From the Deacon’s Desk:  Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts

August 15 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This week we celebrate the Assumption of our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary into Heaven.  She does not know death because she was totally free of sin.  She is the embodiment of obedience, humility, and a mother’s ferocious love.  Mary is the patroness of our country and of the American continents.

The Blessed Virgin Mary has great faith and trust in God.  She comes from humble beginnings and understands obedience to the will and plan of God.  She asks for intercession on behalf of others seeking relief for all of us as her children.  She never hesitates to seek from Jesus what she needs for her children, trusting completely in Him and full of confidence in His goodness and mercy.

We are each challenged to live as she lived – with complete faith, trust and obedience toward God.  We can learn from her selfless compassion toward others – the compassion given with a mother’s heart.  We are called to remember her total submission to God’s plan for her; which initiated His plan here on earth that opened the doors to eternal salvation for all of us.  Her heart was pierced through and through that ours might be united to our Savior Jesus Christ.

As Vincentians, Mary is also our Patroness.  Through her eyes, we come to see that those we minister to represent more than problems to be solved, but rather are lives to be nurtured with compassion and mercy.  She teaches us to act in total humility and obedience to God’s will.  Seek His will through prayer that we might hear His will for us and others.  We plead for God’s mercy and compassion for ourselves and others.  We proceed with the confidence that Mary intercede for us as well and trusting in the goodness of our Lord.  How often do I turn to our Blessed Mother and ask for her help in offering my prayers to God?

How do I bring my concerns, my needs and my doubts to Mary asking her help to lay them at the feet of the Lord with confidence that He will provide what I need and what those I minister to need?

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Father, grant me the humility and obedience of Mary.  Allow me to act with confidence and trust in your goodness, your mercy and your love for us. Give me the courage to bring my needs and the needs of others before you especially when things appear bleak.  Let me never waiver in my trust that you will answer all my needs.   I pray all of this in your Son’s name.  Amen

Deacon Mike