At Pentecost we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from God – our guide, companion, and the very presence of God who is with us always.  God’s presence in our lives is manifested in a particular way through the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Love which he graces us with infusing them onto our souls.

“They are the foundation of Christian moral activity; they animate it and give it its special character. They inform and give life to all the moral virtues. They are the pledge of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in the faculties of the human being.”

Faith, hope, and love work together. Love and compassion bring hope and hope delivers faith. Hope and faith go hand in hand – one feeds the other.  As Vincentians, it is often said that the greatest gift we bring to those in need is not money or physical support, but rather is the hope that we awaken in them through the love we share. We are often times the vehicle God uses to awaken in them that which He has already given them – hope inspired by love that gives them faith.  We help them to become aware of the presence of God working in their lives.  Do we properly prepare ourselves every time we go out to be God’s minister and presence?  Do we pray faithfully and fruitfully before the visit, during the visit and after the visit? For it is only by God’s grace that we can truly be effective.

God our Father, thank you for the gift of your presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit who walks with us and the Eucharist – the very Body and Blood of your Son – which nourishes us for the journey each day.

Allow me to open myself up that you might use me fully and completely as I minister to other – helping them to see your Love and compassion through me, that they may recognize the Hope present in their lives and find Faith once again.  Let me always recognize your presence in my life that I might share that very presence out with others.  I pray all of this in your Son’s name.

Amen