Sunday, June 6, 2010

A Tale of Two Sundays

It's Sunday.
It's Sunday.

I got up, ate breakfast, and got dressed for Mass.
I got up and decided if I could muster up enough courage to attend Mass this week.

I was running a bit late when I got into my car, and prayed there wouldn't be too much traffic.
I started my trek, and prayed no one set flames to my Church overnight.

I parked the car, and walked quickly into the Church, hoping to get a good seat.
I took a quick look around the Church before I entered, making sure no persecutors were waiting.

I sat down, and was happy that the air conditioning was working this week.
I was happy the 3 men that hung my friend upside-down and beat him for hours last week before Mass weren't there this time.

I was excited to see my favorite priest was celebrating the Mass today.
I was excited to see our priest was still alive and made it to Mass today.

I enjoyed reflecting on today's Gospel with my friends after Mass in the Narthex.
I rushed home before anyone saw me, and met secretly with a few friends to pray.

I feel Peace and Joy when I spend time in Church with God.
I feel Peace and Joy when I spend time in Church with God.

I live in the United States of America.
I live in the Middle East.


Pope Benedict made an appeal yesterday for Christians living in the Middle East. Please take some time and pray, not only for their continued courage, but for Peace in the Middle East and elsewhere.

God Bless.

11 comments:

Anne said...

Michael, what a profound message you send in such a creative context! Thank you for reminding us of our freedoms and of our need to pray for others who don't enjoy our many blessings that we often take for granted!

Unknown said...

Michael,
This certainly puts things in perspective. We are so blessed to live in a country that at least for now allows us to worship without fear.

Mary N. said...

This post really drives home the persecution of the Church in the Middle East. We have great freedom here but many across the globe are suffering for the Faith.

Shirley said...

A powerful post. One of the things I pray about on a regular basis is to thank God for my Church, the priest, and my country; and to ask His mercy on those who are afflicted and oppressed.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Great message very creatively put.

Thank you and well done Michael. What a timely reminder to pray for those who don't enjoy the freedom to pray.

God bless you Michael.

Daily Grace said...

Wow Michael! This was very well done! There is so much to be thankful for and so much to pray for. You always give me much to ponder.

the booklady said...

Ah! Yes! We take our freedoms so much for granted. Very good -- and timely -- reminder Michael.

God bless you!

Michael said...

Thank you for all of your kind words and comments! God bless!

Anonymous said...

Great post Michael! I think in living our every day lives we sometimes forgot how many freedoms we have especially here in the states. I pray every day for world peace and for the safety of our clergy.

paramedicgirl said...

Very good post. You got me at the end - I wasn't sure where it was leading.

Happy Catholic said...

Excellent post Michael. This may be your best yet, and that is really saying something.