THE COMPANIONS

SUNDAY

I give thanks that the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross offers places of deep conversation about important things, places of hospitality and support, places of rejoicing and solidarity. For the many gifts we share, thanks be to God.

Jacqueline Schmitt, SCHC

MONDAY

Dear Heavenly Father, Jehovah Jireh: please deepen my gratitude for what I have, help me understand that I don’t need most of what I want, and bless me with the joy and grace that can be found in simplicity and generosity.

Wynett Isley, SCHC

TUESDAY

O God, who has made us restless until our hearts rest in you, we praise you for your people of many faiths and for those of no faith whose lives shine forth with goodness. Protect us from the fear and arrogance that would claim to have the one true faith. Give us a holy curiosity to learn from those whose ways and perceptions differ from ours. May our faithfulness to the light we have been given shine forth in loving deeds which bring healing to our broken world.

Barbara A. Whitehair, SCHC

The Manual, 2006, p. 67

WEDNESDAY

God of Justice and Love, give us an urgency to pray and work for a world that reflects the love you have for every person. Each day may we take an action that will make a difference in the life of one of your beloved children. Show us how we can work together to change the unjust systems and “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.”

Alinda Stanley, SCHC

THURSDAY

O Lord, our God, what are we to do? Where are we to see you at work in the midst of so much greed, hatred, conflict and violence worldwide? Perhaps in small deeds of love and kindness between enemies? Open our eyes and hearts to acknowledge your presence in opportunities you give us, to love our enemies and pray for those whose lives are overwhelmed with pain and anger. Hear us, Lord, for your mercy is great.

Laura Drum, SCHC

FRIDAY

Holy Wisdom, help me to realize that as I fill my walls and shelves with beautiful objects in reaction to grief, to illness, I also create impediments to a plain path for the Christ child to enter my home and heart. For your mercy’s sake, redirect my senses away from earthly treasures to God’s eternal hand and hope.

Sharon Klander, SCHC 2000-2024

SATURDAY

In Advent we light candles as a stay against the night. And with these lights we are reminded that each day is a day to be fully lived, to be received as gift, as Mary received the Holy Spirit. Each day is a day to be fully present to every moment. Each moment, pregnant with possibility and life. Each day is a day to bring God into the world.

Anne Ritchings, SCHC