May the Lord bless you and keep you and all those you love, especially those affected by cancer. Throughout today’s liturgies at the National Shrine of St. Jude, we will pray in a special way for all those who suffer from cancer. We invite you to join us today, and on the first Wednesday of every month, as we call upon St. Jude for the healing of cancer. Join our prayer circle of healing by posting your prayer to our Day of Prayer for Cancer wall.
We pray together:
God of healing mercy, in Jesus your Son you stretch out your hand in compassion, restoring the sinner, healing the sick, and lifting up those bowed down. Embrace us now in your loving care, particularly those afflicted with cancer, for whom this intention is offered. May the Spirit of Jesus bring us all health in soul and body, that with joy and thanksgiving we may praise you for your goodness, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
You don’t have to be extremely wise to understand the difficulties that could emerge in relationships between people of different cultures. In Sunday’s readings we are told that Epiphany (the manifestation of God) is for everyone. God wants to manifest himself in all people because he loves everyone. He is here for all cultures and all nations, and no one is excluded. The gifts from God originate from everyone, because we all have riches and blessings to give, and they are offered to all through the Father.
Jesus was born into this world to accomplish the Father’s plan for our salvation. At the age of twelve Jesus would speak intelligently about the scriptures, amazing all who listened with his wisdom and understanding. That scene foreshadows the teaching ministry of Jesus that would take place two decades later as crowds would gather from near and far to listen to him preach.
