tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129333277189264024.post5452164572135168667..comments2024-01-31T06:40:32.854-08:00Comments on Companions on a Faith Journey: October 2, 2016 - The Good ServantSister Annette Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994000378337080291noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129333277189264024.post-9190507110935498912016-09-30T09:54:17.824-07:002016-09-30T09:54:17.824-07:00Many gospels of the past several weeks spoke to th...Many gospels of the past several weeks spoke to the high cost and risk of discipleship. Surely the disciples discussed among themselves the stories that Jesus shared, the messages contained therein, and how following Jesus would impact their lives. Thus, it seems reasonable that they would ask for an increase in faith to have the courage to face the challenges and the strength to remain faithful to their calling. <br />It is a bit puzzling to me that Jesus suggests the apostles lack even minimum faith. I often pray for healing of my unbelief; which, I think is a twist on the same request of the disciples.<br />Maybe the increase in faith we desire develops as we journey with Jesus along our daily path. Perhaps mustard seed sized faith grows as we perform our ordinary activities and practice fidelity to the Lord.<br />Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183102502129500705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129333277189264024.post-53128821775448093272016-09-30T09:01:08.043-07:002016-09-30T09:01:08.043-07:00I certainly, very emphatically, agree with your re...I certainly, very emphatically, agree with your reference to the current situation, with "all the violence and controversy", Sister.<br />Of course, we know that the media sometimes tends to concentrate on evil rather than good, possibly because it is more unusual and exciting; but the rising crime rates, unfortunate political matters, etc. are extremely disturbing. Your observations about the facts that the Lord is the only One who can solve the problems,<br />and that there is probably a good reason for delay, are really encouraging. It is very obvious, however, that much more prayer, especially to the Holy Spirit, is urgently needed for our country and its leaders.<br /><br />Various types of public signs, offering suggestions (sometimes almost commands) about voting, etc., seem to be appearing almost everywhere. I sometimes wish that they would simply proclaim,<br />"Pray, America! Pray!". Of course, that would be out of the question these days, but we can hope that the good citizens of<br />our country will continue to send petitions to almighty God. What can we do to encourage them? Well, the words of the psalmist are helpful:<br /><br />"Come, let us bow down in worship;<br /> let us kneel before the LORD <br /> who made us.<br />For he is our God,<br /> and we are the people he shepherds,<br /> the flock he guides. <br /> Psalm 95, 6-7<br /><br /><br /><br /> Prayer to the Holy Spirit<br /><br /> "Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.<br /> Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.<br /> Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.<br /> Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.<br /> Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy."<br /><br /> St. AugustineSr. Therese MW, SBSnoreply@blogger.com