Follow me.

My dear friends in Christ,

“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” We are constantly on a journey. Jesus was on a journey towards Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to prepare the way, but one village refuses to receive Him. He rebukes His disciples for wanting to punish them by fire. He says to the others: “Follow me.” Jesus calls people to follow Him, but they have excuses. We make all sorts of excuses for not following Jesus. “I’m too busy!” “I’m so tired!” “Oh, the kids have a game.” These excuses are not the mark of a true disciple. Jesus is clear—He must come first. This might seem harsh and “unloving” but didn’t Jesus lay down His life to free us from sin?

From time to time, I receive a note or a letter criticizing something or asking why something is being done in a particular way. A wise old priest told me to always remember “that whatever it is that you do, it is for the good of the Church.” I try to live by that. Also, if you write me, please provide a name and a return address or it will wind up in the circular file.

And finally, if you do not have sufficient funds in your checking account, we ask that you withhold your offering for that week so that we do not incur a $22 bank service charge for a bounced check. We have seen evidence of this over the past month and we would rather that you contribute only when your means will allow. I am always thankful for your generosity.

May God bless you all!

Father John