Review the day just lived … 17-Feb-2019

From the Desk of Father David

Dear Friends in Christ,

       I would like to start with a reflection on the past 30 years.  During this time period I have observed the sins of the older children and adults become the sins of younger children and teenagers.  I have seen more young people battle serious sickness.  Among the developed nations, United States is listed as the most unhealthy nation.  Anger seems to be increasing.  Many good people hold their anger in and then it comes out in inappropriate ways or they use all their energy to hold it in so they have no strength left to do anything.  Lack of forgiveness for minor hurts seems to be increasing and causing more problems in families and communities.  Many more children are not being raised in the faith or if they have been raised in the faith they are no longer practicing it. 

       What is the solution?  I firmly believe the beginning of the solution is for us to enter deeply into Lent this year.  Why, because as we grow closer to Christ, He can work many wonderful transformations in our lives and in the lives of those we meet.  The first step in growing closer to Christ is trying to view life and world as God views them.  What I would like you to start doing every night or in the morning is to review the day just lived.  The process is simple.  Offer a prayer to God asking Him to surround you in His love and help you review your day from His point of view.  Simply recall the events of the day and give thanks for what was life giving and ask God for His forgiveness for what you did wrong.  This review should take only a few minutes.  As you frequently do, you will recognize the Holy Spirit helping you and enabling you to live a more Christ centered life.  End with a prayer in your own words, or an Our Father, Hail Mary, or Prayer of St. Francis.  Never forgot that God is loving you.

       St. John of the Cross said “Silence is God’s first language.”  It is very important in our noisy lives to find time to be silent.  We quiet ourselves down, so we can move beyond thoughts and allow us to love Christ and to allow Him to love us.  One great place to do this is in our Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, because you are away from distractions.  The chapel hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday – Thursday.  Come and sit in the Lord’s presence and share whatever is in your heart and listen to His heart.

       May Almighty God calm our fears and draw us close to His side.

Peace and joy,

Fr. David