Dear Parishioners,

                We are well into the Season of Lent and are reflecting upon the power of God in the lives of His Chosen people. This past week we were blessed to have Archbishop Aymond, our Shepherd, to celebrate with our young adults the Sacrament of Confirmation! After the ceremony he remarked how well prepared they were and how prayerful as well in Church as they received the “gifts of the Holy Spirit.” A great big Thank You to Mr. Steve and Mrs. Shay Leblanc and their team, Mrs. Linda, Mrs. Kellie and Mrs. Tara for their support and leadership in our parish. May the Lord bless them for their sharing of their talents and graces with the young in our midst!

                Our readings this week call us to reflect upon the interior graces we are called to receive in our lives. The Chosen People are released from their bondage of the Egyptians. They travelled as fast as they could out of that dark land, generations born into slavery, into a new freedom. They carry what they can on their backs and in their caravan. They immediately begin to experience difficulties and trials which God delivers them from time and time again. It is not until they realize that they are to build the kingdom of God from within that they can and do experience God’s holiness to the full. They were expecting to find tents raised for them and a flourish flock and fields of grain with streams of flowing water. Instead they found a desert in which they would wander for some forty years. It is when they realized that they are the bearers of the gifts of god’s Grace inside themselves, and only then, that they begin to build a united kingdom of God on earth with their eyes set on the kingdom of heaven.

                We know well the story of the prodigal son who thought that all of the materials possessions he received from his father would bring him happiness on earth. Once they were gone, even his most trusted friends left him and would not even give him employment. It is when he recognized that grace comes from within; God’s love is all abiding, that he returns to his father and asks for forgiveness of his wrongdoing. His gracious father would see him from a distance and open his arms to his son. Once reconciled, they would move on together in faith, realizing that love surpasses any and all material gifts in life.

                I am grateful to the Ladies Club/Altar Society for their participation in the Day of Recollection. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful organization that dedicated themselves not only to keeping our Church beautiful but their spiritual life refreshed as well. Please put on your calendars our upcoming Lenten Mission which will be preached by Fr. John Nazzaro, sdb, who is coming to us from East Boston, Ma. He has served in the local area and is looking forward to meeting friends and new friends and sharing prayer and reflections on Holy Week.

                May the Lord continue to journey with us and bless us as we walk the road to Calvary and the victory of the Cross of Jesus Christ!

Sincerely,

Fr. Jon D. Parks, sdb

Pastor

Following the WORD OF GOD

 Both the first reading and the gospel today focus on a sense of ‘homecoming.’ After decades of living as nomads in the wilderness, the Israelites now enter the Promised Land where they celebrate the Passover feast. Now they are home the daily manna from heaven is no longer needed.

  Today’s second reading serves as a bridge between the first reading and the gospel. It begins by speaking of old things passing away and new things coming, recalling the end of the Israelites’ wandering in the desert and a new beginning in the Promised Land. Then it shifts to a discussion of reconciliation with God, setting the stage for the familiar and well-loved gospel parable of the prodigal son. This story speaks to us of the nature of God’s mercy and forgiveness, demonstrating that He rejoices in the reconciliation of sinners.

  We must remember that Jesus told this parable to those who were scandalized by His association with sinners. Thus the part about the elder brother is a key element with which we can easily relate. The incident is an important one, for there is always the danger of ‘good people’ looking down on others. We need to remember that all of us are in need of God’s merciful forgiveness. Our proper response is gratitude. Since we remember our own need, we find it easy to rejoice whenever a brother or sister ‘comes home’ to God, the Father who loves us all.