Kindly Rsvp if you will be joining us, either in comments or email dcm@sacredheartcor.org
Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
And the one who searches hearts
knows what is the intention of the Spirit,
because he intercedes for the holy ones
according to God’s will.
We know that all things work for good for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26
#dailyingodsword
• Wednesday •
October 27, 2021
Gentle reminder: Pray today
Benedictine monk Father Godfrey Diekmann, O.S.B., a pillar of the liturgical movement of the last century, tells the story of picking watercress one day on his monastery’s grounds and landing in a swamp. Try as he might he couldn’t extricate himself. He was eventually rescued by his fellow monks. He wrote of the incident: “What now bothers me is that during the entire ordeal of about 25 minutes I didn’t have a single pious thought! What does that say of my more than 50 years of monastic life? Do I have to start all over again?” Forgetting to pray happens to the best of us. But it is never too late to start. A simple prayer of blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, or praise will suffice. Better yet, start with Veni, Sancte Spiritus!, “Come, Holy Spirit!"
Today's readings: Romans 8:26-30; Luke 13:22-30. “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought.”
#takefiveforfaith
National Day of the Deployed includes military medical personnel, chaplains and all service members who support our troops on the front lines and in their greatest need. With our prayers and deep regard, thank you for your service.
Prayers and appreciation for all who serve our country with such dedication and sacrifice, and for their loved ones as well. Godspeed peace and your safe return home.
Timeline PhotosAs we come up on All Saints’ Day (and All Souls the following day), we are going to spend this week considering the “saints” and the impact they have had in our lives and journeys, the great-cloud-of-witness “souls” who have gone before us.
“Saint” can, of course, refer to a select few, names we recognize and who have been recognized officially by the church throughout the centuries; it can also refer to each of us – holy and beloved by God. All Saints’ Day came about as a recognition of the many saints who do not have their own particular day of remembrance – a numberless crowd.
Who are some of those saints, for you? Who have been the ones (in history, in your own journey in this world) that have gone before you in faith, and drawn your heart toward God’s? How have the lives, works, and words of the saints impacted your own? Do you have a particular saint you are drawn to, in some way? How do you (/might you) celebrate/remember/honor them, this coming Feast Day?
“To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” Luke 13:20
#dailyingodsword
Care for the caregivers, too
In November 2017 European members of the World Medical Association convened at the Vatican for a conversation on ethical issues surrounding palliative care. Nearby, the International Confederation of Catholic Health Care Institutions was meeting to discuss inequalities in health care. Pope Francis addressed them all: “The categorical imperative is to never abandon the sick.” No matter the graveness of the medical condition, “we are called to show love and closeness.” Recognizing that “visit the sick” is one of the seven corporal works of mercy, how can you show or send care today—perhaps by supporting Catholic chaplains during this Pastoral Care Week?
Today's readings: Romans 8:18-25; Luke 13:18-21. “Sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.” #takefiveforfaith
The Spirit bears witness with our spirit
that we are children of God. Romans 8:15
#dailyingodsword
📷Fr. Sheahan at the Mass of Thanksgiving in the old parish hall before the building project commenced
Good for what ails you
Research suggests that regular meditation may help reduce blood pressure, digestive problems, anxiety and depression, and insomnia, among other ailments. Prayerful meditation also heals your soul. Catholics have a lot of help at their disposal here—from the Rosary to Lectio Divina. “There are as many and varied methods of meditation as there are spiritual masters. Christians owe it to themselves to develop the desire to meditate regularly,” says the catechism. “But a method is only a guide; the important thing is to advance, with the Holy Spirit, along the one way of prayer: Christ Jesus.” Take the best medicine of all!
Today's readings: Romans 8:12-17; Luke 13:10-17. “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” #takefiveforfaith
