Listening: This Sunday is one of my favorite Gospels. Prior to today’s Gospel on the Transfiguration, Jesus had asked his disciples “who do you say that I am?” Peter got the answer right—Jesus is the Son of God. But then Jesus explains that he will suffer and die. And then he tells his disciples that they too pick up their cross and follow him. That must have put a damper on their enthusiasm in following Jesus. But then Jesus does something beautiful—he is transfigured before them. Peter, James and John are astounded. They want to stay in this moment forever. It’s a glimpse of heaven. A voice cries out, “This is my Beloved Son. Listen to Him.” Do we take time to listen, to be quiet before the Lord? Or are we getting drowned out with other voices?
Go out: This weekend concludes our three-part series on “Sin and God’s Mercy.” I hope you have enjoyed it. Our topic this weekend is God’s mercy and evangelization—sharing God’s mercy to others.
It’s been how long?: This Thursday, March 1, we will have a penance service. Fr. Jim Rolph from Powers Catholic will be speaking on reconciliation at 6:30 pm followed by a penance service with many priests available to hear confessions. The Church sees Lent as a really good time to confess our sins. Jesus desires to heal us of our sins.
Open House: This Wednesday, Feb. 28, our school will have a kindergarten open house. Last year we had a waiting list for our kindergarten class.
Discoveries and Hoops: Speaking of our school, the annual science fair is on Thursday/Friday of this week. I am always impressed with the innovation of our students. I’m also going to try to attend many of our school basketball games this week.
Stations/Fish Fry: Our Stations of the Cross have moved to 6 pm, right after 5:30 pm Mass. Hope to see you there as we journey with Jesus to Jerusalem.
Helping Others: For our Ash Wednesday Masses, which were very well attended, we collected close to $6,000. Half of that amount will go to our Outreach Ministry. Thanks for your kindness and generosity as always.
Reflection: This Thursday, March 1, I will be joining many of my brother priests for a Lenten Day of Reflection led by Bishop Boyea at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. It’s great to be with the brothers for a day of prayer.
A Prayer: A priest friend, Fr. Mark Inglot from St. Thomas Aquinas/St. John Student Center, in East Lansing, puts the following prayer on “how to fast” in his bulletin column every Lent. I hope you find it helpful.
Have a blessed week. Please pray the rosary for peace in our world.
In Christ’s love,
Msgr. Jerry
A parishioner sent me the following quote. She shared how much it has helped her in her spiritual journey:
“Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with God. Speak with familiarity and confidence as to your dearest and most loving friend. Speak of your life, your plans, your troubles, your joys and your fears. In return, God will speak to you—not that you will hear audible words in your ears, but words that you will clearly understand in your heart. These may be feelings of peace, hope, interior joy, or sorrow for sin…gentle knockings at the door of your heart.” -St. Alphonsus Ligouri