I guess, if you really want to make God laugh, tell him your plans!!! I was ordained on June 23rd, 2001 and have been blessed to have been assigned and remained at my home Parish, St. Agnes and then after our merger Precious Blood Parish. First, Thanks to God, Our Blessed Mother, Mary, St. Anne, and St Infant Jesus of Prague among other Saints for a Blessed Ministry. It would take pages and pages to mention by name everyone who supported me in my ministry. My family-my wife Barbara, my children, Nick jr., Cindy, grandchildren-Samantha, Isabella, Patrick, Son-in-law Rob, Late daughter-in-law Regina (RIP). Fr. Callahan (RIP) and Deacon Richard Sennett who encouraged me to apply to the Diaconate. (and their support). Fr. Aidan Donahue, our Pastor, who invited me to continue when our Parishes merged. Fr. Aidan who was also one of my teachers in Diaconate formation, Deacon John, St. Joseph Men’s Society, Ladies Guild, Knights of Columbus, and all those that helped me as I served in my ministry. All the Priests that I have come to known and have supported me. Of late Fr. Deny, Fr. Sam, Fr. Lijo, Fr. Alan. Importantly, all of you, our parishioners who showed me much kindness and love. (And laughed at my funny stories.) I am blessed to say that I am not going anywhere, at least I don’t think so. (Tell God your plans if you want to make him laugh.) I will continue to assist in whatever way I am able to do. There is a known “Mantra” that tells us about God. It goes like this, I say, “God is good” and you reply “All the time” Then I say, “All the time,” and you reply “God is good.” He is good, despite all the challenges he sends to us. Everything we have is a gift from God. Please know that you are all in my prayers and will continue to be so. May God Bless You Always.
St. Faustina Kowalska was born in Poland of a poor and religious family. She was the third of ten children. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy after witnessing a vision of the Suffering Christ. She took the names Dr. Maria Faustina of the Most Blessed Sacrament and was canonized on April 30, 2020.
In obedience to her Spiritual Director, she wrote a diary of about 600 pages, recording the Revelation she received about God’s Mercy. The prayerful traditions are powerfully and deeply rooted in Gospel message of Jesus Christ. “Learn to trust in Jesus and live your life as merciful to others as Christ is merciful to you.” “God forgives our every sin and his mercy is greater than our sins.” A teacher asked her students to give their own version of Jesus’ parable of the Lost Sheep. One Student wrote: “Suppose you just finishing typing a 100 –page term paper. Then you discover one sheet is missing. What do you do? You search for it. When you find it, you are so happy that you jump for joy that you have found the lost sheet. What about the those who have committed crimes and have led a wicked life and while in prison have repented and turned to God for forgiveness.
Jesus addressing the people drew the attention of the tax collector and the sinners. The Pharisees and scribes began to judge Jesus and the so called sinners. Christ offers them a parable which teaches them about the compassion of God. It also shows that rather than judging or condemning sinners; their goal should be to find them and help bring them back on the right path. There are many stories in Scripture that identify with forgiveness and God’s Mercy. In the Gospel there is “The Prodigal son”, and the woman caught in adultery, to name a couple. One of the most notable stories of forgiveness is the story of King David in the Old Testament. He recognized his sinful act of infidelity and having one of his soldiers murdered in battle goes to the Lord asking for forgiveness.
Jesus in many of his parables tell the Pharisees, scribes, and the people, that God rejoices when a sinner repents, turns his life around and is accepted into the Kingdom of God. It seems unfair to see this kind of forgiveness because of those who have always lived a good life and it can be difficult to see this kind of forgiveness . But e cannot judge the great generosity of God’s Love. One of my most favorite images of Jesus is the one of a Shepard who takes care of every one of his flocks. Life, especially in our society is laced with temptations in all sorts of form. Although some people live very good lives and are rarely tempted to do gravely wrong things; they are always faithful. Others though live lives that are dishonest, cruel and even viciously destructive, yet in the end through maybe a visit by a priest or some other influencing person experiences repentance and are forgiven and allowed the last sacraments. It seems unfair and difficult to see this kind of forgiveness because of those who have always lived a good life. But we cannot judge the great generosity of God's Love. How many times in our own lives have we noticed our flaws? Each of us have our own unique flaws. We are all sinners in need of God’s love and mercy. We hope to recognize that through our weakness we find the strength and faith to keep on going. So, we continue to pray and trust in the Risen Christ for his guidance and to be open to his wisdom and mercy in our everyday lives.