Faith without works is dead

From the Desk of Father David

Dear Parishioners and Friends in Christ,

             Jesus had a dream that all people could live as brothers and sisters of His heavenly Father.  Everything He did was to was to make this dream a reality.  If we choose to live His dream them we have to recognize that we are called to live between two realities.  We are redeemed and we are working out redemption; we are saved and not yet saved; the Kingdom of God is here and we need to build the Kingdom; we are children of God and yet we need to learn to live as His children; we believe and yet part of us doesn’t believe.  This was explained to me as living on the vertical beam of the cross.  The call of faith is to always be looking forward and working towards the fullness of that reality.  Jesus reminds us that with God all things are possible, so we would not loose hope. 

As St. James reminds us in his letter, faith must be lived out in good works.  Faith without works is dead.  Are you trying to grow in your relationship with Christ?  Are you seriously trying to live in peace with others? Are trying to forgive yourself and others for past hurts?  Do you take advantage of the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist?  By going to confession only at Christmas and Easter, means that you will go nine months without receiving the Sacrament.  The Sacrament is about conversion, trying to change your life for the better by avoiding sin and cooperating with God’s grace.  At Eucharist you are nourished with the Word of God and His body, blood, soul and divinity.  The greatest banquet on earth!  Do your actions mirror this belief? Do you invite others to attend Mass? Now is the time to engage our faith.  We pray using the words of the man in the gospel, “Lord I do believe, help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

Lord Jesus fill us with the hope and strength we need to live Your Gospel, our faith.  Help us to become a light house guiding others to You and may we stand firmly upon You our rock foundation.  In the power of Your Name come to our aid.

In Faith,

Fr. David