This weekend we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis de Sales! As patron of our parish and patron saint of writers, his words have inspired and comforted God’s people over the centuries. Specifically, this prayer that he has written is especially needed in our times. Allow his words to apply to our times, our hearts, our concerns…
Be at peace. Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise. God, whose very own you are, will deliver you from out of them. He has kept you until now, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in his arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering, or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination.
His words are a gift to us. Embrace them. If you haven’t read much of St. Francis de Sales, perhaps today is the day to enter in and begin. We also celebrate Word of God Sunday! In the Fall of 2019, Pope Francis invited us all to celebrate God’s Word in a special way every 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. He invites us to remember and realize the power of God’s Word—how God can bring understanding, healing, guidance, forgiveness, hope and more to our lives every time we break open His Word. That is why I am excited to share that we will begin Sitting with the Scriptures on February 1. Every Monday at 7:00pm, right after 6:30pm Daily Mass, either Fr. Bearer or myself will be unpacking the Word of God for Sunday with you. Please come and begin the week by opening the Sunday scriptures and allowing God to guide you in all you do.
In the gospel for this weekend, Jesus invites fishermen to be his disciples. “Come after me…follow me…” Simon, Andrew, James and John were invited on a journey. They dropped their nets, they began to move forward in life with Jesus. While there had to be a spirit of uncertainty in responding to His call, over time, they realized how Jesus would lead them safely through fear and into hope. Will you take the words of St. Francis de Sales to heart this week? Will you allow Jesus to lead you through it all?
May God’s peace and joy be with you,
Fr. Jeremy
