Rainbows - the Promise
of a Merciful Father
by Ginny Ambrose
Maybe you were lucky enoughto catch the awesome sight ofthe double rainbow that presented itself after a rain shower last Monday night. The rare sight was awe-inspiring in its beauty and presence. It lasted only a moment, then faded from the sky as the evening clouds rolled in. Fr. Rich was quick enough to snap this photo of the rainbow before it faded. We are all familiar with the Biblical
story of Noah, and how God sent a rainbow as a sign of His covenant, a promise of hope, and salvation from sin. (Gen. 9:8-17) God, our eternal Father, our Source of hope, is a merciful
and forgiving Father. This weekend we will sing, “Loving and Forgiving” by Scot Soper. The lyrics remind us of God’s understanding of our human frailties, as well as his undying love and patience with us. So, the next time life sends you a rainbow, may you remember its symbolic message of salvation! The following is a prayer for fathers. (From Catholic On-Line)
Father,
I thank you for the gift of my family for whom I now pray
and upon whom I now ask you to shower your blessings.
With St. Joseph as my guide, may I always be ready
to spend my life for them.
Bless my wife whom you have given to me as my spouse,
sharing in your wondrous work of creation.
May I see her as my equal
and treat her with the love of Christ for his Church.
May Mary be her guide
and help her to find your peace and your grace.
Bless my children with your life and presence.
May the example of your Son
be the foundation upon which
their lives are built, that the Gospel may always
be their hope and support.
I ask you, Father, to protect and bless my family.
Watch over it so that in the strength of your love
its members may enjoy prosperity,
possess the gift of your peace and,
as the Church is alive in this home,
always bear witness to your glory in the world. Amen.
I thank you for the gift of my family for whom I now pray
and upon whom I now ask you to shower your blessings.
With St. Joseph as my guide, may I always be ready
to spend my life for them.
Bless my wife whom you have given to me as my spouse,
sharing in your wondrous work of creation.
May I see her as my equal
and treat her with the love of Christ for his Church.
May Mary be her guide
and help her to find your peace and your grace.
Bless my children with your life and presence.
May the example of your Son
be the foundation upon which
their lives are built, that the Gospel may always
be their hope and support.
I ask you, Father, to protect and bless my family.
Watch over it so that in the strength of your love
its members may enjoy prosperity,
possess the gift of your peace and,
as the Church is alive in this home,
always bear witness to your glory in the world. Amen.
