We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
“Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.”
(Ephesians 3:7)
Pray Anyway
Ever wonder what priests actually do daily? Maybe you know and wonder how they do it all. St. Paul, says it beautifully, “I became a minister by THE GIFT of God’s GRACE and the exercise of HIS POWER.” It is only by God’s grace and power that I, a minister of His, can listen to hours of confessions, celebrate Mass daily, drop everything I am doing for emergency calls to hospitals, nursing homes, or private homes, and prepare for talks at the parish, for diocesan events, for retreats, for men’s and women’s groups, for young adult events, and for youth events. I also guide couples through the marriage prep process, counsel individuals, give spiritual direction monthly, prepare for Sunday Masses in Spanish and English, help out with confessions or daily Masses at other parishes and high schools around our diocese, and visit classrooms to teach our children about God.
A short list as you can see. All of that and more, is only possible because God works in and through me. How? Through PRAYER! If I am not constantly in prayer, asking God for help, none of the above would be possible. I cooperate with God’s grace and His power flows through me, into every ministry and every moment of everyday. What sustains me as a priest, is God Himself.
If you are struggling, if you are busy, and don’t seem to have enough time in your day to get everything done, just pray. I am telling you, it will transform your life. Stop leaning on your own power, receive God’s grace, and His power with flow into you. Prayer is the gateway to finding time to get everything done.
In the business of my day, how much do I actually devote to prayer?
God, as we turn to you in prayer, fill us with your grace, and may your power course through our lives. Amen.
"De esto me hice ministro por el don de la gracia de Dios, que me fue concedida conforme al ejercicio de su poder."
(Efesios 3:7)
Orar de Todos Modos
Una lista corta, como puedes ver. Todo eso y más, solo es posible porque Dios obra en mí y a través de mí. ¿Cómo? ¡A través de la ORACIÓN! Si no estuviera constantemente en oración, pidiendo ayuda a Dios, nada de lo anterior sería posible. Coopero con la gracia de Dios y Su poder fluye a través de mí, en cada ministerio y en cada momento de cada día. Lo que me sostiene como sacerdote es Dios mismo.
Si estás luchando, si estás ocupado y no parece que tengas suficiente tiempo en tu día para terminar todo, simplemente ora. Te lo digo, eso transformará tu vida. Deja de apoyarte en tu propio poder, recibe la gracia de Dios, y Su poder fluye hacia ti. La oración es la puerta de entrada para encontrar tiempo para hacer todo.
En el ajetreo de mi jornada, ¿cuánto tiempo dedico realmente a la oración?
Dios, al dirigirnos a ti en oración, llénanos de tu gracia, y haz que tu poder recorra nuestras vidas. Amén.
Reflection by:
Father Israel (Izzie) Hernandez has been ordained for five years. A few things he loves to do is play sports and watch anime. As a priest, he loves journeying with couples to the sacrament of matrimony, is passionate about our youth and young adult ministries, and loves hearing confessions. His current assignment is Nativity in Brandon.