Weekly messages from our Pastor

Even before we’re born, before we see the light of day, people are preparing the way for us, a new high chair, perhaps a play pen, and don’t forget the car seat. We can’t forget, the new baby will need a comfortable bed, with soft blankets and a fluffy pillow.

You and I were baptized as infants because our parents realized that that was the greatest gift they could give to us, in addition to their love, support and protection. When a parent has a child baptized, they are preparing him or her for a future filled with many uncertainties but so many wonderful possibilities. The best way to prepare a son or daughter, to make right decisions, is to have the child possess the mind and heart of Jesus Christ.

Many parents lose heart when they see their child stray from the faith. Parents may even begin to blame themselves for a child who no longer practices the faith. It is heartbreaking when our children, many of whom went to Catholic school, no longer attend Mass, or see no apparent value in the sacraments.

However, I’m reminded of a little conversation between two priests. One priest said to the other, “You know I’ve been praying and praying for a relative to come back to the faith, and I’m about to give up hope!”. The other priest said, “You know, I’ve been praying for about ten years for a relative who left the faith, and now I have more hope that ever.”

The Gospel reminds us, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.” Like Mary our Mother, who prepared the way for her son in her womb, and John the Baptist who prepared the way by preaching repentance, we too are challenged to “prepare the way!”

We thank our parents for giving us the tools to help us prepare the way, we remember that no matter how far our loved ones may stray, God is always with them, we can never give up hope. That’s what Advent is all about, hope!

God bless you, Fr. John Francis Murray, C.Ss.R.