July 17, 2022
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister, in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.”
As Paul wrote words of encouragement to many communities, he identified his pain with the suffering Christ. He was acutely aware of his role and mission.
As our world suffers with war, poverty and injustice, we can identify with ways to ease the suffering of others through prayer, through our voices, through our actions. At the same time take a moment to pray for our priests and ministers striving to bring the peace and comfort of Christ to others. Speak a kind word about your ministers in assisting them in their need. Paul wrote other letters from jail, from shipwreck, unjust trials, yet continued to serve. May we find ways to support our ministers in their ministry and carry out our tasks as well.
by Rev. William J. Reilly