From the Deacon’s Desk: Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts
May 17 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
As we come to the end of the Easter season, fear and uncertainty are replaced by hope and confident love. The significance of Easter is that we have reason for hope. Hope that is born out of the love of God. Hope that is born out of the sacrifice of Jesus. Hope that is made possible through the grace of God and hope that is reachable by loving God and following his commandments. Our joy is found in the hope given us through the Easter event, a hope that radiates in ordinary day to day living that prompts us and others to conversion, to interest in faith in God, to the possibilities of a new start – a new beginning. This year more than ever, we are faced with new beginnings. As we emerge from the fear and uncertainty we have faced over the past many weeks, we are called to “sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts”, to embrace the Advocate whom He gives us to lead us forward, and to trust in His love and care for us to carry us to new joys, new ways and new hope. Our hope is in Jesus Christ!
As Vincentians, we need to lead the way out of this pandemic through our love and hope for the Lord. We need to “cry out to God with joy”. We need to look to the Spirit in prayer seeking wisdom in the decisions we make. We need to act with patience and kindness as we lead others to the light of a new day. Am I the humble but passionate servant of the Lord each and every day? Will I, like the apostles before me, emerge proclaiming goodness and love with conviction and mercy? Will I trust the Lord that He will lead myself and those whom He brings before me to a new day drenched in the joy and hope of His love?
Lord Jesus, we turn to you in praise and thanksgiving! Draw us from the darkness of fear, uncertainty, and confusion. Allow us to emerge in confidence embracing the new day you place before us. Instill in us the confidence and passion of the apostles at Pentecost. Grace us that we might be your shining lights illuminating your glory, your will and your love for all to see. Guide me in my ministry that I may come in humility and charity to those whom you bring before me. Allow your Spirit to guide our actions and words allowing them to touch ourselves and others with the transformations you seek. I pray all of this in your name. Amen
Deacon Mike