Saint of the Day
St. Francis de Sales
Francis de Sales (1567–1622) was Bishop of Geneva and a masterful spiritual director. His "Introduction to the Devout Life" made contemplative spirituality accessible to ordinary laypeople for the first time. He is the patron saint of journalists and writers. His gentle, patient approach to evangelism and spiritual direction earned him the title "the gentleman saint." He co-founded the Order of the Visitation with St. Jane de Chantal.
Scripture Reading
Ephesians 4:15-16
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Reflection
Unity does not require the suppression of truth — it requires that truth be spoken in love. These are the last two days of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and Paul's phrase hangs over all ecumenical conversation: speaking truth in love. Neither truth without love (which wounds) nor love without truth (which flatters) — but the two together, in the same breath, toward the same goal: a body that grows to look like its head.
Prayer for Today
Dear Heavenly Father, my heart is sad, and at times I feel quite broken due to our fractured relationship. Lord, it seems that the pressures of life and living have taken a heavy toll on my girlfriend and me, causing this shattering breakdown in our relationship, and an almost immovable rift seems to have been erected between us.
Lord, I pray that in Your love and grace, You would restore to us a closeness with each other, in the bond of unity that You so delight in. Draw us back together I pray, and heal all our hurts we both are going through.
Lord, bring us back together again, I pray, but if it is not to be, may we both move on in our lives and may You become our strong rock and high tower. Support us through this very difficult period of our lives I pray. Thank You, that You care deeply for us both, and into Your hands I give my fractured relationship, praying Your will be done. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Lord, I pray that in Your love and grace, You would restore to us a closeness with each other, in the bond of unity that You so delight in. Draw us back together I pray, and heal all our hurts we both are going through.
Lord, bring us back together again, I pray, but if it is not to be, may we both move on in our lives and may You become our strong rock and high tower. Support us through this very difficult period of our lives I pray. Thank You, that You care deeply for us both, and into Your hands I give my fractured relationship, praying Your will be done. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Amen.