MEDITATION:
Written by Lloyd John Ogilvie (1930-2019), a Presbyterian minister who served as Chaplain of the US Senate. This is an excerpt from his book “Radiance of the Inner Splendor.”
When Dante appeared at the Franciscan monastery door, a monk opened the door and asked him what he wanted. “Peace!” was Dante’s one word answer. That eventually became the Lord’s gift to him when he learned to wait, pray, and listen. Later, in The Divine Comedy, he wrote hisoft quoted line, “In His will is our peace.” The refreshment of Christ is peace to replace our impatience. Christ is peace. Christ is patience. We could never produce these graces in our own strength in the quantities they are needed in our families and our world. But we do have access to an unlimited stockpile of patience because the same spirit that enabled Christ is in us.
PRAYER:
Written by Ausin Fleming, a contemporary priest and author.
Lord, it’s likely that sometime today
someone will push my buttons
challenge my good will
misread my intentions
tick me off
try my patience
rattle my cage
judge me in haste
test my kindness
or do all of the above…
Give me the grace I’ll need at such times
to respond with patience
to trust and accept
to listen carefully
to reach out in peace
to be fair and just
to anctipate goodness
in all my words and deeds…
I know this is a lot to ask, Lord,
but I need your help
to do for others
as I’d have them do for me…
Amen.
Pathways Press.com 