The following are words given by participants at the streamed meeting. 1 Corinthians 14:29 says that "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others weigh carefully what is said." 1 Thess 5:19-21 tells us not to despise prophecies, but to test everything and retain what is good.
At beginning of meeting, Scripture Reading Psalm 91:10-12 - No disaster can overtake you, no plague can come near your tent, He has given his angels orders about you to guard you wherever you go. They will carry you in their arms in case you trip over stones.
Scripture Reading Wisdom 6:1-6 - Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High; he will search out your works and inquire into your plans. Because as servant of his kingdom you did not rule rightly, or keep the law, or walk according to the purpose of God, he will come upon you terribly and swiftly, because severe judgment falls on those in high places. For the lowliest may be pardoned in mercy, but the mighty will be mightily tested.
Scripture Reading Isaiah 12:3-6 - With joy you will draw water from the fountain of salvation. And say on that day: "Give thanks to the Lord, proclaim his name, among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. Sing praise to the Lord, for his glorious achievements; let this be known through all the earth. Shout with exultation, O City of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."
Scripture Reading Psalm 100:1-5 - Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord himself is God; it is he who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his lovingkindness is everlasting and his faithfulness to all generations.
Scripture Reading Isaiah 44:21-22 - Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you, you are my servant; O Israel you will not be forgotten by me. I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ spoke on Matthew 18:1-5, 10 - The Disciples approached Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for i say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."
Why do innocent people suffer? The Book of Job, doesn't give an answer to why good people suffer. The Book of Job ends with Job saying, "God is God, and I am not. And I have to trust, even when I don't understand what God is doing in my life, I have to trust there is a greater providence at work in my life."
The answer for Christians is in the cross of Jesus. God enters into this mystery of human suffering. God is with us in the midst of our suffering.
Today is the Feast of Guardian Angels. In Jesus' time there was controversy about, "Do angels exist?" The Pharisees believed in angels, demons and the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees did not. Catholic theology: We believe in angels. We believe in demons. We believe in the resurrection of the dead.
Joan Wester Anderson, author of books on angelic encounters. She got started on this after an angelic encounter with her son, Tim, on Christmas Eve 1983. Fr. Michael also, told of another experience with Ken, the husband of Anita, a member of a prayer group to which Fr. Michael belonged.
These stories bring encouragement and hope. But they don't solve the problem of evil. Why are some people healed and others are not? The problem of evil and suffering remain. But we have these wonderful stories that people have experienced throughout history, that are meant to give us hope. We are able to trust in Providence that is acting in our lives in ways that we don't fully understand.
Little children trust. When we become like little children, we become humble and trusting. And then we become the arm of God. We care for the vulnerable.
Maria K - Last week we prayed for Dilllon who was extremely depressed, was thinking of ending his life, did not believe in God. Since we all prayed, he's asked for a bible, put up a crucifix in his house, and is going to church. This is a huge, huge miracle. Maria thanked us for praying for him. And thank you, Lord!
David - After 17 years, his son, Jonathon, is on his way back to faith in Christ. Jonathon shared yesterday that he is now learning to pray the Rosary. David: "Thank you, God, for Jonathon falling in love with Jesus! Thank you for your prayers. Never give up praying for your children."
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