incentive to eave you alone.” ~ St. Ignatius of Loyola.

“You don’t know how to pray? Put yourself in the presence of God, and as soon as you have said, ‘Lord, I don’t know how to pray!’ you can be sure you have already begun.” ~ St. Josemaria Escriva.

“Prayer is powerful beyond limits when we turn to the Immaculata who is queen even of God’s heart.” ~ St. Maximillian Kolbe.

Today …

St. Roch

Sources say he was probably born at Montpellier, France, son of the governor there. He was orphaned when he was twenty. He went on pilgrimage to Rome and devoted himself to caring for the victims of a plague that was ravaging Italy. He became a victim himself at Piacenza but recovered and was reputed to have performed many miracles of healing. On his return to Montpellier, he was imprisoned for five years as a spy in pilgrim’s disguise when his uncle, who was governor, ordered him imprisoned (His uncle failed to recognize him, and Roch failed to identify himself.) Roch died in prison and was only then identified as the former governor’s son by a birthmark in the form of a cross on his chest. Another biographer says that he was arrested as a spy at Angers, Lombardi, and died in prison there. When miracles were reported at his intercession after his death, a popular cult developed and he is invoked against pestilence and plague. He is also the patron of invalids. He is known as Rocco in Italy and Roque in Spain.

Remember … You’ll never realize the power of electricity if you don’t flip the switch. You’ll never know the power of prayer without dropping to your knees.

Tenderness, courage, hope … Monday, August 5

A Rosary Meditation … The Third Joyful Mystery, the Nativity. “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the

present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” – Agnes M. Pharo. That sums up the Nativity, and the Gift of God, very well doesn’t it? The tenderness of a love, courage to face a world off track, hope for a future that begins every second of every day. And that fervent wish? With Christ our cup has no choice but to overflow with eternal riches, and in following Him every one of us, regardless our personal journey, walks a path of ultimate peace. The world would take these things away from us. It can’t, not unless we let it. There are so many options for us here and they’re all good. The tenderness of Mother Mary‘s love, the courage of the saints who’ve gone on before us and left us examples to follow, and the hope that rests in a Baby in a manger, a Carpenter fashioning beautiful things from ordinary wood(en hearts), a Man on a cross, a Man walking away from a tomb. Christmas gifts that are given daily and that last for eternity.

Today …

St. Paris

Bishop of Teano, Italy. Biographical accounts about him are quite extravagant, with many legends. He died in 346. All those extravagant legends? Maybe not so extravagant and perhaps not legends. I mean, you know how brightly wrapped Christmas gifts can be.

Think about it … “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” – Bob Hope.

The Price Tag of Prayer … Tuesday, July 30

Prayer. It takes up very little space. But is there a TIME and place for it in our lives? If we’re to taxed for time to talk with God maybe we need to re-think our schedule.

A Rosary Meditation … The First Sorrowful Mystery, the Agony in the Garden. “Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.” — Saint Ephraem of Syria. Prayer sounds like hard work. If the example of Jesus in the garden is any indication, well, it IS hard work. But then it ought to be, if its work, a labor of love shouldn’t it? We go to great pains, lots of work, to keep in touch with friends and family because of our love for them and the close ties we share. We spend money on gas, long distance fees, delivery charges, air fare, postage, and more just to keep in touch. Keeping in touch is obviously a valuable commodity. And the effort expended proves this. How much effort do we put into an extra five minutes, now and then, to stay in touch with God? Is it to much hard work, does it cost to much, is it just to much trouble? Does our prayer life indicate our closeness to God, or our distance?

Today … St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Born at Imola, Italy in 406, St. Peter was baptized, educated, and ordained a deacon by Cornelius, Bishop of Imola. St. Peter merited being called “Chrysologus” (golden-worded) from his exceptional oratorical eloquence. In 433, Pope Sixtus III consecrated him bishop of Ravenna. He practiced many corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and ruled his flock with utmost diligence and care. He extirpated the last vestiges of paganism and other abuses that had sprouted among his people, cautioning them especially against indecent dancing. “Anyone who wishes to frolic with the devil,” he remarked, “cannot rejoice with Christ.” He also counseled the heretic Eutyches (who had asked for his support) to avoid causing division but to learn from the other heretics who were crushed when they hurled themselves against the Rock of Peter. He died at Imola, Italy in 450 and in 1729 was made a Doctor of the Church, largely as a result of his simple, practical, and clear sermons which have come down to us, nearly all dealing with Gospel subjects. “Golden-worded.” Want to be like this saint? To have golden words upon your lips? It occurs to me that any word spoken in loving prayer to God meets this criteria.

Consider … “Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.” — St. John Chrysostom.