Living My Calling in Retirement: A Deacon’s Reflection on Faith, Presence, and Hope
During my active ministry, I was blessed to witness the unique giftedness of each person—their innate desire to know and love God, and to live out that love in their relationships and communities. These moments were a profound gift from God, affirming the beauty of faith in action.
Now in retirement, the essence of people’s spiritual aspirations remains unchanged. Yet, with fewer personal interactions, I’ve found myself wondering: How do I continue to live out my calling as a deacon? What does it mean to serve when the rhythm of ministry shifts?
Embracing Stillness and Rediscovering God’s Presence
This quieter season has led me into deeper spiritual reflection. In the silence, I began to sense God’s presence anew—not in the busyness of ministry, but in the stillness of my heart. I’ve come to understand a vital truth: there’s a difference between feeling God’s presence and knowing God’s presence. While it’s easy to feel God when sharing faith with others, knowing Him in solitude is a deeper, quieter grace.
Finding Hope Amid Global Suffering
The world is filled with suffering—war, grief, and natural disasters. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with its tragic loss of life and destruction, raises painful questions: Where is God in this devastation? Where is hope?
In times of despair, we often rely on others to carry us through. Nations ravaged by war or disaster depend on humanitarian aid. And perhaps, in these acts of compassion, we can recognize the presence of God in this suffering. Can we see Him in the hands that offer relief, in the hearts that choose to care?
Called to Be a Sign of Hope
This reflection stirs something deep within me. It moves me to ask: What does God’s presence in suffering call us to do? As a retired deacon, I may not serve in the same way, but I am still called to listen, to pray, to offer my time and resources, and to be a sign of hope and encouragement.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort…”
A Prayer for Compassion
Lord, open my heart to the pain, grief, and struggle of others. Grant me the grace to offer support, to be attentive, and to live as a vessel of Your comfort and hope.
Dcn. Bob
