Morning Message: May 1

Good Morning,

Today is Friday, May 1st.  Let us begin with our Morning Offering.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

O JESUS, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day.

For all the intentions of Your Scared Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for all my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and in particular, for the Pope’s intentions.

Amen.

St. Julie Billiart, Pray for us.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pray for us.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Please stand…

I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America.  And to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Today the Church honors St. Joseph the Worker.  All over the world, people celebrate the dignity of labor—taking pride in what we do.  In our reading we hear how the early followers of Jesus were called “Christians,” because they followed Jesus, the Christ.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also proclaiming the Lord Jesus.  News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.  And a great many people were brought to the Lord.  Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.  So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”

Think about this silently in your heart.  What does it mean to be a Christian?

God, our Father in heaven, may we respect the dignity of all who labor and work to make this world a better place.  May all who work know the importance and value of what they do.  We ask this through Christ our Risen Lord.  Amen.

Boys and girls, while the majority of the population is sheltering at home, our courageous doctors, nurses, first responders, social workers and other medical staff are on the front lines battling to save the lives of patients infected by the coronavirus.  Every day they are risking their lives to provide care for us. 

Governor Hogan designated tomorrow, Saturday, May 2nd, as Healthcare Heroes Day in Maryland.  As we take a moment to pray for all our healthcare workers in Maryland and all over the world, let us especially remember those who are part of our Slade community.  Please send us a photo of your parents or loved ones who are healthcare workers or first responders along with a brief explanation of their job to Mrs. Hilmer at [email protected]    Let us now take a moment to say a special prayer for those who continue to go to work each day saving the lives of patients infected by the coronavirus.

Oh Lord, we thank you for the advancements that have led to improving the health of so many.  We beg you to inspire new breakthroughs in overcoming the coronavirus and all serious flu viruses.  Protect, we pray, health care professionals from the illnesses they are treating, and make them instruments of your healing.  Their selfless efforts inspire us to call out to You.  And when this time passes, may we emerge as better people committed to making a better world.  Use this time to unite people and turn toward their neighbors with love and compassion.  Help us to remember that You go before us and we are not alone.  Amen.

Have a wonderful day and a beautiful weekend!  God bless…