“So let us be one heart, full of love in the heart of God and so share the joy of loving
by sharing, helping, loving and serving each other.” Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Mother wrote that “God in His love has chosen us to be channels of His love and peace.” As a way of helping ourselves to become better channels, so that God’s love can flow more fully through us, we will take the Prayer of St. Francis (commonly attributed to St. Francis) for our preparation for Mother Teresa’s centenary. Accordingly, one line of the prayer will be used as the subject of our reflections and prayer for each month from August/September 2009 to August 2010. Related Biblical passages are provided, as well as some of Mother Teresa’s reflections which are to be meditated on and applied to our lives. This preparation is very general; individuals or groups are welcome to prepare more specific activities from the themes according to their particular interests or needs.
Practical suggestions
The following are practical suggestions that might be helpful:
Write the sentence down at the beginning of the month and put it up in a prominent place as a reminder. See Wallpaper>>>
Think of practical ways to put that sentence into action.
Pray the sentence as often as possible during the day. See Wallpaper>>>:
Welcomed every second of every day
Newborn cries echo a baby’s breath bouquet
Innocence and wonder sprinkle trust and hope
In a love hate world where people try to cope.
Soft accepting infant eyes comfort with purity and good
Embracing unconditionally as we all lovingly should
They know not of evil egotistical ways
Disdain, envy, and anger that destruct like a fiery blaze
Chorus:
How can I return to my roots of hope, trust and light?
How can I be an instrument of endless love with infinite sight?
Help me Lord cleanse my heart, bringing service and inspiration to others.
Help me, sweet Lord, die to myself in loving you through my sisters and brothers.
As toddlers we grow quickly learning wrong from right
Too often we are consumed with judgment and to the death we will fight
Empathetic forgiveness brings perspective and kindness
Erasing justice with no boundaries for wins that heal social blindness
Chorus
Our first dozen years reveal, not all is filled with joy, balance and peace
Troubled relationships at work, home and play cause obsessions that never cease
Our choice is to act being transporters of smiles, hugs and jubilation Discord can dissolve, bringing forth laughter, harmony and celebration.
Chorus
Insecure yet excited youth enters into the ominous teenage tunnel of training
Questioning, challenging, all in all, parents and kids seem to be constantly complaining
Spreading wings to fly independently while parents try to let go
Sometimes errors happen, truthful discussion clarifies emotional fog, rain and snow
Chorus
The journey continues as we muddle through trying to find our way
Confidence often evaporates leaving us doubt in our abilities, bringing dismay
Encouragement can bring the inspiration needed to carry on when we don’t feel strong Faith in positive thoughts, words and actions can successfully bring us along
Chorus
Sometimes we descend further into the black hole of despair
Depression, anxiety, anger and stress immobilize as they loudly blare
Where to turn when all seems impossible, lost, lonely and dark?
Prayer and faith that the Dear Lord is carrying us through as hope is sparked.
Chorus
Hurried adult modern lives often breed confusion and hidden answers Shadows are cast in our dusky minds like a cast of fast moving distracting dancers
All it takes is patience, courage and initiative as we brighten the light
We can do it for ourselves or remove someone else’s fright
Chorus
Then there are the moments when we see our friends and family sad, in tears and sorrow
Seeing them suffer rips to our core but paralysis will not bring out the sun tomorrow
We need to bring them kind words and actions that bring comfort, joy and smiles
This compassion will fuel their empty tank so they can continue for miles.
Chorus
Years of coping, crying, competing, loving, laughing, overall living
Teach us the importance of “being” in service openly giving
For in comforting, and loving with abundance mentality Understanding and forgiving we live like infants in present enlightened reality.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you showed us the beauty of a life lived in and for love and you never stop reminding us that we are all “created for greater things, to love and be loved." Help us to live, like you, a life of love that is worthy of our calling as children of God. Amen.
