http://prayer-partners.tripod.com/

El Shaddai Windsor Outreach, St. Alphonsus Church 85 Park Street East, Windsor, ON (2026)

06/03/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - June 3, 2026

I know him in whom I have believed. (2 Timothy 1:12)

What a wonderful, bold statement from St. Paul! He knows Jesus, the One in whom he has believed, and he has built everything else in his life on that foundation.

As a faithful Jew, Paul would have loved the Scriptures. He would have had a prayer life. He would have known about God’s promises for his people. But what was it that transformed his life so completely? What enabled him to proclaim the gospel so confidently and endure hardship so patiently? Paul went from knowing about God’s loving plan to actually knowing Jesus, the One who brought that plan to fulfillment.

All the blessings of God’s plan, his grace-filled intentions for the human race, and the fulfillment of his promises were made manifest in the Person of Jesus Christ. He “destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). And even though Paul likely had never met Jesus when he walked this earth, Paul still knew him. He had encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and experienced Jesus’ power to bring him salvation, to forgive his sins, and to call him to a completely new life.

That made all the difference! Because as Pope Benedict XVI explained, our faith is “not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with . . . a person” (Deus Caritas Est, 1). It is Jesus who changes our hearts and sets us on a new path.

We can know Jesus like that, too. We can encounter him and form a relationship with him that grows throughout our lives and becomes the foundation on which we build everything else. Knowing Jesus can inspire us to proclaim the good news without shame, just as Paul did. It can enable us to bear hardship for his sake. And it can cement our trust that God is loving and taking care of us and will accomplish his plans in and through us.

So spend time with Jesus today, whether at Mass, Adoration, or your prayer time. Let him bring you to a deeper knowledge of himself so that you can proclaim with Paul, I know him in whom I have believed!

“Jesus, help me to come to know you better. I believe in you and want to build my life on you!”

06/02/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - June 2, 2026

Be on your guard. (2 Peter 3:17)

Like sailors at sea, the Christians who received the message in today’s first reading were navigating stormy, uncertain waters. For some, their faith was being shaken because Christ had not yet returned in glory. Others were simply drifting away from the Lord, and still others were beginning to follow teachers who offered what seemed to be an easier path than that of Jesus and the apostles. So it’s not surprising that Peter would warn all of them, “Be on your guard not to be led into . . . error” (2 Peter 3:17).

We’re in good company with these early Christians! In a world where many feel adrift or storm-tossed, we might wonder how we can maintain our own “stability” in faith (2 Peter 3:17). Peter gives us three words of advice.

First, “Be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace” (2 Peter 3:14). Sin, which blemishes our hearts, only serves to weaken us spiritually. The more we indulge in it, the more susceptible we become to the philosophies of the world. By holding fast to the call to holiness and by turning back to the Lord in repentance when we do fall, we build up our strength so we can weather the storms of life.

Second, Peter tells us, “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). The Christian life isn’t only about avoiding sin. It’s also about deepening our relationship with Jesus so that we become more like him. It’s about spending time with him in prayer and immersing ourselves in his word so that he can continually shape our thoughts, our words, and our actions.

Finally, the call to discipleship is a call both to “wait” patiently for the Lord and to “hasten” his “day” by actively sharing the gospel, praying for the coming of the kingdom, and caring for the people he has placed in our lives (2 Peter 3:12). It’s a call to stand firm in faith no matter the storms that come to us.

So “be on your guard” (2 Peter 3:17). Let your hope in Christ become the anchor that steadies you and helps preserve your peace. Place your trust in him, and he will help you find safe passage.

“Lord, help me to be always on my guard as I both wait for and hasten the day of your coming!”

06/01/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - June 1, 2026

Make every effort to supplement your faith. (2 Peter 1:5)

St. Peter seems to be saying two different things in our first reading. He begins by reassuring us that God’s “divine power has bestowed on us everything” we need to become holy (2 Peter 1:3). But then he exhorts us, “Make every effort to supplement your faith” with virtue, knowledge, and the fruit of the Spirit (1:5). So do we just have to rely on God’s “divine power,” or do we have to work at it by “supplementing” our faith?

Both. We need to have faith that all the power we need to follow Christ is there for the asking. But we also have work to do!

The key is to keep these two seemingly opposing approaches together. If we ask the Lord for the grace to stop a particular sin, for example, but don’t also make the effort to resist the temptations that come our way, we probably will succumb to them. On the other hand, if we just grit our teeth and try to strong-arm our way through temptation without asking the Lord to help us, we will quickly realize that our willpower will get us only so far.

Is there some area in which you’ve been asking for God’s help but haven’t seen much change? If so, maybe there’s something he’s calling you to do to work with him. It might mean removing yourself from a tempting situation or spending more time serving others so that you grow in generosity and love.

Or perhaps you are trying so hard on your own that you forget that it’s God’s “divine power” that you need each day (2 Peter 1:3). If so, try to remember to ask for his help when you face a temptation or trial.

God is so good! He is eager to give us everything we need to live a holy life. But he doesn’t want us to be passive and miss out on all he has for us. It’s the start of a new month—let’s choose to cooperate with the grace and power that God so willingly pours out on us!

“Lord, your grace is always sufficient. Help me to do my part!”

05/31/2026

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY - May 31, 2026

The Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity. (Exodus 34:6)

If you had to describe God in just a few words, what would you say? In today’s first reading, God gives us his own answer: “merciful and gracious” and “slow to anger and rich in kindness” (Exodus 34:6). So on this feast of the Holy Trinity, let’s celebrate the fact that God has revealed himself in such a moving way.

“Father, I praise you because you are always in control. Your plans can’t be deterred by the schemes of any enemy. I am your child, loved and cherished, called and set apart for you, and I know I can rest in you. I trust you, I worship you, and I thank you for drawing me and my loved ones close to you.

“Jesus, you revealed the humility of God when you came to us as a child under the authority of a mother and a father. Because of your lowliness, I’m not afraid to acknowledge my weakness and littleness. You showed us how important it is to obey your heavenly Father when you stayed behind in Jerusalem as an independent pr***en. You showed it again when you humbly submitted to John’s baptism, resisted the temptations of the devil, and emptied yourself on the cross. Because of you, I can say yes to my Father. I can resist temptation. I can even bring your love and healing to those around me.

“Holy Spirit, you are the glory of God who has been poured out to give us a glimpse of heaven. You are the One who transforms and comforts me. I am so grateful that you are with me and in me as I walk this journey on earth. Thank you for filling me, dwelling in me, teaching me, and guiding me every day of my life. Come and fill me afresh today!”

“I praise you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!”

05/29/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - May 29, 2026

He went over to see if he could find anything on it. (Mark 11:13)

What’s with the fig tree? At this point in his Gospel, Mark is building up to the climax of his story: Jesus’ passion and death. But he interrupts that story with a fig tree—not once, but twice! Why would he do that?

Take a look at where these two fig tree stories are: Mark uses them to bracket his account of Jesus cleansing the Temple (11:12-14, 20-25). He says that Jesus was heading for the Temple when he went up to the fig tree to look for fruit. Finding it barren, he cursed it and then entered the Temple, where he drove out the money changers who were corrupting it. Then the next morning, he passed by the fig tree again, and his disciples saw that it had withered. Many commentators believe that for Mark, this fig tree represents the Temple: Jesus found no spiritual fruit in the worship taking place in the Temple, and so he cursed it as well.

These examples of Jesus’ anger can be frightening. But remember the message behind the image: left to our own devices, we cannot bear fruit for the Lord. It is as we read in the Book of Isaiah, “We have all withered like leaves, and our crimes carry us away like the wind” (64:5). But just as Jesus entered the Temple, God has entered our story to set things right. He didn’t abandon us; instead, he gave his life for us. So yes, Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree, but he replaced it with another tree, the cross. And that tree, planted in our hearts, has the power to bear “fruit that will remain” (John 15:16).

You are not a withered fruitless tree. Jesus came, and comes even today, not to curse us, but to save us and make us fruitful. By your Baptism you have his own divine life in you, and that life is capable of producing abundant, lasting fruit. No doubt you have already seen some of this fruit—perhaps in healed wounds, reconciled friendships, or growth in virtue. But Jesus is not done with you! He is always working to help you bear even more fruit.

“Lord Jesus, come into my life more deeply today so that I can bear fruit for you.”

05/28/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - May 27, 2026

Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant. (Mark 10:43)

It seems that James and John could use a lesson in manners! They come off as insensitive and entitled when they ask to be seated next to Jesus when he comes into his “glory” (Mark 10:33). What’s more, they even make their request on the heels of Jesus predicting his suffering and death!

But before we judge these brothers too harshly, let’s think about ourselves. Chances are, we’ve all started many a prayer time with a wish list that reflects their words: “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” (Mark 10:35).

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with asking for what we want (Mark 11:24). But throughout the Gospels, Jesus makes it clear that being his follower also means being ready to serve other people. It means putting aside our selfish desires and our tendency to put our interests before the interests of others and asking the Lord how he wants us to give of ourselves. And that’s what James and John ended up doing after Jesus’ resurrection: they dedicated their whole lives to proclaiming the gospel and building up the Church.

At first glance, being a “servant” doesn’t usually seem appealing. It’s only when we remember how much Jesus loves us that our hearts begin to soften. It’s as we recall that we were created to give him glory by reflecting his own generosity and kindness. The simple truth is that the more we give of ourselves, the more Christlike we become. We grow in holiness. We become more peaceful, more contented, and even more joyful!

Probably the best way to look at our call to serve is to look at Jesus. He is the perfect model of what a life of service looks like. We can ask him, “How can I serve you today, Lord?” If the opportunities before you seem mundane—like making a meal for your family or taking an elderly parent to a doctor’s appointment—remember Jesus’ great promise: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Every opportunity to care for someone else is another opportunity to meet Jesus!

“Lord, help me desire to serve you and your people above all else!”

05/26/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - May 26, 2026
. . a hundred times more. (Mark 10:30)

Reacting to Jesus’ words about how hard it can be for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, Peter told Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you” (Mark 10:28). You can hear him asking himself, “What’s the use? We’re just poor fishermen; will we receive anything in return for following Jesus?”

Jesus’ response is as clear as it is amazing: they will receive “a hundred times more” in this life (Mark 10:30). God will bless them all overabundantly for everything they have given up.

Now, if Peter could have looked into the future, he would have seen that “hundredfold” blessing and so much more. Just look at what happened because Peter, James, and the rest left everything behind to follow Jesus and proclaim his death and resurrection. Because of them, you are reading this meditation right now! Because of them, you received the gift of Baptism. Because of them, you can join millions upon millions of believers in worshipping the Lord, hearing his voice, and knowing his personal love for you!

You don’t have to be a heroic apostle. You don’t have to be a daring missionary or a perfectly holy saint. You don’t have to be a martyr. You don’t have to do anything exactly the way that the apostles did in order to follow Jesus’ call. But you do have to do something. Jesus will ask you to sacrifice some things along the road of discipleship. Maybe it will be money or resources, which he will ask you to give to the needy. Maybe it will be time as you listen to a friend who is dealing with a traumatic experience. Or perhaps it will be your comfort as you step out and share your faith with someone.

If you make these offerings, big or small, Jesus will take them and use them to build his Church. You can’t multiply them by yourself, but he can. As you unite your acts of generosity and selflessness with the Lord, they will reach much further than they ever could without him. They will change hearts, heal wounds, and restore dignity. You may not always see the results, but you can trust that Jesus is ready to do great things through you!

“Lord, I offer all my actions, words, and thoughts to you today. Help me to do your will!”

05/25/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - May 25, 2026

Behold, your mother. (John 19:27)

It’s no accident that we celebrate Mary, Mother of the Church, the very day after Pentecost. And it’s no accident that these two special days mark our shift from the Easter season to Ordinary Time. For the seven weeks of Easter, we followed the apostles as they left the upper room and proclaimed the gospel in Jerusalem and throughout the ancient world. Now, as we return to everyday life, we ourselves take up Jesus’ call to “make disciples” as well (Matthew 28:19).

But the Lord isn’t sending us out alone. Yesterday he gave us his Holy Spirit, and today he gives us his mother, Mary (John 19:27). As Pope Francis wrote, Jesus gave Mary to us “because he did not want us to journey without a mother” (Evangelii Gaudium, 285).

And what a traveling companion Mary is! Her humble openness to the Holy Spirit teaches us to say yes to the Lord—and to each other—as we seek to share the gospel and live together as a Church in a divided world. Her welcome of both lowly shepherds and wealthy Magi at Jesus’ birth urges us to welcome everyone who comes through our doors, no matter their background. Her experience of fleeing to Egypt moves us to show special concern for the poor and outcast. And her faithful vigil at the foot of her son’s cross reveals a radical solidarity with those who come to us as victims of injustice and cruelty. In even the most challenging of circumstances, she offers us her wisdom, faith, and motherly love.

Jesus understands how much we need a mother’s love to help us share the gospel. Only a mother who embraces all of her children equally can teach us to love all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. And only a mother of infinite patience will stay close to us as we experience the ups and downs of building a Church that is open to all.

So today, as you honor Mary, the Mother of the Church, take her as your own mother. Ask her to walk with you. And behold your mother!

“Holy Mary, give me your heart of love!”

05/24/2026

PENTECOST SUNDAY - May 24, 2026

Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22)

Happy feast of Pentecost!

The coming of the Holy Spirit that we celebrate today was a promise Jesus made to his apostles and to all who would come after them—including us. He knew that his disciples would need divine guidance, wisdom, and strength to live the life he was calling them to. He knows that we, too, need the same gifts. So he calls us to “receive the Holy Spirit” as well (John 20:22).

In the creed, we proclaim that the Holy Spirit is the “giver of life.” He comes to give us new life in Christ and to set us free from death and sin. He is the wind of God who empowers us to act and live in a way that glorifies the Lord. So if there is a pattern of sin that you can’t let go of, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” He is there to guide you out of the darkness and bring life wherever sin has caused spiritual death. Open your heart and let him in.

At Mass today, we will also recite the Veni, Sancte Spiritus: “Come, Holy Spirit!” So let’s ask the Spirit to come and “heal our wounds, our strength renew” and to “wash the stains of guilt away.” Let’s ask him to help us leave behind all guilt and shame.

If you feel that you may have walked away from the Lord, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Ask him to “bend the stubborn heart and will / Melt the frozen, warm the chill / Guide the steps that go astray.” Ask him to show you the way back to God.

If you feel burdened by sorrow, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Cry out to him: “Shed a ray of light divine! / You, of comforters the best; / . . . Sweet refreshment here below; / in our labor, most sweet rest.” Ask him to fill you with joy.

Jesus has breathed his Holy Spirit on you, and he is inviting you to open your heart and receive him.

“Come, Holy Spirit, and fill my heart anew!”

05/23/2026

TODAY'S WORD OF GOD - May 23, 2026

You follow me. (John 21:22)

These words, which the Risen Jesus spoke to Peter, echoed the first time he had called Peter along the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22). It’s a call he likely issued—to all his apostles—over and over, in many different ways, during their time together.

Follow me. The call is simple but not easy. It’s a multifaceted call, which Jesus issues to each one of us.

Follow me. There is comfort in Jesus’ words. He has given us one thing to do: follow him. You don’t have to follow a complicated self-improvement plan or perform flashy deeds. He has called you, just as he called Peter, and now you belong to him. You simply follow Jesus as sheep follow their shepherd.

Follow me. There is challenge in Jesus’ words. In today’s Gospel, Jesus was responding to Peter’s curiosity about what John’s future might hold. But that kind of comparison can get in the way of living the life God has for you. Maybe you wish your life was easier. Maybe you want to get ahead, and the best way to do it seems to be following the world’s advice about success or happiness. But you’re not called to follow someone else’s path. Let Jesus show you where you might be following the wrong leader.

Follow me. There is promise in Jesus’ words. You are following him, which means you are letting him lead you. You can trust that he will lead you along the way that is best for you. You don’t have to figure everything out beforehand, either. Just follow him.

So where are you today? If you’re nursing your ailing grandmother, follow Jesus by treating her with gentle compassion even when it’s hard. If you’re struggling to be content with the life God has given you, follow Jesus by focusing on being faithful to your calling and trusting that he will bless your every effort. If you’re trying to figure out the next steps for your life, follow Jesus by being consistent in prayer and waiting for him to reveal it.

Jesus will always lead you if you take the time to listen for his voice.

“Lord Jesus, I will take your hand and follow you.”

El Shaddai Windsor Outreach

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

05/31/2026

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category