Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, During these particularly difficult times in our lives, it is felt that our Lord desires to offer words of encouragement to His children. These are not simply words that we read, but special words which will help lessen the severity and anxiety which many people are experiencing during these tumultuous moments in our lives.

Above all, our Lord is calling us to Charity in thought, word and deed. With Charity (Love) we are able to move about this world with a peaceful countenance which reflects the love of Jesus Christ. This does not mean we will not face countless onslaughts of diabolical dishevel in our lives. It means through acts of humility and charity we allow ourselves to be molded into the image that Christ originally intended and through our relinquishing of human will in compliance to the will of Christ we become instruments of Divine Love. Peace through humility changes not only our own personal attitudes, but allows spiritual growth which is nurtured by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus always calls us to spiritual cleansing. We take showers of water to cleanse our bodies; however, Jesus showers us with graces to cleanse our soul. It is sad, to say the least, when the cleansing graces of our Lord slip through our fingers and we find ourselves left spiritually void and empty of the nourishing food for our souls which Our Lord in His mercy pours forth upon us. Oh, how grateful we should be for the Sacraments which our Lord has provided for each and everyone of us so that we may come to “His table” cleansed through reconciliation and partake of the “bread of life”. We are then abundantly filled with new life which invigorates our spirits to proclaim the “Good News” to all those whom we daily encounter.

As parents, how many times have we “encouraged” our children to do something or not to do something for their own well being? If you are like most of us, the times have been too numerous to count. It is our responsibility to assist our children in order to allow them to be able to receive the multitude of graces that God has designated for them. We cannot perform our duties to God, our children, and to one another unless we ourselves are spiritually prepared.

Thus said, let us endeavor to become more in tune with the Word of God (scripture), embrace the Sacraments, and listen with full attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit!

May God bless each and every one of you……….

A servant of Jesus and Mary

Pat