I hope to see y’all at our Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday. Let the Good Times roll! And then again on Wednesday as we begin Lent!
Our readings today are rather difficult. In Leviticus we are told to love our neighbor as our self. Then Paul tells us why: because we are temples of God. Jesus in the Gospel gets real specific telling us to love our enemies as well. “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus says: “But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well.” That is really hard to do, but Jesus asks us to show God’s love to everyone.
Every year by tradition of the diocese, I print out a contribution statement for each family for tax purposes. Every year only a few parishioners pick them up. This year I will put out a sign-up sheet for those who want them. It is in the foyer. So, please sign-up on that sheet, if you want a statement.
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 Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable 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.
Learn a little Black History this month by reading our parish Josephite calendar. There are daily notes and spread throughout the calendar there are quick biographies of six African Americans being considered for sainthood in the Church.