Ordinary Time

Hopelessness and suffering, for many of us, is what makes or breaks us spiritually. Many of us turn away from God because of such experiences. But God continues to pour His presence into our hearts so that, when we encounter the challenging moments of our lives, we can recognize that He continues to be with us and that we can call on Him. You have heard many times of the different ways we can rely on God. The simplest way to call upon God when you are at the lowest moment of your life is to say, "Jesus, help me." 

There will be all kinds of obstacles, sufferings, and tragedies in our lives - things that can steal away our hope like war, terrorism, corruption, division, arrogance, pride, and cynicism (just to name a few). But Jesus isn't worried. Why? Because Christ crushed sin, death, Satan, and his demons when He died and rose again. Jesus has already won. The game of our lives hasn't ended, but our knowledge of the outcome is the reason for our hope.

In any relationship, it takes work, patience, and a dedicated back-and-forth to truly come to know the other person, not just know about the other person. Unless we’re talking to the Lord and letting His word work on us, regularly, we’ll never develop the strength, freedom, and trust to stand when the world’s storm winds blow against us. So talk to Him this week, and let Him talk to you. There’s nothing more important you can do.

Living out the greatest commandments - to love God and to love our neighbor - is a principle embedded deep within our hearts. This Christian way of life is driven by ourselves being Christian. You share the good news of Christ to others by just being you: your actions, your way of life, your being Christian makes you an authentic role model and a beacon of hope to those around you.

Everything and everyone belongs to God. There's no possible way to "pay" God back for all he has done for you, but a sincere prayer of thanksgiving from the heart is priceless. So, when you wake up and put your feet on the floor, thank God for another day, a day which you did not create and is sheer gift to you.
 
This was recorded at the 11:15am Mass due to partial audio loss during the live stream at 9:30am.

We journey through life knowing that our goal is to be in the wedding feast of the Lamb (eternal life in heaven) and how important it is to be ready for the feast and adorn our wedding garment (our soul). But there are moments when we fall short and lose focus on eternal life; our wedding garment becomes stained and unfit. By reconciling with God in confession and receiving Christ in the Eucharist, we are continually cleansed and strengthened, adorned and ready for the feast.

Among the greatest fruits we have received as members of Jesus' Church is the Eucharist. Our mission to "GO": go out into your neighborhoods, work, and social groups and share with other Catholics who you know have been away from the Church about the great fruit of the Eucharist in your own life.
 
Click here to read the CARA report that Fr. Bill refers to in his homily.

Jesus invites us to enter into a deep and abiding relationship with Him, and to share that experience with others. It doesn't matter how late you have come to this game. God's Church, his ballpark, is inviting each of us to enter into a deeper encounter with Him. Such an invitation will likely require a change about something in your mind, heart, or lifestyle. Let Him change you and so be open to the Holy Spirit.