Prayer As Supplication Jesus compels us to seek the pearl of great value, to pursue it regardless of cost.
No price is too high to pay for this pearl; this ‘pearl’ is worth everything to us. But are we too afraid of what the price may be? Are we hesitant to ask God to help us secure it? Or are we just too distracted by busy lives, maybe too self-centred, or perhaps even too stubborn to ask God for help to attain this pearl of eternal life? Asking for God’s help is prayer of supplication which the dictionary says is asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly. Historians tell us it is likely the first word uttered by our early ancestors. But it seems some are just as uncomfortable with this mode of prayer as they are with prayers of confession. Some claim they find it easy to pray for other people, but think it is selfish to ask God for anything for themselves. However, King Solomon certainly does! In a prayer of supplication, he asks, “[God,] Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people.” We might also remember what Jesus told us, “Ask, and the door will be opened.” Richard J. Foster is a celebrated Christian writer from the 70s, 80s and 90s. In 1978, his first book, Celebration of Discipline: the Path to Spiritual Growth, took Christian readership by storm, and became, and still is, a remarkable, classic guide to personal spiritual development. In 1992, he followed it with, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home. Richard greatly expands on the ‘prayer of supplication’ from three various, detailed options and perspectives: 1.) Moving Inward or Seeking the transformation we need, e.g. the Prayer of Examen, 2.) Moving Upward or Seeking the intimacy with God which we need e.g. Meditation and Contemplation, and 3.) Moving Outward or Seeking the ministry to others we need e.g. Prayers of Healing. Clearly, the prayer in which we appeal to God for help in its various forms is more varied and complex than we realize. Part 3 even illustrates how we can ask God to help us to help others! Richard does warn us, “To focus so much on the ‘self’ can lead to selfishness … rationalizing and manipulating our experiences, so we hear only what we want to hear … so consumed with ourselves we totally lose sight of God altogether.” But he also points out, “though there are dangers on the way, we are still on the right road”, because, “In the beginning of our lives we are indeed the subject and centre of our prayers. But in God’s time and in God’s way … We [can] pass from thinking of God as part of our life, to the realization that we are part of his life.” A ‘Prayer of Supplication’ in the form of the Greatest Prayer of Supplication, “The Lord’s Prayer”, derived from: Richard J. Foster’s, prayer from: ‘Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home’. Dear Father, I do not want to entreat you like a child does Santa Claus, but I do need to ask you for things – things I need, not want. Give me, please, food to eat today. I will not ask for tomorrow, as you know what is best for me. Please forgive me for the infinite offenses to your goodness which I have committed today … even in this hour, … most of which I am not even aware of. I live far too unaware. That in itself is a sin against heaven. For this I am deeply sorry. Please, increase my awareness. And in my ignorance, if I have asked for things which would only be destructive, please do not give them to me – do not allow me to be tempted. And please protect me from the evil one. I ask this, in your Son’s name, Jesus Christ. Amen. Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Pastor Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Parish Saugeen Shores, Ontario
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"Prayer As Confession" Jesus presents a clever picture of the bad side of society alongside the good. We are all familiar with the weeds crowding our gardens. I still remember my siblings and I trying to dash out of the house before dad assigned us to a row of tomatoes to weed! But Christ does not want us judging the weeds around us. God is Judge, not us! Instead, Christ wants us to pull the weeds growing inside ourselves which choke our closeness to him. The tendency to make bad choices seems to be part of the human condition, but, while there is never an excuse for bad behaviour, it is a part which ironically can be the source of our spiritual development. The suffering we bring ourselves and others with poor choices can actually help improve our souls. This is how prayer as ‘confession’ helps us restore relationship with God: if we are contrite, commit to doing better, learn from our mistakes by weeding out the bad, and watering the good, we will enjoy the peace of God’s loving absolution, and grow into positive, productive, loving, cheerful disciples of Christ. Thomas Troeger, of Yale Divinity School, author of, The End of Preaching, tells us, “In a feel-good culture, … the call to confession often meets resistance. … people have told me the very idea of confession makes them feel bad about themselves, so they refuse to do it.” He determined part of this is from those who lived under a form of Christianity which concentrated almost entirely on sin and the guilt. Others resist confession, because sin has been narrowly defined as just pride and arrogance which doesn’t apply to them. But theologian, Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, says, “Some people’s sin is not arrogance, but a failure to affirm their self-worth, and use the gifts God gave them.” Still, others engage in self-deception that all is Ok, since God already knows, understands, and forgives us without any need for discussion. But honestly reflecting upon the bad things we have done or left undone is not a bad idea. It is the route to self-restoration and reconnection with God. In response to our current struggle with racism, Rev Kenneth Lewis said, “Calling it what it is starts the process of dealing with it,” possibly the best definition of confession. Prayer as an ‘inner’ confession to God will help us know more completely who we really are as souls ‘reconciled’ in relationship with God, with others, and ourselves. A Prayer of Confession derived from ‘Thomas H. Troeger, The End of Preaching’. Creator of all that is, we are not what you made us to be. If our sin is pride, remind us every breath is a gift from you. If our sin is lack of humility, remind us we are made in your image. If our sin is the neglect of our souls, remind us you are praying for us. If our sin is neglect of others, remind us Christ speaks through cries of human need. Whatever our sin, remind us that your mercy is endless for those who love you, and that we can be a new creation through your son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Pastor Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Catholic Parish Saugeen Shores, Ontario "Creating Fertile Soil for God's Word with Prayer and Action" Psychology tells us humans are very complex. Jesus also knew this, attempting by his seed parable to explain some of the ways in which we struggle mentally with making his Word the most significant part of our distracted lives.
1.) Some hear the call to a better life in Christ, but respond to other voices calling them to a life of comfort, security, pleasure. 2.) Some begin to answer Christ’s call, but find it too much work, so return to old ways. 3.) Others add Christ’s call with great fervour to their lists of other commitments, but though these other things are also good, they soon sadly take precedent, and Christ’s seed falls away. 4.) But those who put God first, enjoy highly enriched lives with a profound, restful peace inside them which makes all life’s troubles manageable. Much like those of Bruce-Grey county, Vincent Van Gogh loved the fields in the countryside around him. Looking upon their gold, green and brown beauty helped him to breath and replenish his soul. He said, “Life is only a kind of ‘sowing’ time.” To him planting of seed, preparing and nurturing before final harvest was life itself. Thankfully, God continually sows the seed of his Word in our hearts. It is just up to us to grow it in our hearts. And we may not all become great leaders of the Faith, saints or postulants, missionaries working in troubled lands. But it is in the doing, the trying, that we bear spiritual fruit. Salesian priest, Flor McCarthy, said, “At the end of the day, we will not be judged by results, but by the efforts we have made. Christ knows that not everyone is capable of producing a hundredfold. How do we start growing this seed inside us? By prayer and action. The farmer knows the hard work to nourish a seed. But farmers also pray for a good harvest. My dad did at Grace before meals. In coming Sundays, I will look at 6 aspects of prayer: confession, supplication, intercession, thanksgiving, lament, and adoration. For now, let us pray: “God, come to our assistance; Lord, make haste to help us.” Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Pastor Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Parish Saugeen Shores, Ontario Gentleness and humility are not very popular attributes to have in our modern society. In fact, they are rarely encouraged. Instead, self-promotion and even aggression are the theme of the day.
If you want something, make your voice heard, or you will be lost in the crowd. Your success depends on a strong self-confident pride in yourself. You are the most important person in your world, so focus on what is best for you. Pride and self-confidence, and a little boldness are clearly important for all healthy human beings, but they must be tempered with gentleness and humility, if we want to find true happiness and true peace in life as Christ suggests. ‘A king shall come to us, a just Savior who is meek, and riding on a donkey. He will banish the chariots and arrows of war, and bring peace to the nations.’ No aggression here; nothing but gentleness and humility, … but also strength! Think of the gentle hands of a surgeon or the gentle voice of a parent to their child. Gentleness is a strength which supports others by creating a welcoming space for them to step forward and express themselves without fear of force or criticism. Humility is not weakness. It is the uncomplicated foundation stone on which we build truly confident spiritual lives. Too much self-promotion can cloud our vision. Dostoyevsky said, “Love humility! It is a powerful force!” Humility heals others. At this challenging time when tempers can flare and fear can drive us to undermine ourselves: stop, breathe for a moment, and feel the inner peace. St Seraphim said, “Acquire inner peace, and people will find salvation near you.” Life is actually a light burden we too often complicate ourselves. Instead, walk gently and humbly in a peace Christ told us we can create for ourselves, where he will give us rest. Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Pastor Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Parish Saugeen Shores, Ontario WELCOME EVERYONE!
to Saint Joseph Parish’s here in beautiful ‘Saugeen Shores’. we started to celebrate Weekend Masses, Saturdays @ 5pm, and Sundays @ 9am at St Joseph’s Church in Port Elgin. *** However, PLEASE NOTE *** Our Church Must Open with the following Restrictions: BOOKING AHEAD and PREPARING 1.) To attend Mass, you must register. 2.) There are 14 “spots” which accommodate 2 “people” each. [** Therefore, there are 28 seats available in total, but they are divided into designated “spots” in the church. **] 3.) Exceptions are families or groups of “up to 6 people only” who need to book 2 “spots” – or 1 “pew”. 4.) You must wear a mask, so please remember to bring one. 5.) Please wash your hands and take your temperature before leaving to make sure you are well enough to attend. 6.) Please stay home if: you are not feeling well, have a compromised immune system or certain health challenges, or have been in contact with a COVID-19 positive person. 7.) It is best to use the Bathroom before leaving home. Only single, small bathroom will be available at church because of concerns re virus transmission. ARRIVING AT CHURCH 8.) Please arrive: 15 Minutes before Start of Mass. 9.) Only use the Double-Glass-Doors off Main Parking Lot. GREETER 10.) A Greeter will ask if you registered. [** If not, you will be seated only if spots available. If you can be seated, they will need to take: Your First and Last Name, Email, and Phone number for Tracing and Tracking by the Ontario Health Board. **] 11.) The Greeter will check your name off the registration list. 12.) You will be asked to put on your mask. 13.) You will be asked to sanitize your hands at a station nearby. 14.) You must maintain 6 feet physical distancing at all times. 15.) Socializing is unfortunately Not allowed. USHER 16.) An Usher will then take you to your “spot”. 17.) Please be patient as you may need to wait awhile. 18.) Again, always maintain 6 feet distancing, and Do Not socialize. MASS 19.) At this time there is NO Music and NO singing. Instrumental Music may be considered at a later date. Meanwhile, all response are Said, not Sung. COMMUNION 20.) Please listen for Father’s Instructions. 21.) Communion is Only Received in the Hand. 22.) Only lower or remove your mask to consume host after you have walked 6 feet away from priest and next communicant eg. after reaching front of the ambo or the piano. BLESSING and DISMISSAL 23.) Father will provide instructions how to recess. 24.) Wait for Usher’s directions. 25.) Maintain 6 feel physical distancing. 26.) All leave via the old, main, double-wooden doors. COLLECTIONS 27.) Offerings are Not Taken during the Mass. Instead, a “Collection Box” will be at Wooden Doors for Offerings. BATHROOM FACILITIES 28.) Only Small Bathroom available at back of Church to ensure safety from infection. 29.) It is advised to use bathroom before leaving for mass. [** Exceptions will be addressed if they arise. **] *** PLEASE NOTE *** POPE FRANCIS – SUNDAY MASS DISPENSATION 30.) Pope Francis’ “Dispensation” from our regular Catholic Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass is still in effect until further notice. Therefore, please consider remaining at home without any undo worry or concern, if you feel in any way compromised or uncomfortable or ill-at-ease about attending. Remember, the Lord is with you always, in the Tabernacle of your heart and soul, delighting in your love for him. *** ALSO NOTE WELL *** The possibility of our own “Live-Streaming Mass” is being investigated, and, if possible, may be implemented, for those who have enjoyed celebrating the Masses pre-recorded by Father Chris. Please Stay Tuned for further developments. |
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Rev. Fr. Christopher Tracey
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