In the middle of it all

 

I have often found
that in the middle of it all,
the time before, during and after
of our greatest feasts and fasts,
there is often grief, tragedy, things that
concern us greatly.
*
Yesterday many of us found out of the
fire at the Convent of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary:

"Around 6:00 AM on Pentecost Sunday, a fire burned down the Convent of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary as well as the attached candle factory. By the grace of God, the fire caused no injuries to Mother Theodora or to any of the Hermitage of the Holy Cross community members, although the damage to the Convent is totally irreparable and nearly everything in it was destroyed. It is not yet clear what started the fire, but in the words of Mother Theodora, "God has allowed this so that we will repent for our sins." 

In the meantime, Mother Theodora is left with no cell, no means of livelihood and only the clothes on her back. She is in great need of everyone's prayers as well as whatever financial assistance you are able to give."   

{See here for more information and how to help}

*

A friend wrote me about a surgery she has;

others are ill; parts of the world are under 

fierce attack and devastation. 

*

In the midst of it all, 

truly we must seek repentance, prayer and God's mercy.

*

We must not give up hope as the Lord has given us Pentecost

and the Holy Spirit for our salvation.