From the Deacon’s Desk: Prayer and Inspirational Thoughts
May 10 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 10 – Mother’s Day
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day. It comes just a little more than a week after the Bishops of the US and Canada consecrated our countries to Mary, the model for all mothers and the Mother of us all. Jesus tells us in the gospel, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God, have faith also in me.” During these challenging times it is easy to lose our faith, to become fearful of the unknown, and to be unsure of where to turn. Our Psalm says “Lord, let your mercy be upon us, as we place our trust in you.” It is in Jesus that we can place our trust because as He tells us “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Mary understood this as she took all things into her heart – but her heart was not troubled for she had total trust and obedience to our Lord. Even when she did not understand, she said “let me be the handmaid of the Lord” without hesitation or reservation. Mary embraced God in her heart and turned it into the ardent love of a mother, a love inspired by God’s love for us. We are called to follow Mary, trusting completely in God’s plan for us, our Lord’s love for us, and the Spirit’s protection for us.
As Vincentians, this week let us reflect upon the will and love of a mother – our mother the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us seek her guidance and protection as we place our trust only in God. Let us turn in humble prayer ever more fervently as we seek God’s will for our neighbors and ourselves. Let us resolve to bring a mother’s love to all those to whom we minister being relentless in our love and our desire to provide for their needs. We say that no act of charity is foreign to the society. Do we seek to provide the true support each of our neighbor’s needs, even when it seems insurmountable? Do we turn in prayer, asking for guidance in all our decisions? Do we always remember that the most important help we bring usually comes from our heart and not our ‘wallet’? Do we offer a listening heart, taking all things in and trusting in God?
Lord Jesus, thank you for the grace of mothers and the merciful and compassionate love they teach us. Help me always to turn to Mary, our Blessed Mother, seeking intercession for those who are most in need. Give me the persistence and determination of a mother to continually seek what is truly needed for your children. Give me the wisdom to provide guidance to those whom you bring before me, that I may help them to address their needs completely. Let me seek your will and respond without hesitation or reservation. I pray all of this in your name. Amen,
Deacon Mike