Today’s Reflection: Lord, as I face these trying times, I find my faith often shaken. It seems that when difficulties arise and I should stand most firm in my faith that I am instead most lost and confused about my beliefs. Forgive me for this. Strengthen me during my times of hesitation. Give me the trust and hope that all will unfold according to your plan. – The Passionists of Holy Cross province.
Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.
Our Lady of the Way, stay with us when we grow weary of the journey; for the road is long and our hearts are weak. Strengthen us with the patience and fortitude to continue on in pursuit of a whole and just world; in pursuit of a whole and just self. Come, be our guide.
Our Lady of the Way, lead us when we cannot see the path. Take us by the hand as a Mother; whispering comfort in our ears, steering us through the dark, guarding us from the terrors of the night. Infuse us with your courage, with your refusal to bow to fear and the unknown. For in you we find the Light that moves us forward.
Our Lady of the Way, show us the mystery you revealed to Ignatius so many years past: the mystery of letting go. That we would not cling to our packs nor our sandals nor our cloaks but release to the path what the path requires. Because for all that we lay down, we pick up something greater; we pick up freedom.
Our Lady of the Way, show us the way. Amen. – Attributed to Mary Dixon Thayer, American Catholic poet best known for devotional Marian verse.
Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his home town of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.
The first thing we have to do is to notice that we’ve loaded down this camel with so much baggage we’ll never get through the desert alive. Something has to go.
Then we can begin to dump the thousand things we’ve brought along until even the camel has to go and we’re walking barefoot on the desert sand.
There’s no telling what will happen then. But I’ve heard that someone, walking in this way, has seen a burning bush.– Francis Dorff, O. Praem
Morning Offering is a daily posy by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.
Note to Readers: Time for a short getaway. On retreat away from the keyboard a couple of days for research and study. Morning Offering will return Sunday, May 24. Thank you for reading and following Morning Offering.
In every waking moment and with every interaction, we have the opportunity to act with kindness.
Simple kindnesses — a hug, a smile, a word of encouragement — warm our days and our hearts. Greater acts of kindness can completely change lives.
For kindness equips us with the capacity for deep understanding when we hear an opposing point of view.
Kindness sharpens our perception and gives greater context to ideas we may not agree with. Kindness shines a light on the goodness in others and lays a foundation to build common ground.
It’s not an understatement to say that when we act with kindness, we are acting to uplift human dignity.
So challenge yourself today: to truly hear others to live with your whole heart and to undertake everything you do with kindness.
Then watch your kindness spread. – from Faith at Marquette
Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.