Mid week ministry reminds us that its not just a Sunday thing

I'm reminded every day in my prayer life and when I reflect on my vocation as a Permanent Deacon that ministry and service and a faith life is an everyday thing. In fact, ministry and service and faith life is a minute by minute thing. Too many times we box our entire faith life into that one hour or so of worship we do on Sundays. Yes, many of us pray during the week but a real devotion to faith and service to each other is all too often forgotten or relegated way down our everyday "to-do" lists.

For me, and I bet many of you, I feel more alive when I'm actively engaged in ministry or when I realize that my presence to someone, at work or around town, is ministry itself.

This midweek brought opportunities to minister within my religious vocation. I was back at the prison last night but I choose to attend an ecumenical prayer service, part of the outgrowth of the Kairos retreat last spring. I visited first with my Catholic community who were in the capable hands of my lay leaders who do heroic ministry at Rayburn themselves. In our prayer meeting the men were given an opportunity to express the daily struggles they face in following Jesus from behind bars. And others reflected on how Jesus was there with them when they faced a difficult situation and others on how they saw Jesus in a brother, despite being an inmate at a state run penal institution.

I've said this many times, I never leave prison without having been renewed and restored in my faith by the witness and example of these men.

Tonight was a graced opportunity to be in a room with about 6 men and 4 wives who were attending a discernment gathering exploring a possible call to the diaconate. This intimate gathering was a make up session for those who missed a larger group meeting last month. Every time I'm with those who explore the call I find great joy and peace in the gathering. Maybe the meetings stir up fond memories of my own journey(which continues to this day) of my inquiry period. I'm glad I could play a small role in witnessing to these folks as they witnesses to me by their presence.

On Sunday they will join an additional 50-55 couples who are exploring the call to ordained life. May we all join together in prayers for their discernment and for God's will to be done.

And for all of us, as people of faith, may we minister and serve one another in our daily routine.