# Day Four of the Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
*2016-07-10*

> Bill Young reflects on a recent visit to his doctor, shares a brief impression he felt from Scripture, and leads the fourth day of the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, emphasizing love of neighbor.

## A Feast Day and a Personal Encounter

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young. Today is Monday, July 11, the feast of St. Benedict. We ask St. Benedict to pray for us, especially for those who are hungry and for souls who have not yet found the Lord.

A couple of weeks ago I went to see my hepatologist, Dr. Bell, in Pemberton. He is an excellent physician and a deeply spiritual man. While waiting in the reception area, I noticed a Bible placed among the usual magazines. I picked it up and began flipping through the Old and New Testaments. As I read, I felt that God was trying to speak to me through the pages.

## A Vague Impression from Scripture

During that moment I received an impression that the Lord does not simply ask us to pray for the world in a generic sense; rather, He calls each of us to go to Him first. I’m not sure which passage this came from, and I cannot quote it verbatim, but the sense was that our prayer should be directed toward drawing every person to Christ.

I share this with you as a personal impression—not a definitive Scripture quote—so you can discern its value for yourself.

## Love Your Neighbor

This ties in with the Sunday homily on “Love Thy Neighbor,” which recalled the Good Samaritan who cared for a wounded man, paid for his lodging, and promised to cover any further expenses. The Gospel reminds us that we are called to care for our neighbors, whatever their condition may be.

## Novena Prayer – Day Four to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Let us now pray the fourth day of the novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When you gave us, gracious Lady, the scapular as our habit, you called us not only to be servants but also to be your children. We ask that, through your Son, we may receive the grace to live as your children, enjoying joy, peace, and love.

We now state our personal requests, asking that all may turn to the Lord and follow Jesus, with the intercession of Mary and the saints, especially St. Benedict, on this feast day.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. God bless you all.

*May we all turn first to Christ, loving our neighbors as ourselves.*