Message from the Pastor

May 22, 2022

Dear Faithful Parishioners and Friends,

“Whoever loves me will keep my Word.” (John 14:23)

St. John speaks so eloquently of the love that Jesus has for us. It should be a comfort to know that no matter where we are on our faith journey or how far we have traveled from the path of Jesus, His love for us is offered as a gift to us.

We have been hearing over these last few weeks about the place love must play in the life of a believer. Love is the hallmark and sign of those who have chosen to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. If we ponder how much we are loved and cared for, it should be a moment of deep contemplation of what path we are traveling. If we have embraced and “believe” that we are loved, it would follow that we want to know more about who this Jesus is. In discovering this message, it makes sense that we would want to respond to the free gift of love by freely walking the path that Jesus offers. When our hearts are open to Jesus, we see that His message is a path to personal freedom and peace. So it follows that if we can comprehend how much we are loved, then we would want to keep His commands. For our own will, this giving of self to Jesus can be a difficult process. So often, our own willsand desires “get in the way.” How often do we know what Jesus asks of us yet find it difficult to bend our wills in submission to His plan and purpose for us? Maybe it’s fear that keeps those walls up. Fear of what Jesus will ask of us or fear that hearing His voice may mean that certain parts of our lives or response systems will have to change. But Jesus will never ask anything of us that He, with us, cannot accomplish.

So how do we put that fear aside? How do we open ourselves to living the will of God? Well, the answer lies in the Gospel itself. “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything.” The power of the Holy Spirit has been given to each of us at Baptism and Confirmation so that we may be open to hearing and believing the message of Jesus. This message promises us peace when we give ourselves to God and live His commandments. Through our own will, this is not possible, BUT if we are willing to open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit, great things can happen. So hear the words of Jesus...Do not be afraid. Live in His love and be that love to one another. And, as I always encourage...READ THE SCRIPTURES so you may know the One you serve.

This past week, our Elementary School celebrated Mary’s Spirit Week. The week was filled with events to honor Our Lady as Mother of the Church and our holy Patroness. Recitation of a living rosary, games, food, and times of prayer were some of the highlights of this special week. I want to thank all in our Elementary School who worked so hard to make this a wonderful week of focus on Our Lady.

The issue of Roe vs. Wade is in the headlines as a leak from SCOTUS has surfaced. The proposed draft seems to suggest that the decision about abortion should be left to the states to decide. I have been watching the reaction of many and am dismayed by some of the responses. While I completely understand that this is an emotionally charged issue, it is never an excuse for either side to engage in violence or break the law. I am disheartened by the reports of Catholic Churches being desecrated and Holy Mass being scenes of protest. Our responsibility as Catholics is
to pray for an end to abortion and also to enter into a peaceful, loving dialogue so our point of view can be heard. Yelling, screaming, using threats, or name-calling is never the answer. All that does is polarize people, and the message becomes lost. We have the words of Jesus: “Love one another.” We must also remember that another powerful tool at our disposal is voting!

In this month of May, dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, I encourage you to pray the Holy Rosary fervently for peace in our lives and our world. Let Our Lady lead you closer to Jesus, her Son.

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Bob