1 Peter 3:12-18. Are we in end times Lord? You know we are a fickle people. Jealous, selfish and needy. Full of defects. We take, abuse, contradict and judge others. We don’t look at others with value but what can you do for me attitudes. We disrespect, dishonor, put down and hurt to build ourselves up. We are truly a sad world, so consumed with self. The rioting that is going on is a loud cry from a people who are confused as to how to be heard. And they have not heard your voice; they are empty as to where to go, how to find the peace you want for them. They have been possessed by the allure of this world so greatly.

We just had the feast of Pentecost Lord, remembering the sending of your Spirit to the Apostles; to us too as we joined in the liturgy together as our first Mass after a long separation. We yearned to receive you, to come before you, to be filled with your grace and blessings. We cried loudly too… but our cry was for your Eucharistic body and blood. For with you in us with your power and strength, all things are possible. It is not my voice that needs to be heard, my freedom to be sought, but your name across the land to be shouted in all praise and glory, now and forever. Oh Lord, I so pray for all those who are so lost, so unsure and are walking in circles.

I’ve had these little ones with me now for the last two nights. Two of them had nightmares last night, one fell off the bed. Why? What is consuming their thoughts to scare them in their sleep? The talk of parents and troubles in the world? The physical illnesses and pains of just growing? I stayed up after they went to sleep and got up before them. Their smiles are so sweet and tender and they have no idea of the dangers in our world. I don’t know what they will face as they grow older.

Father, know we seek you, love you and desire for every person you created in your own image to know their worth; that the essence of who they are is important for them to know – you are their shepherd and watch over them always. Through this current growing time as a nation, unite us in prayer and generosity, empathy and compassion for all race, color, creed. Help us to leave behind what is not of you, and when we feel we can do nothing, to pray for your intercession and those of your Saints and Holy Mother Mary while we travel about among your troubled people. May all come to know you before coming to you in judgement, and may they all choose you. Today and every day. Now and Forever. Amen