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March 29, 2009
My Dear People,
The raising of Lararus from the dead is a precursor to the
Resurrection of Our Lord. Being raised from the dead is a reality not
known by man. Once dead, always dead. Only the Apostles were able to
raise the dead after Jesus's Ascension. We know that Lazarus died
again after the Resurrection. He experienced physical death twice. So
why this event before the Crucifixion of Jesus? We find the answer in
the dialogue between Martha and Jesus. The faith of Martha is the real
focus of the Gospel. "Lord, had you been here Lazarus would never
have died", says Martha to Jesus. Jesus then tells her that he
will rise, in the Resurrection of the Just. Jesus then says that HE IS
the Resurrection and the Life. He asks if Martha believes this. She
says Yes! Once Jesus received Martha's faith, He then proceeds to
raise her brother from the tomb. We see here, as we did in the woman
at the well, that Jesus hungers for our faith in Him. It is essential
for us to give our faith to Jesus. This is what Lent is all about for
us. Strengthen by Lenten graces, we grow in our faith and surrender it
back to Our Lord. So, be strong in your faith.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
March 22, 2009
My Dear People,
Why are so many people in the dark? John's Gospel tells us that it is
because people prefer evil works over good works. When Jesus came into
the world, He entered as the LIGHT of the world. People chose works of
darkness over deeds of light. Therefore, they plunged further into
darkness to avoid the light. On the verge of another great depression,
many walk about the world as if nothing is wrong. Who would have
thought that even ten years ago people would become so indifferent to
homosexuality, abortion, cloning, and other deeds of darkness...and to
elect an administration that daily promotes DEATH over LIFE? Just as
Moses came down off the mountain to deliver God's JUSTICE, so too will
we experience the same in our lifetime. God will not allow such deeds
to continue. Prepare to walk again in God's light. Go to confession,
pray the Rosary daily, come under the Holy Mantle of Our Lady. The
time is at hand. Behold, Our Lord stands at the DOOR!
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
March 15, 2009
My Dear People,
The Ten Commandments were never meant to be the "10
suggestions". They are not optional. God the Father intended for
us to remain in the "safe zone" while walking in His
Presence. As long as we obey Him, we never run the risk of moving too
far from His Divine Will. God loves us. He longs for us. God
constantly protects us. Like good and holy parents, God longs for us
to return back home to be with Him for all eternity. Lent is a great
time to seriously examine our consciences. A good and holy Confession
cleans the soul and heals the heart. Please do not let this Lent pass
without making your Easter duty. Jesus waits for you in the
Confessional.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
March 8, 2009
My Dear People,
The Transfiguration is a central event the proceeds the death of Jesus
on Calvary. The scandal of the Holy Cross would have been too much for
the Holy Apostles had not they received the grace to see Our Lord
"transfigured". It was a sneak preview of Jesus'
Resurrection and Ascension. "His clothes became dazzling white,
such as no bleacher could bleach them." God the Father went on to
repeat His message that He gave at Jesus' Baptism... "This is my
beloved Son, Listen to Him!" Jesus was completing His three year
mission. What was begun in the Jordan River was completed at the
Transfiguration. Jesus forbade the Holy Apostles to discuss the event
until after the Resurrection. At that time, they did not understand
"what to rise from dead" meant. They then treasured this
event in their hearts.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
March 1, 2009
My Dear People,
Why would Jesus be tempted by Satan? What would be the point? Jesus is
God. Our Lord chose to be tempted for our sake. Just as He took on our
sin when He was crucified, so too He was tempted for us in the desert.
He was among wild beasts. he was tempted, and withstood temptation.
All three temptations He endured, are the same temptations the devil
attacks us with during Lent. Grace is what sustains us. Jesus knows
what we need even before we ask. He is our ultimate source of grace.
When we call upon the Holy Name of the Lord, He hears and answers us.
This Lent, deepen your prayer. Pray often. Come to know the One who
created you, loves you, and sustains you. Come to the Adoration Chapel
often during Lent. Jesus waits for you in the Tabernacle.
Entrusting
you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark
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