Life - simple but, always complicated!!

Works of Mercy Reflection . Can you think of a time when someone did something kind or helpful for you? Maybe they paid for a meal when you were short-changed or made you chicken noodle soup when you were sick. Perhaps it was offering prayers for you or a loved one in a difficult season of life. The smallest, simplest gestures can have profound effects. As followers of Christ, we are called to serve those in need. But it isn’t always easy to serve others, especially when the people that we serve don’t seem to appreciate our help or reciprocate with any kindness themselves. Of course, we aren’t called to serve others when it is easy or even when it makes us feel good about ourselves. Christ gave of himself even though we didn’t earn it or deserve it. When that truth dwells in our hearts, “love can also blossom as a response within us” ( Deus caritas est , no. 17). When you have experienced the grace of God, you want to show the grace of God. When you have received mercy, you desire to ...

  DAILY MEDITATION: ACTS 18:23-28 He gave great assistance to those who had come to believe. ( Acts 18:27) Many houseplants can live for a long time with just an occasional watering. But if you were to add a little fertilizer and water more regularly, you might be amazed at how quickly a plant perks up. It becomes lusher, its leaves are glossier, and flowers start to bud. Not only does it look better, but it brightens up the whole room as well! Our life in the Spirit can be like such a plant. It’s good to maintain our normal routine of prayer and the Mass, but sometimes we can benefit from giving ourselves an extra boost. Maybe we pick up a spiritual book or go on a retreat or pilgrimage. Or maybe we join a parish Bible study or start listening to a Catholic podcast that can take our faith to a new level. Like that houseplant, we perk up when we take in a little extra spiritual nourishment. And at the same time, our growth in Christ’s love helps us “brighten up” the lives of the pe...