Coffee Moments with Sam

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.oismeblog.com/2012/12/silence-and-support-for-sandy-hook.html?spref=tw

I can't get myself to write about what I am originally planning to post this weekend.  I am still shocked after learning of the tragedy which happened in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. As a mom of a 4-year old, I can't imagine sending my child to school only to find out later on that he's not coming back home - ever!  Just the thought of it brings tears to my eyes. It is so heartbreaking to think of children around 5 to 10 years of age, their lives suddenly cut short.  Every mom - in fact, every parent for that matter - are probably sympathizing right now with those who lost a child from this incident.  During these times, the silence of our hearts speak louder than words.  For no amount of words are often enough to comfort a grieving parent. Losing a child is the most difficult thing any parent will have to go through.   Events such as these ma...

2nd Filipino Saint to be canonized on October 21, 2012 Prayer for Personal Intentions          Blessed Pedro Calungsod, student, catechist, young migrant, missionary, faithful friend, martyr, you inspire us by your fidelity in time of adversity; by your courage in teaching the Faith in the midst of hostility; and by your love in shedding your blood for the sake of the Gospel.  Make our prayers your own  (Pause to mention your intentions ) and intercede for us before the throne of Mercy and Grace so that, as we experience the help of Heaven, we may be encouraged to live and proclaim the Gospel here on earth. Amen.  Canonization Prayer          Lord God, through your Son, you taught us that there can be no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Your Servant, Pedro Calungsod, inspires us by his fidelity in time of adversity,...

Image Source: MomCenter Philippines  A parent's prayer is the best source of strength, love and happiness. It is a gift that is forever carried in a child's heart.

(in honor of the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels) Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. St. Michael Saint Michael is our protector; I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. St. Gabriel   Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News; I ask him to help me clearly hear Your voice and to teach me the truth. St. Raphael Saint Raphael is the healing angel; I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to Your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery. Help us, O Lord, to realize more fully the reality of the archangels and their desire to serve us. Holy angels, pray for us. Amen. (source: catholicdoors.com)

Lord Jesus Christ, You gave your life out of love for all people, and You encouraged your followers to do good to others. Over the years many Christians have found this difficult and I am no exception. I try, but it is so hard to have a loving attitude toward all, and then I feel hypocritical in claiming to follow You. Help me, dear Lord, to really believe that Christian love is the greatest power in the world. Let me see that this is not an emotion, but a central attitude of one's being, an attitude of service for others in Your Name. It is the result of your grace, and prompts us to will only good things for others as images of God. Grant that I may always strive to attain this attitude and so live up to the noble vocation to which I am called. Amen.   (source: Catholic Doors Ministry - Prayer for a Loving Attitude )  

Today's Coffee Moment will be in honor of the Feast Day of St. Augustine.  A major turning point in the life of St. Augustine is of course his conversion, a result of her mother, St. Monica's power of prayer:  Prayer to St. Monica Exemplary Mother of the great Augustine, you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray. Next to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Monica is one of the best examples of Christian motherhood. For years, she prayed for the conversion of her only son. Her persistence was answered with abundant grace: Her son, Augustine, became a saint and a doctor of the Church . (Source: Catholicism, About.com) photo credits: michiganchurchsupply.com