We are Joshuas. We are Elishas. We are the disciples who have been entrusted with the Spirit of God to serve His People. Sometimes loneliness overwhelms us. It overwhelms everyone at times. Sometimes we think about our mistakes, our sins, and we become despondent. Everyone at some time or other asked himself or herself, “How could a person like me, a person who is inclined to sin do God’s work?” Everyone suffers from crippling guilt at times in his or her life. Everyone makes the mistake of letting the past destroy the present and eliminate the future. When we feel we are all alone, when we feel that we are not good enough, we need to remember that Jesus did not ascend and then leave us destitute. No, He left us with His Power, His Presence, His Life. And he didn’t leave us to spend the rest of our lives contemplating our belly buttons. No, He empowers us to bring His Presence to all, beginning with our families and then extending to the entire world. Moses’ hands were laid upon Joshua; Elijah’s mantle fell upon Elisha; and the Holy Spirit descended from the Father and Son. May we have the courage to continue the Work of God.
-Deacon Mariano
