Lead Us, O Lord

Hello out there - It's a beautiful day - the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and there are
some small, cotton ball looking clouds here, there, and everywhere. It is only
78 degrees right now - a little after 12:00 noon. The high is supposed to be 94 but
I'm hoping it won't get quite that hot!
There is a lot going on in our world right now. The pictures from the devastation
of Hurricane Harvey have been heartbreaking. I can't imagine losing your home and
everything you own. It looks like it will take several months, maybe even years, for
families to be able to rebuild or find another home. The deaths from this horrific storm
and the aftermath are the worst part of all. People trying to keep their families together
and find food and shelter for a long period of time must be overwhelming. I'm thankful
for all the agencies and churches and individuals who are helping all those affected.
Our local YMCA collected donations of diapers, water, hygiene items, blankets, clothes,
etc. and then delivered the items this past Friday. There was a special collection at all the
Catholic Churches in our Diocese this past weekend (September 2nd and 3rd) and I am
sure at many other churches as well. This money will be sent to help those in need.
The Red Cross does a wonderful job and we have the National Guard and so many
more out there doing what they can. The pictures of people being carried out of the
water, of the people pushing vehicles out of the way, of the boats going down the streets
picking up families and their pets, of the helicopters hovering as someone drops down
to lift another person up to safety - neighbor helping neighbor and stranger helping
stranger, the young helping their elders, and the elders helping the young. When some-
thing like this happens you realize how the petty little things you complain about just
don't matter anymore. This type of disaster really helps you put things in perspective.
Reach out and help in a way that you are able to. You don't have to donate a lot of items
to help - just do what you can. If everyone does a little then that will add up to a whole
lot! Drop off a 24 count of water, or a package of diapers, maybe some toothpaste and
toothbrushes, these are just ideas, but sometimes when we see such an enormous need
we just don't know what to do - so we don't do anything. Think of somethings that
are necessary items and then purchase what fits in your budget. And pray, pray for all
of the people affected by this disaster and other tragedies that are happening in other
countries in our world right now.
Sometimes when I stand outside and look up at the unending sky I think about how
amazing it is that we all have the same sky, the same sun, the same moon, the same
stars! It may be raining here and sunny there, or blues skies and no clouds here and
dark stormy clouds there, but really and truly we are all together - some farther away
than others but we all have good days and bad days, sunny days and stormy days, so
let's forget about what separates us and let's think about what unites us and remember
that we are ALL God's children and He loves ALL of us so very much. He is with us
through the good and the bad and He wants us to love one another.
This morning, while Jim and I were at Adoration, I read the scriptures, prayers, and
Gospel for today that was in my daily devotional, the Magnificat. I read the prayer
intercessions and then I quietly whispered to Jim that I wanted him to listen as I read
them to him. And now I am going to quietly whisper them to you. Take a deep breath,
and be at peace -
Intercessions
Let us pray with confidence to the God who calls us to travel
toward the kingdom that is to come:
Responsorial - Lead us, O Lord.
We are your people, who walk the desert road to the Promised Land:
- keep us faithful to the demands of the journey today.
Responsorial - Lead us, O Lord.
We are your people, called to follow Jesus, the Lord:
- make us steadfast disciples, freed from all that would hold us back.
Responsorial - Lead us, O Lord.
We are your people, destined for the heavenly Jerusalem:
- give us strength to go on when we grow weary of the journey.
Responsorial - Lead us, O Lord.
Add your personal intentions and then pray the Our Father -
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come;Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and
lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
I hope that wherever you are - your day is filled with blessings, with what you need, and
with the knowledge that God loves you so very much!
                                                  Blessings to you and yours,
                                                           Bye for now, Sharla