Spiritual Quote for the Day: St. John Chrysostom


We should not bear it with bad grace if the answer to our prayer is long delayed. Rather let us because of this show great patience and resignation. For He delays for this reason: that we may offer Him a fitting occasion of honoring us through His divine providence. Whether, therefore, we recieve what we ask for, or do not recieve it, let us still continue steadfast in prayer. For to fail in obtaining the desires of our heart, when God so wills it, is not worse than to recieve it ; for we know not as He does, what is profitable to us.

~ St. John Chrysostom
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Comments

  1. Anonymous9/3/06, 6:44 PM

    The thing that scares me is what happens when someopne does'nt make it through poverty and there is nowhere to go. What happens then. Just a thought about helping others and choosing better path and find their way out of debt before it is too late. PRAY FOR OTHERS TO MAKE IT HOME SAFELY IN TIMES OF TRIAL AND NOT SUBMIT TO A LIFE IN CRIME. WE SHOULD LIVE IN A SEFER WORLD THAN THAT ANYWAY.

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  2. Jean Heimann9/3/06, 10:14 PM

    Anonymous,

    Yes, I will pray for your intention. I have known people who have been poor and in debt -- very needy people - who have been tempted to commit a crime because they did not have food or clothing for themselves or their family. I know this is hard to imagine in the wealthy society in which we live, but such circumstances do exist.

    We all need not only to pray for these people, but to perform the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. We need to help them by providing for their basic needs and by creating and offering them jobs that they are capable of performing and pay them a decent, living wage that comes with good benefits.

    I also encourage those in this situation to get help. Go to your parish church or if you are not a member of a church community, join one and don't be afraid to ask for help. It is humbling to ask others for help, but if you don't, you are blocking the door that the Lord wants to enter. Don't let your pride block the graces that the Lord is giving you and the graces that he is giving others to assist you. Nearly everyone at one time or another have had to deal with financial hardships, so don't be embarassed or ashamed about asking for help. God works His miracles through those who listen to Him and live out their faith in their lives.

    There are many loving, generous people who care about you and want to help. God loves you and will never give you more than you can handle. Do not be afraid -- trust in Him to care for all your needs.

    You are in my prayers.

    God bless you,
    Jean

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