MASS READINGS: 

A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy 2:1-8

Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.

This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God. 

There is also one mediator between God and men,the man Christ Jesus,who gave himself as ransom for all.

This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and apostle — I am speaking the truth, I am not lying —, teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

REFLECTION:  "I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone"

A few years ago I was at the church bazaar and found myself needing a place to eat my lunch.  Finding no one I knew led me to sit with someone whom I did not know well.  It was hot, humid and I was very tired and hungry.  After making eye contact with her I plunked myself down with the lady who was sitting alone.  

There are no wasted seconds with the Lord. I connected with JF as we were two lonely people in the whole bazaar who had no one to eat with. We had many things in common--we were both hungry, we were both alone, and we both were enjoying the hamburgers, tacos and the egg rolls.!! (I did say I was hungry, yes!)

She communicated that she was a widow who had raised her three boys by herself. She worked two jobs trying to make ends meet.  She had been a parishioner for several years but kept to herself. As we complimented God on such a beautiful day, she began talking about her son who had died several years ago. He was 28 and died in a car accident. Her son had a rough life since his dad died, with health and drug problems.  He had accepted Jesus and for this she was very happy. 

She was quite open about her life and I found myself  taken by her story and life struggles.  The more I listened and nodded, the more she opened up. Interestingly, the closer I felt to God. There was a communion of two souls who had children. Our conversation flowed like water rain flowing down. One could feel the bond that we were creating. We were two souls clinging to God.

In PAPA we follow the 5 C's.--contact, connect, communicate, communion and create.  We do it every day when we are with people but being aware that we can perfect it when in the PAPA way we include Jesus, His message and our mission. It is two souls sharing the love of God.

We are all in need of prayer and we are asked "that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone".  Jesus prays daily for every one of us even after His Redemptive Act  on the Cross.  He is our intercessor to His Father.  He is asking us to do our part--while He gives the graces needed, we pray everyone makes the right decision of choosing Him over the world. 

Lord, teach me to pray for everyone that they may live tranquil and peaceful lives and accept your saving graces. 

God Bless