RANDOM THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, by Deacon Sam                                         March, 2025

- Do we recognize the presence of God in our lives? We all fear the unknown, the future, death etc. But we can transform our fears into trust in God. We should not fear that our sins may be too big for God's mercy. Jesus knows us, forgives us and, with his grace, helps us to trust that we will see God face-to-face in eternity. Hearing the Gospel should fill our hearts with peace and joy. Life is difficult and, at times, unfair. Sin is an attempt to be happy apart from God. But God does not leave us alone. God has wanted each of us from all eternity–we matter to Him! When we choose God we get God. God's gift of salvation is freely given to each of us. We can choose to live our lives with love, prayer and good works. Every human being, and one way or another, is on a journey to discover God. When we recognize Jesus in our lives we can, with gratitude for the life and give has given us, bow down and adore him.

- We are all alive for a purpose. God did not want a universe without each one of us in it. He wants us to be a beacon of life for others–as He is for us. We do this when we:

-are calm in an environment of chaos and anxiety;

-are loving in an atmosphere of hatred;

-are supportive in a climate of insecurity and need;

-are consoling to the grieving and the ill,

-are a person of virtue.

- It has been said that it is better to be an atheist who does the will of God rather than a Christian who does not. If we want to have faith in Jesus we need to follow Him and do as He asks: detach ourselves from the distractions of this world, refrain from obsession with popularity, power and money--instead–minister to the needy, forgive an enemy and show compassion to others, etc. No one escapes the trials of life. Jesus loves us more than we love Him. May we place ourselves in God’s hands and find joy in doing His will on earth. Do we recognize God's voice in our lives talking to us each day and calling each of us to holiness?

“The fruit of silence is prayer;

The fruit of prayer is faith; 

The fruit of faith is love;

The fruit of love is service;

The fruit of service is peace.”     St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

“Love is the most beautiful sentiment the Lord has put into the souls of men and women.” 

St. Gianna Molla

“True faith includes doubt and embraces wonder.”                         Fyodor Dostoevsky

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”   St. Catherine of Siena