Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
—Phil 4:6 (NRSV)
ALMOST TRUE STORY …
EDISTO RIVER SC (CR NEWS) — Folks along the banks of the Edisto River near Orangeburg have been talking a lot about a Catholic deacon recently. In the community, folks know him as the man with a generous heart. In his parish, they just know him as Deacon Gary.
In most senses of the word, Deacon Gary is a pretty ordinary man — except that he talks to God. And God seems to talk to him too, believe it or not.
Lately, the conversations have been about the state of the world. According to Deacon Gary, things are getting pretty confused. In fact, the deacon calls the condition of the world “a mess.”
Apparently, God agrees with him. He has promised His deacon friend that He’s going to do something about it — pretty soon, in fact. And God doesn’t want the faithful to do anything except pray and love each other.
“I’ll take care of the rest.” That’s what Deacon Gary told us God is planning.
LET’S TALK …
The Bible tells the faithful not to worry (Phil 4:6). We are to trust in the Lord (Ps 31:14-15). We must love each other (Jn 15:12-13), And we must not live in fear or worry (Is 41:10). God is in charge, and all authority on heaven and earth have been given to Jesus (Mt 28:18).
The Bible tells us to pray and to ask for what we need and what others around us need (Phil 4:6). And we ought always to give thanks because God hears us, loves us, and will not turn His back on us.
The Bible warns us not to fight against people in this world around us (Eph 6:12). They are not the real enemy. Even those who cannot figure out what sex they are, what pronoun describes them today, or if they are a human or a dog — they are NOT our enemies. They are NOT your enemy!
We don’t have to accept the ways of a lost and confused world, but we do have to love the people who live in it. We are to let the world see the light of God in us. That’s a big part of the Christian message.
Ever since that special day in prayer, Deacon Gary has recommitted himself to loving others each day — even the ones who are in prison for having committed horrific crimes. He doesn’t do it because the people around him deserve his love. He does it because God loves them, and the Deacon loves God.
THAT’S OUR STORY …
That’s our story, and we’re sticking to it.
Vivat Jesus!
And pray we shall do.
Thank you, brother. In Christ!
The Deacon does and then the Deacon does, a life of service, no question no turning back, thank you Deacon Gary…
Amen, brother. We have three excellent deacons in our parish! Vivat Jesus!