Catholic Fire

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9 How do we cope with the violence, chaos, and conflicts that we face in our world today?  How can we find peace and also serve as true peacemakers in our twenty-first century culture? St. Bernard of Clairvaux , a Doctor of the Church, a contemplative, theologian, and mystic of the twelfth century is an excellent example for us to follow. He found peace in God through a devout prayer life as a contemplative. However, he also led a very active life, performing works of peace and love in the secular world.  He traveled throughout Europe, which was plagued by various schisms, restoring peace and unity. Not only did he resolve divisions in the Church, but he also mediated in secular disputes and was sought out as an adviser and an arbitrator by the ruling powers of his era. What was his secret for restoring peace and unity to a troubled world? He was merely a modest monk with no worldly pow...

You are with me always. You bless me with countless gifts. I thank you for these gifts today, especially for the gift of your Son, Jesus, Let me not become lost in the journey of life. I cannot serve two masters. I seek to serve You, O Lord. May I see your face in each and every person. May I love them as You love them, O Lord. I pray for my neighbors who have lost their jobs and for those who struggle in these uncertain times. Open my eyes to see the ways that I may help them. Bless our community, our nation, and the world. May this time of uncertainty awaken within the human race the truth that You are God and Father of us all. Deepen my faith. Strengthen my hope. Multiply my charity. In You, O God, I place my trust. Amen. *** Dear Lord, We lift up our hearts and minds in thanks and praise to you for another opportunity to love and serve you and your people this day. We ask for your divine mercy and care for all our brothers and sisters who are out of work and are concerned about the...