Listen to the podcast version here: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Reflection-John-1011-evokak
“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)
Reflection:
Jesus is truth, strength, and protection. Under his care, faith sanctifies frailty; hope overcomes darkness; charity provides shelter.
Today’s Intention
Lord, be my shepherd today and always.
Peace and Goodness
Listen to audio version here: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-28-Psalm-468-eso5rg
“The Lord of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.” (Psalm 46:8)
Reflection
Lent is a door into the divine fortress of God’s kingdom. A place where we find the strength to face our problems with faith, hope, and charity.
Life is both joy and pain. At times, it feels like suffering has the upper hand. It can be easy to be discouraged when our prayers appear unanswered by God; our almsgiving goes unappreciated; we are unable to fast as we intended. Yet, it is on those occasions that we must stay put within the walls of His protection.
Today’s Intention:
You are our refuge, O God. Help us to remain always within the stronghold of your love.
Peace and Goodness
Listen here: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-11-Matthew-546-er621u
“For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same?” (Matthew 5:46)
Reflection
Lent challenges us to disengage the auto-pilot of our spirituality. It is an occasion to grow in faith, hope, and charity by praying and ministering to those we dislike. To fast from hatred toward those who we do not consider deserving of our love.
Today’s Intention:
Lord, give us opportunities this Lent to step away from our spiritual comfort zone by praying and ministering to those we disapprove.
Peace and Goodness
Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: One-Minute Reflection on Eph 1: 17-18 https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/One-Minute-Reflection-on-Eph-1-17-18-ep6ap2
“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones,” Eph 1:17-18
Reflection
As a deacon, parishioners constantly ask me to bless them.
It could be a blessing for their sacramental objects, for an special occasion, or during difficult events in their lives.
The good news is that by of our baptism, we all have the grace to bless others. For example, parents may bless their children and friends may bless friends with a simple “God bless you.”
Blessings are links to the divine. They are the pillow where our head rests on the heart of Jesus where we hear the pulsating beats of his wisdom, enlightenment, and hope.
May the Lord of Peace and Love, bless you and protect you always.
Simple Diakonia | Dcn Hector 