Take any U.S. currency and you will see the words “In God We Trust.” Our founding fathers chose this statement. More than 200 years later it is still printed on our money. Hopefully we will not abandon this tradition.

With extreme violence and conflict seemingly an everyday occurrence in our country, and around the world, we could easily be convinced that not many people still place their trust in God. As people of faith we know this is not true. In considering our first reading today from Genesis, I am reminded of Yogi Berra’s famous line that “it seems like déjà vu all over again.” The people of Sodom and Gomorrah had strayed so far from God that Abraham had to boldly intervene to negotiate their safety.

When we find ourselves getting discouraged or caught up in the emotions of the day we need to stop what we are doing, draw nearer to God as Abraham did, and give thanks that our God is a god of patience and love. God does not ignore or overlook evil but he continually offers every person the opportunity to experience His love and His mercy. We need only to place ourselves in front of a crucifix to be reminded of the depth of God’s love for us. Jesus offered himself up for all of us, not just those who live a life of continuous faithfulness. The sins of all people, for all time, were nailed to the cross with Christ in one sacrifice of love for all time. As Christians we pray that those who presently take matters into their own hands rather than trusting in God will experience a change of heart.

At his installation as Bishop of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI said,

“The world is redeemed by the patience of God. It is destroyed by the impatience of man.”

God is eternally patient with us. Let us be patient and trust that God will not abandon us to a world of chaos, hatred and destruction.

This week has been designated as National Natural Family Planning Awareness Week. This may not seem as though it has anything to do with the rest of this bulletin letter but, in fact, it is very closely connected. Much of the trouble we are experiencing in this country, and around the world today is due to a lack of respect for other people. We so often forget that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. In 1968, Blessed Pope Paul VI issued the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae. In that encyclical he predicted many of today’s problems would result through a proliferation of contraception. When we use or manipulate others we undermine their human dignity and our own as well. Although the encyclical is now almost 50 years old, it is still very relevant. Check it out.

May God bless all of us,
Deacon Bill Radio

Corpus Christi and Memorial Day Weekend

What an exciting time of the year this is! There are graduations followed by job opportunities or preparation to move on to college. There are summer vacations, weddings and favorable weather for many outdoor activities. For many, this time of year represents a new lease on life. As we celebrate major milestones personally and as families, let us make sure we don’t forget what it took to get us to this time in our lives. It took sacrifices (some small and others very big) from many.

This week-end presents us with some very special opportunities to remember the sacrifices others have made for us. In fact, their sacrifices were as big as it gets because they gave their lives for us.

Monday is our national holiday known as Memorial Day. This holiday was established in 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War. Originally it was known as Decoration Day and survivors of Civil War soldiers placed flowers on the graves of the Civil War dead. It was not until after World War I that the day was expanded to honor those who gave their lives in all American wars. Think of the enormous sacrifice each of these men and women made to protect all of us. Memorial Day is an important reminder of those sacrifices. It is important that we remember each of these people who gave their lives for us. Let us give thanks for their sacrifice and pray for them on a regular basis.

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Precious Body and Blood of Christ. We remember the incredible gift Jesus gave us by offering his life for us so we can share eternal life with him. He continues to give us the gift of his Precious Body and Blood every day in the sacrifice of the Mass. Just as our body needs food and water to nourish us physically, Christ’s Body and Blood gives us the nourishment we need to make our pilgrim journey through this life to the life promised by Jesus for those who love Him.

As Catholics we know that what was bread and wine is changed to Christ’s Body and Blood at the consecration at every Mass. We crave the nourishment the Eucharist offers us. By receiving and consuming Christ’s Body and Blood at Communion, we become one with Him as we return to our pew to pray. As we leave Church at the conclusion of Mass we are taking Christ into the world with us. If we let Him, Jesus is also taking us with him to change those around us and the entire world. Let us not take for granted the power of Christ’s Precious Body and Blood. And let us not forget to give thanks to Him for sacrificing His life for us so we may have the gift of His Body and Blood to sustain us as we make our way home to Him.

God bless you all,
Deacon Bill Radio