“May the spoken words of my mouth, the thoughts of my heart, win favor in your sight, O Lord” Psalm 19:15
I read that passage in the Magnificat on August 25 and I stopped cold. How many different colorful and non-colorful words did I speak and think since the start of the recent fires? I’m fairly certain that many were NOT favorable in God’s sight. Perhaps some of you had similar experiences.
My only salvation is that we have a merciful and understanding God. We are taught to talk to God as a person and to share our thoughts. God heard my words and prayers of anger, disbelief, anxiety, hopelessness, and fear. God also heard my words and prayers of thanksgiving, hope, awe and apology. It’s easy to say “Thy will be done”. It’s a lot tougher to believe it and surrender to it.
It’s hard for me to find God in times of disaster, but God was and is there. The hands and feet of Christ are visible throughout our region and that brings me peace. God is working through thousands of firefighters, law enforcement, volunteers, and social services and government agencies, all serving and working to protect our community. I see God working through neighbors, who are risking their lives and helping neighbors. I see God working through you.
Many of you and/or your family members are serving our community during these difficult times – many are are essential workers; thank you. Thank you too to all our educators and parents/caregivers who’ve recently started classes again. You are blessings to all of us. We keep you in our prayers.
I ask that each of you continue to keep checking on each other, please. With poor air quality some folks are unable to shop or get out of the house. If you’ve not done so, might you consider reaching out to your neighbors and friends and inquire if they need some help?
The Secretariat truly wishes that all of your families, your loved ones, and you are safe. If anyone needs any help or assistance, please contact us and we’ll determine how we can help.
We decided to cancel the School of Leaders for August 26. Life and current events got in the way of our preparation. Instead of rushing, we focus on our families and reconvene on September 23. The placeholder is below.
We continue to discern for our Three-Day Chair. Won’t you please prayerfully consider serving our Community? Please see below.
And finally, we’ve had some email exchanges with the Sisters at Saint Clare. Please see below.
Please be safe and please continue being that Light of Christ to all you meet. You never know who you will bring to Christ.
You are in my daily prayers.
Sincerely and De Colores,
Larry Cargnoni
P.S. For your convenience, the list of Group Reunions (4th Day Groups) can be found now at this link: www.sanjosecursillo.org/fourth-day/. |