The Hands of Hope

Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons,
they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
Mark 16:15-20

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your Son Jesus whom we love gave the disciples the Word to go out and proclaim the Gospel to every nation. It has been accomplished to the degree that it is around the world. Granted there are many places that still do not know of your Word, but after two thousand years plus, the disciples ministry has flourished. They do so much for your flock dear Father, many use their hands to bring healing to others by helping them when they are unable to do so themselves, as well as laying hands on those entering the Priestly Order. We are all called to be the hands of hope for others, giving signs of our belief. It is through those who believe that Jesus works through them. Faith and belief are the keys, how strong is ours that we are signs for others to see.

Light in the Darkness

Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, of whom if his son shall ask bread, will he reach him a stone? Or if he shall ask him a fish, will he reach him a serpent? If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him? All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them. For this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:7-12 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father so many times I've often heard it said that peoples prayers go unanswered. Some have turned away from you because of this. Their faith wasn't strong enough to sustain their trial. Is it possible that what they were asking for wasn't what they needed and they were only looking for, but a quick fix. Like many out there with addictions. They found their loyalty in something else that would take away their pain. Jesus knew their heart enough to tell us how to pray, how to ask you. But most importantly, how not to give up. The world we live in dear Father is full of suffering in many forms, I come to you this day and ask to heal these addictions that often takes away a persons soul. Be it in the form of drug, alcohol, hidden addiction, perversions and so much more. Be a light in their darkness so when they pray for deliverance from the evil that has taken hold of them, they may find freedom and healing. Restore their hope and love in you and forever banish the evil that has kept your people in bondage. Amen

In His Name

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:15-18 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father it is a great hope that the world will believe in you and your Son Jesus. For them to be baptized by faith, that they may be saved. Your hope for mankind. The apostles were the first to be sent out to proclaim the good news, the first ones to receive the Holy Spirit and the one's who have done great things. We have throughout time come to imitate your Son, to do as he did. Bring healing, deliverance for many. Faith in you brings us hope that we too can go out into the world and bring many back home to you. Can we be your disciples too dear Father where we can do amazing things in your Sons name. For love and hope of the world. Amen