Prayer for the Week: The days are going by quickly as we move closer and closer to that special day on the calendar. There is excitement that we see in children of all ages, O Lord, and you are the catalyst for this grace-filled energy. Yet as we prepare and join in the excitement, let us be cognizant and spiritually attune to those who are struggling each day of this season. Whatever the reason, let us not assume that our joyful feelings can be imposed upon others. For those who grieve this time of the year; for those who are genuinely fearful for their lives; for those who do not know if they’ll be able to make their next house payment; for those who will go to bed hungry tonight; for those who are overcome by sadness; for those who deal with addiction; for those who are struggling to clean-up the messes created by others; for those who feel unloveable. Whatever the circumstance, let us be an embodiment of your mercy and kindness that took on flesh and lived among those who felt beaten down by the world. Let us not assume that a pithy holiday greeting or a silly Christmas song will change their mood. Instead, we seek your help, O Merciful One. Allow us, for the sake of your Gospel, to step outside of our own wants and desires for this season. Show us how to become the Gospel in those places that appear bleak, sorrowful or unhealthy. We make this request because of who you are and what you have brought to this world in the gift of the Christ Child. Amen.
