"Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy." -Heb 10:23
On this day we celebrate the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar who is considered one of the Church's greatest theologians and philosophers. He was declared a Saint and Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V who called him "the most brilliant light of the Church." A prolific writer and the greatest of Scholastic philosophers, Thomas, was unwavering, knowing that God was with him.
Also, on this day, my husband and I celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary! We declared our love to each other in a beautiful church bursting at the seams, full of family, friends, and people we didn't even know. We were so young! The same priest who had married my parents was on that altar. I remember my heart beating so fast, almost uncontrollably, and as our hands were joined, I could sense his own beating just as wildly! Full of dreams and expectations, God gave us the gift of hope that day. Hope, love, and faith continue to guide our journey.
In marriage, single or religious life, with the young, and the old, the Lord is always present, even when it seems impossible. He guides our soul and beating heart, and like St. Thomas, we must continue to be steadfast, unwavering and hopeful, "for he who made the promise is trustworthy."
As we encounter others on our journey, can we model faith in hope, compassion and love?
May the Lord grant us the joy and hope of knowing that He is always present and loving!
Reflection by:
Vivi Iglesias
Did you know...
Vivi Iglesias is a Community Engagement Manager with the Southeast Regional Office for Catholic Relief Services, working with the nine dioceses of the States of Florida and Georgia. Vivi serves as Region XIV Chair for the V Encuentro Process of Hispanic Ministry, and is a lay member of the Bishop's Board of Directors of the US Catholic Bishops Southeast Regional Office for Hispanic Ministry. A native of Argentina, she is a wife, mother and proud grandmother. Her experience includes almost 19 years of work with the Diocese of St. Petersburg, first in the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, later as Executive Secretary to the Bishop for almost eleven years, and finally as Associate Director of Hispanic Ministry.
