B
BarbaraTherese
Guest
The meditation for today again, I think, speaks for itself. God’s Plan for our life no matter what stage we are at does not need to be something wonderful and grand, or even noticed by others at all as in the life of St. Therese of Lisieux. It becomes all these things for me, however, simply by being God’s Plan for my life…though it is quite lowly and ungrand it offers Joy and Peace and a sense of being fulfilled, simply because it is God’s Plan and, I think, God’s Plan for one’s life will always offer this underlying Joy and Peace and being fulfilled, even if that Plan does also involve perhaps difficulties and perhaps even suffering.
Readings for Mass of Today
usccb.org/nab/121907.shtml
Mediation for Today
wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=12&day=19&year=2007&x=6&y=8
A wise philanthropist once said, “I flunked retirement, and I never intend to stop doing good for the people and for the country I love, as long as possible.” In saying this, the fellow was reflecting the truth that God has a plan for all of us—even in our old age. We may have stopped working, and our children may have grown up and started their own families, but God still has projects in mind for us—perhaps a greater degree of intercession, a more vigorous mission of faith sharing, or greater opportunities to offer the fruits of our wisdom to the younger people in our parish or community.
God wants each of us to say, “I flunked retirement.”
Today’s Gospel reading shows how—much to their surprise—Elizabeth and Zechariah discovered that even though they were old, they had a very important part to play in God’s kingdom. And so, patiently and prayerfully, they served the God who had blessed them so much.
There is also the story of a retired successful American businessman, who upon learning about the great needs in Colombia, decided he had to do something. He accepted the challenge to use his talents to help, and his life has been changed as a result. “I was looking forward to working less and relaxing more,” he said recently, “but God had other plans for me and now I’m busier than ever.”
After much thought, research, and prayer, this fellow decided to start a new business where coffee beans could be grown in the fields of small independent farmers who had lost their jobs due to the giant corporate take-overs. These “fair trade” beans could be sold at a price that allowed families to make a modest profit and thus take care of their laborers. As a result, this fellow’s business has enabled many in Colombia to rise from poverty and live in the dignity of children of God.
Scripture promises that “the just shall flourish like the palm tree. . . . They shall bear fruit even in old age, always vigorous and sturdy” (Psalm 92:13,15). So what is God asking you to do? “Lord, help me never to lose the desire to serve you. Even in old age let me use the gifts and talents you have given me to help others in need.”
O Antiphon for Today
Oh Root of Jesse
catholicculture.org/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=958
http://www.catholicculture.org/liturgicalyear/activities/images/dec19rootsm.jpg O Radix Jesse (December 19) O Root of Jesse, you stand for the ensign of all mankind (Isa 11: 10); before you kings shall keep silence and to you all nations shall have recourse (Isa 52: 15). Come, save us, and do not delay (Hab 2: 3).
Readings for Mass of Today
usccb.org/nab/121907.shtml
Mediation for Today
wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=12&day=19&year=2007&x=6&y=8
A wise philanthropist once said, “I flunked retirement, and I never intend to stop doing good for the people and for the country I love, as long as possible.” In saying this, the fellow was reflecting the truth that God has a plan for all of us—even in our old age. We may have stopped working, and our children may have grown up and started their own families, but God still has projects in mind for us—perhaps a greater degree of intercession, a more vigorous mission of faith sharing, or greater opportunities to offer the fruits of our wisdom to the younger people in our parish or community.
God wants each of us to say, “I flunked retirement.”
Today’s Gospel reading shows how—much to their surprise—Elizabeth and Zechariah discovered that even though they were old, they had a very important part to play in God’s kingdom. And so, patiently and prayerfully, they served the God who had blessed them so much.
There is also the story of a retired successful American businessman, who upon learning about the great needs in Colombia, decided he had to do something. He accepted the challenge to use his talents to help, and his life has been changed as a result. “I was looking forward to working less and relaxing more,” he said recently, “but God had other plans for me and now I’m busier than ever.”
After much thought, research, and prayer, this fellow decided to start a new business where coffee beans could be grown in the fields of small independent farmers who had lost their jobs due to the giant corporate take-overs. These “fair trade” beans could be sold at a price that allowed families to make a modest profit and thus take care of their laborers. As a result, this fellow’s business has enabled many in Colombia to rise from poverty and live in the dignity of children of God.
Scripture promises that “the just shall flourish like the palm tree. . . . They shall bear fruit even in old age, always vigorous and sturdy” (Psalm 92:13,15). So what is God asking you to do? “Lord, help me never to lose the desire to serve you. Even in old age let me use the gifts and talents you have given me to help others in need.”
O Antiphon for Today
Oh Root of Jesse
catholicculture.org/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=958
http://www.catholicculture.org/liturgicalyear/activities/images/dec19rootsm.jpg O Radix Jesse (December 19) O Root of Jesse, you stand for the ensign of all mankind (Isa 11: 10); before you kings shall keep silence and to you all nations shall have recourse (Isa 52: 15). Come, save us, and do not delay (Hab 2: 3).