May 2024 Allocutio

Allocutio May 2024 by Fr. Benjamin Saliba

God is love in as much as He is a communion of persons. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And it is this perfect communion of love. If God, if one of God’s central themes in the Scriptures is unity and oneness, then that is something that we are to try and live out in our own lives, is unity. So, the first unity we all share is that we are baptized. We are baptized members of the Church. Christ is our head, and we are the body. And that is why you and I are here today, because we are part of the Legion of Mary. When we come together in this manner, it is very possible, very possible that people come in with different ideas, which is great. It’s also very possible that sometimes we can misunderstand those ideas. It is so important, when we come to that period of growth and adjustment, that each and every one of us be patient. To want resolutions now, to want to fix things now, that is not the way God works. I wanted to re-endorse and re-emphasize that message of just being patient in this time. All things were left in the hands of God. Even when mistakes are being made, even when there are misunderstandings, to remain unified. We are growing in a way that we haven’t before, but we are constantly growing in love. It’s so important to note, especially when we have new presidents, new panel members, it must be remembered always just patience and patience. For those of you that have sat in these seats before. Patience is indeed key during these times of change. Drawing on the wisdom and experience of those who have served before can provide valuable insights and guidance as the group navigates through transitions. It’s natural to reach a point where you have to accept decisions and trust that you’ve done your best while serving in your role. Reflecting on your efforts and contributions with a sense of hope and gratitude is a meaningful way to honour your dedication and commitment. Because we serve, we are servants to us, always servants to us. But we can say, why do not? The ministry becomes fruitful when we say this is not mine. I am just a servant of God. And I am working as best I can with the gifts that God has given me to do the best we can for the Legion of Mary and by extension for our communities. This must be the mindset in everything. I do everything that I have in the capacity that I can, but I pray that we all remember that we should have that approach to everyone in the Legion of Mary. Be patient with one another, we do the best that we can, and know that this is God’s work. It is not our work, it is God’s work. But what does the hating spirit bring in? It should never be in a better place, but the world will be in a better place. And that is our call as baptized Christians. So I leave you with that message today, and I wanted to be here to personally deliver it. Unfortunately, I have another appointment to go to with the mission, but I will do my best to be here in the capacity that I can. And I thank you in advance for being very patient with me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.