Weekly Reflection 8/16/2020

REFLECTION

The Twentieth Sunday In Ordinary Time

August 15-16, 2020

Okay, I admit it – I am a Facebook fanatic – bless me Father! However, I don’t get politically involved, use it as my source of facts, or put others down for their thoughts and beliefs. As a former teacher/principal, I find it very rewarding to hear from former students and share in their accomplishments, joys and sorrows. Staying current with FB also helps me to pray for family and friends who have experienced a death in their family, recently lost their job or just find themselves giving up hope.

One of the messages I see from many of my friends is – Pray – pray for our country, pray for those in Lebanon, pray for those whose lost their homes/lives in the gas explosion this past week. Each day my petitions to God grow longer and longer. I sometimes wonder if God ever gets tired of hearing from me. At the same time, the one thing I learned from all of the children who have crossed my path is this: if you keeps asking and bugging your parents, more than likely, they will give into your request. The key is persistence.

Persistence doesn’t always mean that things will turn out the way we want it. It means that we need to trust that whatever happens, God will lead us through it. We will find  strength and courage to face whatever and wherever life leads us.

The important thought to remember is to pray constantly. Praying does not necessarily mean using words. It can also be done through our thoughts and actions throughout each day.

In the words of St. Francis de Sales:

“God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.”

“ When we leave EVERYTHING to Him, He will look after all our troubles Himself.”

“ Everyone of us needs half an hour of prayer each day … except when we are busy – then we need an hour.”

Angie Rebbert