May Jesus Christ who forgives our sins and brings us healing, be with you!

Today we celebrate the last Sunday of Ordinary Time.  On Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent.  We are called to pray and fast and to focus our spiritual lives on a deeper level, with our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Before we exit this season, we are once again reminded of Jesus' mission and role of healing and forgiveness.  This is a pre-empt to what we can experience during the season of Lent.

Looking forward to the Lenten Journey that will lead us to the joy of Easter, may we humbly receive today both the challenge of God's Word and the comfort of God's generous pardon.

We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and to be imitators of him.  May today, and the coming season of Lent, be a time of healing, strength, hope and a deeper understanding of our relationship with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  May we all be "Blessed by the Best."

Peace,

Msgr. Britto

May Jesus Christ, who preached the good news of salvation to all, be with you!

Today's second reading can be a lived theme for all of us: "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."  St. Paul preached these words throughout his ministry.  One can imagine how he was ignored, neglected, ridiculed, and harassed.  However, he continued to fight the good fight while preaching God's word.

We live in a society where people ridicule us for what we believe and Who we belive in.  We are harassed for being Catholics today, ostracized for living our faith.

Perhaps we do the same, for whatever the reason.  We might keep people outside of our "space" for the wrong reasons.

Many people encountered unfortunate experiences because of their color, nationality, religion, and even physical appearance.  What St. Paul experienced in his time probably has not changed in our time.

Our readings today challenge us to be imitators of Christ.  Do not be afraid to live, speak and act in the name of Jesus.  Trust that He will strengthen and comfort you.

May Jesus always be praised for His unconditional love for us, and may we live imitating Jesus Christ.

Peace,

Msgr. Britto

May Jesus Christ , the way that leads to eternal happiness, be wiwth  you!

The power of words!  This could be the theme for us this week.  We know, if words are said and expressed in a particular way, they contain meaning.  Whether the words are spoken with passion or compassion, or with conviction, we understand their meaning.

In our Gospel for today's Mass, we are told that Jesus speaks with authority.  His confidence and conviction are heard by many.  Jesus' most powerful words are, "Love your enemy and do good to others."  These words can be a challenge for us, when spoken with authority, conviction, passion and confidence.

May the words WE say be expressions of understanding, compassion, and encouragement.  May the words of Jesus touch our minds and hearts in a special way.  "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Peace,

Msgr. Britto

May Jesus Christ, who shows us the way to repentance, offer you grace and hope!

We often hear the phrase "put your money where you mouth is!'' or "actions speak louder than words!" or "talk the talk and walk the walk."

These phrases are also scripture based.  Today's readings for the Mass remind us to put God's words into action.  From the first reading from the Prophet Jonah to the Gospel reading from Mark,  we are encouraged to get rid of anything that hinders us from following God's ways. 

We live in a society where we think we can rearrange God's words to suit us.  God's words never change; human kind often changes.  WE live a journey where we constantly are called to conversion.  This conver-sion happens not only through words, but also through actions.

Our scripture readings for the next few weeks will speak to our hearts in a powerful way.  May we stop and meditate on these scripture passages and beg God for the strength and grace to follow HIS words, not our words.

May we live our lives according o His words, and may we "Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk" in God's name.

Peace,

Msgr. Britto