Explosion in West, TX

Big news of the day has been the explosion at a fertilizer plant in the town of West, TX. I live about an hour away from there, so it hits pretty close to home. This has left me a bit unsettled. I have been praying for the people in that small Texas town. I have also been thinking about what has left me unsettled.

My thoughts turned to the people of that town. I don't know any of them well. However, I do know people that live there and people from there who still have relatives there. 

In an earlier post, I had mentioned that I had attended the ordination of 11 new deacons in our diocese. The diocese extends as far north as West. One of the new deacons is from West, TX. I remember seeing him that day. He was smiling and full of life. He was one of the most joyful people I had seen in a long time.

My thoughts turn to him, in the first week of his diaconal ministry having to minister to the family's devastated by the explosion. I bet he never imagined that he would have to do this type of ministry so soon. I pray especially for him to have the grace to respond to the victims with the love of Christ.

It also made me realize even more importantly the role I seek to undertake. Jesus, I want to serve you. Do with me what you will because I know that you will not make me go alone.