Prayer and Praise

A quote today from Catherine McAuley:
"Your whole life should be a continual act of praise and prayer."

Now one might say that this is impossible. And in one sense this is! How can my whole life, every moment be a prayer? Would I ever get anything done?
In another way, this is easy. It's in the intention. Take small steps to begin. Start with a prayer for safety as you buckle your seat belt. Say "thank you" as you reach the green light and do not have to stop. When at a red light say thank you for the moment to catch up with God in our fast pace life.

Do you spend time answering the phone at work? A prayer for the person at the other end as you pick up the phone, may be in order.

Working with the computer? As you answer each e-mail, say a prayer for the person on the other end.
Putting you shoes on-"Are you running with me God? Am I running with you?"

There are so many opportunities to pray in the day. How can you incorporate them into your life?

Remember, it's in the intention, so start the day with the prayer of asking for good attention to the intentions of your day.

Sept. 17, Death of Francis Xavier Warde

Today we recall the life of Francis Xavier Warde who died on this date in 1884. What a great time to recall her blessings and gifts to the world. There were over 100 foundations and missions started by her in the U. S. Little did she know how we would grow in the years to follow. Today I want to quote an article found in Carlow Annals that described our American Mother.
"Of a very cheerful disposition herself, Rev. Mother encouraged the Sisters to be so too;
she would laugh heartily at little witicisms, and invariably gave recreation...a most
gracious approval. Like our Holy Foundress, she was particualrly fond of music, and
often called on the Sisters to contribute to the general amusement by their vocal and
instrumental attainments..."

May your day be filled with cheer and laughter!

Sept. 14 Catherine's Words

Catherine McAuley's quote of the day:

"Our mututal respect and charity should be cordial; now cordial signifies something that revives, invigorates and warms, such should be the effects of our love for each other."

WhenI first read this in an earlier time of the day, my first thought was that, yes, it is like a cordial of wine that one might have as one begins an evening meal. It revivies, invigorates and warms, as much as the good conversation of friends.

Today let us look at the cordial moments of our day. When are you revived or warmed? What invigorates you?

Today I will look at the trees outside my window, the people who walk into my life and the events that happen today and reflect on which are cordial. They will have the marks of respect and kindness imprinted on them, I'm sure.

Catherine's Words for Today

"Give glory to the Name of God by word and example so that in all of what people say and hear of you they may be induced to say, "Glory be to God! Praise be to Jesus Christ!" Catherine wrote these word so many years ago and yet there is something that is a message for us today.

I recall teaching in a school where there was a dad who had a good job, great home and lots of friends. Unfortunately his choice of words left a lot to be desired. One day a woman remarked to him that she would have never known that he was Catholic by the words he used. It left a deep impression on him and he cleaned up his language.

What example do you give? Would people think of God when they hear you speak or see you in action? What might you need to change in your life?

If we are to be followers of Christ, we need to let our words and deeds be our witness to the Gospel.