From the Deacon’s Desk: Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts
August 30 – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our readings this week are all about suffering. Jesus suffers more than any of us and more than all of us combined. And he suffers mostly for us. We know that in our minds but it’s a little harder in our hearts. His suffering doesn’t make ours feel any easier. The words of Jeremiah “You duped me O Lord” – come from his fifth ‘confession’ and echo a similar sentiment from the opening of the book of Habakkuk “how long o Lord, I cry for help but you do not listen.” These are actually two of my favorite quotes from the prophets – probably because I can so easily relate. How many of us have felt the frustration of suffering and feeling powerless and helpless to the point of crying out to the Lord “Why? Where are you? Why have you abandoned me?” Especially in these trying times. Suffering is a part of our human condition and I suspect we have all been there. Jesus reminds us that we must pick up our crosses, that we must follow him in suffering, but that if we do, eternal happiness will be ours.
As Vincentian’s, we see people every day in tremendous pain, suffering and hopelessness. Just as Jesus lifts us up in our time of need, so too we must lift others, helping them to understand and walking with them through their suffering. This becomes even more important during a time when home visits have been replaced by conference calls. For many, perhaps the biggest cause of suffering is simply the separation and uncertainty that we are all faced with. Do we remember to offer not only assistance in the moment but hope for the future? Do we provide the light that helps others to see through the pain and suffering which blinds them and keeps them from moving forward? Do we help to think as God does and not as human beings?
Father, give me the courage to see through suffering, to recognize the blessings that await me. Comfort me in my distress. Help me to be a source of light and hope during this time of the pandemic and upheaval. Help me to lift those whom you bring before me, allowing them to feel your presence and action in their lives. Give me the compassion to embrace their suffering as my own. I pray all of this in your Son’s name. Amen
Deacon Mike