Reflect
When St. Francis was dying he apologized to Brother Body for the harsh treatment he so often issued. I often feel critical of my own body, seldom because of penances, but because of my excesses or unreasonable expectations.
Pray
Lord God, you have allowed me to become a tabernacle.
When I receive you in our recurring Last Supper,
I become the Gospel Ark of the Covenant.
My daily self is blessed as the work of your hands.
Yet I fail to respect the glory of my muscles, bones and ligaments.
I want to dance, but I stumble.
I don’t thank you enough for the miracle of all my senses. I apologize.
Straighten my back today. Walk with me.
May this inner beauty be manifest.
Act
I will work through my body to honor you today, Lord. I will use my physical strengths as you inspire me.
