Tag: consolation

Prayer for consolation

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe for the Soul

Monday, Week XXII, Year I, 02 September 2019

1Thessalonians 4:13-18 ><)))*> ><)))*> Luke 4:16-30

Yvoire, France. Photo by Fr. Gerry Pascual, August

“Therefore, console one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Today, O Lord, I felt your words fulfilled in my hearing.

When St. Paul reminded the Thessalonians in the first reading of your resurrection and of your second coming any time, I felt a dash of hope and sense of joy within because I feel no longer alone because you are with me.

How sad, O Lord, that despite our many advancements in the sciences and technology, we are still alone, fragmented as a people where nobody seem to care at all with one another, always moving, going places, refusing to even stay in one place anymore.

Sometimes, our words are alienating than consoling.

From the ancient language of Latin, help us reflect on the true meaning of to console which is from “con” or with, and, “solare” for alone that together literally mean “to accompany someone alone” or to be with somebody who is alone.

We are no longer alone, Lord, in your presence especially in your words and the Eucharist. Problem is, like your own folks, we always abandon you, leave you alone or worst, even drive you out of our homes for various reasons.

Help us to console, to accompany those alone, by sharing your words of life by giving life to your words to those around us especially the sick, those going through many challenges in life, and those abandoned by family and friends and society.

Let us come to you, welcome you instead of driving you away. Amen.

The need to be proud sometimes

The Lord Is My Chef Breakfast Recipe for the Soul, Thursday, Wk.XI, Yr.I, 20 June 2019
2 Corinthians 11:1-11 >< )))*> >< )))*> >< )))*> Matthew 6:7-15
The Our Father Church outside Jerusalem where Jesus is believed to have taught his disciples the “Lord’s Prayer”. Photo by author, 05 May 2019.

For the second straight day, Lord, I could identify with St. Paul in his feelings deep within, the urge to brag something in your name!

Brothers and sisters: if only you would put up with a little foolishness from me! Please put up with me. For I think that I am not in any way inferior to these “super apostles.” Even if I am untrained in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

2 Corinthians 11:1, 5-6

You know it so well, Lord Jesus why I have been complaining a lot lately as I have told you yesterday: I feel so tired in life because I feel shortchanged. Not that I am asking anything in return but like St. Paul, it pains me so much when some people miss the love and dedication we pour upon our ministry.

Until now, Lord, we have those “super apostles” St. Paul called, preying on your sheep as false servants who seduce people like the snake only to feed on their egos and fatten their wallets.

They are everywhere, Lord. Not only among priests but also among other professionals.

It is so consoling to hear St. Paul today in our first reading of how we sometimes need to brag a little, to be proud of our efforts so the people may know and realize the sacrifices we make for them because, we love them.

We pray Jesus for all the silent workers, the silent servants who continue to lovingly serve you in others. Send them your proverbial “pat on the shoulder” to console them, O Lord, in their darkness and anguish. Let them shine in their true colors in you! Amen.

Santorini, Greece. Photo by Dra. Mai Dela Pena, 2017.