The last and highest result of prayer is not the
securing of this or that gift, the avoiding of this or that danger. The last and highest result of prayer is the knowledge of God—the knowledge which is eternal life—and by that knowledge, the transformation of human character and of the world. … George John Blewett (1873-1912), The Christian View of the World "Seek the Lord, while He may be found. Call to Him, while He is still near." Is. 55:6-7
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Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10 Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I
will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
Reflection on the Scriptures
There have been many times when I have felt I was carrying a burden alone before remembering God is with me. The reading from Isaiah reminds us: They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will
soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. This brings me hope when I feel exhausted and overwhelmed by devastating local, national, and world events. God is asking us to truly live our faith. To take action when possible. To listen to learn. To advocate for those who need support. With God, we will have renewed strength to meet life’s challenges. When we are feeling alone or exhausted or demoralized or angry or shame, we can find comfort in the image of God in today’s Psalm. He pardons all your iniquities; He heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction; He crowns you with kindness and compassion. What a beautiful promise! In this season of Advent, I reflect on these questions: How can I help someone know they are not alone? What will help me remember that God will renew my strength? Where can I take action to make a difference, knowing that I am not carrying the burden alone? And today I pray for the grace to appreciate God in the small, quiet
moments of my life. Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. by Mary Lee Brock
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A. Kempis https://amzn.to/40FrikB Paperback and Kindle versions available BOOK
ONE: Thoughts Helpful in the Life of a Soul
The Eleventh Chapter: Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection
The
greatest obstacle, indeed, the only obstacle, is that we are not free from passions and lusts, that we do not try to follow the perfect way of the saints. Thus when we encounter some slight difficulty, we are too easily dejected and turn to human consolations. If we tried, however, to stand courageously in battle, the help of the Lord from heaven would surely sustain us. For He Who gives us the opportunity of fighting for victory, is ready to help those who carry on and trust in His
grace.
If we let our progress in religious life depend on the observance of its externals alone, our devotion will quickly come to an end. Let us, then, lay the ax to the root that we may be freed from our passions and thus have peace of
mind.
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