Week 352
Positive post Sunday, November 26, 2023- Week 352.
A few weeks ago, Michele and I were blessed to complete a ministry training series at our Parish. The training was for all the volunteers who support our Masses each week (e.g., Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, Greeters and Choir members). Our hall was overflowing, a testimony to how many volunteers it takes to support our Masses each week.
The training was facilitated by Fr. Arinze, a pastor at or church who I find to be very relatable, energizing and motivating. We are blessed to have Fr. Arinze at our Parish. I found the training to be very informative, strengthening my knowledge, understanding and appreciation for the Mass, a foundation of my faith. My spiritual tank has been refilled.
Although there were many parts of the training I found of value, one statement Father mentioned really resonated with me. He was talking about the Sign of the Cross and how we traditionally start and end a prayer, and Mass, with the Sign of the Cross. Then he noted that if we start and end our day with the Sign of the Cross, the entire day is a prayer. To some, this may seem trivial, but to me, visualizing my entire day as a prayer is transformative.
Although I pray regularly throughout the day, thanks to Fr. Arinze, I now start and end each day with the Sign of the Cross, symbolizing that my whole day is now a prayer. As I live my prayer each day, I’m reminded of the many opportunities I have to give thanks to the Lord for all my blessings, to act with love and forgiveness, and to seek His guidance as I navigate through the challenges each day presents.
If we truly see and live each day as a prayer, perhaps our daily lives would be filled with more love, compassion and service. This might also help us expand our holiness beyond one day a week when we attend Mass, leading Christ-like lives throughout the entire week.
How do you bookend your days, making the entire day a prayer?
How do you live a life of holiness outside of Mass and throughout each week?