From the Deacon’s Desk: Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts
November 24 – Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
This Sunday brings an end to our liturgical year. We will begin anew in preparation for the coming of salvation to the world through the birth of our Lord Jesus. Before we do though, we are reminded that our King is a different kind of king. Jesus has been a model, a teacher, a brother and a friend. But He is most importantly our King, our Lord and our Savior. St. Paul’s letter calls us to give thanks because God has made us inheritors of the kingdom of heaven through His mercy and sacrifice. Jesus is a king who dies for his servants rather than one who has his servants die for him. He does not display his power but rather his mercy. He does not ask to be served but rather offers himself in service. He has no expectation of repayment, although he pays the ultimate price. His interest is not in saving himself but rather saving each of us! We join with the good thief in praying “Jesus remember me, when you come into your kingdom.”
As Vincentians, we seek a unity with Jesus through our ministry to the poor and vulnerable, recognizing that it is in relationship forged through humility, faith and compassion that Jesus is most readily found. Like Jesus, we need to display mercy and not power. We need to offer ourselves in service. We need to have no expectation of thanks or repayment for that which we do. For our service is offered in thanksgiving for what Jesus has done for us. Do I seek to bring the mercy and compassion of Jesus to all I encounter? Am I willing to sacrifice for others? Do I seek God’s will in all decisions, and offer my service in humility and gratitude?
Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings! You gave yourself that I might have salvation. Give me the grace to offer mercy as you did. Instill in me the charity of heart and action that others might see your presence in all I do. Allow my service to be an offering of gratitude and praise for your great glory. “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” We pray all of this in your name. Amen
Deacon Mike