God is in control!  Our readings this week all remind us that at the end of the day – God is in control!  Lent carries with it a certain darkness we are all working to get out of.  The darkness of the challenges in our lives.  We have all experienced that spiral into the depths of despair. Maybe, we have had a terrible disappointment. A job we thought was untouchable comes to a sudden end. We realize that a person we thought was a friend was really just using us. A relationship comes to an end.  Perhaps life is not turning out the way we expected.  It is at the lowest moments – when we are weakest and recognize our inabilities to change that which is – that we reach out recognizing that the source of hope, redemption and recovery is God alone.  All solutions come from Him!  Thank God!  For His plans are far superior to ours!

As Vincentians, we need to move forward with this conviction that it is God alone who can provide both the hope and answers to the challenges of those we meet.  They are at the crossroads of darkness.  Just as we come to see and understand the power and the light of the cross in our lives, we need to walk with them, moving them to the source of all goodness.  In Lent – and on this Laetare weekend – we rejoice as we begin to see the cross from which the power of Christ radiates and shines before us.  Let us humbly walk with our clients – our brothers and sisters – helping them through our witness to see the glory, the power and the love of God.

Lord Jesus, I fall at your feet begging your mercy and your help.  In the darkness of despair I call out to you for help.  I look to you on the cross and unite my sorrows to yours, knowing that you are the source of salvation.  I offer myself to you as your humble servant, your hands and feet, as I minister to those whom you bring before me.  They are your gift to me that I may be your gift to them.  Help us to always recognize that it is you alone who has the answers of goodness and hope.  Help us to embrace always, that which you give us.  We pray all of this in your name.  Amen

Deacon Mike