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January 25, 2009
My Dear People,
We are in the year of St. Paul the Apostle. This whole year is a great
remembrance of all that Paul accomplished in bringing the Good News to
the Gentile nations. All of us are responsible for sharing the truth
of Jesus Christ with one another. We live in a very depraved and
darkened society; lost in the lusts of the world. What better witness
can we give, but to share the Light of Christ with everyone. Pope John
Paul ll said that we are entering the age of the New Evangelization.
The world is starving to hear the message of the Gospel. To
evangelized is to live the truth of Jesus Christ each and everyday.
Today's Gospel from St. Mark tells us that the KINGDOM is at hand. All
of creation yearns for the completion of the Kingdom in our midst. The
Holy Apostles left everything to follow the Lord; homes, jobs, family
and friends. In return they shared in the Ministry of Our Lord. What a
great grace we have in the Apostles. They guide us still from the
Throne of the Heavenly Courts. Ask the Apostles to give you a
missionary heart. In doing so, you too will share in the great mission
of our Roman Catholic Church.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
January 18, 2009
My Dear People,
Throughout the Sacred Scriptures, Our Lord tells us that we are
accountable for our individual acts, and our communal acts. This past
election reaped the bad fruit of many, many years of choosing death
over life. Pope John Paul ll warned the United States, that it was
becoming a culture of death. God calls us to be a culture of LIFE.
Even Mother Teresa of Calcutta stated many times that America had lost
its way and because of rampant abortions, and would suffer future
consequences for her immoral choices. Now we are at that crossroads.
As a nation, we have chosen to give our politicians "carta
blanche" when it comes to the "ultimate child abuse"
ABORTION and CLONING. God never withdraws His Mercy. We preclude it.
WE have done so. We are now suffering the consequences of our immoral
actions. Pray for the strength to withstand the judgments that is at
our doorstep. Even though you may have remained faithful to Our Lord
in the voting booth, we will all come to know the JUSTICE of the Lord.
Please pray for a change
of heart in our present administration.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
January 11, 2009
My Dear People,
We draw to a close the Christmas season with the Baptism of Our Lord?
Did Jesus need to be baptized? The answer would be NO. Jesus chose to
be baptized by His cousin John, in obedience to His Father's Divine
Will. John the Baptist states, "One mightier than I is coming
after me. I am unworthy to untie His sandal straps." The shortest
Gospel, Mark, tells us afterward a voice was heard from the Heavens
saying, "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; listen
to Him." The Father's intense love for the Son is found here.
This same filial love is expressed by Jesus hanging upon the Holy
Cross. What great love Jesus models for us by pouring our His Blood
for us. And Jesus begins His Mission after coming out of the Jordan
River. What Our Lord teaches us here is threefold. First and foremost,
we must always seek the Father's Will for us. Second, we must always
know how intensely the Father loves each of us. Lastly, we must
express the Father's Love for us in love of our neighbor. This
fraternal love is the litmus test for our true devotion to Our Lord.
And it all begins for us at the Baptismal Font. Called by name, Jesus
gives us all of the tools we need to consummate the Divine Task of our
life. Pray to invest and use your Baptismal gifts wisely.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
January 4, 2009
My Dear People,
"We three Kings of orient are...bearing gifts we traverse
afar." This is the prayer of the Church as we approach the manger
with the three men of royalty. Although not Jewish by birth, these
Gentile Kings represent us. Like them, we have no access to salvation
except through the King of All Nations, Jesus Christ. Laying ourselves
before the crib, we honor and adore Our Lord with them. Even though we
have not gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh; we do have the gifts
of the Holy Spirit given at our Baptism and Confirmation. Jesus
treasures us, and His gifts to us through the Holy Spirit. Our Lord
desires for us to put these gifts at the service of our families and
of our Church. Are you using these gifts? Have you placed them at the
foot of the manger? Take some time this Sunday to adore the Infant
Jesus. Ask Him how to best use your gifts and talents for His Glory.
Use wisely the treasures He has bestowed upon us.
Like the Three Kings, may
we treasure the Holy Infant in our hearts as we too, adore Him in the
Manger.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
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