FRIDAY, July 24 (Thomas à Kempis)

As I write this, turmoil has entered the state agency for which I have worked for almost twenty years. New leaders are slashing benefits, enforcing restrictive policies, and ignoring the concerns of employees, many of whom have devoted a lifetime to their work.

Among the most grievous changes was the designation of all of us as "at-will" employees, meaning the leaders may dismiss anyone at any time for any reason. An unspoken loyalty in the past had stemmed from the understanding that one could devote herself to doing a good job and retire after decades of dedicated service. No more.

Yet from this sad time have emerged the faithful who have found counsel and encouragement from each other. God is talked about more in the offices. God is more often seen in our midst.

From the threat of "at-will" has come the promise of freewill--the choice many of us have made to put our trust in the Lord. Even if jobs are sacrificed, we know it is the Lord who sustains our life.

PRAY for the Diocese of Muhabura (Uganda)

Ps 40 * 51; 1 Samuel 31:1-13;  Acts 15:12-21; Mark 5:21-43

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