Friday, January 20, 2012

Sunday January 22nd Reflection

God’s Call to Action


By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD

Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy

www.missionstsergius.org

www.franciscansdivinemercy.org



“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15”)

Today I would like to suggest that every individual who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God as proclaimed in Luke 3:22 “And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my flavor rests on you”., Every person who believes in the God of Abraham, Isaac, Isaiah, Jacob and David and the God who told Moses "I AM WHO AM, needs to turn to back that God with devotion and prayer.

We need to ask God, in His infinite mercy, love and compassion for all His children, to bring an end to the forces of evil that are dividing nations, churches, and families and causing great pain and suffering to innocent children and adults all over the globe. “And Jesus said to them, Come you after me” (Mark 1:17)

In the last decade the forces of darkness have become increasingly more intent in the battle between good and evil causing consecrated religious to abandon their vows and commit heinous deeds in violation of their vows. Families have been torn apart by divorce and parents, bothers and sisters have disowned their children over a child’s sexual orientation and not something criminal that they did.

Discrimination against people because of their skin color or national origin has destroyed so many and still divides communities in spite of the progress that the United States has made in electing the first African American president.

Sadly there are still subtle signs of discrimination that have crept out in the recent debates by those who would like to unseat that African American President and some of the supporters of those candidates.

Children are starving throughout the world. Seniors have to decide between the medicines that will keep them healthy and active or food and decent shelter.

Trillions have been spent to sustain a war that is Religious and tribal at its core and has raged since the time of Christ, which no amount of military could win.

People who claim Abraham as their father are trying to eradicate each other.

The time is now to put aside the things that have divided us and look toward the things that we have in common and find ways of living in peace and harmony thereby giving honor, glory and praise to the creator of all things.

God allowed Satin to tempt Job in an effort to have Job deny God but Job remained faithful in spite of all Satin did.

I believe today the world is being tempted in the same way and sadly far too many have gone over to the dark side because of their desire for wealth, fame or power.

This greed, which has always been one of Satins best tools to tempt people away from God, has caused financial ruin and great loss to so many poor and middle income people all over the globe with the loss of jobs, homes and the basics of life.

I believe that we need to take an active part in defeating Satin, just as so many prophets and saints who preceded us in the past have taken, we need to plead for God’s help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit on our nation’s congressional leaders and those who are seeking the position of President of the United States to find ways of assisting the poor, homeless and unemployed and not cut the programs that do provide relief.

I believe that the times are calling us, whether we call the creator of all things by the name of God, Yahweh, or Jehovah, to turn back and give the devotion we were instructed to do when Christ was asked what the greatest Commandment was. Christ replied; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”. (Matthew 22:37-40)

I would like to suggest that everyone set aside ten minutes twice a day, every day for the coming year, to give recognition toward God by not only asking for things, but thanking God for the things you do have.

We need to turn ourselves over to God and petition God to inspire, not only the world leaders and all who hold positions of power in Government, Religion, Education, Health Care and our local communities, the means to end those things that have caused so much pain and suffering to so many all over the world. I offer this prayer as a possible prayer of petition and dedication of yourself to doing the work of God here on earth.

Prayer of Petition and Dedication and Love to Almighty God

Almighty and merciful God, open my mind, my heart and my soul to your infinite mercy and love.

Guide me in the knowledge of your truth and help me to live in accord to your will in all things.

Guide me in all of my daily actions so that I might reflect the light of your truth toward all I encounter.

Inspire me and those who have been placed in positions of influence in Governments and Religions to find ways of settling the divisions that has caused so much grief to so many.

Inspire families to love and care for all children and to recognize and accept the diversity of God’s plan.

Inspire all your children regardless of their race, or creed; whether they are Christian, Jew, Hindu, Islam, Sikhs, or Buddhist; to gather together in brotherhood and peace for the sake of the entire human race.

Guide those who believe that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah of the ages and our redeemer and savior to come together as one body of faith living as Jesus taught with Kindness, charity and goodwill toward all the world.

We call upon you, O Lord because we acknowledge that all things begin and end with you.

You are the Alpha and the Omega.

In humility and love, we plead with you knowing all too well how we have failed to follow your ways in the past and we ask your forgiveness and mercy.

Hear Us O God and answer our prayer. AMEN

© Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD, Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy

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