We hear this week about the Spirit given to us by Jesus to be with us, to guide us and to give us strength and courage. The apostles emerge from the shadows to become the voice of Jesus calling all to Him and to the new found hope of the world. Paul also tells us that each of us are given gifts to use for the building up of the body of Christ. We each have been baptized into the body of Christ, given gifts and the Spirit and are called to respond to that same Spirit.
As Vincentians, those gifts are manifested in the work we do for our neighbors in need. We turn to the Spirit in prayer and thanksgiving, asking for the courage to step forward in service, using the gifts God has given to each of us. With the confidence instilled in us, we move forward with a passion to lift our brothers and sisters up that they too might see the hope which inspires us. Do I act with the confidence and courage of the Spirit? Do I make the hope of Christ come alive before those whom God brings to me? Am I a willing recipient of God’s Spirit that His love might flow through me?
Lord Jesus, give me your Spirit that I too might become one with you and one with those whom we serve. Allow me to be infused with the confidence, the courage, and the wisdom to know your will and the passion and desire to follow that will in serving others. Help them to see your hope for them through the service I provide. Allow me to go out as the apostles did, boldly proclaiming your Word through mercy and compassion. We pray all of this in your name. Amen
Deacon Mike