Friday, March 8, 2013

Giving Alms When You Are Strapped for Cash

I often hear people fret about giving alms during Lent.  This is a tough economy, which is hopefully getting better, and I know that many people are hurting.  But we can still give alms without ever reaching into our pockets.  We have only to reach into our hearts and offer prayers for those who need them.

It would be a most generous act of charity and mercy to offer any indulgences you might gain during Lent for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.  For instance, you can gain a plenary indulgence during any Friday in Lent by the usual conditions if you pray the Stations of the Cross and then pray the Prayer Before the Crucifix.  I can't think of a greater sacrifice than to take something which would benefit ourselves and instead offer it for a soul thirsting for God in the flames of Purgatory.

In your charity, may I please ask you to pray for the repose of the soul of my dear friend's father?  He passed away peacefully today a few minutes past Noon with his loving family at his bedside.  My friend had spent nearly every night this week in vigil at her father's bedside and we communicated in the wee hours via text.  My friend has kept me afloat these past months with her prayers and encouragement as I have feebly endured some trials and she was the inspiration behind the Rosary prayer group.  I would be so grateful if you could keep her and her family in your prayers at this time.

I would also beg your prayers for me to know what God's will is for me in my life.  It is always so hard for me to know. Sometimes, I believe He wants me to pick up what I think is a heavy cross, and then when it's too late, I realize it wasn't what He wanted at all.  I know that what doesn't kill us can make us stronger, but I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing by the Lord.  I thank you.

If anyone has any prayer intentions that they would like the Rosary group (or just those who visit the blog occasionally) to pray for, you are invited to post your intentions in the comments.  If you have an urgent prayer request but wish to remain anonymous, just say so and I won't publish the comment.  As a healthcare professional, I have lots of experience protecting the privacy of patients and I will do the same for anyone who needs our prayers but requires anonymity as well.

Thank you and God bless you!


8 comments:

  1. It is a privilege to pray for the intentions of this little group. I think our Lord is fond of group efforts!
    For myself, I ask that you kindly pray for the conversion of my family. My husband, the Learned Astronomer, is going to be a particularly tough nut to crack! Also, for my daughter and her sweet husband. All of their friends who are couples are now on their second babies, and they do so want a little one of their own so very much.
    Thank you all!

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    1. I love your new Google name - sheepnamedcoco :) The highlight of my former daily commute to work was passing by a sheep farm and seeing their sweet little faces so close to the fence as I waited for the light to change. Of course prayers will be offered for all of the intentions you listed. I think I remember we talked about your hubby before. Don't give up on him and we won't either!
      Love and prayers,
      Joyce

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  2. Sending prayers for your friend's family and for you.

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    1. Thank you Kathy, you're a dear. Prayers for you and your family as well.
      Joyce

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  3. All my kids, for one reason or another! But especially, Meghann, for a new job, her husband Jeff, to be offered the managership of the local store he currently works at, so they don;t have to pick up and move Lord-knows-where. The rest of them, for the gift of faith. And for protection while they search.
    Also for a little girl named Belle who is about to undergo brain surgery for cancer.
    And for my brother Gary, who has Hep C, very advanced, and is a believer, but that he may come to know God in His fullness.

    Thanks everybody!

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    1. You got it Kelly! I actually made it to your parish today for 8:30am Mass and Rosary afterward. Now I'm off to do something about my multi-colored hair which is not colored that way intentionally!
      Peace
      joyce

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  4. Joyce, please know that your intentions are in all my prayers. As I was praying my decade for our little rosary group last night, I felt such joy thinking about all those unknown people and intentions which I am bringing to the Lord. I think "coco" is right...Our Lord does love groups. I know He loves so much when we look after each other's needs. And, I'll definitely be saying special prayers for coco's daughter, since I know that unique pain very well. Thank you for starting our little rosary group...mom :)
    Love and prayers....

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  5. Patricia you and coco are so right. I also know that He loves vibrant and active faith, which I believe we demonstrate when we offer Him petitions not necessarily known to us and beg Him for His help. I was reading the article over at Abbey Roads on a pious young man who died very young and how he called the time of day he prayed the Rosary his dailly appointment of love. I Ithink I have not done enough to demonstrate that love to our Blessed Mother, even though I "pray" her Rosary every day. I will have a little time on my hands for the foreeeable future to do a better job of getting "it' right.
    Blessed Sunday with love
    Joyce

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Comments which reflect true Christian charity are always welcome. Comments which attack the Pope, the Church, priests or other bloggers will go in the dustbin, especially if they are anonymous. Thank you and God Bless you!