BEATITUDES: Blessings for our Time

BEATITUDES: Blessings for our Time

The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (January 30) build appropriately on the themes of FAN's "Creativity for Creation". In living from life to gospel the gospel shows us successful results- blessings.

We are invited also to participate in a webcast on January 26. On January 25, we celebrate the Conversion of St. Paul, who invites us along with the Corinthians to "[c]onsider your own calling, brothers and sisters" (1 Cor 1:26). The webcast provides this opportunity.

Zephaniah admonishes us to "seek justice, seek humility" (Zep 2:3). The Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel (5:1-12) expand on this oracle's path to favor with God and offer a fitting meditation in preparation for and reflection on the webcast.

FAN is a movement which lends itself to the Franciscan Mission- The Christian Mission - to Love one another as first, Christ Loves us.

We are blessed to be poor in spirit, when we embrace the richness of Franciscan poverty and simplicity;

We are blessed to mourn, for the damage caused by our choices as we turn to Franciscan penance and return to Christ;

We are blessed to be meek, that we might be fitting heirs of the land and the kingdom;

We are blessed to hunger and thirst for righteousness, in our pursuit of right relationship and open dialog leading to mutual respect and love;

We blessed to be merciful, when we encounter each other and all creatures;

We are blessed to be clean of heart, with pure intentions towards all of Sister Earth's goods;

We are blessed to be peacemakers, who heal the restlessness that drives greed and excess;

We are blessed to be and do all these things in the face of rejection and opposition, that the kingdom of heaven might be our reward.

Jesus, help my eyes to see

Jesus, help my eyes to see

All the good Thou sendest me.

Jesus, help my ears to hear

Calls for help from far and near.

Jesus, help my feet to go

In the way that Thou wilt show.

Jesus, help my hands to do

All things loving, kind, and true.

Jesus, may I helpful be,

Growing every day like Thee. Amen.

~~~~~~

Jesus, help my eyes to see

God has given us the great gift of ourselves and as all good gifts, meant to be shared.

Retreat to Nature Beckons

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

It is not a very pretty day outside

from the picture out the window

Yet creation goes beyond the frame

A line of sight pretends to form.

My Faith, my knowledge, hopes and dreams show that within my grasp

All creation sings out praise

In silence as in thunder blast.

If for nothing else I give praise

For the creators mighty hand

Enter a time to spend with God.

He is near; draw near to Him.

The amazing beauty of nature provides many moments and small pleasures to treasure. Take a few minutes away from the daily fast pace to enjoy the award winning photography, music and beautiful words in the 4 minute movie, Nature's Inspiration. It will be a welcome break!




Click this link for a 4 minute natural retreat:

A blessing for today

May the blessing of the God of peace and justice be with us;

May the blessing of the Son

who weeps the tears of the world's suffering be with us;

And may the blessing of the Spirit

who inspires us to reconciliation and hope be with us

from now into eternity.

Amen.

[Blessing for Order of Ecumenical Worship Service for Christian Unity]