From the Deacon’s Desk:  Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts

October 4 – Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

This week we hear about unfaithful, ungrateful and wicked tenants in both the reading from Isaiah and the gospel.  People who have been entrusted by God, blest by God and have responded poorly.  Happiness and security was theirs for the taking, but instead they come up empty!  For me, it is pretty easy to relate to as I look around our country today.  God has blest us in tremendous ways as a country, and yet we find ourselves with decaying values and crumbling relationships.  Paul tells us in his letter that we must come “by prayer and petition with thanksgiving” to God.  We need to promote what is good rather than focusing on what is bad.  We need to act in humility remembering that we are dependent on God and trusting in His care for us.  He calls us to work together for His glory and not apart for our own.  We should have a singular focus on God, on His blessings on us, and His will for our lives.

As Vincentians, we too should have a singular focus in our ministry and our lives. We have a special responsibility to care for those Jesus has entrusted to us.  Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith and his care and concern for the poor and vulnerable is the model for our Vincentian ministry.  We should seek the Lord’s answers to those situations he places before us.  In prayer and humility, we are called to care for those God places before us.  Are we grateful for the blessings God places in our lives?  Do we keep our eyes squarely on God’s plan for ourselves and those we minister to when seeking answers to difficulties?  Do we trust in God’s plan and seek to fulfil His will always?  Is prayer a cornerstone of our lives?

Father, allow me to be a faithful caretaker in your vineyard.  Allow me to nurture those in need, helping them to grow in there love and hope in you.  Help me to never lose sight of your will, trusting always in your ways.  Allow me to grow in prayer being ever focused on our Lord Jesus.  Help me to serve in humility, selflessly and with great passion.  I pray all of this in your Son’s name.  Amen

Deacon Mike