What we know to be comfortable and familiar can be taken away. We cannot ignore what has happened to us personally or socially, as doing so will only do us grave harm. We have to be honest and realize that we focus too much energy on the unimportant superficial stuff and neglect paying attention to the things that really make a difference and have the greatest impact. Things all too easily become more significant than people, individuals can all too easily become objects to use and manipulate, and our agendas become more essential than God’s. Only the wisdom that comes from God can bring light to all of our darkness. 

PRAYER

Gracious and Holy Father,
grant us the intellect to understand You,
reason to discern You, diligence to seek You,
wisdom to find You, 

a spirit to know You and a heart to meditate on You.

May our ears hear You, may our eyes behold You
and may our tongues proclaim You.

Give us grace that our way of life may be pleasing to You, that we may have the patience to wait for You
and the perseverance to look for You.

Grant us a perfect end, Your holy presence,
a blessed resurrection and life everlasting.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

— St. Benedict