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December 28, 2008
My Dear People,
I do not know of any family who is not faced with a particular
challenge or difficulty these days. It is a sign of the times. Like
the Holy Family, fervent and regular prayer is the ONLY answer. Had
not Our Lady and Saint Joseph been obedient to the angel's command to
leave for Egypt in the middle of the night, tragedy would have
overtaken them. Remaining in the Divine Will of God the Father is
extremely important. How does this happen? Daily, we must surrender
our personal way to God's way for us. A simple Morning Offering is a
great way to begin your day. Start by acknowledging God as your Father
in Heaven. Praise and bless Him for all that you will encounter that
day. Ask the Father to lead and guide all of your tasks, decisions,
and actions. Cover yourself in the Mantle of the Blessed Mother, and
open your heart to Hers. This a a sure way to stay close to God, and
His plan for you. Make a New Year's resolution to stay in the Divine
Will. You will be glad that you did. Many blessings upon you and your
family in the New Year.
Like the Holy Family, may
our hearts always be focused upon Our Lord Jesus Christ every moment
of our day.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
December 21, 2008
My Dear People,
Angels are very much a part of the Christmas account in the Gospel.
The lowly shepherds were greeted by the Holy Angels while tending
their sheep. They were told not to be afraid, but to REJOICE. This
angelic message is sorely needed today, especially with all of the
challenges that lie ahead next year. Like Joseph and Mary, we must be
prayerful and obedient, always ready to follow the Lord's Call. It
kept the Holy Family from great danger and harm. Pray to have the
hearts of Joseph and Mary. May God's holy protection come upon you and
all of your families.
Like the Blessed Mother,
may we be willing through our good stewardship, to carry Christ into
the world.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
December 14, 2008
My Dear People,
Guadete Sunday is a day of great rejoicing. the Lord is near. God is
with us. St. Paul tells us that we should REJOICE always. Pray with
ceasing. We are encouraged to give thanks in many ways. As this
calendar year ends, we do have much to be grateful for to Almighty
God. We still have the freedom to worship in public and share our
Catholic faith with others. The Lord has blessed us with food,
shelter, and clothing. Our regular income has remained consistent with
last year's totals. We are maintaining our annual budget and meeting
our expenses. Our outreach to the poor in our area, through our
various ministries, continues to grow. We just completed a beautiful
Advent Mission with Mark Mallett preparing us for the Birth of Jesus,
Mary, Our Mother in Heaven, continues to intercede for us before Her
Son. St. Michael the Archangel is always protecting our parishes and
our families. What greater gifts could Our Lord give to us? Please
take time during the course of this week, to rejoice and give God
thanks for all of His Providential care and Divine Mercy. Rejoice in
the Lord always.
May always we strive to be
grateful for the many blessings that God has shared with us over the
course of this past year.. Rejoice in the Lord always...again, I say
REJOICE.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
December 7, 2008
My Dear People,
"A voice crying out in the wilderness.. prepare ye the way of the
Lord!" Mark's Gospel today reminds us that John the Baptist spent
most of his adult life, clearing a path for the Messiah to enter his
heart. He lived an austere life freed from distraction. His meals were
meager. His home was barren. He owned little. As John was baptizing in
the Jordan River, Jesus comes to him. As the Holy Spirit filled John
in his mother's womb, at the presence of Jesus in Mary's womb; again
the Holy Spirit consumes John. The Baptist states, "I am not even
worthy to touch the sandals on your feet." Jesus's sandals were
the most undesirable part of His attire. Like boots in the barn,
sandals picked up everything undesirable in the street. John
recognizes the Divine in Our Lord. Jesus asks to be baptized by John.
Jesus asks this of his cousin in obedience to His Father's will. Our
Lord was teaching us how to access the grace of eternity through our
Baptism. If you were baptized, you have your parents to thank for that
gift. Baptism opens all the avenues of grace that leads us to eternal
life. Be like John, emptied of yourself. Be like Jesus, obedient to
the Father. They both point in the direction that leads us to
everlasting LIFE.
As good stewards, may we
strive to embrace the simplicity of St. John the Baptist, more than
the materialism of our age.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
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