Monday, December 17, 2012

Called to Pray and called to act

As I'm sure it is with everyone, the events of Friday are still with me.  I am still hugging my kids tighter, still unable to wrap my heart around 20 little ones never coming home, still praying and wishing that I could do something.  

I was reminded this morning that God, in His infinite goodness, has the ability to draw good from this tragedy.  Not good that it happened, please don't misunderstand... but good from this point forward - and it starts with me, and you.  The graces He will and can unleash as a result of our prayers would overwhelm us if we understood the magnitude.  The families he will draw together in their sorrow.  The person led to conversion of heart because it was finally reached by these horrible acts.  We cannot know what good He will bring but must trust that He will.

Called to Pray - 

A priest friend of mine was commenting how sad that the name of the killer is known - but how little the names of the victims are mentioned.  His thought - find a list of the victims and pray a prayer specifically for each and every one and their families.  A good suggestion.  I would like to take his suggestion one step further. 

Starting today through Christmas Day are nine days.  Nine days of prayer makes up a novena.  I will pray specifically for each victim with a Hail Mary asking for her intercession for the comfort and consolation of their families each day through Christmas.  A novena of prayers for the victims - it's one of the few things that I can offer.  Maybe after nine days of saying their names I will remember them.  Will you join me?


Called to Act -


Mel at The Larson Lingo laid down a challenge in her blog today - 26 Random Acts of Kindness.  She will be attempting to accomplish this by Christmas.   We can all participate - even if it is not 26 or 27 acts ... one small act done with love accomplishes more than having done none at all.


1 comment :

Shelly said...

Both of those ideas are great and I will attempt to join in both.