As we read in the psalm, “The Lord is kind
and merciful. And slow to anger.”
Never let me forget the gifts you,
Lord, have given me, the mercy
you have shown me, the forgiveness
you continue to offer me despite
my weaknesses and failures.
Help me to witness to your goodness
by sharing my gifts, showing others your mercy,
January 12, 2021
January 11, 2021
It has been nearly a year since I arrived in Pakistan as a lay missionary. If I were to describe the experience so far, I would have to say it has been very challenging but at the same time, fun.
January 11, 2021
Good and Gracious God,
guide us to live in harmony
during this time of the coronavirus.
Please grant us strength and courage
to be flexible and adapt
to the necessary changes
for the health and well-being
of our friends, neighbors and families.
We ask this in the name of
Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
January 10, 2021
God of grace and glory,
you call us with your voice of flame
to be your people, faithful and courageous.
As your beloved Son
embraced his mission in the waters of baptism,
inspire us with the fire of your Spirit
to join in his transforming work.
We ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.
January 9, 2021
Lord you deliver me time after time
from my weakness and sinful deeds.
Sometimes I judge too quickly
and disregard the feelings of others.
Then I realize that you Lord can bring good
out of my misdeeds.
I can see that you are purifying me
and helping me realize how much I depend
on your gift of grace and forgiveness.
January 8, 2021
Dear Jesus,
Like the apostles who were in a boat on that stormy Sea of Galilee,
we are feeling alone, uncertain, tired and afraid.
Do not let waves of dread swamp us.
Do not let the howling wind of bad news drown out your voice.
Give us ears and hearts attentive to your voice when you say to us,
“Do not fear, it is I.”
January 7, 2021
Who would have imagined that I would be cooking food and treating people? I was a total stranger to cooking before joining the lay missionary sending orientation program in Korea. All I could cook was instant noodles. When I was told that my teammates and I had to cook our own food during the orientation, my mind went blank.
January 7, 2021
Excite in our hearts, O Raymond!
that sincere compunction,
which is the condition required of us
when we seek our pardon in the Sacrament of Penance.
Make us understand both the grievousness of mortal sin,
which separates us from our God for all eternity,
and the dangers of venial sin,
which disposes the tepid soul to fall into mortal sin.
January 6, 2021
Lord, you have chosen Brother André
to spread devotion to Saint Joseph,
and to dedicate himself
to all those who are poor and afflicted.
Grant us the grace
to imitate his piety and charity,
so that, with him,
we may share the reward promised
to all who care for their neighbors out of love for you.
January 5, 2021
O Jesus, who on earth commanded and practiced a hidden life,
grant that in these our days of pride
and outward display the example of your servant John Neumann
may lead us to follow Your humble ways.
Grant, O Lord, that like your holy bishop
we may do all our works with the pure intention of pleasing You,
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.