God’s Call to Action
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15”)
Today I would like to suggest that every individual who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God as proclaimed in Luke 3:22 “And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my flavor rests on you”., Every person who believes in the God of Abraham, Isaac, Isaiah, Jacob and David and the God who told Moses "I AM WHO AM, needs to turn to back that God with devotion and prayer.
We need to ask God, in His infinite mercy, love and compassion for all His children, to bring an end to the forces of evil that are dividing nations, churches, and families and causing great pain and suffering to innocent children and adults all over the globe. “And Jesus said to them, Come you after me” (Mark 1:17)
In the last decade the forces of darkness have become increasingly more intent in the battle between good and evil causing consecrated religious to abandon their vows and commit heinous deeds in violation of their vows. Families have been torn apart by divorce and parents, bothers and sisters have disowned their children over a child’s sexual orientation and not something criminal that they did.
Discrimination against people because of their skin color or national origin has destroyed so many and still divides communities in spite of the progress that the United States has made in electing the first African American president.
Sadly there are still subtle signs of discrimination that have crept out in the recent debates by those who would like to unseat that African American President and some of the supporters of those candidates.
Children are starving throughout the world. Seniors have to decide between the medicines that will keep them healthy and active or food and decent shelter.
Trillions have been spent to sustain a war that is Religious and tribal at its core and has raged since the time of Christ, which no amount of military could win.
People who claim Abraham as their father are trying to eradicate each other.
The time is now to put aside the things that have divided us and look toward the things that we have in common and find ways of living in peace and harmony thereby giving honor, glory and praise to the creator of all things.
God allowed Satin to tempt Job in an effort to have Job deny God but Job remained faithful in spite of all Satin did.
I believe today the world is being tempted in the same way and sadly far too many have gone over to the dark side because of their desire for wealth, fame or power.
This greed, which has always been one of Satins best tools to tempt people away from God, has caused financial ruin and great loss to so many poor and middle income people all over the globe with the loss of jobs, homes and the basics of life.
I believe that we need to take an active part in defeating Satin, just as so many prophets and saints who preceded us in the past have taken, we need to plead for God’s help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit on our nation’s congressional leaders and those who are seeking the position of President of the United States to find ways of assisting the poor, homeless and unemployed and not cut the programs that do provide relief.
I believe that the times are calling us, whether we call the creator of all things by the name of God, Yahweh, or Jehovah, to turn back and give the devotion we were instructed to do when Christ was asked what the greatest Commandment was. Christ replied; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”. (Matthew 22:37-40)
I would like to suggest that everyone set aside ten minutes twice a day, every day for the coming year, to give recognition toward God by not only asking for things, but thanking God for the things you do have.
We need to turn ourselves over to God and petition God to inspire, not only the world leaders and all who hold positions of power in Government, Religion, Education, Health Care and our local communities, the means to end those things that have caused so much pain and suffering to so many all over the world. I offer this prayer as a possible prayer of petition and dedication of yourself to doing the work of God here on earth.
Prayer of Petition and Dedication and Love to Almighty God
Almighty and merciful God, open my mind, my heart and my soul to your infinite mercy and love.
Guide me in the knowledge of your truth and help me to live in accord to your will in all things.
Guide me in all of my daily actions so that I might reflect the light of your truth toward all I encounter.
Inspire me and those who have been placed in positions of influence in Governments and Religions to find ways of settling the divisions that has caused so much grief to so many.
Inspire families to love and care for all children and to recognize and accept the diversity of God’s plan.
Inspire all your children regardless of their race, or creed; whether they are Christian, Jew, Hindu, Islam, Sikhs, or Buddhist; to gather together in brotherhood and peace for the sake of the entire human race.
Guide those who believe that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah of the ages and our redeemer and savior to come together as one body of faith living as Jesus taught with Kindness, charity and goodwill toward all the world.
We call upon you, O Lord because we acknowledge that all things begin and end with you.
You are the Alpha and the Omega.
In humility and love, we plead with you knowing all too well how we have failed to follow your ways in the past and we ask your forgiveness and mercy.
Hear Us O God and answer our prayer. AMEN
© Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD, Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
January 1, 2012 Reflection
May the Lord’s Face Shine On You
A Reflection for January First, Mary Mother of God
Readings: Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21,
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mery, Franklin, MA
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.Missionstsergius.org
The Psalm for the liturgy of New Years Day proclaims a message we all should be shouting from the rooftops, “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, How awesome are your works!”
When we couple that with the direction given in the first reading of the day from the book of Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 on how to greet people “You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.”
We receive a direction of living our life in accordance with the teachings of Christ and therefore Almighty God. Our hearts should be filled with the knowledge and love that the King of Glory, Jesus Christ brought to this world. Was not just happenstance, but was part of God’s design from the very beginning of time.
As if to reinforce the truth, that we have all been chosen by God as his children and therefore heirs to the kingdom of heaven we have the words from the second reading found in Galatians 4: “The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.”
The Gospel tell us that the name chosen for the child was not a family mane but that it was given to the infant according to the instructions Mary received from the Angel Gabriel.
When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:22
Besides being the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus, today is also commemorated in the western church to celebrate the motherhood of Mary, “the Theotokos” in Greek meaning mother of God. The Gospel reading reminds us that Mary pondered all that had come to pass and also the things she was told would occur in her heart by the priest “Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2: 34-35.
There should be no doubt in anyone mind that Jesus is the promised one of the ages and as such we need to heed the things He has instructed us to do. We also have to keep in mind that through the centuries many things have been added to what Jesus instructed, mainly for the purpose of gaining power and wealth. Those things have very little to do with living our life according to God’s will. Celibacy of clergy was an idea that came many years after Christ, the early church had women deacons, the early church blessed same sex commitment ceremonies, liturgies were celebrated in the language of the people. These are just some of the things that churches enforce that were not defined by Christ.
All the grandeur, splendor, pomp and circumstance that is associated with some churches fly in the face of what Christ taught. By His birth in a simple manger alone; Christ gave us a lesson that He came to give hope and promise to all and that the poor and needy where more acceptable than the rich and powerful. “Do unto others as you would have done unto you” this teaching should cause us to think about how we treat others and is it the same way that we would want to be treated?
Jesus Christ came to earth to save us, to open up the gates of heaven to all people. Almighty God sent us His son in human form to teach us the truth, to lead us in the path of righteousness, and to gain for us eternal salvation.
As we begin a New Year let us make a new beginning in our relationship with Almighty God through His beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. Let us vow to make the changes necessary in our lives so that we come closer to God in all that we do. Let us set aside time each and every day to acknowledge God and ask His help in making us a better and newer person. Let us examine way that we can actively make a difference by our actions and deeds. Can we be more compassionate toward those who are suffering from poverty, hunger, homelessness and serious illness? Can we do more to support the spreading of the Good News of Salvation preached by Jesus Christ? Can we make time in our schedules to pray and receive the bread of life, the Eucharist?
As the sports adage says; “The ball is in our court” how are we going to play it?
May the New Year bring peace to the hearts and minds of all people, May the wisdom of God infuse the inner being of all especially the leaders of the worlds governments and religions so that they find a pathway to peace and unity and bring about the promise of The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. AMEN
A Reflection for January First, Mary Mother of God
Readings: Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21,
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mery, Franklin, MA
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.Missionstsergius.org
The Psalm for the liturgy of New Years Day proclaims a message we all should be shouting from the rooftops, “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, How awesome are your works!”
When we couple that with the direction given in the first reading of the day from the book of Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 on how to greet people “You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.”
We receive a direction of living our life in accordance with the teachings of Christ and therefore Almighty God. Our hearts should be filled with the knowledge and love that the King of Glory, Jesus Christ brought to this world. Was not just happenstance, but was part of God’s design from the very beginning of time.
As if to reinforce the truth, that we have all been chosen by God as his children and therefore heirs to the kingdom of heaven we have the words from the second reading found in Galatians 4: “The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.”
The Gospel tell us that the name chosen for the child was not a family mane but that it was given to the infant according to the instructions Mary received from the Angel Gabriel.
When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:22
Besides being the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus, today is also commemorated in the western church to celebrate the motherhood of Mary, “the Theotokos” in Greek meaning mother of God. The Gospel reading reminds us that Mary pondered all that had come to pass and also the things she was told would occur in her heart by the priest “Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2: 34-35.
There should be no doubt in anyone mind that Jesus is the promised one of the ages and as such we need to heed the things He has instructed us to do. We also have to keep in mind that through the centuries many things have been added to what Jesus instructed, mainly for the purpose of gaining power and wealth. Those things have very little to do with living our life according to God’s will. Celibacy of clergy was an idea that came many years after Christ, the early church had women deacons, the early church blessed same sex commitment ceremonies, liturgies were celebrated in the language of the people. These are just some of the things that churches enforce that were not defined by Christ.
All the grandeur, splendor, pomp and circumstance that is associated with some churches fly in the face of what Christ taught. By His birth in a simple manger alone; Christ gave us a lesson that He came to give hope and promise to all and that the poor and needy where more acceptable than the rich and powerful. “Do unto others as you would have done unto you” this teaching should cause us to think about how we treat others and is it the same way that we would want to be treated?
Jesus Christ came to earth to save us, to open up the gates of heaven to all people. Almighty God sent us His son in human form to teach us the truth, to lead us in the path of righteousness, and to gain for us eternal salvation.
As we begin a New Year let us make a new beginning in our relationship with Almighty God through His beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. Let us vow to make the changes necessary in our lives so that we come closer to God in all that we do. Let us set aside time each and every day to acknowledge God and ask His help in making us a better and newer person. Let us examine way that we can actively make a difference by our actions and deeds. Can we be more compassionate toward those who are suffering from poverty, hunger, homelessness and serious illness? Can we do more to support the spreading of the Good News of Salvation preached by Jesus Christ? Can we make time in our schedules to pray and receive the bread of life, the Eucharist?
As the sports adage says; “The ball is in our court” how are we going to play it?
May the New Year bring peace to the hearts and minds of all people, May the wisdom of God infuse the inner being of all especially the leaders of the worlds governments and religions so that they find a pathway to peace and unity and bring about the promise of The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. AMEN
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A Reflection for Christmas 2011
Christmas 2011 Reflection
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD
Divine Mercy Parish/ Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
An All Inclusive Independent Old Catholic Parish and Ministry
www.missionstsergius.org
http://www.franciscansdivinemercy.org/
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.(John 1:14) Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all people on earth with whom He is Pleased. Today is born unto us a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (John 2:14, 11) His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) And Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, see, the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”.(Luke2:7-14) When Jesus came to earth in goodness and loving kindness He saved us by the virtue of His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which was poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)
All the above passages are from one of the three masses assigned to Christmas.
What we need to ponder as we hear these passages is how Jesus, the King of Kings came into this world and why God choose to send him in the way he did.
The King of Kings, Lord of Lords was not born in the warmth comfort of a home or inn. No, he was born in a humble cave used to keep the farm animals sheltered from the elements.
His crib was a feeding troth filled with hay for a mattress and the warm breath of a donkey and a cow provided heat.
Mary and Joseph, his parents, had accepted God’s will for them even though it could have left them open to criticism and [possibly even death since the birth of the child would have meant that they had sexual relations before they were married a crime punishable by death.
Jesus first visitors were simple shepherds, not the elite of the world.
God sent us a sign by this choice for Christ’s birth.
God was trying to tell us to live our lives simply and not by seeking fame or fortune.
We were given a message that the simple things in life are what count like family, friends, and the beauty of nature.
Christ’s birth as a poor homeless individual was a sign to us to be more compassionate toward the poor and homeless, aged and sick.
His birth was also a sing that we never know what a small baby will achieve in life which is why we need to respect life.
From Christ’s humble birth in a manger came the most powerful and largest religious movement of all history, Christianity, based on the teachings of Christ.
I often think that God sent Christ as a last resort. God got tired of how humans continually changed everything God had inspired the prophets of old to tell people and mad God into a vengeful God rather than what God actually was, a God of Compassion, mercy and LOVE.
God decided, I believe, that the only way to set things straight was to send His only begotten son, into this world in a natural human way and not in a thunderous miracle.
God wanted to set the record straight on how He expected humans to live and treat each other.
Every event of Christ’s life recorded in scripture, is a message to us to be accepting of the diversity God created, compassionate toward the poor, aged, sick and forgiving toward those who do us wrong.
Christ welcomed all who came to him and discriminated toward no one. He sat and ate with those considered sinners.
Christ is referred to as “The Light of the World” which means He was sent to light the way for us, like a brilliant beacon that guides ships away from dangerous shoals and reefs toward a safe harbor.
Christ was born to clarify God’s will and dispel the darkness that prevailed and sadly still causes so much pain and suffering because of man’s interpretation of Christ’s teachings.
Christ came to comfort us in times of distress by assuring us that there is a great reward awaiting us at the end of our earthly life if we follow his example.
The miraculous birth we celebrate today is that of God made flesh.
God gave us a human image to equate to; a human being that had to endure all the human feelings, emotions, problems and joys that each of us has to experience in our journey of life.
Christ endured the pain of loss of a parent and friends, Christ experienced the joy of a wedding of a friend. He became angry at the greed and callousness of the priests and temple employees.
Christ’s message was one of Love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy and generosity.
On this day we celebrate God’s gift to us of His only son and God’s promise of salvation to all his children, let us present an offering to Him that reflects the way of life He advised us to lead.
Let us begin to be more compassionate to those who are suffering from hunger, illnesses such as AIDS and cancer, poverty, homelessness and substandard housing, and discrimination and bullying.
Let us work hard to eliminate the ills of our society and bring about a time of equality and justice for ALL God’s children.
On this day that we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace let us make a concerted effort to bring peace into the world beginning with our own families, friends and neighbors whom we might be have hurt in some way.
If all of us strive toward this goal, what a huge difference it could make in a world where greed, profit, power and a disregard for the needs of hundreds of millions of people seems to be the norm, especially among some who claim to actually be Christians.
As Neil Armstrong said upon landing on the moon, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, a small change in our behavior can become a giant leap if each person whose life was changed in even a small way were to reciprocate by making a difference in another’s life, miracles could happen.
In the news this week we have heard of strangers who have gone into stores like Wal-Mart, K Mart and Target and paid off the balances due on peoples lay-a-Way’.
According to the news it influenced others to do the same. That is what a gesture of kindness could do.
This week I have made over 40 Christmas arrangements for distribution to some of those nursing home patients and shut-ins I visit. It cost more than $250 which the ministry could not afford, but I felt that the ray of hope and enjoyment it could bring into the lives of those receiving them was far more important and a way I could do what I believe Christ would have done if he were walking this earth today. We are called to be Christ’s hands and feet as his ministers, which means we are supposed to try to live as we believe Christ would have lived today.
By our taking a small step toward bringing peace into our own lives we might prod others to do the same and eventually this “Virus of Peace” could envelope the whole world.
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27)
With these words of Jesus I end this joyous message of Christmas and pray that the Peace and infinite love of Christ will invade your hearts today and all the days of your life.
Merry Christmas and May God bless us all with a peaceful and joyous New Year. AMEN
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD
Divine Mercy Parish/ Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
An All Inclusive Independent Old Catholic Parish and Ministry
www.missionstsergius.org
http://www.franciscansdivinemercy.org/
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.(John 1:14) Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all people on earth with whom He is Pleased. Today is born unto us a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (John 2:14, 11) His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) And Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, see, the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”.(Luke2:7-14) When Jesus came to earth in goodness and loving kindness He saved us by the virtue of His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which was poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)
All the above passages are from one of the three masses assigned to Christmas.
What we need to ponder as we hear these passages is how Jesus, the King of Kings came into this world and why God choose to send him in the way he did.
The King of Kings, Lord of Lords was not born in the warmth comfort of a home or inn. No, he was born in a humble cave used to keep the farm animals sheltered from the elements.
His crib was a feeding troth filled with hay for a mattress and the warm breath of a donkey and a cow provided heat.
Mary and Joseph, his parents, had accepted God’s will for them even though it could have left them open to criticism and [possibly even death since the birth of the child would have meant that they had sexual relations before they were married a crime punishable by death.
Jesus first visitors were simple shepherds, not the elite of the world.
God sent us a sign by this choice for Christ’s birth.
God was trying to tell us to live our lives simply and not by seeking fame or fortune.
We were given a message that the simple things in life are what count like family, friends, and the beauty of nature.
Christ’s birth as a poor homeless individual was a sign to us to be more compassionate toward the poor and homeless, aged and sick.
His birth was also a sing that we never know what a small baby will achieve in life which is why we need to respect life.
From Christ’s humble birth in a manger came the most powerful and largest religious movement of all history, Christianity, based on the teachings of Christ.
I often think that God sent Christ as a last resort. God got tired of how humans continually changed everything God had inspired the prophets of old to tell people and mad God into a vengeful God rather than what God actually was, a God of Compassion, mercy and LOVE.
God decided, I believe, that the only way to set things straight was to send His only begotten son, into this world in a natural human way and not in a thunderous miracle.
God wanted to set the record straight on how He expected humans to live and treat each other.
Every event of Christ’s life recorded in scripture, is a message to us to be accepting of the diversity God created, compassionate toward the poor, aged, sick and forgiving toward those who do us wrong.
Christ welcomed all who came to him and discriminated toward no one. He sat and ate with those considered sinners.
Christ is referred to as “The Light of the World” which means He was sent to light the way for us, like a brilliant beacon that guides ships away from dangerous shoals and reefs toward a safe harbor.
Christ was born to clarify God’s will and dispel the darkness that prevailed and sadly still causes so much pain and suffering because of man’s interpretation of Christ’s teachings.
Christ came to comfort us in times of distress by assuring us that there is a great reward awaiting us at the end of our earthly life if we follow his example.
The miraculous birth we celebrate today is that of God made flesh.
God gave us a human image to equate to; a human being that had to endure all the human feelings, emotions, problems and joys that each of us has to experience in our journey of life.
Christ endured the pain of loss of a parent and friends, Christ experienced the joy of a wedding of a friend. He became angry at the greed and callousness of the priests and temple employees.
Christ’s message was one of Love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy and generosity.
On this day we celebrate God’s gift to us of His only son and God’s promise of salvation to all his children, let us present an offering to Him that reflects the way of life He advised us to lead.
Let us begin to be more compassionate to those who are suffering from hunger, illnesses such as AIDS and cancer, poverty, homelessness and substandard housing, and discrimination and bullying.
Let us work hard to eliminate the ills of our society and bring about a time of equality and justice for ALL God’s children.
On this day that we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace let us make a concerted effort to bring peace into the world beginning with our own families, friends and neighbors whom we might be have hurt in some way.
If all of us strive toward this goal, what a huge difference it could make in a world where greed, profit, power and a disregard for the needs of hundreds of millions of people seems to be the norm, especially among some who claim to actually be Christians.
As Neil Armstrong said upon landing on the moon, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, a small change in our behavior can become a giant leap if each person whose life was changed in even a small way were to reciprocate by making a difference in another’s life, miracles could happen.
In the news this week we have heard of strangers who have gone into stores like Wal-Mart, K Mart and Target and paid off the balances due on peoples lay-a-Way’.
According to the news it influenced others to do the same. That is what a gesture of kindness could do.
This week I have made over 40 Christmas arrangements for distribution to some of those nursing home patients and shut-ins I visit. It cost more than $250 which the ministry could not afford, but I felt that the ray of hope and enjoyment it could bring into the lives of those receiving them was far more important and a way I could do what I believe Christ would have done if he were walking this earth today. We are called to be Christ’s hands and feet as his ministers, which means we are supposed to try to live as we believe Christ would have lived today.
By our taking a small step toward bringing peace into our own lives we might prod others to do the same and eventually this “Virus of Peace” could envelope the whole world.
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27)
With these words of Jesus I end this joyous message of Christmas and pray that the Peace and infinite love of Christ will invade your hearts today and all the days of your life.
Merry Christmas and May God bless us all with a peaceful and joyous New Year. AMEN
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Reflection for the Feast of Immaculate Conception
Immaculate Conception Feast Reflection
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
On this, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother let us reflect on what that means in the overall story of God’s gift to all humanity of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of the virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit.
Almighty God deemed that Mary should come into this world free of the stain that all others before and after her have come into this world with, original sin, so that she would be a pure receptacle within which Our Savior Jesus Christ would be conceived in.
He sent His messenger, the angel Gabriel, to her to inform her that she had been chosen to bear the promised of the ages.
Mary responded with apprehension but with the affirmative words “Let it be done unto me according to thy will”.
In our lives, we often are faced with challenges or situations where we have great apprehension but after prayer, we feel that what we are facing is God’s will.
Do we respond with “Let it be done according to thy will O Lord”? Or do we complain because it is difficult?
I often wonder what went through Our Blessed Mothers mind when Simeon told her, “a sword will pierce your soul.”
If we had been told that, we would run for cover or accept it as God will that had to be accomplished.
Mary accepted it with the same full acceptance as she accepted her conception without having a sexual relation and being unmarried.
Mary was totally accepting of God’s will in spite of the fact that it held extreme danger for her since an unmarried woman with child was supposed to be stoned to death.
If only each of us could only become more like Mary, accepting our lives as God chose it for us and make the best of them by living our life with the purpose of bringing greater honor and glory to God.
I am certain that Our Blessed Mother was instrumental in my being where I am since the order I was accepted into after so many years of applying to religious orders after my marriage ended, was The Servant Franciscans of the Immaculata, an order dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother.
When that order disbanded I felt called to found the Franciscans of Divine Mercy.
On this feast honoring the Immaculate Conception of Mary, let us dedicate ourselves to being more like Our Blessed Mother, totally and completely accepting God’s will for us. Let us strive to live our life in a manner that reflects her life by accepting what God sends our way even the less than desirable as Christ accepted his passion and death in order for us to have forgiveness of sins.
By accepting all that comes our way we can be assured that we will be blessed with all God’s gifts we will need to gain eternal peace for all eternity.
On December 8th in 1957, I was living in a walk up in New York pursuing my second love Theater, after being told by the Josephites that I needed to think about my vocation to the priesthood and being laicized from my vows as a deacon, I could not seem to fall asleep because some words kept going round and round in my head.
I finally got up and wrote what was in my head down and then went back to bed and sleep. The next morning when I got up, I went to the table and there was what I had written. I thought, “My mother will like this”, and I mailed it to her.
In 1987 after she died, as I was going through her things, I came across the original paper with what I had written on it. I would like to share it with you now.
I call it, A Sinner’s Prayer
A SINNER’S PRAYER
O, Mary Immaculate, Virgin so fair
Mother of our Savior, please hear my prayer
Intercede dearest Mother to your Heavenly Son
Tell Him I am sorry for all the wrongs and sins I have done
Ask Him to guide me by the gifts of the Holy Spirits truth in all of my ways
So that I may be with Him to give glory and praise at the end of my days. Amen
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
On this, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother let us reflect on what that means in the overall story of God’s gift to all humanity of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of the virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit.
Almighty God deemed that Mary should come into this world free of the stain that all others before and after her have come into this world with, original sin, so that she would be a pure receptacle within which Our Savior Jesus Christ would be conceived in.
He sent His messenger, the angel Gabriel, to her to inform her that she had been chosen to bear the promised of the ages.
Mary responded with apprehension but with the affirmative words “Let it be done unto me according to thy will”.
In our lives, we often are faced with challenges or situations where we have great apprehension but after prayer, we feel that what we are facing is God’s will.
Do we respond with “Let it be done according to thy will O Lord”? Or do we complain because it is difficult?
I often wonder what went through Our Blessed Mothers mind when Simeon told her, “a sword will pierce your soul.”
If we had been told that, we would run for cover or accept it as God will that had to be accomplished.
Mary accepted it with the same full acceptance as she accepted her conception without having a sexual relation and being unmarried.
Mary was totally accepting of God’s will in spite of the fact that it held extreme danger for her since an unmarried woman with child was supposed to be stoned to death.
If only each of us could only become more like Mary, accepting our lives as God chose it for us and make the best of them by living our life with the purpose of bringing greater honor and glory to God.
I am certain that Our Blessed Mother was instrumental in my being where I am since the order I was accepted into after so many years of applying to religious orders after my marriage ended, was The Servant Franciscans of the Immaculata, an order dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother.
When that order disbanded I felt called to found the Franciscans of Divine Mercy.
On this feast honoring the Immaculate Conception of Mary, let us dedicate ourselves to being more like Our Blessed Mother, totally and completely accepting God’s will for us. Let us strive to live our life in a manner that reflects her life by accepting what God sends our way even the less than desirable as Christ accepted his passion and death in order for us to have forgiveness of sins.
By accepting all that comes our way we can be assured that we will be blessed with all God’s gifts we will need to gain eternal peace for all eternity.
On December 8th in 1957, I was living in a walk up in New York pursuing my second love Theater, after being told by the Josephites that I needed to think about my vocation to the priesthood and being laicized from my vows as a deacon, I could not seem to fall asleep because some words kept going round and round in my head.
I finally got up and wrote what was in my head down and then went back to bed and sleep. The next morning when I got up, I went to the table and there was what I had written. I thought, “My mother will like this”, and I mailed it to her.
In 1987 after she died, as I was going through her things, I came across the original paper with what I had written on it. I would like to share it with you now.
I call it, A Sinner’s Prayer
A SINNER’S PRAYER
O, Mary Immaculate, Virgin so fair
Mother of our Savior, please hear my prayer
Intercede dearest Mother to your Heavenly Son
Tell Him I am sorry for all the wrongs and sins I have done
Ask Him to guide me by the gifts of the Holy Spirits truth in all of my ways
So that I may be with Him to give glory and praise at the end of my days. Amen
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thank You for Birthday Blessings
I want to thank all the more than two hundred people who took the time to send me Birthday greetings on my achieving the 77th year of God given live by Email, on Facebook and Twitter. It was an awesome experience to know that so many would send me Birthday blessings.
I have been so blessed by God who has taken me through 4 cancers and for all the gifts he has blessed me with throughout all those years most especially the gift of being able to now serve those who are so often neglected, the elderly, poor, sick and during my early years of my life, being able to teach young people of God’s infinite mercy and love and serve in parish Faith communities.
I ask you to continue to pray for me and more especially for this ministry as it is becoming extremely difficult to meet the needs of the ministry since we do not receive donations enough to cover the average monthly expences of approximately $375 without having extra expenses as we have had during the last two months. We currently are short $225 to pay the remainder of this month’s bills.
We are truly “Beggars for God” as the rule of St. Francis directs since our only source of funds to maintain the mission come from donors. As Matthew 5:3 says; “ “Blessed are the beggars in spirit! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Since we do not have a “collection Plate at the nursing homes we offer mass in and since most of those we serve are among the poorest of the poor, we need donors to keep our ministry operating.
Please pray that God will inspire some to make donations so we do not have to eliminate any of our ministry work.
I again thank all those who sent me the hundreds of Birthday blessings and greetings because it made me realize that I am truly blessed to have so many who would take the time to send greetings.
May God Bless all of you and may He fill your hearts with the glow of His infinite mercy and love to sustain you through all life’s difficulties as it has me.
I have been so blessed by God who has taken me through 4 cancers and for all the gifts he has blessed me with throughout all those years most especially the gift of being able to now serve those who are so often neglected, the elderly, poor, sick and during my early years of my life, being able to teach young people of God’s infinite mercy and love and serve in parish Faith communities.
I ask you to continue to pray for me and more especially for this ministry as it is becoming extremely difficult to meet the needs of the ministry since we do not receive donations enough to cover the average monthly expences of approximately $375 without having extra expenses as we have had during the last two months. We currently are short $225 to pay the remainder of this month’s bills.
We are truly “Beggars for God” as the rule of St. Francis directs since our only source of funds to maintain the mission come from donors. As Matthew 5:3 says; “ “Blessed are the beggars in spirit! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Since we do not have a “collection Plate at the nursing homes we offer mass in and since most of those we serve are among the poorest of the poor, we need donors to keep our ministry operating.
Please pray that God will inspire some to make donations so we do not have to eliminate any of our ministry work.
I again thank all those who sent me the hundreds of Birthday blessings and greetings because it made me realize that I am truly blessed to have so many who would take the time to send greetings.
May God Bless all of you and may He fill your hearts with the glow of His infinite mercy and love to sustain you through all life’s difficulties as it has me.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
An All Souls' Day Reflection
Reflecting on the Heavenly Elect
God’s Promise; Everlasting Love & Peace
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
My reflection for this week in which we honor and celebrate all the saints and heavenly elect and all who have lived their earthly life and passed on to their eternal reward was a very easy one to write.
All I had to do was rewrite two of this week’s readings as they sum up everything we have to do in order to gain everlasting life and also fulfill God’s desire for us while we inhabit this planet.
The Second Reading for All Saints day is from the first gospel of John verse 3:1-3 and states;
“Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are. Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us.
My dear people, we are already the children of God but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed; all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is. Surely everyone who entertains this hope must purify himself, must try to be as pure as Christ”.
The Gospel from Matthew 5:1-12 continue with Christ’s Sermon on the Mount which tells us how to live and be happy; “Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them: ‘How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage. Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied. Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God. Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God. Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.”
The first reading for the feast of All Souls on Wednesday is from the book of Wisdom 3:1-9 which says the following; “The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them. In the eyes of the unwise, they did appear to die, their going looked like a disaster, their leaving us, like annihilation; but they are in peace. If they experienced punishment as men see it, their hope was rich with immortality; slight was their affliction, great will their blessings be. God has put them to the test and proved them worthy to be with him; he has tested them like gold in a furnace, and accepted them as a holocaust. When the time comes for his visitation they will shine out; as sparks run through the stubble, so will they. They shall judge nations, rule over peoples, and the Lord will be their king for ever. They who trust in him will understand the truth, those who are faithful will live with him in love; for grace and mercy awaits those he has chosen.”
In Matthew 11:25-30 we hear Christ say; “I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light”
From these teachings of Christ we learn that if we accept how God created us and freely accept the burdens we are asked to carry as Christ accepted His burden and we live our life with compassion and concern for the well being of ALL God’s children then we will have earned everlasting life with God the Father, Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Our heavenly Mother Mary, all the Angels, Saints and heavenly elect for all eternity. May God grant each of us the grace to follow Christ’s teachings and attain His promise in joining all who loved Him as He loved us. AMEN
God’s Promise; Everlasting Love & Peace
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
www.missionstsergius.org
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
My reflection for this week in which we honor and celebrate all the saints and heavenly elect and all who have lived their earthly life and passed on to their eternal reward was a very easy one to write.
All I had to do was rewrite two of this week’s readings as they sum up everything we have to do in order to gain everlasting life and also fulfill God’s desire for us while we inhabit this planet.
The Second Reading for All Saints day is from the first gospel of John verse 3:1-3 and states;
“Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are. Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us.
My dear people, we are already the children of God but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed; all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is. Surely everyone who entertains this hope must purify himself, must try to be as pure as Christ”.
The Gospel from Matthew 5:1-12 continue with Christ’s Sermon on the Mount which tells us how to live and be happy; “Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them: ‘How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage. Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied. Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God. Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God. Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.”
The first reading for the feast of All Souls on Wednesday is from the book of Wisdom 3:1-9 which says the following; “The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them. In the eyes of the unwise, they did appear to die, their going looked like a disaster, their leaving us, like annihilation; but they are in peace. If they experienced punishment as men see it, their hope was rich with immortality; slight was their affliction, great will their blessings be. God has put them to the test and proved them worthy to be with him; he has tested them like gold in a furnace, and accepted them as a holocaust. When the time comes for his visitation they will shine out; as sparks run through the stubble, so will they. They shall judge nations, rule over peoples, and the Lord will be their king for ever. They who trust in him will understand the truth, those who are faithful will live with him in love; for grace and mercy awaits those he has chosen.”
In Matthew 11:25-30 we hear Christ say; “I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light”
From these teachings of Christ we learn that if we accept how God created us and freely accept the burdens we are asked to carry as Christ accepted His burden and we live our life with compassion and concern for the well being of ALL God’s children then we will have earned everlasting life with God the Father, Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Our heavenly Mother Mary, all the Angels, Saints and heavenly elect for all eternity. May God grant each of us the grace to follow Christ’s teachings and attain His promise in joining all who loved Him as He loved us. AMEN
Friday, October 28, 2011
Reflection for Sunday october 30, 2011
The Humble Will Be Exalted
A Reflection by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Franciscans Divine Mercy/ Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.missionstsergius.org
This week’s Gospel reading from Matthew 23:1-12 is a call to be humble and not boast or consider ourselves as better than any other person on the face of the earth, it ends with the following, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted”
When we consider the message of this reading and the words of Christ found in Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17 and Luke 5:32 “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” and we call to mind that Christ choose to align himself while here on this earth, not with the religious leaders, the powerful and the wealthy of His world and choose to be born in the humblest setting among the poorest of the poor, Jesus chose as disciples those who society considered the marginalized and lowest of the society, and He associated with the “Publicans and Sinners” who the leaders of the Jewish religion looked down upon. Christ’s actions were meant to remind us that God does not ignore anyone and God has a special concern for the needs of the poor, disenfranchised and those that society often ignores and tries to marginalize.
One of the books of the Bible that has much wisdom and is often overlooked is the book of Ecclesiastes and in Chapters 5 and 2 we find words of wisdom which we might want to consider;
“Riches Are Meaningless If you see the poor and oppressed in a district, whose justice and rights are denied, do not be surprised at such things…………….. The king himself profits from the fields.
The king of that period of history is the equivalent of the head of Governments or of the giant conglomerations of our day. “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” We see this every day of the year all around us, the rich constantly seek to have more and more while the poor are often overlooked and often deprived of some of life’s necessities. “This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. What benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? …I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him. Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.”
This next section is especially worth thinking about how we can do as Christ has directed us and share the Gifts God provides us with others rather than hoarding them all to ourselves. “Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God”.
In the past few weeks we have seen millions of people of all ages and ethnicities marching and speaking out against corporate greed, fairness and financial equality for the poor and middle class. They are upset by the exorbitance of profits corporations and the banking industry enjoys and how the one percent of society would rather collect material possessions, wealth and greater power rather than share their good fortune with those less fortunate.
We have heard candidates for the office of president promoting the cutting of programs that help the poor, sick and aged.
Humility and generosity, compassion and repentance, faith and love of God exhibited in our daily lives will bring us more happiness than all the material wealth of the world.
As a people who profess to love God and who have been told how God desires us to act in all things with these words “LOVE THE LORD, YOUR GOD, WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, MIND, SOUL AND BODY AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”
We are called to be mindful of those less fortunate than us and to reach out to them with generosity and compassion.
We need to follow Christ’s example and align ourselves with those who society would rather overlook and considers as outcasts.
We need to be welcoming and accepting of God’s diversity for none of us is sinless, no one is greater than another, we are all equal in the eyes of God and we must always remember these words from Ecclesiastes 2:26 “To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.”
May God give us the wisdom and the humility we need to live our lives so that they are pleasing to Him and may we store up treasures in Heaven by using our earthly treasures for the benefit of our sisters and brothers in Christ. AMEN
A Reflection by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Franciscans Divine Mercy/ Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.missionstsergius.org
This week’s Gospel reading from Matthew 23:1-12 is a call to be humble and not boast or consider ourselves as better than any other person on the face of the earth, it ends with the following, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted”
When we consider the message of this reading and the words of Christ found in Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17 and Luke 5:32 “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” and we call to mind that Christ choose to align himself while here on this earth, not with the religious leaders, the powerful and the wealthy of His world and choose to be born in the humblest setting among the poorest of the poor, Jesus chose as disciples those who society considered the marginalized and lowest of the society, and He associated with the “Publicans and Sinners” who the leaders of the Jewish religion looked down upon. Christ’s actions were meant to remind us that God does not ignore anyone and God has a special concern for the needs of the poor, disenfranchised and those that society often ignores and tries to marginalize.
One of the books of the Bible that has much wisdom and is often overlooked is the book of Ecclesiastes and in Chapters 5 and 2 we find words of wisdom which we might want to consider;
“Riches Are Meaningless If you see the poor and oppressed in a district, whose justice and rights are denied, do not be surprised at such things…………….. The king himself profits from the fields.
The king of that period of history is the equivalent of the head of Governments or of the giant conglomerations of our day. “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.” We see this every day of the year all around us, the rich constantly seek to have more and more while the poor are often overlooked and often deprived of some of life’s necessities. “This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. What benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? …I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him. Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.”
This next section is especially worth thinking about how we can do as Christ has directed us and share the Gifts God provides us with others rather than hoarding them all to ourselves. “Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God”.
In the past few weeks we have seen millions of people of all ages and ethnicities marching and speaking out against corporate greed, fairness and financial equality for the poor and middle class. They are upset by the exorbitance of profits corporations and the banking industry enjoys and how the one percent of society would rather collect material possessions, wealth and greater power rather than share their good fortune with those less fortunate.
We have heard candidates for the office of president promoting the cutting of programs that help the poor, sick and aged.
Humility and generosity, compassion and repentance, faith and love of God exhibited in our daily lives will bring us more happiness than all the material wealth of the world.
As a people who profess to love God and who have been told how God desires us to act in all things with these words “LOVE THE LORD, YOUR GOD, WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, MIND, SOUL AND BODY AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”
We are called to be mindful of those less fortunate than us and to reach out to them with generosity and compassion.
We need to follow Christ’s example and align ourselves with those who society would rather overlook and considers as outcasts.
We need to be welcoming and accepting of God’s diversity for none of us is sinless, no one is greater than another, we are all equal in the eyes of God and we must always remember these words from Ecclesiastes 2:26 “To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.”
May God give us the wisdom and the humility we need to live our lives so that they are pleasing to Him and may we store up treasures in Heaven by using our earthly treasures for the benefit of our sisters and brothers in Christ. AMEN
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