Loving God, Turn my eyes to the other, that I may see each as you see me— with an innate dignity that transcends appearances, circumstances, class, and all earthly status, which are temporary. Help me to see the other as Your beloved child, eternally. Turn my ears to the other, that I may hear their cries as you hear mine— with a compassion and tenderness that draws me closer in the midst of suffering. Help me to hear the other as...
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Oh God, we didn’t see them. But you did— The hundreds and thousands of human beings Trafficked each year to join the millions who are trapped in modern-day slavery. Under terrible conditions, they work in factories, plough fields, harvest crops, work quarries, fill brothels, clean homes, and haul water. Many are children with tiny fingers for weaving rugs and small shoulders for bearing rifles. Their labor is forced, their bodies...
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Heavenly Father, Help us live our faith by serving our brothers and sisters overseas who are tested and troubled by life’s cruelest circumstances. Grant us the will and means to feed, clothe, shelter, heal, and comfort those who suffer immensely. Through your many blessings may we deliver hope and love in abundance. Amen. (Edward O’Neill Hoyt, Catholic Relief...
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Lord, who came among us through a courageous woman’s Yes, give us the courage to answer Yes to our sisters’ pleas. To the unborn girl who cries for the same birthright as her brother, give us the courage to say Yes. To the school-age girl who longs for the opportunities only education can provide, give us the courage to say Yes. To the adolescent girl who asks to be released from the injustice of forced marriage, give us the...
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Heavenly Father, Thank you for teaching us the lesson of the Good Samaritan. Help us embrace our neighbor with care. Fill our hearts with compassion so we may feed, clothe, heal, and give shelter to those in need. May Christ’s parable of mercy inspire us in all our deeds for all our days....
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