Opening Prayer
Faithful One, You always call us back! In our aridity, You are refreshing dew which returns each morning. In our senseless reliance on resources other than You, You remain as faithful as cedars, oaks and ancient trees. You continue to feed and nourish us that we might blossom and discover again that we flourish in Your light, and are rooted in Your life. When our lives get confusing, clouded in darkness, and Your message divides rather than unites, help us to remain faithful, Sturdy God – as faithful as You have been to us. Empower us not to give up too easily on others, because You do not give up on us!
Therese, this must have been a dark day for you, when in 1897, the decision was made to isolate you in the infirmary because of the accelerating rate of your illness. You must have known that God was drawing you closer to home. Help us to have faith amid the dark times of pain, disappointment and illness – to trust that your refining and embracing presence is still with us, even though we feel empty. Strengthen our faith, powerful Therese, to believe that in our frailty is God’s mercy and healing power.
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