|
|
|
Prayerful Morsels
Tidbits of Inspiration & Information
September 19, 2008 |
Morsel From the Editor
Welcome to our third issue of "Prayerful Morsels." In this issue, we welcome a new "guest" author - my husband, Rich, who answers the question, "What is a Permanent Deacon?" You can be sure I will invite him to write some more tidbits for us! Rich also found a great article in the Deacon Digest that I have included in this issue.
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please feel free to write a Letter to the Editor.
And here is a quote I found recently that I like a lot:
When I die, God won't measure my head to see how clever I was. God will measure my heart to see how loving I was. - Anonymous | |
Personal Pondering
by Colleen Spiro
My last issue's article ( read it here) on welcoming others as if they were Christ, reminded me of something that happened to me years ago. I had gone grocery shopping one day with my two sons (they were about 4 and 8 years old). As I was leaving the store, an elderly woman approached me and asked me if I could give her a ride home. She had walked to the store from her apartment but did not think she could walk back and had no one to call. I actually hesitated for a moment. She was a stranger and I felt uneasy. After all, I had my two little boys with me. Didn't I always tell the boys never to talk to strangers? On the other hand, wouldn't I be teaching them about kindness and compassion if I brought her home? It was then that I heard these words with the ears of my heart - "She could be Jesus." And then - "Whatever you do for the least among you, you do for Me." That did it. It only took a few minutes to take her home as her apartment was only a few blocks away. As I opened the car door for her, she thanked me, saying, "You know, I have never asked a complete stranger to help me like this before. But I knew I could not make it home by myself. So I waited outside the store for the right person to come along. When I saw you with your two little boys, I knew I could trust you. Something told me you were the one to ask." As I drove away, I realized, that as nervous as I had been about helping a stranger, she had been just as nervous about asking a stranger. Something had brought us together at that particular time and place. Or should I say Someone? |
| What is a Permanent Deacon?
by Deacon Rich Spiro
Just what is a Permanent Deacon?
There is a lot of misunderstanding about this branch of the clergy in the Catholic Church. First let me say, what a deacon is not.
A deacon is not a priest wanna-be or a "junior" priest. A deacon is a member of the Catholic clergy, just like a priest, with a different charism. A deacon is ordained to service in three areas.
- Service to the altar - this is when you see him most as he assists the priest during Mass.
- Service to the Word - this is clear as he proclaims the Gospel at Mass.
- Service to the people - this is the area that is the most critical for deacons. You will see deacons involved in this service in many ways. They bring sacraments to people (deacons can administer sacraments of Baptism and Marriage, and give the Eucharist to people at Mass or bring to the sick and/or homebound). Deacons teach, they serve in prisons, they serve among the homeless and within the poorest of our society. This is the hidden area of service that most people do not see and are totally unaware of.
The Permanent Diaconate is an ancient order within the church that was re-established by the Second Vatican Council. It is the fastest growing segment of the Catholic clergy. Watch for more articles about the Diaconate in future issues of this ezine. |
Today - the Best Day of My Life
Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever. There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate!
Today, I am going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far. The accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.
I will go through this day with my head held high and a happy heart. I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts - the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds.
Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice. Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I will make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.
Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.
Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waster of time because my faith in God and his divine plan ensures everything will be just fine.
And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.
As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Amighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!
This article first appeared in the archdiocese of Toronto, Canada diaconate newsletter. Author Unknown. Published in the Deacon Digest, September-October 2008 issue. Reprinted here with permission of Jim Alt, Publisher of the Deacon Digest. |
A Gratitude Journal
by Colleen Spiro
I am grateful for my sons' and my stepchildrens' support and love.
I am grateful for elephants (honest, no joke - ask my family).
I am grateful for the article above about "Today Being the Best Day of My Life." Quite a statement about gratitude.
And I am grateful for the submission below from a reader of "Prayerful Morsels:"
"After watching & participating in the Jerry Lewis Telethon last Monday, I am especially grateful for 6 healthy grandchildren." -- Cathy Keller
What are you grateful for today??? Is there something that you would like to contribute? Write to the Editor and put in the subject line - Gratitude. | |
| Colleen's memoir about surviving child sexual abuse, The Third Floor Window, A True Story of Secrets, Survival and Hope, is now on sale at Booklocker.com. For more info, see book website: The Third Floor Window. |
| Want to read more of Colleen's reflections? Go check out her blog HERE. | |
| Prayerful Morsels
Copyright 2008 Prayerful Morsels - All Rights Reserved |
|
|
|
|
|
