Dear Brothers and Sisters
Greetings from all on the National Council.
As Easter draws near and we remember God’s merciful love towards all humanity and His saving love through Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection, we are reminded of our Vincentian vocation. Following Christ through service to those in need and bearing witness to God’s compassionate and liberating love is at the heart of the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
We serve in hope – hope that our work will make a difference in the lives of those we serve and in the world at large. What better time to renew our hope than at Easter? Like Joseph of Arimathea, who lived in the hope of seeing the kingdom of God (Luke 23:51), we can do what we can by offering what we have. When things are bleak, when everything seems to be going in the wrong direction, when we feel as though we have not been able to achieve what we intended, we live in the hope of seeing God’s kingdom. Like Joseph, we do what we can.
A young boy gave two small fishes and five loaves to Jesus (John 6:9) who transformed them into something powerful and far-reaching quite beyond the expectation of the giver. What seems small and unimportant to us, when given to God can give to others more than we can ever dream of or imagine.
May we encourage you to persevere in all you do, during this difficult time in our world, as you serve in hope that Jesus will use your service for His kingdom.
We wish you and yours a blessed Easter!
Brothers Peter, Roy and Trevor