Opening Prayer
God within and God beyond, I’m awed by the widow of Zarephath. She was not paralyzed in her struggle to survive. Her generosity to Elijah and her faith in You inspire me. Despite being beyond the land of promise, she reflects your self emptying generosity which never runs out and nourishes us. Why are we so afraid that we will run out, so we hoard what we have? Why do we rely only on our own resources? Continue to InSpirit us, Lord Jesus, to be salt which preserves, enhances and spices the taste of your Kingdom. Be our light, shining with brilliant generosity which overwhelms our pettiness and all darkness within and beyond. Help us to see and share you in surprising new ways and people. Truly be our God of life this day. May your glory and goodness work and shine in us. Lord, You anointed Barnabas with the special mission to proclaim your saving message to new peoples and to be the companion of Paul. Help us companion others in the challenging journey to your reign.
Dear Therese of Lisieux, in 1895, as you were beginning the darkest time of the final surrender of your life and expectations to the Beloved Jesus, you made your Oblation to Merciful Love. You offered yourself totally to Love Who is God.
Empower us to today with the same spirituality of self-sacrifice and generosity that moved you, Therese, so that we transcend our needs, hurts and hopes and return to God what is already His – our life!