I am continuing to write a message in the absence of Father Kuzma who is in Florida. In a recent phone call he told me that his sabbatical is going very well, he enjoys the heat and misses us, except for winter. Fr. Francis had his second eye surgery and it went well. Until his vision is fully restored, Father is using an “Eye” Pad during Mass. Thank you for your prayers. May the Lord and Our Lady continue to watch over them and all parishioners.
On the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church reminds us in the Scriptures that God wants His people to make a positive difference in the world. In Isaiah, God wants efforts to fight injustice, hunger, homelessness and nakedness. God hears the prayers of those who alleviate others’ suffering and promises that their light will shine in the darkness and their gloom be no more. The Lord Jesus calls His disciples the “salt of the earth” and warns them against losing their taste, their zeal for truth and love. His disciples are also “the light of the world” whose good works are meant to be visible so that others may glorify God.
What qualities do the Lord’s disciples need to be authentic Christians? Saint Paul was not a great orator or philosopher; but his zeal to proclaim the Lord Jesus Crucified and risen from the dead was unparalleled in the New Testament. The majority of the Apostles were uneducated fishermen who went through all kinds of doubts and fears. Yet, the Holy Spirit gave them supernatural wisdom, power and courage after Pentecost. No one is too weak, sick, poor, uneducated, young or old to serve the Lord. Many terrible sinners have become great saints. Here are few quotes to inspire you:
First is the need to pray for a deep faith in God to overcome fear: “Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take us over, it drives compassion right out of our hearts.” – St. Thomas Aquinas. “To have courage for whatever comes in life, everything lies in that.” – St Teresa of Avila; “Nothing great is ever achieved without enduring much.” – St. Catherine of Siena.
God’s will can be enjoyable: “My children, jump, run and play, and make all the noise you want, but avoid sin like the plague and you will surely gain heaven.” – Saint John Bosco. “To be a servant of Christ is to be truly free.” – St. Agatha. “Virtues are formed by prayer.” – St. Ephrem.
Those who are too old, frail or sick: “Those who pray and suffer, leaving action for others, will not shine here on earth, but what a radiant crown they will wear in the kingdom of life! Blessed be the apostolate of suffering!” – St. Josemaria Escriva
Finally you can still be a light for others in darkness even when you feel alone: “All the darkness of the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” – St. Francis of Assisi.
May the Lord’s invitation to make us “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” motivate our prayers, sacrifices and actions. May God bless you and Our Lady, Saint Joseph, the Angels and the Saints protect and guide you always.
Fr. Luc (Retired Priest)