Today is Mother’s Day, so Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in our parish. I hope you like the carnation and the picture of Mary taken from one of our artworks here in the parish. Do something nice for your mother today, starting at least with a prayer.
Today is also a Universal Day of prayer for priestly vocations to the Church, since are readings talk about the Good Shepherd.
We have been blessed to have a new hand painted icon of Father Tolton. I want to thank the Behrens family for gifting the parish with such a beautiful gift.
Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells us about a change in the Church. Paul and Barnabas in Antioch started by preaching Jesus to the Jews but since many of them violently rejected their preaching they preached Jesus to the Gentiles. “The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”
Our second reading and today’s Gospel talk to us about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Here is part of John’s vision of heaven: “For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” In the Gospel “Jesus said: ‘My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’”
Since I live at Fatima House, I should mention that the Church honors the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima tomorrow. Mary appeared in 1917 as Our Lady of Fatima and her message was a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin and prayer, especially the rosary. It would be really good to remember Mary all this month of May and especially today on Mother’s Day.
On Tuesday the Church celebrates St. Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas as the 12thApostle.
The Church celebrates St. Isidore on Wednesday. Since he was a farm laborer, his celebration comes at a helpful time for farmers in our area. Did you know his wife, Maria de la Cabeza is also a saint?
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.