Dear Friends,
These past weekends celebrating Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, and the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ have been enriching moments for me to contemplate the richness of our faith. We are so blessed by the presence of our Lord in our lives and His abundant and unconditional love for each and every one of us!
As I mentioned in my homily last weekend, this abundant presence of Himself in each and every one of us through the Eucharist is a treasure to share with others by the lives we lead!
This awareness brings renewed joy to my heart and soul.
I am like you; our day-to-day experiences may not always bear constant joy. I do have more reasons to acknowledge joy, day to day, when I am aware of and focused on the Lord Jesus who is ever before me.
Jesus fills my life with love and hope and mercy and grace and affirmation that no matter what, He is with me. And I want to be with Him as well!
Last week a guest was visiting at our weekend masses. They came up to me following the conclusion of mass as I was wishing everyone a good day. This guest said to me, “you are so joyful, and I want you to know how much that spoke to me today.”
It is an honor to celebrate the Eucharist. I have been a priest for almost 42 years now and it is a privilege I take with prayerfulness, honor, love, and yes, joy. I try to share my joy with my sisters and brothers. This guest made my day in taking the time to say they saw what I try to express in sharing my love of Jesus Christ.
I take to heart when Jesus said, my joy is yours and I want your joy to be complete.
Well, Summer is here! Heat, lots of heat, has been before us. The Fourth of July is just around the corner. Graduation parties are all around. Baptisms are happening often. Anniversaries of marriages are being renewed and proclaimed. Engagements are being announced and parties to celebrate them. Summer birthdays are being planned and celebrated. There is a wedding to preside at next weekend. Faithful are coming to daily and weekend masses!
There is so much joy before you and me! Relish these moments!
With faith, blessing and JOY,
Father Rob