Lost and the joy of being found

From the Desk of Father David

Dear Friends in Christ,

             Sunday’s Gospel offers three stories about being lost and the joy of being found.  Remember a time when you were lost and then someone found you or you found your way!  Both of the brothers in the Gospel are lost because their relationship with the father is broken.  So one runs away and the other one is doing all he can do to earn his father’s love and respect.  The Father is doing all he can to rebuild the relationships.  On the Website, www.Fathersloveletter.com, there is a wonderful video about God the Father’s relationship to us, His children. This video is made up of many Bible quotes.  It is well worth watching it.  There is a printed copy of the Father’s Love Letter at the doors of the Church.  The father states, “everything I have is yours.” God the Father gives us everything through Jesus Christ.  Do we believe this great news or are we still trying to earn heaven and His love? 

It is difficult to comprehend the depths of this love because nothing on earth comes close to it.  Therefore, we need to stay alert to experiencing God’s love in our lives and celebrate this relationship.  The more we celebrate this relationship, the more it takes hold of our lives and healings begin to happen.  St. Francis Xavier asserted “if there was no heaven to gain, or hell to flee, I would still love you.”  This quote not only shows us the depths of his love, but also invites us to love God like he did.

I want to encourage you to read the Prodigal Son parable and let it speak to you.  I will be on retreat this week so please keep me in your prayers and know that you will be in mine.  The parish is in good hands with Suzanne, Ann Marie, Deacon Tom, John (our seminarian) and Kate available to help you.

May Almighty God help us to come home to His love and stop seeking to find it elsewhere.

In Christ’s peace,

Fr. David