From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

“…stir into flame the gift of God…” (2 Timothy 1:1-8)

STIR INTO FLAME: When we first build a campfire, the fire burns bright and hot. It will continue to do so as long as we provide it with oxygen and feed it by throwing on another log or two occasionally.

If we don’t tend to it, the fire will gradually burn out. However, if we come back to that neglected fire in time – even if it appears to be burnt out – we may be able to revive it. We can stir the embers until we see a small red glow. Then we can blow on it to make that red glow come alive and feed it once again until the fire is restored.

Our faith is very much like that fire. If we neglect it, it will burn out.

But there is hope! Our faith can be recovered! It is never “too far gone.” We can stir the embers of our faith, breathe life back into it, and add fuel to it.

Turn to Scripture, return to Mass, engage with a faith community, look for ways to serve, treat others with the dignity and respect they deserve as beloved sons and daughters of God. Love God and love others.

Our faith is a give from God. We must not neglect it and allow it to burn out. We must “…stir into flame the gift of God…”