Pdlgrm Path: June 2016

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

O Canada

Our great country celebrates its birthday this week!

This is a celebration of community, of people, of creation, of diversity, of welcome, of hope and of home!

As Canada celebrates its 149^th Birthday, we have much to be thankful for…

For Canada,

our home and native land,

We give you thanks, O God.

For this land far and wide,

the amazing and beautiful skies, waters, prairies, mountains, valleys, tundra

snow, sun, rain, seasons, flowers, birds, fish and animals,

We give you thanks, O God.

For the people of this land,

First Nations, pioneers, pilgrims, newly welcomed, immigrants, established,

settling in, new citizens, refugees, from all walks of life, all cultures and all

faiths,

We give you thanks, O God.

For glowing hearts,

filled with service and dedication, kindness and welcome, pride and drive,

Canadian ways and Canadian values,

We give you thanks, O God.

For the True North strong and free,

brothers and sisters, a family, respect for all and creation,

a place of refuge, a place of hope, a place for everyone:

the weak and strong, the hurting and free,

We give you thanks, O God.

God,

Please keep our land,

Protect and guide us,

So we may be a home,

So we may be protectors of creation and humanity,

So we may strive to be family for each other,

We place our trust in you and your providence.

Amen.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

Sunday, 19 June 2016

To the Dads

To the Dads who lead with no resources…

To the Dads who have nothing but make something…

To the Dads who know the gift of prayer…

To the Dads who inspire and encourage…

To the Dads who trust in God…

To the Dads who embrace their gifts…

To the Dads who lead by example…

May you know the love and strength of God.

To the Dads who are hurting…

To the Dads who feel alone…

To the Dads who don’t know how to be…

To the Dads who hide their pain…

To the Dads who can’t handle the responsibility…

To the Dads who don’t know love…

To the Dads who don't know how to love well…

May you know the strength and peace of God.

To the Dads who have big families…

To the Dads who have an only child…

To the Dads who have families in between large and only..

To the Dads who are single…

To the Dads who are forming new families…

To the Dads who have lost a child…

To the Dads who wait for the birth of their child…

May you know the peace and courage of God.

To the men who desire to be a Dad…

To the men who are like Dads when ours can’t be…

To the men who care for children who are not their own…

To the men who have big hearts for all…

To the men who build a better world…

To the men who love their wife and children…

To the men who are seeking to do the right thing…

May you know the courage and love of God.

To Dads, Grandfathers, Uncles, Godfathers…

To Brothers, Brother-in-laws, Cousins…

To Friends, Neighbors, Strangers…

To Men who see the gift of Fatherhood regardless if they are a Dad…

Thank you! Happy Fathers Day!

Sunday, 12 June 2016

Blessed Be The Lord My Rock

When I doubt and worry… Blessed be the Lord my Rock.

When I feel unworthy… Blessed be the Lord my Rock.

When I fear and feel alone… Blessed be the Lord my Rock.

When I let uncertainty have the lead… Blessed be the Lord my Rock.

Blessed be the Lord my Rock for I am strengthened and renewed.

Blessed be the Lord my Rock who sets me free to do God’s will.

When I am strong and full of life… Blessed be the Lord my Rock.

When I am filled with confidence… Blessed be the Lord my Rock.

When I am conquering depths before me… Blessed be the Lord my Rock.

When I am rich in courage for there is always hope… Blessed be the Lord my Rock.

Blessed be the Lord my Rock who is my strength and courage.

Blessed be the Lord my Rock who keeps me in God’s shelter.

Blessed be the Lord my Rock!

Lord Jesus,

You are my rock.

I cling to you when life tries to pull me away,

I rest on you when I feel more connected,

I rely on you when I need strength and courage,

I gain from you my hope and inspiration,

I surrender in you and trust in you

for you are my rock, my fortress,

You will not cast me out or let me sink,

rather you give me shelter,

enable me to build upon your foundation,

lift me up and renew me.

Amen.

Thursday, 2 June 2016

The Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus maybe a little less known now then what was in the past, however it is a feast that celebrates the human, spiritual and divine love of Jesus. This is the love that we the Children of God are wrapped up in and this is the love that is poured into our hearts that we are called to share with our families, neighbours, communities and the world.

There is something about this feast that draws me in and holds me. Last year while I was in the Novitiate it was the theme for our Year End Retreat and it was a powerful encounter with Christ. I pray that each of us may continue to open ourselves up to the amazing love of Jesus.

“God’s love has been poured into our hearts” Romans 5.5b