I am up a little earlier than usual this morning. Sitting on the front porch with rosary beads in hand I can hear the birds speak to one another, softly at first, but their cheerful melody increases as their small community begins to grow a little larger.
Community…My small neighborhood community is starting to stir. Lights are coming on, garage doors are opening and engines are warming up. Their day is beginning too, though their melody is not nearly as sweet as the birds.
I start to say my rosary, as I do every morning and the Lord whispers softly in my ear, “Pray for your community today, for those that live nearby and for others that make up your community”
It is now the second joyful mystery, “The Visitation”. The charity and love of Mary prompts her to visit her cousin Elizabeth who lives about five days away. Though it is a laborious journey, Mary is joyful for she bears with her the Incarnate Word. The whisper of the Lord takes on another meaning now; I begin to understand what He is telling me.
Community… I need to start reaching out to my neighbor as Mary did, through prayer and deeds. The busier my life gets (or should I say, the busier I let my life get) the less I notice my neighbor. Forgive me O Lord , I acknowledge my selfishness and want no further part of it. Please take it from me.
I remember what I have read earlier this morning ; it is God’s will that we bring Jesus into the life of other people once He has entered into our life, to bring him into other people’s joys and sorrows, into other people’s darknesses and bitterness 1
Community…Give me such love for you, O Lord, and for all men, as will blot out all hatred and bitterness.” 2 Help me strengthen my communtiy by sharing your love and by noticing the needs of my neighbor.
1 Pray with the Heart, Medugorje Manual of Prayer, Fr. Slavko Barbaric, O.F.M.
2 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who wrote these words while in a Nazi concentration camp.
From the archives
11 comments:
Yes, we often get so busy, that we forget about those that live close to us. Sometimes we don't even know our neighbors names! Nice reminder and reflection.
If we treated our community as we treat and nurture our family, how lovely that would be! How can we reach out to the world, if we cannot reach out and love our neighbor! Such an encouraging prayer to not overlook those close to us:)Be blessed in your reaching!
http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/my-life-is-not-my-own/
DG,
The minute I read your post I smiled! Victor and I were just e-mailing each other about "The Community of Catholic Bloggers" and he suggested I send the e-mail to you :) Talk about a God-incidence! I haven't had a chance to send it yet but I will :) What are the chances that you would the write about Community on the very day that we were e-mailing each other on a similar topic?
DG,
I sent you an e-mail. Can you let me know if you don't get it? I'm always afraid I'll accidentally type in the wrong address :)
whoa, I just did post on very similar topic. Good meditation . . . and possibly motivation to wake up early and pray the rosary outside listening to the birds. I noticed they start as early as 3:30 a.m. here. I won't be out that early.
How blessed you are to take time each morning and pray to our Lord and then to take the time to listen to His answers. It is something we all should do.
Thank you Daily Grace.
This is timely and appropriate.
God bless.
God bless Victor!
Colleen,
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad my birds don't wake up as early as yours do...3:30 am is to early for me too!
God bless
Love this!
Well, this was a kick in my rear. Message received.
God Bless you!
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