Enjoy reading & meditating on the Regional Directors' reflections over the next 5 weeks.

Painting by Elizabeth Zelasko

I Love You, Lord, My Strength

As I was reflecting on the Diaconate for Deacon Sunday and today’s Psalm Response, “I love you, Lord, my strength”, one thing really stood out, that serving God is not possible on our own.  It is not by our own strength, wisdom or courage that we serve.   It starts by loving God and our neighbor as the gospel reminds us.   But it is through a trustful surrender of our will to God’s will that God transforms our doubts and our weaknesses into faith, prayer, strength and service.

The image above of St Joan of Arc and a quote of hers is on display in our parish office.  The image was painted by a talented artist and parishioner of ours, Elizabeth Zelasko.  As a parish we’ve been asking how we can best minister to the people in a society that no longer assumes Christian values and principles.  We’ve adopted St Joan of Arc as the patron of our efforts.  I love this image.  It is breathtaking in many ways, but especially because of her face:  a face of quiet determination, a face of courage of a young girl about to do something dangerous and a face of peace knowing she was doing something important for God. 

Both of these quotes remind us of our need to be close to Christ, to love him, and seek his strength.  We are called to be a special part of his mission in the Church and in the world.  In doing so, we meet the people of God in good times and difficult times.  We face opposition from those who believe differently from us and some who don’t believe at all.  Yet, it is amazing to me how God provides for us to help with his mission on earth, but I’m no longer surprised.  I’m no longer surprised at God’s presence, his timing, and his grace to forward his plan using someone like me, like any of us.  But he does because we were born for this and we were ordained for this.

In Christ,

Deacon Don Weiss, Director for St. Prochorus Region

In Christ the Servant + Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Receive + Believe + Teach + Practice