From the Deacon’s Desk: Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts
June 13 – Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Lord, it is good to give thanks to you!” These words of our Responsorial Psalm are recited by us several times. We are reminded through the readings that we do not know all of God’s ways but we accept in great faith all that He wills for us. He speaks to us in ways that we can understand and when we are ready to hear. He invites us into His kingdom. We are reminded to look past the challenges in our lives, to grow in faith and love, and to give thanks to him always. As we emerge from the pandemic, there will continue to be those who are still hesitant, those who are unsure and those who are hurting from the pain of loss. But St. Paul – in the reading today as well as what he says just before this reading – is talking about the eternal life God has prepared for us and the Spirit which constitutes the first installment on that eternal life. We proceed with the confidence of the Spirit and the strength of our faith in thanksgiving to God for what he has given us.
As Vincentians, we should share this message of hope and thanksgiving with all those we encounter. We need to help them to see that our struggles in life are temporary, our suffering will end, and God’s glory awaits all who are faithful to Him. We should be present to those in need where they are at and be conduits of God’s love continually inviting them in faith to see beyond the challenges to the hope and love of Christ. How do I give proper thanks to God for the many blessings in my life? How do I help others to see beyond their challenges to the blessings they have? How do I provide comfort and presence to others as the mustard seed plant does to all the creatures of heaven?
Lord Jesus, you continually bless me with many riches. Let me always see past my challenges to that which you give to me and let me be ever grateful for all that I have. Allow me to be your presence to others that they may sense the love and the hope that you offer to each of us. Help us to walk in faith, ever confident in your Divine Plan and Divine goodness for each of us. We pray all of this in your name. Amen
Deacon Mike