Scripture:
Acts 17:15, 22-18:1
John 16:12-15
Reflection:
I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.
Thanks be to God for sending us all an Advocate, the Holy Spirit! I don’t know about you, but as I reflect on my life, past and present, I marvel at how much the Holy Spirit has been a guiding force in the good times as well as those times that challenged me.
SHE was there:
-as I prepared for ministry through pastoral theology, CPE, spiritual direction internship, catechetical leadership training, and hundreds of hours of practicum.
-as I pulled up roots in Michigan and moved to Kentucky
-as I ministered in countless parishes over 40 years and experienced the blessings and challenges of serving God’s people.
-as I struggled with saying goodbye to loved ones, family, mentors and friends when it was time for them to return to the One who created them.
-as I mourned the changes that must come in life in order to grow and become who we are to be.
SHE continues to walk with me today:
-as I give thanks for all the beautiful people, events, blessings and challenges that make it possible to keep growing in faith and live life to the fullest
-as I revel in the HOPE for our Church in the likes of spirit-filled leaders as Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.
-as I continue to minister and grow as a servant of God surrounded by committed and loving family, friends, mentors, pastoral leaders, lay, professed and ordained.
-as I continue to be challenged and blessed at the same time in helping to alleviate all the suffering and discord that surrounds us daily.
We thank our loving God for this wonderful gift of an Advocate, Holy Spirit, Sophia into our lives. Make friends with her, accept her as she challenges, supports, brings comfort, wisdom and love to our being. She be my best friend, may she also be yours!
Theresa Secord is a retired Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.