Opening Prayer
Shepherd of the World, You have entrusted so much to us. You have created us as stewards and shepherds of Your world. Are You angry that we have ravaged the flock You asked us to care for, in order to take care of ourselves? We have made a meal of the mission You gave us. Your sheep roam aimlessly for self-protection or to avoid our abuse. Our self-gratification destroys many and divides our world. Our injustice must infuriate Your divine wisdom as it frustrates the development of Your reign. Teach us again Your gentle and compassionate shepherding skills. InSpirit us to live with the tension of justice and generosity. Help us not to shrink justice to our human, self-righteous standards. Remake our hearts like Your own, Good Shepherd. We really are the lost and wandering sheep, even as we pretend to be the mighty shepherds.
Today marks the last time St. Therese received Holy Communion.
You did not pout in self-pity. Rather, your longing for Jesus was stronger even though your illness did not allow you to receive Communion. As you taught us that “everything is grace,” help us to see the disappointment and darkness in our loves as moments of grace when you are calling us closer to God.
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