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Aug 30, 2009 - 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
My Dear People,
What does it mean to give God "lip service"? Mark's Gospel
has Jesus warning His Disciples not be superficial in our love for the
Lord. In conjunction with the Torah (Jewish Law), there was a book of
Jewish practices flowing from it. Many Jews of Jesus' day, knew the
practice, but didn't know or understand the reason for the act. They
had lost "heart". Have you ever been asked why, as a
practicing Catholic, you "do" certain acts: fasting,
liturgical rituals, novenas, holy days, etc? Ever at a loss to explain
just why you do these things? Perhaps we too, could be accused of
losing heart. Continuing adult faith education is a very good thing.
Over the past six years there have been numerous opportunity to learn
more about the Catholic faith through adult ed classes here in our own
parish. Have you taken advantage of these classes? When is the last
time you have studied or read a book about your Catholic Faith. We
cannot share with others, what we do not know or understand. Next time
you have the chance to take a class or read a book on faith; don't let
it slip past you. Ask Our Lord to put a hunger for the Catholic Faith
in your heart. I promise you, He will hear and answer that prayer for
you.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
May
we not only hear God's word, but also learn to live it everyday of our
lives.
Aug 22, 2009 - 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time
My Dear People,
August 22nd is the traditional feast of the Queenship of Mary. We
remember that Our Lady is head of all the Holy Angels and Saints in
Heaven. From the moment of Her
Conception within St. Anne's womb, Mary was never separated from the
Divine Will of the Father. She always subordinated herself in
obedience to Our Lord. This is why Mary is such a shining example for
all of us. Every time we extinguish our pride, and humbly come before
Jesus seeking His Authority over us, we imitate our Mother in Heaven.
St. Paul reminds us today, that "all of us" are responsible
for being submissive to Christ. In that holy submission, we come to
know more deeply our vocation in Christ. This also gives us the
freedom to serve our Lord, benefiting from His many graces. Submission
to Christ, sets us on the holy pathway to sanctification. Consecrate
yourself and your families to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Come to
know her peace and mercy in your homes.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
May
we find joy in serving the Lord with our time, our talent and our
treasure.
Aug 16, 2009 - 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time
My Dear People,
Before the Holy Spirit was given to the Church on Pentecost Sunday, He
was to be found reflected in the writings of the Old Testament. In our
first reading of today, we find the Wisdom of the Third Person of the
Holy Trinity in Proverbs chapter nine. In it, Wisdom has built a
house. Seven columns adorn it. A feast has been prepared at the table,
bountiful and plenty. The Eucharistic Banquet in the Sacred Heart of
Jesus was exposed to the Jews in His day. Most rejected the Feast. It
was too hard to accept that Jesus was giving His Body, Blood, Soul,
and Divinity to His Disciples. Wisdom and Understanding lead us to
this Holy Altar of Jesus' Heart. But all too few recognize it. It is
at this heavenly banquet that we find LIFE in abundance, without cost.
We only have to come properly disposed and free from serious sin. When
you receive Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist, are you properly
disposed and ready to receive Him? Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and
prepare you for this great Heavenly Treasure...the Holy Eucharist.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
May
we make wise choices in how we live as God's stewards and may have the
courage to turn away from foolish, trivial or selfish wants..
Aug 9, 2009 - 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
My Dear People,
Ever feel like the Lord seldom hears your prayers? Elijah, the
prophet, felt that way. In our first reading today, we find the
prophet exhausted from prayer and service of the Lord. He falls asleep
under a desert tree. While resting, an Angel of the Lord awakens him.
God's messenger brings a hearth cake and a jug of water for
nourishment. Elijah was too exhausted to eat. He fell asleep again.
The Angels stirs Elijah after his rest. Elijah then walked for forty
days and forty nights. Then, he prayed. Strengthen by the Lord, Elijah
served the Lord with all his heart. Like Elijah, we too need to be
strengthened by the Lord. Prayer and service keeps us on track. When
we fail to pray, we run out of "spiritual energy". Only Our
Lord, can refuel the souls. Take the time to relax, pray, and refuel
with the Lord. If you have not yet visited our Adoration Chapel, make
time to spend time praying and praising the Lord each week.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
By
sharing in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, may we find the strength
and courage to make our own sacrifices to build up our church, and
provide faith for the future..
Aug 2, 2009 - 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time
My Dear People,
The disciples of Jesus pose this question to Him, "What must we
do to accomplish the works of God?" Our Lord tells them that they
must believe in the One whom the Father has sent. Then they proceed to
ask Him for some kind of sign that He is truly the Messiah. Jesus
explains to them that He is the Living Bread come down from Heaven.
Whoever eats His Body and drinks His Blood in faith, lives forever. If
we believe that Holy Communion is just holy bread, and not Jesus, we
won't hesitate to run up to communion in a state of serious and mortal
sin. This means if we have not made our Easter duty, if we are getting
drunk, stealing, fornicating, and missing mass - no big deal. But,
when we truly believe Holy Communion is truly Our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Bread of Everlasting Life; then we will remain in the pew until we
have gone to confession and repented of our sins. What do you believe?
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
May
we be willing to sacrifice, knowing that there are many great needs
throughout our community and trusting that God has provided us with
enough to share.
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