This is Black History Month. Be sure to look at our Parish Calendar for some interesting facts on Black History.
This is also President’ Day weekend. Monday is the holiday. When I was a child we celebrated both Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays and had two holidays for these two presidents. Washington was seen as the father of the country and Lincoln as the one who kept it together and ended slavery. I guess the economic powers won out by combining the two into one. So, Happy Presidents’ Day!
Our readings today talk about hope. From the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah we hear: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is in the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream.”
In our second reading St. Paul tells us that our hope is in the resurrection of Christ. Jesus rose from the dead and so will we.
In today’s Gospel Jesus gives hope to the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and those hated because they believe in him. But he also warns the rich, those who are full, those who laugh, and those spoken well of. I suppose we can ask ourselves into which category we fall, because there is hope for both groups.
The Church celebrates the Chair of St. Peter on the 22nd. We do not know the date of his death, but early on it came to be remembered on Feb, 22. The empty chair tradition is an old one. An empty chair is placed at table to honor the deceased person, reminding us of the Communion of Saints.
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.