August 8, 2024
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Jesus makes the claim, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Having proclaimed these words the followers of Jesus were confronted with making a choice that would direct the rest of their lives. I believe that each of us who has decided to be one with the Lord has found the journey can be very challenging. We have a God that asks a lot of us. He also gives us the grace and means to walk this journey. The Eucharist is the essential food necessary for a healthy spiritual life. Are we willing to live in God’s kingdom, are we willing to forgive others, are we willing to stay away from evil, and those things that draw us way from holiness? Are we willing to be humble, peaceful, merciful, compassionate, and willing to suffer for another? Are we willing to feed, provide the basic needs for those without shelter, are we willing to care for the suffering and those who have died? Are we willing to care for the common good and not just our own needs? Are we willing to be like Jesus for others? The answer to these questions needs to be “Yes.” This is what it means to be a follower of Christ, Catholic. It is the Bread from Heaven, the Eucharist, that enables us to say “Yes.” The Lord calls each of us no matter where we are on the spiritual journey. He never gives up on us. Don’t give up on Him.
God’s Peace,
Fr. Mike
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Jesus makes the claim, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Having proclaimed these words the followers of Jesus were confronted with making a choice that would direct the rest of their lives. I believe that each of us who has decided to be one with the Lord has found the journey can be very challenging. We have a God that asks a lot of us. He also gives us the grace and means to walk this journey. The Eucharist is the essential food necessary for a healthy spiritual life. Are we willing to live in God’s kingdom, are we willing to forgive others, are we willing to stay away from evil, and those things that draw us way from holiness? Are we willing to be humble, peaceful, merciful, compassionate, and willing to suffer for another? Are we willing to feed, provide the basic needs for those without shelter, are we willing to care for the suffering and those who have died? Are we willing to care for the common good and not just our own needs? Are we willing to be like Jesus for others? The answer to these questions needs to be “Yes.” This is what it means to be a follower of Christ, Catholic. It is the Bread from Heaven, the Eucharist, that enables us to say “Yes.” The Lord calls each of us no matter where we are on the spiritual journey. He never gives up on us. Don’t give up on Him.
God’s Peace,
Fr. Mike