Honoring Those Who Serve

[pioneer]

By Dave Branon
Our Daily Bread

When my son Steve walks into a room, he often gets immediate respect. People want to shake his hand. They smile. They congratulate him. They thank him.

It happens at church. It happens in restaurants. It happens wherever he goesâ€"as long as he is wearing his uniform of the United States Navy.

While in uniform, Steve gets instant respect because everyone knows that he is serving. He has given up many personal freedoms and desires so that he can serve his country.

People respect service. We honor police officers who serve. We pay homage to military personnel who serve. But do we give the same honor and respect to those who are in an even greater serviceâ€"service to God? Do we show respect to our pastors, missionaries, Sunday school teachers?

Scripture tells us to give honor to whom honor is due (Rom. 13:7). Specifically, it tells us that double honor goes to those who direct the affairs of the church through teaching and preaching (1 Tim. 5:17).

Instead of criticizing your pastor, teacher, or spiritual leader, let others hear your words of gratitude and praise for their service. Hold them up in prayer. God’s servants deserve our respect and honor. - www.rbc.org

[Lorenzo]

Amen!

One man that I hold to my heart closely is my good friend, Fr. Mark Hoffman. He was my college catholic chaplain back in Allegheny and was the one who presided over my sister and I's Catholic Confirmation in Easter of 2007.

He was the sheppard that led me back to my Catholic Christian Faith during my college career. Which helped to fill the void that was in my heart when I first moved to college. Through his teachings, and through his homilies, many of my questions were answered and I found peace with God.

Father Hoffman, you were a God-send. Wherever you go, from St. Mary's Parish and now at the new church in Mercer County. Continue to preach the word of God through the Holy Gospel. The Lord has worked his wonders and his power through you.

Amen, I say Amen. I pray that there will be more priests that are of such character, dignity, faith, and Fatherly-instincts as you.

I pray in Jesus' Name.