“Get behind me Satan!  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”  These harsh words of Jesus to Peter are a stark reminder to us all that it is God’s will and not ours which must always prevail.  Peter thinks he has a better plan and so doesn’t listen closely enough to what Jesus is telling him.      “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”, Jesus says.  Suffering is a part of what we all must face and embrace.  It is often through suffering that we come to better understand our own salvation.

As Vincentians, we need to continually seek God’s will in all situations.  We need to trust in where he is leading us and those we minister to.  We need to recognize our dependence on his help.  Do we question God when we see suffering, or do we seek his guidance for how to embrace it?  Do I accept that suffering is a part of the human condition and can help us grow in holiness when we pick up our crosses?

Lord Jesus, help me to accept the crosses in my life.  Help me to help others to see their crosses as their path to holiness as well.  Grant me the ability to seek only your will and accept it, even when I do not understand.  Help me to place my trust only in you.  We pray all of this in your name.  Amen

Deacon Mike