Nothing like a good ole Irish Catholic funeral to keep one grounded! This morning I attended services for the mother of a long-time colleague who I respect for his integrity, wit, and values. In both his Eulogy, and in the priest’s sermon, reflections noted how beautifully optimism and community can foster kindness in our world. I couldn’t agree more!
I am pacing myself on the home front as the opening weeks of the new school year give way to the increased ebb and flow of afterschool activities and weekend commitments. A Labor Day getaway to the beach with our friends and family this past weekend fed my soul for the adventures on the horizon. Blessings on your week ahead!
Labor Day Prayer
God our Creator, we are the work of your hands.
Guide us in our work, that we may do it, not for self alone, but for the common good.
Make us alert to injustice, ready to stand in solidarity, that there may be dignity for all in labor and in labor’s reward.
Amen.
Prayer for Hope in Action
We must be ready to expect the unexpected from God.
The ways of Providence are, by nature, surprising.
God is here, near us,
unforeseeable and loving.
We are People of hope
because we believe the Holy Spirit is at work
in the Church and in the world,
even where God’s name remains unheard.
We are People of hope
because the prophets and saints, in times of darkness,
discovered a spring of grace,
and shed beams of light on our path.
To hope is a duty, not a luxury.
To hope is not to dream,
but to turn dreams into reality.
Happy are those who dream dreams
and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.
– Cardinal Leo Joseph Suenens (1904-1996)
Keeping the Faith 