Love strengthens us

" Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church." - 1 Corinthians 8:1-2

As Paul was trying to find common ground in the Corinthians church, especially around the issue of food sacrificed to idols, he made a powerful statement: Love strengthens the Church.

I find it interesting that when we deal with potential issues of conflict, we still try to lean a lot on our 'knowledge' of the issue, instead of seeking Love. Of course, this is a very hard thing to put into practice, but Paul does make a valid point. 

The words of St. Francis came back to me, as I was writing today's reflection:

"O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand..."

What do you think?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

St Francis of Assisi - words of wisdom

At this time of the year many people in Church circles remember St Francis of Assisi. His ministry left an indelible mark on the church and changed the lives of many outside the formal structures of the faith. It is hard to sum up the many aspects of his life, but one gets some idea of his heart when we reflect on his wise words:

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.

While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.

Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.

May we do all we can to live our lives to the Glory of God.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." - Psalm 37:23-24

Prayer for Women's Month

As August is a time for us to celebrate the significant women in our communities I wanted to share this prayer that I found. It was on the following website.  If you find it helpful please share with others.

Lord, make me an instrument of peace:

Bless all women who daily strive to bring peace to their communities, their homes and their hearts. Give them strength to continue to turn swords into ploughshares.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love:
We pray for all women who face prejudice, inequality and gender disparities. Help us to see and to face the discrimination against women in all the many forms it may take.

Where there is injury, pardon:

Comfort all women who suffer from the pain of war, violence, and abuse. Help them to become instruments of their own reconciliation and peace.

Where there is division, unity:

Forgive all women and men who let differences breed hate and discrimination. Let your example of valuing all of creation help us to see that we are equal partners in the stewardship of your world.

Where there is darkness, light; where there is untruth, truth:

Comfort all women who struggle in the darkness of abuse, poverty, and loneliness. May we stand with them in light to acknowledge their suffering and strive to remove the burdens of shame or embarrassment.

Where there is doubt, true faith:

We pray for all women who live in fear of their husbands, fathers, and forces that control their lives. Help them to be empowered to be their true selves through your everlasting love and faith.

Where there is despair, hope:

We pray for all women who live in the despair of poverty, violence, trafficking, slavery, and abuse. May the light of your love bring them hope.

Where there is sadness, new joy:

Help us to see the strength and goodness in all women and men.
Transform our hearts to celebrate the love and grace of all people. Amen

Have a blessed day.
Living in Grace
D3LM3