Gracefulness
We reflected on “Steadfastness” as our theme of Reflection in 2012. I now offer you “Gracefulness” as our theme for Reflection in 2013. We want to explore “Gracefulness” in all its dimensions and look at the possibility of cultivating “Gracefulness” as our way of being, of living and acting. I invite you to walk with me on this journey of being and becoming graceful and learning to walk gracefully even in difficult and unfavorable circumstances.
Many think of Grace as a little prayer that is said before a meal. But Grace is not just a simple prayer or a simple act of generosity. Grace is the gift of God’s Covenant Love, unconditional, unconquerable, steadfast Love. It is a way of living and acting in God’s Love.
We are physical beings. But we are not just physical beings, we are socials being, interdependent beings. So we need to guide our conduct, our behavior to function cohesively, harmoniously and meaningfully well. We need God’s Grace to help us make good choices and decisions, to guide us in our conduct, to teach us right behavior, to help us develop a right attitude toward others and the world around us.
We are not just physical, interdependent and social beings. We are spiritual beings. We are dependent on God. We need to live Godly lives. We need the Grace of God to live Godly lives. We need to live in God’s grace.
We are not just any spiritual being. We are Christians, disciples of Jesus. We need to respond to God’s grace the Christian way. We need to guide our life with Christian values and morals. We need to align our will to God’s will, our plan to God’s plan and purpose, our life to God’s Grace. We need to live in Grace and from Grace. Our faith and our hope and our love must be lived out in human relationships as we respond to God’s Grace.
I pray for you and I pray for all, who, at this moment, are welcoming the gift of this New Year with all its uncertainties. May God bless you with His Grace and enable you to experience His steadfast, unfailing, unconquerable and unconditional Love. And may you learn to love as God does. I pray that you will be steadfast, faithful, loyal and unfailing in all the situations that you encounter. May this New Year be the most amazing, fascinating, marvelous, wonderful, joyful and joy-filled year for you and for those you love! May God bless you with the richest and finest of his blessings!
2013 Wellspring Prayer
This is my prayer for you:
that you have a blessing attitude, that you bless the world with your presence, with all you say and do.
that you may live gracefully and joyfully and that all you are and all you do flow from the gift of God’s Grace.
that God will bless you and grant you the gift of His Grace and enable you to love as He does.
that living in God’s Grace and being faithful in love and service become your way of life.
that you may be blessed and graced with the gift of good counsel and gentle wisdom to help you discern your choices.
that you will meet faithful and joyful people on your journey and be graced by their presence in your life.
that you may hold your head high even in the midst of disappointing, testing and trying times.
May the year 2013 be God’s wonderful gift to you and I pray that you will make it a gracious and joyful gift to all you meet on your journey. May God bless you with the richest and finest of his blessings and keep you safe in the center of His Love!
Fr. Gus