From the Deacon’s Desk: Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts
This week we celebrate the Most Holy Trinity – God’s perfection! We begin anew a journey of seeking eternal life, living in God’s presence, and being transformed into the people that we are called to be. As we do, God immerses us into his love – the Mystery of the Trinity – the union of three persons in one. Father, Son and Holy Spirit all working together in total harmony. Each compliments the others. The three are inextricably linked. One does not act independent of the other two. Total alignment. St. Catherine Sienna says “The Father is the table. The Son is the food and the Spirit dwells within us.” The Spirit, without the Father and Son would have no purpose. The Spirit is the outpouring of love from the Father and the Son.
Through the Trinity, God helps to draw us in. In the sign of the cross, the doxology, the creed, we embrace it and make it a part of who we are. Starting at the very earliest stage – Baptism – we immerse ourselves into the Trinity. It was once said, “The Sacrament of Baptism drops us not only into water but also into the Trinity and the Trinity takes up residence in us.” God makes us in His own image! We are called to bring Him into our lives. Especially now, as we struggle with so many challenges in our country. Through scripture, through our prayers, through our liturgies we are continually drawn into relationship. He invites us into his very presence – he wants to share his life with us and he wants us to share our lives with him. Through his miracles, he reminds us of his deep love for us. And through the sacraments, he graces us beyond belief – especially in the Eucharist –that we may touch his face and yearn for more! The Trinity and the Eucharist are God’s perfected love calling to us to embrace and reflect that love in the face of chaos, fear and suffering.
As Catholics, we are called to see God’s love in the Trinity, in the Eucharist and in our neighbors in need. We are called to set aside our fears lifting one another up; and in a particular way lifting up those who are suffering. When we do, we see the grace of the Trinity and the very presence of God in one another. As we care for one another, we do so each bringing our unique gifts to complement each other. When we support and love one another in all that we do, that love and caring translates into more holistic and complete care for our neighbors in need. And we provide a model of loving support for others to witness, just as the Trinity does for us. How do we spend time and effort focusing on love for one another as Vincentians, that we may support one another in our ministry?
God our Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; we bask in the glory and radiance of your love shared with us. Give us the wisdom and courage to cooperate with one another in a loving and harmonious fashion, that we might extend compassionate love to all those who are hurting. Allow us to join in true friendship driven by a spirit of humility, simplicity, gentleness and selflessness that our actions might effectively reflect the love you share with us. I pray all of this in your Son’s name. Amen
Deacon Mike