Healing: This weekend our first reading is from the Book of Job. We recall how he experienced incredible sufferings and hardship in his life—even though he didn’t do anything wrong. He remarks that in the “days, months, nights, and the dawn” there is no moment which he can be free from his agony. Job pours out his heart to God. In the end there is redemption for him. Why do people suffer? Or why does God allow suffering? The mysterious answer can only be found in the cross of Jesus—the innocent One. In the Gospel Jesus continues to heal people. While Jesus takes time to pray, Peter and the disciples pursue him and say, “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus doesn’t mind being bothered. He loves it when we need him.
Mercy: Next weekend our preaching begins a three-part series on God’s mercy. The first weekend will be on “Sin and God’s Mercy.” The following weekend will be on “Making a Good Confession.” We will conclude with “God’s Mercy and Evangelization.”
Champions: Been reading a very interesting book titled “Champions of the Rosary” by Fr. Donald Calloway, a priest of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. Many of you have heard of Fr. Calloway. He was in LOTS of trouble as a youth and young adult. But he discovered a book on the Blessed Mother and his conversion took off from there. In his book he talks about a number of saints who promoted praying the rosary and the incredible effects praying the daily rosary can have on our life. Hope you get to read it. But more importantly, I hope all of us pray the rosary for our families and peace in the world. The rosary has the power to change your life.
Many thanks: It’s that time of year. I am signing all the year-end statements of your contributions to the parish. We really appreciate your generosity and support of our parish.
Retreat: You were in my daily thoughts and prayers during my eight-day silent retreat, which was very beautiful. A tremendous blessing of the retreat was the daily presentations by Deacon James Keating of the Diocese of Omaha. He talked about the importance of prayer (not just for me but for all people) in our busy lives. A line that really stuck out to me was when he said “choose what is lasting and not what is passing.” An added blessing was being able to spend time with Fr. Gary and Fr. Todd. We talked when we arrived (and had a lot of good laughs), but didn’t talk to each other during the retreat. The food was good and the weather was warm (sunny but cloudy) so I enjoyed walking a lot too.
Fr. Dan: Fr. Dan is leaving this Sunday for his annual retreat. He will be back next weekend. Please pray for him.
Schedule: Just to be aware – there will be no evening confessions or Mass from Wednesday, Feb. 7 to Friday, Feb. 9.
Interesting: Someone pointed out to me that Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, and that Easter Sunday falls on April 1, April Fool’s Day, this year. Hmmm.
Patriots and Eagles: Hope you enjoy the Super Bowl. I really don’t have a rooted interest in either team. I read somewhere that a football analyst thinks the Lions will be in the Super Bowl soon. Now that would be something!
With love and prayers,
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the Day:
“Ask Christ to help you become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as fruitful rain.” – St. Paul Miki (1562 – 1597)
Feb. 6 is the feast day of St. Paul Miki and Companions. Paul and twenty-five other Catholics were crucified in Japan during a time of Christian persecution.