From the Deacon’s Desk: Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts
March 7 – Third Sunday in Lent
“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified!” “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Sometimes we don’t see that which is right before us – we look for something greater. Jesus is getting closer to his Passion and generating greater angst with religious leaders as he does. They don’t like what he says and does, and so they question where his authority comes from. Show us a sign they say. Even after his Passion, St. Paul points out in the second reading that the Jews look for the signs and the Greeks wisdom, but they all look right past the greatest sign of all – the death and resurrection of Jesus – and his very presence in the Eucharist he gave us. Jesus gave them signs all along as well – from the Wedding Feast at Cana, to the multiplication stories, to the Last Supper where he instituted the Eucharist, to his Resurrection and finally on the road to Emmaus. He fortifies us with his very person in the Eucharist – the greatest blessing and miracle ever given us. During the pandemic, we have found ourselves overwhelmed at times by all the events of the world. We can question where God is. We want to be careful not to be like the Jews, looking right past what God has blest us with – looking for something more. It is now more than ever when we need to seek out that which is right before us – the nourishment of the Eucharist in our lives. It is in Holy Communion, Adoration and prayer that we find the answers – the signs – that we need from our Lord.
As Vincentians, we are challenged more than we have ever been to provide needed assistance. Those we serve are often looking to us for answers that we might not readily have. To sustain ourselves through this time we need to always remember that it is through the Lord – whom we receive in Holy Communion – that we find our strength, our hope and our answers. With Him we can serve true and lasting hope. Without Him, we are helpless and hopeless. Do I recognize the power and hope of Jesus Christ through Holy Communion, or do I look for greater signs as the Jews did? Do I spend time in Adoration and prayer? Do I help others to recognize the blessings and opportunities that God provides in their lives? Do I let my soul rest in Christ that He might rest in me?
Lord Jesus, you are my strength and the source of all goodness. Help me to recognize and embrace your presence, your will and your direction in all things. Allow me to humbly seek answers from you and through you that I may honor and glorify you. Help me to pray always; “Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O Good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Permit me not to be separated from you. From the wicked foe, defend me. At the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to you That with your saints I may praise you For ever and ever.” Amen
Deacon Mike