Resistance to Christ

Jesus desires us. He invites us to lose our life in order to find it. This paradox reflects Christ’s death and resurrection. To become his followers, we are not to adhere to our own power or authority or inner control. Instead, Christ longs to influence our choices, our actions, our speech and our way of life. Christ invites us to surrender to his grace within us.

Every morning I experience the sword he brings. So often, I hesitate to pray. I cling to my own ideas and thoughts about my world. Trying to solve my own problems is embedded in my ego. Resistance to Christ is often my first moment of the morning. I am afraid he will call me to become something I do not want to be. I feel my hesitation to lose my life in him in every deep breath.  

Everyone lives on this point of this sword. At times, we all fear letting God be God in our lives. No matter our age or experience, losing our strident ways, our false ideas, and our self-centered perceptions is not easy. Yet, if we become Christ’s followers, we breathe lovingly into his presence and ponder his abiding spirit within us. Surrender brings healing and forgiveness. The sword becomes peace. His love remedies fear.

His story of love is revealed in us to become prophets of forgiveness and service. Even a glass of cold water becomes witness to such love for those who ache for his mercy

Fr. Ronald Patrick Raab, CSC, serves as religious superior at Holy Cross House, a medical and retirement facility at Notre Dame, Indiana. He is a retreat director, award-winning author, and visual artist. Learn more at ronaldraab.com

Published in Give Us This Day, from Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN

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July 14, 2024

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Let us pray for Francis, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May our leaders find courage in their ministry. May the Holy Spirit guide our leadership toward the common good and welfare of all believers.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for our government leaders. May we muster courage to work together for the well-being of all people.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to live simply and to act courageously. May our faith journeys become a place of grace for us as we help ease the burdens of our poor.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to evaluate our possessions. May we seek to simplify our lives to discover inner freedom and genuine priorities.  

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for people who flee abusive relationships. May people be protected from all harm. May we let go of all that binds and hinders us.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for people who hunger for daily bread. May we work diligently to provide nourishment and hope for people most in need.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for people surviving summer storms and adverse weather. May storm-victims find shelter and peace to rebuild for the future.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for all who are ill. May people in pain find remedy and comfort. May we work to create adequate healthcare systems for all people.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for our loved ones who have gone before us in death. May God welcome all who seek his face.

We pray to the Lord.

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CLICK HERE to read about Brother Columba and the road to sainthood. The first newsletter contains one of my articles.

Here is a letter from Rev. Andrew Gawrych, CSC, explaining the newsletter.

On this first Friday of the month when the Church traditionally remembers the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it is my great joy to share with you the first edition of the newsletter In Kind Love. The bimonthly newsletter seeks to enlighten people about the life and spirituality of Br. Columba O’Neill, C.S.C., who was a devoted disciple of the Sacred Heart. I want to thank Br. Phil Smith, C.S.C., and his team for coming up with the idea for this newsletter and making it a reality.

I must admit to having known very little about Br. Columba up until a year and a half ago. The more that I have learned about his life and heard the testimonies of those who have sought his intercession, the more that I have been inspired and built up in my own faith.

I strongly encourage all of you then to read this edition by clicking here and to receive future editions of In Kind Love by emailing:  inkindlove@brothersofholycross.com. I also invite you to share the newsletter with others so we can continue to invite people to learn about Br. Columba and develop a relationship with him. 

To give you an update, less than two weeks ago, on Monday, 24 June, we received word from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend that Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades has written to the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints to request the nihil obstat, which will allow the opening diocesan phase of his cause for beatification and canonization. This request came after much hard work by Br. Phil and our Postulator, Dr. Valentina Culurgioni, to complete all the documentation required. We hope to receive word from the Dicastery before the end of the year.

I kindly ask that you keep in your prayers all of our causes for canonization. As much as ever, people who seek to follow Jesus need companions who share the path of discipleship with them. Our men who are in the process of canonization can be those great companions, intercessors, examples, and guides, and so we pray that, if it be the will of God, the Church may recognize their holiness and raise them to the altars.

Fraternally in Holy Cross,
Fr. Andrew Gawrych, C.S.C.
Third Assistant, Vice Postulator

Art: Ronald Patrick Raab, CSC

July 7, 2024

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

For all who lead us in faith. For Francis, our Pope, for ___, our Bishop. May they inspire us in the love and wisdom of Christ Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.

For God’s beloved poor. May hope be restored for people who have lost housing and employment. May the hungry be nourished and the ill find healing and hope.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who endure summer storms. May hope be offered to people devastated by hurricanes and tornados, floods and droughts, and severe weather throughout our world.

We pray to the Lord.

For wisdom in our family relationships. May prayer unite us in love and honesty. May wisdom flourish in our day and in our hearts.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new vision to see clearly the dignity and well-being of people. May we not be strangers to the stories of one another. May we not rely on old and negative stereotypes about others.

We pray to the Lord.

For wisdom in our political systems and policies. May we seek good and beauty, hope and lasting peace in all our decisions.

We pray to the Lord.

For the well-being and healing of our earth. May we be instruments of education and justice for the future of our planet. May we discover new ways to feed our children and their children.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who grieve the loss of jobs, health, and memories of the past. May our grief turn into joy in our present relationships.

We pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead. May all who sleep in Christ find light, happiness and peace.

We pray to the Lord.

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Read my latest article in The Priest Magazine, published by Our Sunday Visitor, Fort Wayne, IN

June 30, 2024

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Francis, our Pope, and __, our Bishop. May they offer to the Church and to the world the healing gift of Christ Jesus. May we discover hope among us to heal our wounds of injustice.

We pray to the Lord.

For people in need of healing. May we all reach out to Christ Jesus for the benefit of our loved ones. May courage find our hearts. May love change our attitudes.

We pray to the Lord.

For adequate healthcare in our nation. May affordable healthcare be available for all people. May healing find a home within us.

We pray to the Lord.

For a just and peaceful resolve to wars and violence. May every nation touch the mystery of peace. May we support the rebuilding of people’s lives and future.

We pray to the Lord.

For summer rest and relaxation. May our families discover the ease of a restful day and be restored to support one another. May summer bring a fresh compassion in our relationships.

We pray to the Lord.

For people suffering from mental decline and illness. May people suffering from dementia know tender care and love. May we act to support all caregivers.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who cannot afford food, shelter, and education. May we not weary to support people in the basics of life.  May hope be our sustaining food.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who face illness and disease. May healing be upon every heart. May we listen to people in chronic pain and never forget the needs of our loved ones.

We pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead. May those who have died find happiness and peace in God’s eternal kingdom.

We pray to the Lord.

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