Fr. John's Reflection

This last Weekend, we heard about the beautiful treasure that we have in the Lord’s gift to us, His Son. Beyond the earthly treasures we gather to become secure in this world, we embrace the precious Divine gift of God Himself living within us, among us. Specifically, the joy we can experience in the precious gift found in and through the Eucharist is such that we could not help but give this gift to others so all can experience the same joy that Jesus offers to us. As we embrace this beautiful gift, we are then to share it with family, friends and others we meet. Pope Francis states that Jesus’ friendship with us -- His love, mercy and faithfulness, are priceless gifts. It is part of our Mission to bring the Characteristics of God to others through our faithfulness to the teachings of the Lord. We go forth and offer love and mercy to a hurting world. In doing such, the Kingdom of God is now living among us. Pope Francis has written in his book, The Joy of the Gospel, that “every Christian is challenged, in the here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization.” We are to bear Christ into the world through His love. The Holy Father states that “indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love [will] then go out and live according to that love and proclaim that love to others.” St. Paul told the Roman community of faith that those who follow Christ will experience His goodness as we are chosen. “For those He predestined He also called; and those He called He also justified; and those He justified He also glorified.” We, thank you, Lord, and, we praise you. You have created each of us in Your image through divine gifts that you hold precious. And, You trust us to share them to bring You into the world. In our vulnerable state, You have left Your imprint on our very souls. May we trust in Your faithfulness and love and through Your Spirit fill us with Your graces. Magnify our gifts so we can be what we were created to be. For this, we give You praise, for this, we give Glory to Our God! Fr. John