27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide
open, he drew [his] sword and was about to kill himself, thinking that the
prisoners had escaped. 28
But Paul shouted
out in a loud voice, “Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.” 29 He asked for a light and rushed in and, trembling with
FEAR, he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I
do to be saved?”
In this work of God’s Mercy, Christ frees
the jailer from the jail of fear and sin.
Paul was not overwhelmed by circumstances.
The earthquake had not numbed him with fear. He had no abject terror of death.
Paul had his wits about him. He heard the jailer's cry, heard the sword being
drawn - perhaps, he saw the shadow of it cast by the dim lamplight upon the
prison wall and spoke out in mercy to save the man's life from the consequences
of sin.
Our fallen natures continually drag us down. We have little power to withstand the inclination to sin when it is strong upon us. We scarcely live a day of our lives without falling short of the standards we set ourselves let along the standards that God sets. It is very doubtful that the Philippian jailer thought along these lines exactly - nor do most people who are converted! The jailer just knew that he needed saving from the way he was. He compared himself with Paul and Silas and he was disgusted with the life he led. He hadn't the fortitude, inner joy, peace or consideration for others that Paul exhibited. The jailer feared death. He had no sort of relationship with God. He had no hope of life beyond the grave because he had no assurance that God was interested him let alone loved him. The jailer was lost, and he knew it.
Paul and Silas replied to the
jailer's question as one: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be
saved - you and your household." Paul did not point the jailer to
Jesus' saving work but to Jesus himself. This is because in the first instance
the human heart must submit to Jesus. A sinner has to answer, "I
will," to that command of Paul and Silas. Saving faith involves
submitting, surrendering and yielding to Jesus. The rebel has to shoulder arms
and say to the Savior, "I give in. Please rescue me."
Today would be a good day to reflect on what we want
to harvest this fall; so like farmers we must till the soil of our soul
reflecting this day on our use of our TALENTS and look at in what ways we may
offer our abilities to Christ to help build a harvest for His Kingdom.
Human
Work[4]
Work is one of these aspects, a perennial and fundamental one, one that is always relevant and constantly demands renewed attention and decisive witness."
The Church considers it her task always to call attention to the dignity and rights of those who work, to condemn situations in which that dignity and those rights are violated, and to ensure authentic progress by man and society." "Human work is a key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question, if we try to see that question really from the point of view of man's good. And if the solution - or rather the gradual solution - of the social question, which keeps coming up and becomes ever more complex, must be sought in the direction of 'making life more human', then the key, namely human work, acquires fundamental and decisive importance."
Work and Man
John
Paul, "work is a fundamental dimension of man's existence on earth."
This conviction is found in the first pages of Genesis: "Be fruitful and
multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." "Man's dominion over the
earth is achieved in and by means of work. ... The proper subject of work
continues to be man," and the finality of work "is always man
himself." It is a question of the objective and subjective meaning of
work: although both are important, the second takes precedence; "there is
no doubt that human work has an ethical value of its own, which clearly and
directly remains linked to the fact that the one who carries it out is a
person, a conscious and free subject, that is to say a subject that decides
about himself." Although technology fosters an increase in the things
produced by work, sometimes it "can cease to be man's ally and become
almost his enemy, as when the mechanization of work 'supplants' him, taking
away all personal satisfaction and the incentive to creativity and
responsibility, when it deprives many workers of their previous employment, or when, through exalting the machine, it
reduces man to the status of its slave." "in order to achieve
social justice in the various parts of the world, in the various countries, and
in the relationships between them, there is a need for ever new movements of
solidarity of the workers and with the workers."
"Work is a good thing
for man - a good thing for his humanity - because through work man not only
transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves
fulfillment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes 'more a human
being'."
Conflict: Labor and Capital in the
Present Phase of History
Rights of Workers
·
He
discusses the need to take action against unemployment, which is a true social
calamity and a problem of a moral as well as an economic nature. Starting with
the concept of the "indirect employer," in other words, "all the
agents at the national and international level that are responsible for the
whole orientation of labor policy," he notes that in order to solve the
problem of unemployment, these agents "must make provision for overall
planning." This "cannot mean one-sided centralization by the public
authorities. Instead, what is in question is a just and rational coordination,
within the framework of which the initiative of individuals ... must be
safeguarded."
·
Speaking
of the rights of workers, he recalls the dignity of agricultural work and the
need to offer jobs to disabled people. As for the matter of salaries, he writes
that "the key problem of social ethics in this case is that of just
remuneration for work done."
·
In
addition, "there must be a social re-evaluation of the mother's
role." Specifically, "the whole labor process must be organized and
adapted in such a way as to respect the requirements of the person and his or
her forms of life, above all life in the home, taking into account the
individual's age and sex."
·
It
is fitting that women "should be able to fulfill their tasks in accordance
with their own nature, without being discriminated against and without being
excluded from jobs for which they are capable, but also without lack of respect
for their family aspirations and for their specific role in contributing,
together with men, to the good of society."
·
Besides wages, there are other social benefits
whose objective is "to ensure the life and health of workers and their
families." In this regard, he notes the right to leisure time, which
should include weekly rest and yearly vacations.
·
The
Pope then considers the importance of unions, which he calls "an indispensable
element of social life." "One method used by unions in pursuing the
just rights of their members is the strike or work stoppage. This method is
recognized by Catholic social teaching as legitimate in the proper conditions
and within just limits," but must not be abused.
·
As
for the question of emigration for work reasons, he affirms that man has the
right to leave his country to seek better living conditions in another.
"The most important thing is
that the person working away from his native land, whether as a permanent
emigrant or as a seasonal worker, should not be placed at a disadvantage in
comparison with the other workers in that society in the matter of working
rights."
Elements for a Spirituality of Work
·
Labor
has meaning in God's eyes. Thus, "the knowledge that by means of work man
shares in the work of creation constitutes the most profound motive for
undertaking it in various sectors."
·
Labor
is participation in the work of the Creator and the Redeemer. Jesus Christ
looks upon work with love because he himself was a laborer.
·
This
is a doctrine, and at the same time a program, that is rooted in the
"Gospel of work" proclaimed by Jesus of Nazareth. "By enduring
the toil of work in union with Christ crucified for us, man in a way collaborates
with the Son of God for the redemption of humanity. He shows himself a true
disciple of Christ by carrying the cross in his turn every day in the activity
that he is called upon to perform."
Here, life coaches and psychologists explain the joint secrets happy professionals share:
1. They get enough sleep
Even
if college was many moons ago, you’ve likely pulled an all-nighter in the past
year. Or, you’ve been so overworked and double-booked that you spent more time
tossing and turning than resting. For those people who wake up ready – and
elated – to tackle the day ahead, the eight hours that come before the alarm
clock dings are just as important as the minutes that follow it. As licensed
therapist Melody Li
explains, many workers overlook the power of a good night’s sleep in an effort
to push their minds and bodies to the limit. As studies indicate and Li
reminds, not reaping the rewards of shuteye usually results in poor memory,
difficulty problem-solving and unexplained ups and downs. Professionals who
tuck themselves into bed instead of watching Netflix (or their favorite YouTube
videos on repeat)? They wake up in better spirits.
2. They take their time
Sure,
there are some mornings that warrant that tempting snooze button, but to rise
on the right side of the bed, yoga therapist and natural health expert Dr.
Lynn Anderson Ph.D.,
giving yourself time to linger is key. When you feel frazzled or pressed for
time, you’ll not only make more mistakes which can bum-out your confidence
levels, but you don’t allow yourself to ease into the day’s tasks in an
enjoyable manner. “Get up early enough to relax, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee
and organize the day. Rushing and running late leads to stress and stress is
like a fire extinguisher for happiness. It’s a poisonous gas that makes a mess.
Being organized and relaxed creates happiness,” she shares.
3. They make their bed
Seems
simple enough, but how often do you leave your apartment or home in shambles?
It’s easy to forget in the hustle of the morning, but motivational speaker and
workplace expert Amy Cooper Hakim,
Ph.D. says there’s
a sense of glee found when your living area is prime. “A happy professional
builds confidence and self-efficacy by completing a simple chore like making
her bed before heading to the office. This act sets a ‘can do’ mindset into
motion for the day. It’s an easy task to check off the to-do list,” she
shares. “When we accomplish one item on our agenda, we are more driven to
accomplish others. Also, as a double bonus, many find it especially comforting
and gratifying to climb into a made bed at the end of a long day!”
4. They are able to see gratitude
and practice humility
We
all have that Wonder Woman (or man) in our life that seemingly glides through
life, experiencing it all with ease. They’re top of their game at work,
thoughtful and kind to others, brave to their core, and overall, rather funny.
If you dig a little deeper, you’ll notice a common thread of humility in these
happy-go-lucky, positive-thinking individuals. Career coach and shamanic
practitioner John Moore explains that those who
exercise gratitude as part of their daily routine tend to be more joyful, in
life and in work. He adds that research even indicates thankful people have
better relationships and more enduring psychological health.
5. They set daily goals
Yep,
you read that correctly: Happy professionals are masters of setting micro, 24/7
goals that keep them on the right track. As career and branding expert Wendi
Weiner explains,
those who are able to turnaround the best work with the best attitude take the
time to plan ahead, so they aren’t caught in a bind or a last-minute deadline
that slipped off their radar. “These are non-negotiable tasks that must be
completed for that day. The reason for this is that when you actually achieve
what you set out to achieve, that will raise the level of happiness and
personal satisfaction,” she says.
6. They communicate with others
Those
people who are nearly always smiling — and not faking it, but really grinning
their heart out — usually want to spend time with one another. Moore explains
that the pull comes from a part in our brains called the ‘anterior cingulate
cortex’ which measures social status, as well as pain and a high number of
opiate receptors. “Social exclusion registers in the brain much like physical
pain. In studies, one of the greatest predictors of happiness is the breadth of
social networks,” he says.
Even
if you don’t start chatting up a storm with your partner or your morning-hating
roommate, Moore says you’ll start the day off brighter if you, at the very
least, communicate in some way. “Happy professionals focus some of their
morning time growing and nurturing social connections. Check in with friends,
meet someone for coffee, chat up the cute barista — just start talking!” he
says.
7. They keep their calendars open
It
might be difficult to tango around time zones if you have international
clients, but if you can help it, health coach Kenneth Rippetoe recommends keeping your calendar
completely free until after 10 a.m. This gives you time to prepare for your day
and be mindful of the moments you’re giving your energy to others, instead of
always being readily available. “Practice being intentional with your time and
resources. When you are intentional, you make the choices that do align with
your value system and goals for your personal and professional life,” he
explains.
8. They focus on the present and
future, not the past
Ask
anyone who has been able to send away the skeletons in their closet and they’ll
agree that releasing the mistakes of yesteryear was the first step. If you find
yourself dreading each day or feeling anxious about how your career will exceed,
Weiner suggests taking a page from the notebook of joy-focused professionals
who make a habit of living in the moment and preparing for the future with a
solid outlook. “Happy professionals will concentrate their focus on the present
things they are doing and the present goals they want to achieve as well as the
future things they plan to do and/or achieve,” she explains. “Their energy will
concentrate less on regrets, and more on taking chances and risks to maximize
their happiness.”
9. They complete a task that makes
them feel powerful
Perhaps
it was after you ran your very first 5K. Or landed a client that took months to
romance. Or when you finally took the plunge and checked ‘bungee jumping’ off
your bucket list. While you can’t perform one-of-a-kind feats every single day
(sadly), Li stresses the importance of completing something in the A.M. that
set you up to feel powerful throughout the day. Though every person will sing a
different tune, it’s most important that you strategize your day to make time
for this task. “For many, it’s some type of physical activity like running,
swimming, or lifting. For others, it might be solving a tricky puzzle or
crossword. It could be meditating, dancing to energetic music, or even stretching,”
she explains. “Whatever that looks like to you, spend at least 15 minutes doing
something that reinforces the strength that you hold within and carry this
sense of power with you into your day.”
10. They visualize their success
Much
like amping up for the future — whether it’s a month, a year or a decade away —
psychologist and relationship expert Anotina Hall says happy careers are much like
flourishing love affairs. To truly find the grace and vulnerability in the
positions you’re in, you have to be courageous enough to imagine your future.
As Hall explains, “Studies have shown that by spending even a few minutes each
morning to visualize your goals coming to fruition with ease increases the
likelihood of successfully accomplishing those goals.
“See
your upcoming meeting in vivid detail, visualizing the desired outcome will
help make it go well and build your confidence!”
Memorial Day Build Up
Every day from now to
Memorial Day I ask your prayers for each service and all of our defenders to
include police and fire on Memorial Day.
Where the mighty go; God goes with
them!
·
At
Iwo Jima, Marine Chaplain Father Charles Suver celebrated Holy Mass shortly
before the raising of the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi by the Marines. Debate
has been inconclusive whether it was the first less known or the second more
well-known raising of the flag that is now immortalized in history. Regardless
of which flag raising it was Father Suver could still hear
Japanese voices in the nearby caves as he said the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass!
·
Fr.
Charles Watters in Vietnam shortly before his death in November, 1967. Chaplain
Watters was awarded the Medal of Honor
for bravery under fire. Once he linked up with the Marines they told him to
leave as it was too dangerous. Father McGonigal refused and ministered aid and
Last Rites to the wounded and dying. He was killed on February 17, 1968 trying
to rescue a wounded Marine. The Marines later dedicated a chapel at Camp
Pendleton in his honor to the service he gave to the Marines at Hue.
Daily
Devotions
·
Pray Day 5 of the
Novena for our Pope and Bishops
Many believe this global pandemic, and subsequent distancing from Mass and Communion, has the hand of God on it. Or, at least, many believe God seeks to utilize it for His purposes. It may be that a kind of illumination is at work here. One that is calling us to a greater appreciation and love for the Most Holy Eucharist, while calling us priests and bishops to a greater fortitude, amidst the forces of evil moving, mostly, unabated in our times.
Recently, I pointed out that our First Shepherds (Apostles), when faced with a "crisis moment" (Jesus is arrested) behaved in certain way. I hypothesized that the ratio of present day Shepherds (we priests & bishops) seems similar to the first Shepherds.
To summarize:
- 1/12th of us present day Shepherds seem to have no supernatural faith, treating the Church merely as a business - like Judas.
- 10/12ths of us present day Shepherds seem to lack fortitude, like 10 of the 12 Apostles who deserted Jesus and fled, when Jesus was arrested. It seems that many of us modern day Shepherds simply allow evil to advance while we retreat in silence. However, it must be noted that the forces of evil in our times may be the strongest and most aggressive they have ever been, especially in this age of "instant information" ... "instant propaganda." Shepherds, today, are facing an enormous Goliath. We need much prayer for the strength of the Holy Spirit.
- Finally, there is the remaining 1/12th of us present day Shepherds who, like John the Beloved, courageously stay with Jesus, all the way to the foot of the cross. These modern day Shepherds fearlessly put their reputations on the line to bring the light of the Spirit of truth to outshine the evil forces of darkness.
However, don't we know that the Apostles were huddled in the Upper Room, when Jesus penetrated obstacles - a locked door - and breathed on them with the power of the Holy Spirit. In that moment, empowered by the Holy Spirit, they left their fear and timidity behind, and became courageous John the Beloved Good Shepherds. They would then go forth from the Upper Room to stand against the forces of evil in their times, bringing the Spirit of truth, even when that meant they would be martyred. They bravely accepted their call to be the "influencers of their times."
Jesus said to his disciples:
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept,
because it neither sees nor knows him.
But you know him, because he remains with you,
and will be in you (John 14:15-17).
We need to call out to God for the grace of a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit for priests and bishops! We need a "Priestly Pentecost."
Priestly Pentecost
Blessed Concepción Cabrera de Armida (1862-1937) was a Mexican Roman Catholic mystic and writer. She is also referred to often simply as Conchita. She was beatified in Mexico City on 4 May 2019, as the first Mexican laywoman to receive this recognition.
The Lord revealed to Conchita the vital role of the priesthood for the world, and then the Lord revealed this:
"I want to give my Church a powerful impulse in which I will pour out the Holy Spirit over my priests like a new Pentecost. The Church and the world need a new Pentecost, a priestly Pentecost, an interior Pentecost."
Pentecost Novena Asking God for a Priestly Pentecost
A global pandemic emerges, distancing Catholics from the Mass, only a few months after our Church received a shocking new Pew Research Report that revealed 70% of professed Catholics do not believe in Jesus' Real Presence in the Eucharist. Coincidence? One wonders. This is a "crisis moment" that should not be dismissed.
Let's pray like we have never prayed before!
The Pentecost Novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church.
Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed.
Pentecost Novena Dates: The Pentecost Novena for our Priests and Bishops goes from
Friday, May 22 to Saturday, May 30 (Vigil of Pentecost).
Power Up Your Pentecost Novena: Be in a State of Grace (Go to Confession). Find time to pray, in silence, before the Blessed Sacrament. Add fasting, to whatever level God is calling you.
Simple Intention: We will seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary and Pope St. John Paul II, as our intention will be the same as that of the holy monk of In Sinu Jesu: "Johanninise the souls of our priests and bishops. Please, Lord, grant a Priestly Pentecost."
Daily Pentecost Novena Prayers Found by (I will post the daily novena prayers here) ...
- Joining the Grace Force email list: HERE
- Going to usgraceforce.com
- Joining the Grace Force Facebook group: HERE
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