From the Deacon’s Desk:  Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts

May 24 – Ascension Sunday

As we sit here today, we find ourselves in a new and different place.  Never before in our lifetimes have any of us experienced the conditions we are enduring right now.  We have been introduced to what well may be a new reality or new norm, one in which we each need to behave differently – taking care of one another even more than we did before.  Things have been tense as we have gone through the past several weeks, but many blessings have taken place as well.  Relationships have been forged in new and stronger ways.  We have come to appreciate and care for one another even more.  Perhaps prayer has become more meaningful and urgent.  We are entering a time of new beginnings, a time when we are called to re-engage with each other.  We enter with lingering fears, but new found confidence and a joyful hope as well.  This is exactly where the disciples found themselves at the time of the Ascension.  Jesus tells us “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always until the end of the age.”  We are called to move forward with confidence and hope, loving one another and trusting always that Jesus has our backs!  We walk with the Holy Spirit at our side, Jesus in our heart and God as our protector.

As Vincentians, we have a calling to lead the way for others who have been shaken by their challenges in life.  Many have had their financial home rocked, and often their physical well-being and health shaken.  Many find themselves in situations they never imagined.  They are in some cases rudderless.  They look to us for a listening ear, compassionate heart and virtual embrace.  Now more than ever, humility, patience and trust in God are essential for us to have.  We need to be their beacon of light on the hillside showing them the way to hope and renewal.  We need to be the reminders of God’s eternal plan and eternal love, for He is with us always!  Do I turn in trust to God, humbly asking for His guidance through prayer to solutions for others?  Do I first listen, hearing and embracing the fears and sufferings of those I minister to, and then guide them to God’s will for them through prayer?  Do I help them to see God’s presence in their lives even when in the face of their suffering?

Lord Jesus, help us to emerge from this pandemic with a renewed faith and hope embracing the many blessings you bestow on us.  Let us shout with joy telling all the world of your love for us.  Allow me to minister always in humility, with gentleness and patience that I might respond worthily to your call. Grant that I might be able to effectively convey your hope, your presence, and your love to all I minister to. Allow me to be your instrument of healing helping to usher in new beginnings for those who are hurting.  I pray all of this in your name.  Amen

Deacon Mike