Lent Day Three--Prophesies of St. Malachy

Lenten Factoid

Buzzing around the internet and wriggling its fear-mongering text into the hearts of both Catholics and non-Catholics alike are the Prophesies of St. Malachy that say the next pope will be the last pope and after that....JUDGMENT DAY!

While it is certainly possible that the next pope could be the last pope, the Prophesies themselves are decidedly circumspect. The best scholars think they were written in the 15th century to influence a papal election because the are remarkably accurate up that era and then get much more vague. For instance, Benedict is called the "glory of the olive," and the Olivetans are affiliated with Benedictine Order.

For what theologians have to say about it, I suggest this link. 

Meditation

(This is from a book I'm working on on reflections throughout the church year.)

Friends of mine who are in 12-Step programs often talk about “working their program,” the key to their abstinence being to take life one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time.

In many ways, the same approach is necessary as we seek to balance spirituality and work—day by day, minute by minute, living only in the present moment.

How to do this consistently is, of course, the big question. And it’s a question that is particularly relevant as we begin the Lenten season and the journey to Easter. I seem to achieve being present in the present best when I view all of my work as prayer. I don’t mean praying while working (rosary beads and keyboards seem to be mutually incompatible, at least with my fingers), but rather by considering my work itself as my prayer. In other words, to view everything I do in the workday, as an integral part of my prayer life.

When I think of work that way—as prayer—then no matter what I do, even if it’s boring, dull or unpleasant seems to increase my attention to detail and thus automatically increase the quality and care with which I work. It becomes, not a vicious circle, but a blessed one. As I strive to make my work into my prayer, my prayer becomes my work.

Prayer

O Christ Jesus.
When all is darkness and we feel our weakness
and helplessness, give us the sense of your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust in 
Your protecting love and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for living close to you. We shall see your Hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all  things.
Amen By St. Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556