News // Pray

A House Divided

2008-10-10T01:47:00-04:00

But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.” Lk 11:15-26

The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

To Please Everyone is to Please No One

2008-10-10T01:01:00-04:00

An old man, a boy and a donkey were going to town. The boy rode on the donkey and the old man walked. As they went along they passed some people who remarked it was a shame the old man was walking and the boy was riding. The man and the boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions. Later, they passed some people that remarked, “What a shame, he makes that little boy walk.” They then decided they both would walk!

Soon they passed some more people who thought they were stupid to walk when they had a decent donkey to ride. So, they both rode the donkey. Now they passed some people that shamed them by saying how awful to put such a load on a poor donkey. The boy and the man said they were probably right, so they decide to carry the donkey. As they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the animal and it fell into the river and drowned.

The moral of the story? If you try to please everyone, you please no one. You stand for nothing. Sometimes we find ourselves timid about our loyalty to the Lord. Maybe we don’t want to offend; maybe we don’t want to appear “old fashion.” Perhaps we fear appearing narrow – out of sync with an eclectic faith. Jesus makes it clear: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters”.

Throughout this day, there will be opportunities to be loyal to our Lord – to stand for him without embarrassment or apology. He expects this of us. Pray for His Spirit to fortify your courage and conviction. Kathleen M. Sullivan, PhD ( A collection of the daily reflections in book form I Had Lunch with God: Gospel Inspirations for Tough Times now available at Corbypublishing )

Prayer - October 10

2008-10-10T01:00:00-04:00

I wonder what you think of us, Father, when we start invoking your name and claiming you are on our side. Muslims do it, every Christian denomination does it, and yes, even we Catholics do it. We are so sure that we speak for you, and that our point of view is truly your point of view. I pray this day for the grace to cease using you as a reason for my exclusionary thoughts and deeds. May I draw on your power, given to me through Jesus and the Spirit, to bring all into one. Rev. Herbert Yost, CSC

Knock and the Door will be Opened

2008-10-09T01:33:00-04:00

And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion?

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Lk 11:5-13

Prayer - October 9

2008-10-09T01:00:00-04:00

Father, I knocked but you didn’t answer. I sought, but it felt like playing an unwinnable hide and seek with you. I asked for a few things I needed, but I’m still waiting. What gives?? I’ve heard all the pious platitudes. “It’s not his will.” “It’s not time yet.” “’No’ is an answer as well as ‘Yes’.” “He has a greater gift in mind.” I get discouraged, and sometimes cynical.

Deep down I know Jesus cannot lie, so somehow someway you must be answering my prayers. May the Spirit help me to look more closely at the Gospel and see how you really answer prayer. Rev. Herbert Yost, CSC

Prayer: Promise and Mystery

2008-10-09T01:00:00-04:00

I was regretting the past and fearing the future.

Suddenly my LORD was speaking.
“My name is I AM.”
He paused. I waited.

He continued, “When you live in the past,
with its mistakes and regrets,
it is hard.
I AM not there.
My name is not I was.

When you live in the future,
with its problems and fears,
it is hard.
I AM not there.
My name is not I will be.

When you live in this moment,
it is not hard.
I AM here.
My name is I AM.” (Helen Mallicoat, Taken from
Listen for the Lord)

If you’ve been asking, seeking, and knocking but your fear, suffering, and confusion lingers, hold to the promise and mystery of prayer. For prayer is both—promise and mystery. Think of Mary beholding the agony of her Son on the cross. His cry is a razor into her heart, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” Imagine someone whispering to Mary, “It’s fine, Mary. This is God’s will.” Or “Mary, you know everything always works out for the best.” Or “Mary, be grateful you had the Son of God for 33 years. No one else has ever had that privilege.” Mary’s tears would still flow and her heart would still ache.

Despite the apparent absurdity and horror of the moment, Mary would still trust the promise: ” For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Prayer doesn’t always remove suffering – but ultimately prayer gives us an unshakeable foundation. If we walk by faith and not by sight, we know – like Mary – that ultimately our highest good, the highest good of our beloved family and friends will be realized. Kathleen M. Sullivan, PhD ( A collection of the daily reflections in book form I Had Lunch with God: Gospel Inspirations for Tough Times now available at Corbypublishing )

Bookends to Prayer

2008-10-08T01:43:00-04:00

Two men were in a car when they had to stop at a red signal light. The man at the wheel did not say anything. The other man by his side, fretting and fuming, said, “The time we waste at these red lights – why, a man could write a book!” The driver still said nothing. Finally the man beside him said, “Didn’t you hear what I said?” The driver answered that he didn’t hear his friend.

The passenger shook his head and asked in an irritated voice, “How come?” The driver responded “I was talking.” Perplexed his friend asked, “Whom were you talking to?” The man replied, “I was talking to God. I’ve been making it a practice every time I get to a red light to pray for one of my friends. It is wonderful how many folks I have on my prayer list and how many I have time to pray for in this way.” (author unknown)

God uses prayer to change us. So when we pray “thy will be done,” we are transformed. But, if we stop there, we would be leaving out half the story. The Gospel talks not only about submitting to God’s will but also about asking God for what we need. Prayer is both about asking and surrendering.

Think of the concepts “ask and you shall receive” and “thy will be done” as bookends to prayer. Most people either focus on “ask” with little thought of surrendering to his will, or they resign themselves with “thy will be done” and seldom ask at all.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays by asking and surrendering. In a remarkable paradox, God doesn’t want either extreme – always asking or always submitting. What he wants is a dynamic mixture of the two. Today ask God for anything and pray for the grace to surrender your will. Kathleen M. Sullivan, PhD ( A collection of the daily reflections in book form I Had Lunch with God: Gospel Inspirations for Tough Times now available at Corbypublishing )

Prayer - October 8

2008-10-08T01:36:00-04:00

Father, I’m grateful that you have chosen to have an intimate relationship with me, one that is nurtured by the words of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. You seek me out and ask me to be your presence in my corner of the world. You also give me the key to your heart, the words to be spoken in my time of prayer. For this I thank you and praise you. Rev. Herbert Yost, CSC

Our Father

2008-10-08T01:00:00-04:00

He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.” Lk 11:1-4

The Illusion of the Copper Penny

2008-10-07T01:49:00-04:00

There was a small boy who when walking down the street one day found a bright copper penny. He was so excited that he found money and it didn’t cost him anything. This experience led him to spend the rest of his days walking with his head down, eyes wide open, looking for treasure.

During his lifetime he found 296 pennies, 48 nickels, 19 dimes, 16 quarters, 2 half dollars and one crinkled dollar bill. For a total of $13.96.

He got money for nothing. Except that he missed the breathless beauty of 31,369 sunsets, the colorful splendor of 157 rainbows, the fiery beauty of hundreds of maples nipped by autumn’s frost. He never saw white clouds drifting across blue skies, shifting into various wondrous formations. Birds flying, sun shining, and the smiles of a thousand passing people are not a part of his memory. (author unknown)

Ever feel like that little boy. Head bent down burdened with trivial things hoping to find that copper penny…for nothing? It is so easy to lose our way. So easy to sacrifice what really matters for those busy moments. When this happens, we find ourselves living for the next moment; we miss the everyday miracle because our eyes are cast down the road.

Jesus tries to explain this to Mary. So well intentioned – but Mary lets the chores pull her away from seizing her time with Christ. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

There are ample Christ moments waiting for you today. Is it the array of colors beginning to brush across the earth? Is it a child who delights in your presence? Maybe it’s a hug from a spouse? Perhaps a meaningful project that celebrates your gifts. Could it be watching your kids practice a sport? Or maybe it’s the wag of your dog’s tail. Your entire life has lead you to these Christ moments. We need to give Jesus a chance to speak to us. Slow down. He’s waiting for you. Kathleen M. Sullivan, PhD ( A collection of the daily reflections in book form I Had Lunch with God: Gospel Inspirations for Tough Times now available at Corbypublishing )

Martha and Mary

2008-10-07T01:00:00-04:00

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Lk 10:38-42

Prayer - October 7

2008-10-07T01:00:00-04:00

Abba, I have a warrior side to my personality, but I also have a worrier side. Father, I know I worry about this and that and the other thing, and the more I worry, the more easy it is for me to get upset over small stuff that otherwise wouldn’t bother me in the least. Please, through Jesus, may I ask of you the grace to put the worrier self in the unemployment line? Rev. Herbert Yost, CSC

Prayer - October 6

2008-10-06T01:08:00-04:00

Abba, Father, I need some healing, for I have blind spots, biases, and expectations. I know I have set ideas of the roads your graces should take to my life. I know I am certain that you work only through certain types of people. When I need help, I prefer to be in charge so I can specify the kind of help I need. In other words, I’m not too open to alternative ways you may choose to give me life, or have me give life to others. Today, with the help of the Spirit, may I be open to one unexpected surprise you wish to send me. Rev. Herb Yost, CSC

The Good Samaritan

2008-10-06T01:00:00-04:00

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’

Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Lk 10:25-37

Get in the Wheelbarrow

2008-10-06T01:00:00-04:00

Upon completing a highly dangerous tightrope walk over Niagara Falls in appalling wind and rain, ‘The Great Zumbrati’ was met by an enthusiastic supporter. This man urged him to make a return trip—this time pushing a wheelbarrow, which the spectator had thoughtfully brought along.

The Great Zumbrati was reluctant, given the terrible conditions. But the supporter pressed him, “You can do it – I know you can,” he urged. “You really believe I can do it?” asked Zumbrati. “Yes – definitely – you can do it.” the supporter gushed. “Okay,” said Zumbrati, “Get in the wheelbarrow.” (author unknown)

Getting in the wheelbarrow is precisely what Jesus did for us. He is the ultimate Good Samaritan who urges us to learn from the hero of the Gospel reading. The Samaritan’s love of his neighbor proved costly. He used his own supplies to cleanse and soothe the man’s wounds, his own clothing to bandage him, his own animal to carry him while the Samaritan himself walked; his own money to pay for his care, and his own reputation and credit to vouch for any further expenses the man’s care would require.

It’s doubtful that anyone would applaud the Samaritan’s sacrifice. His relatives would likely chastise his deeds. Why help someone who scorns you? But the Samaritan measured himself by his own internal standard. And for this, true greatness was his.

Look for your neighbor today. Challenge yourself to extend the good will so graciously extended to us by our Good Samaritan. Don’t expect “thanks” and don’t look for credit. But do expect a triumphant joy within! Kathleen M. Sullivan, PhD ( A collection of the daily reflections in book form I Had Lunch with God: Gospel Inspirations for Tough Times now available at Corbypublishing )

Choose: Heaven or Hell

2008-10-03T01:30:00-04:00

A Zen story tells of a huge, rough samurai who went to see a little monk to acquire the secrets of the universe. “Monk teach me about heaven and hell.” The little monk looked up at the mighty warrior in silence. Then, after a moment, he said to the samurai with utter disdain, “Teach YOU about heaven and hell? I couldn’t teach you about anything. You’re dirty. You smell. Your blade is rusty. You’re a disgrace, an embarrassment to the samurai class. Get out of my sight at once. I can’t stand you!”

The samurai was furious. Speechless with rage, he pulled out his sword and raised it above the monk’s head, preparing to slay him. “That’s hell.” said the little monk quietly. The samurai was overwhelmed. He was stunned by the compassion and surrender of this little man who had offered his life to give this teaching about hell! He slowly lowered his sword and filled with gratitude, the samurai experienced a peace he could not explain. “And that’s heaven,” said the monk softly. (author unknown)

When we allow other’s treatment of us to control our spirits, we have entered into a downward spiral. No one can make us feel a certain way unless we give that person permission. Jesus warns us about the ultimate downward plummet—an eternity bereft of joy, peace, and ever present love. Precisely out of love, the Lord must confront us with the brutal truth of hell while ceaselessly tossing the life preserver to us. No matter how many times we drop the preserver, he will throw it our way. Today just keep your hands open; the preserver will be there. Kathleen M. Sullivan, PhD ( A collection of the daily reflections in book form I Had Lunch with God: Gospel Inspirations for Tough Times now available at Corbypublishing )

Woe To You

2008-10-03T01:13:00-04:00

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you.

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” Lk 10:13-16

Prayer - October 3

2008-10-03T01:00:00-04:00

Father, I’m not sure what else you can do to get your message across. You tried with the Law, the prophets, and now with Jesus. He himself is totally frustrated, for no matter what he does or says, people will not take a chance and truly follow his way to you.

I’m like that too. I’ve heard the Gospel so many times. I’m aware of all my blessings, mostly undeserved. I’m aware of how you protect me and care for me. I’m know how you have helped me to use the gifts and talents you gave me. But still I dither. Jesus, please give me the grace of actually wanting to follow you. Rev. Herbert Yost, CSC

Prayer - October 2

2008-10-02T01:52:00-04:00

Dear Lord,
I pray for success in my day. But keep me mindful that true success is a sincere desire to serve. To be great is to serve in those quiet opportunities that touch my heart to another’s. Bless my eyes that I see the need; bless my heart that I feel the pain and bless my mind that your wisdom guide my actions. Rev. Herbert Yost, CSC

True Success in Two Words

2008-10-02T01:35:00-04:00

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. “Daddy, what happened to him?” the son asked. “He died and went to Heaven,” the Dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, “Did God throw him back down?”

Children have a way of speaking their heart, don’t they! It’s not surprising that children are drawn to Jesus. In a dramatic gesture our Lord invites a child to be at his side. Children in the ancient world had no rights, position, or privileges of their own. They were socially at the “bottom of the rung” and at the service of their parents, much like the household staff and domestic servants.

What is the significance of Jesus’ gesture? Jesus elevates a little child in a privileged position of honor at his right side. Who is the greatest in God’s kingdom? The one who is humble and lowly of heart — who empties oneself of pride and self-seeking glory, inspired by the calling of service.

It’s so simple. You want to be great? You want to lead an extraordinary life? Here’s the blueprint in two words: serve others. Dr. Martin Luther King captured this message in his “I Have a Dream” speech. “Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

When you evaluate the “success” of your day, ask yourself one question: “How well did I serve?” Kathleen M. Sullivan, PhD ( A collection of the daily reflections in book form I Had Lunch with God: Gospel Inspirations for Tough Times now available at Corbypublishing )