April 27: Reflection on Purpose in Life

            We are seemingly always in search of our “one true purpose” in life. But we acknowledge that God created each human life with infinite complexity and we are not meant for just one narrow purpose. So we pray we find meaning in many different aspects of our lives. May we find fulfillment in serving others and in worshipping God. May our lives have meaning through the love we have for our friends and family. Whatever we do with our time and our efforts, may we remember to stop and reflect on how these actions give meaning to our lives and our missions in God.

Photo by author, taken in Sabino Canyon, Arizona.

April 3: Recognizing the Nourishing Power of Family and Friends

            We recognize the nourishing power of the love of our family and friends. We give thanks to God for the loved ones who accept us and care for us no matter how long we have been apart. May God grant us the empathy to show the same towards them. May our time with our family and friends heal past wounds of betrayal and grief. Let us use this break to express our appreciation towards those who nourish and renew our spirits, and commit ourselves to continued gratitude.

Photo by author

November 23: Peace Among Family Members

Thanksgiving Break: November 23-27

           As we approach a time where relatives reunite and celebrate with each other, we ask God to foster peace and understanding between family members. May we act with patience and empathy towards our parents and our siblings and may they treat us the same. May family dinners and holidays be points of connection rather than tension. We ask for God’s guidance in navigating conflicting personalities and dissenting wills. May God help us in balancing the times when we must assert ourselves and the times when we must sacrifice for the people we love. We pray that these reunions ultimately bring us stronger, more joyful relationships among family.

Photo by author

October 17: Discovery of God’s Gifts to Oneself

            While we are just individuals among billions of people, we recognize that God has given a lifetime of gifts to each of us. Instead of constantly looking outside ourselves for value, let us examine the richness of our lives in the present. We take this time to appreciate what we often overlook in pursuit of greater reward. We thank God for our old friends and our families, those both granted to us and those we have chosen. We give thanks to God for the chance to learn in this community. We thank God for giving us all of these gifts without asking for anything in return. May we discover similar generosity within our own hearts.

Photo by author