Dear Friends,
We are in a season of harvest and that season is expressed in many ways. One way is in the asking of support.
You and I are asked often and in so many ways to give support. It is often in monetary asks. Sometimes it may seem to never end. It’s been discussed among the Parish Staff and every once in a while, one of the parishioners may express that to us as well.
This time of year, the asking seems accelerated with the holidays quickly approaching. Recently, we have been asked to reflect on our stewardship for Unbound, Giving Trees, Food Collections, Clothing Collections, CMA, and of course our Parish Support to keep our churches vital and supportive of its ministries.
I am sure like me, you have also been asked to give to organizations we have already supported in the past and to consider new ones. How many envelopes, emails, etc. have you already received in asking to consider a donation?
Last weekend our scriptures talked about being persistent in prayer. I think of Matthew 7:7-12 where we are invited to be persistent in asking, seeking, and knocking. It shows that prayer involves different actions: making requests (asking), searching for God’s will (seeking), and persistently approaching God even when it seems difficult (knocking).
I believe that those asking for our support are seeking to follow God’s desire that we care for all our sisters and brothers. I realize each of us can only do so much and at times we would like to do more but it may be difficult due to personal circumstances.
This is why we pray. We pray to discern where we best can respond to the asking before us.
This is Respect Life Month. All life deserves respect and with our prayer, may we give where the Lord directs us to be merciful and kind. Every organization is hopeful their pleas will be heard.
Perhaps this following prayer of hope, may help each of us to respond to others where we can.
A PRAYER FOR HOPE
Heavenly Father, in the sacrament of Baptism, you have given us the gift of new life. Through your son our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, you have made us your own.
Help us to recognize the gift of human life as a sign of hope in our world.
Reveal to us places where your precious gift of life is most in need of protection and strengthen us to defend life in all stages and circumstances, from the child in the womb to the elderly and dying.
Guided by your Holy Spirit, guard us from discouragement and give us the grace to be messengers of hope, filled with confidence that nothing can separate us from your love.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen (USCCB)
Thank you for all you do and the support you give to our sisters and brothers.
Blessings,
Fr. Rob