I was trying to sneak a picture of my husband as he walked Snowball back to the yard she belonged in, so it is off to the side but still kind of special. I have shared that there are times that it seems that he just wants company out there, because I don't do much... other than let special pet cows get past me, and make more work for him. At least I like to watch him, and the waiting part gets a bit old sometimes... then I get caught up in watching my good looking husband out there doing so many things, and then I find the patience for a while more!!! Today is the special feastday of the patron of Farmers and small rural communities - St Isidore - "St Isidore would pray for long periods while guiding the plow. There are legends about angels assisting him in his farm labors. He was caring towards animals and generous to the poor." This is a good description of my Patrick... he shares that he does his best praying while he is out working as a farmer, and carer of animals, and feeder of the world! Now with GPS driving the tractor across the field - it is almost like angels are driving it... I have seen a picture of angels with their hands on the plow with St Isidore at prayer! St Isidore, bless our community with a deeper knowledge and love of the "Wisdom of the Father, the Love of the Son, and the Protection of the Holy Spirit!"
Another akward angle, but still I like it! John just left for work, and we shared breakfast and morning prayer together. He came home from graduating college with a special depth he has added to the almost automatic - sign of the cross. We sign ourselves with the sign of the cross - where Jesus submitted to death, as a lamb goes to slaughter, to give us freedom in the resurrection - sin has been conquered forever! We also say "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" when we make that sign. Well, John has taken it to a more personal and thoughtful place as now he says this - "The Wisdom of the Father (touching his head), the Love of the Son (with his hands going from one shoulder to the other - like a hug!), and the Protection of the Holy Spirit (on the heart)." He spoke of some interesting things today considering the Protection of the Spirit - the cloud that led and protected the Israelites on their fleeing the Egyptians, and the killing of all the firstborn in the Passover. How interesting to find the work of the Spirit of God in the OT, and this is true... yet the people kept getting lost and far from God, so finally he came to earth in our form truly - Jesus Christ... True Man and True God! This was after we read together the Gospel for today, which is about Jesus telling the disciples that he will leave and go to his Father, but that the Advocate will be sent to each of us - the Holy Spirit! "But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." John 16: 5-11
Jesus, thank you for this glorious sun-filled day! The farmers are so busy with getting the crop in, and all the other jobs that are pulling at them at the same time... keep them always safe, and give them the weather they need to accomplish this great work that they do! Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful life and livelihood that the farm has given our family! May we always be generous with those that have less... seeing you in the poor at our door! Be with all the unborn today - especially our two daugthers and the two Angelas! For all those that are hurting and have empty arms and painfilled hearts... Holy Spirit we ask that you show them your peace and comfort. Holy Spirit, John has given you the supreme title of Protection... May we realize that this is where we can come to find that ability to fight the battle against Satan with each new day! He is real and alive and we need to watch for his lies and deceit in the darkness that creeps in and around us! Come Holy Spirit! We need your protection and may the LIGHT of Day reveal to us the Truth that will set us free, the Way to follow down the narrow path carrying our Most Cherished Cross, and the LIFE everlasting that we can now anticipate and claim as followers of Yours! Jesus, we trust in you! Amen and Halleluia, Halleluia,Halleluia, Halleluia!
Bless-bless, Barb
"The Holy Spirit always makes Jesus, the perfect image of the Father, present in the world and in the Church. This happens for the first time at the Annunciation. 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you.' The Holy Spirit thus brings about the beginning of the human life of Jesus, the entrance into the world of the living image of the Father.
When the Apostles are enlivened by the Spirit at Penetecost, the preach with the same certainty and authority as did Jesus. In them Jesus' image is made alive! The image of Jesus lives again in Stephen, who when he is filled with the Holy Spirit, forgives his persecutors, just as Jesus did. Stephen also commends his own spirit to Jesus, just as Jesus commended his spirit to the Father (Luke 23:34)
The Holy Spirit also makes Jesus alive for us in the Eucharist. In the Eucharistic Prayer the priest ( acting in persona Christi by virtue of having received the Spirit in his ordination) asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit upon the bread and wine so that it can become Christ's Body and Blood. From the beginnings of the Church, the Holy Spirit has been making Jesus present and alive in all times and places for his followers live."
Fr Richard Veras
May the Spirit LIVE in our domestic church/family this day and forever! The Protection of the Holy Spirit surround all families, and may they embrace LIFE and LOVE! Amen and Halleluia!
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