Depending on Love

A palm tree graces the sky and reminds me of the land of Christ's birth.

"Everything depends on how we love each other." ~ Mother Theresa,  from Thirsting for God



In pondering this astute observation from Mother Theresa, I find it incredible and awesome while also intimidating.

Think about it:
Everything....there is nothing that is not included in this
Depends.....something that is contingent on 
How we love each other..how we treat one another, how we act towards those among us who are less than lovable, all the people with whom we come into contact with on a regular basis. In St. Mother Theresa's world that would be those "poorest of the poor," to whom she and her Missionaries of Charity ministered to where ever they could be found.

To me, it means primarily my family...spouse, children, grandchildren, in-laws, friends and co-workers. I rarely have to deal with someone who could be considered "unlovable," although there are people with whom I often grow angry.

Still, the words "Everything depends on..." brings to mind how the problems facing our world might be solved....by "loving each other."
Quite a different outlook than that of our elected civic leaders and unfortunately, also by many church leaders. Still, it is an approach advocated by many in Christian ministries and for that I am thankful and also optimistic.
If I can start by loving those whom I find disagreeable or unlovable...then maybe that will inspire those whom I love to love the folks they find unlovable and it just keeps growing and getting better until one day it will be accomplished.

Thank you, my Lord and my God, Holy Trinity, and Blessed Mother for the gift of love you gave us this Christmas. Please help me to begin acting as if "Everything Depends on How we love each other."

A New Year Dawns, Jan. 1, 2011

Snow blankets the earth

The new year begins and I want to try to take time each day to offer up my talents to the Lord.
As I seek for ways in which to serve the Lord, perhaps I can also polish the skills as a writer and a photographer that He has blessed me with to share His love with and for others. I want to become a more regular writer, even though as I begin the New Year I will be traveling and will not have ready access to a computer or the internet.

This is usually a Holy Day of Obligation, a special feast day of Mary, Mother of God. What wonderful faith she had throughout the life of her Son. Her wonderful life continues in heaven as she to tries to turn our focus from ourselves and our fleeting time on this planet to her Son and His eternal love for each and every one of us.

Lord, please bless me with whatever I need this day to share your love with those whom I meet on my day's journey. Help me to know what words to use and to use those words wisely and calmly, reflecting your beauty and your understanding. When I am tempted to use words as weapons, help me to pause before lashing out at someone and to view that person and their situation with your love and compassion. Thank you for the life you have given me. Help me use it for Your Glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.


"I hold the year in My Hands--in trust for you. But I shall guide you one day at a time. Leave the rest with Me. You must not anticipate the gift by fears or thoughts of the days ahead. And for each day, I shall supply the wisdom and the strength."--Jan. 1 reading from the book "God Calling."

On the Cusp of a New Year, Dec. 31

"The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave the power to become the children of God" Jn 1:14a, 12a

A nice buck deer on my walking route

 Here it is, Lord, the end of the year. I have failed so often to live up to my expectations and I hope that you will forgive me for my failures. Please inspire me to greater accomplishments for your Glory. Help me to become a better person and a more obedient servant.
Guide me each day.
I give you thanks and praise for all the favors you have bestowed on me. Your goodness has preserved me until now. I offer you all my thoughts, all my words, all my actions, together will all the trials I may undergo today. Please animate them with your Divine Love that they might serve your greater glory. I make this morning offering in union with the Divine Intentions of our Lord Jesus Christ who offers himself daily in the sacrifice of the Mass and in union with Mary, his virgin Mother and our Mother. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

That is such a wonderful prayer, Lord. It's one I learned many years ago and I truly delight to give you each day. Sometimes I forget or do not take the time, and on those days, I generally suffer from the lack of preparation for our day's work. Give me work this day to do for you, My Lord and My King. 
Help me to do your will not only today but each day of the new year.

My Child,
Leave all your failures of the past year on the doorstep of the New Year. Do not carry the weight of those failures with you into the new year, but leave them with me, confident that I have dealt with each one of them. I have forgiven you for the failures and granted you the grace to carry on, despite the failure to do My Will always in all things. I love that you are inspired to do this and will grant you ever more and more grace to achieve your heart's desire. I am your heart's desire and I am delighted that you are pleased to recognize this, after many years of looking elsewhere for it. Go in peace, knowing that I love you and care for you. You are precious to me.