In today’s first reading from Paul’s letter to the Church in Colossae (Col 1:1-8), St. Paul writes that he and Timothy offer prayers of thanksgiving for them because of their faith in Jesus and their hope for heaven.

We say prayers of petition asking for God’s help, often for the intentions of someone we love to grow deeper in their faith.  We say prayers of thanksgiving for all the grace and mercy we receive but don’t deserve.  But, how often do we give thanks and pray for those who already know the love of Christ, who follow Him, and who proclaim the Gospel at every chance?  Do we tell them and affirm them that, by glorifying God with their words and in their actions, they are making the world a better place, that they are doing their part to grow His Kingdom?  Maybe not so much.

We are one Church, one Body, and, if we practice the theological virtue of charity as we ought, we look outside of ourselves to other people.  Usually our focus is on the poor and needy, the sick, and those who are far from our Lord.  But, we can’t forget to recognize the good that people do, especially the good that results from those who have a deep faith and love for Jesus.  Without them, there would be no proclamation of the Gospel and no propagation of the faith.  

Our world today presents us with endless disorder and distractions that work to diminish the faith of even the strongest among us.  Couple this with the natural force of entropy, and the faithful are faced with a constant uphill battle.  Is there any wonder why Christianity, and especially Catholicism, in America is on the decline?  Perhaps one reason is that we do not affirm, accompany, and pray specifically for continued courage and strength for all of our holy brothers and sisters, especially our priests, who are committed to making disciples and bringing the love of Christ to all people.

“Heavenly Father, I give You thanks for all the holy priests, deacons, religious, lay leaders and evangelists, and spiritual directors who proclaim the Gospel in their words and deeds.  I don’t encourage them and pray for them nearly as much as I should.  Thank You for opening my heart and mind to Your Word today.  I resolve to sow the seeds of this Word by making a concrete resolution to pray daily for, and give thanks for all those who are leading the charge in the battle to win souls.  Amen.”

(Pray Like Saints Paul and Timothy was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

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