Dear Parishioners,
Jesus spent his years on earth relieving the suffering of others. We are called to do the same by bringing healing to those who suffer in our midst. Today, we celebrate St. Maximillian Kolbe who demonstrated his love for Christ while offering his life as a substitute to save the life of a young father chosen at random for starvation by their Nazi captors. Would you have been able to make this choice like Fr. Kolbe? Most of us could not.
Yet, each one of us is called to help alleviate suffering where we find it. It is in the face of the poor, the depressed, the lonely, the sick, and so on. Sometimes, when we focus on ourselves, we become more of a burden than a help to anyone. So, today, think of someone in your journey that is suffering during this time and pray with them or for them and their well-being. In doing so, you will find healing for yourself.
Lord, bring healing upon our world that suffers the scars of inhumanity and selfishness. Touch our hearts with the light of your wisdom and endow us with the will to love you in our neighbor. Bring me the peace I need to carry on and accept the Cross of this daily journey. Strengthen me to be an instrument of your Presence, broken as I am. May these days of challenge and darkness bring a renewed sense of faith to all who seek You.
Open wide the doors of holiness and wholeness, restoring the Body of Christ, the Church, and the unity you call forth from us. Lord may our journey end here and begin again in your accepting embrace of love.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
