A Choice to Make: Today’s readings are fascinating. In our first reading Adam and Eve listened to the “serpent’ (the devil) instead of God. They chose to believe the serpent’s lies that God could not be trusted, that following Him was just about following rules, and that He doesn’t love us. However, in the Gospel Jesus refuses the serpent’s lies. Jesus trusts in the Father’s love for Him. He was steadfast in faith. As a priest told me a long time ago, God can take away everything except our free will. During Lent we fast, give alms and pray to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus.
O God, be merciful to me: Speaking of our readings, St. Paul tells us in the second reading to “be reconciled with God.” The best way to be reconciled with God is to go to confession. We are having a penance service this Thursday, March 9, at 7 pm. Please don’t be afraid. Jesus desires to encounter you and forgive you in this wonderful Sacrament. Please remember, too, that we have confessions every day: Monday – Friday at 5 pm, Saturdays at 11 am and Sundays at 9:30 and 11:30 am.
Confessions at Powers: On Monday, March 6, I will be going to Powers High School to hear confessions at their school. With so many students they need all the help they can get. For our school, Fr. Gary and I hear the confessions of a different class once a week.
One more time: Healing must be the theme, because next Sunday, March 12, I am giving a talk to the RCIA class on the two Sacraments of Healing: Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. As we know, every Sacrament is an encounter with Jesus, who is alive and with us! Please feel free to attend the RCIA class if you wish.
Fire and Wind: We had more than 100 people attend the Fire and Wind seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 28. The sessions last for five more weeks. Even if you couldn’t attend the first session, please attend this Tuesday’s session on “Redeeming Love” at 6:30 pm in the Church.
Career Day: Speaking of our school, this Friday, March 10, it is career day at our school. Many guests, including Fr. Gary and I, will give a presentation on their career. Fr. Gary told me recently that he is having lunch soon with a college-age student on a possible vocation to the priesthood. Wonderful!
A note from India: Recently I received a very nice thank you letter from Bishop Paul Lakra from the Diocese of Gumla, India. Bishop Lakra came to our parish on September 10 -11, 2016. He wrote: “I extend my sincere thanks to all the parishioners who were so kind and generous to me. I am well convinced that with this financial support I will be able to build schools, churches and residence for my Priests.”
Priest Fraternity in DeWitt: This Sunday afternoon I will be in DeWitt for a priest fraternity gathering at Msgr. Lunsford’s residence. I like going to his place because he is by far and away the best cook of the six of us who belong to this group ☺.
Witness to Hope: I am excited about the slow but sure progress made for our Witness to Hope Campaign. Fr. Gary and I have been trying to contact people regarding the campaign to make one last push. Believe me, we don’t want to keep harping at you! As they say though, we want to give everyone a chance to contribute. No one has yet claimed this signature on one of our pledge cards. Please let me know if it is yours!
Please be assured of my prayers and love. Have a blessed Lenten season.
Msgr. Jerry
A couple of saint quotes:
“You do not need to wallow in guilt. Wallow in the mercy of God.” – St. John Vianney
“Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin. In confession there is a chance for mercy. Believe it firmly. Hope and have confidence in confession.” – St. Isidore