My dear Friends in Christ,
Our Readings today are about the gift that God has given the lepers and us through Jesus — that of faith and salvation. Only one of the lepers, a Samaritan, turned to Jesus in thanksgiving for his healing. Like Naaman, this healing was a catalyst for the Samaritan and turned him on a new spiritual path. He was able to recognize that Jesus wasn’t offering a return to his previous life but was inviting him to a new one. Through his healing, Jesus had invited all ten lepers to this new path that leads to faith and salvation. Only one had been able to recognize and to have accepted this invitation. What kept the other nine from doing so? We really do not know the answer. What we do know is that the Lord has done something amazing and life-changing for us. He has redeemed us through His passion, death, and resurrection and remains here, with us, in the Eucharist, to sustain and strengthen us. It is really about giving thanks to God for the new life He offers us in Christ Jesus.
The 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal continues in our Diocese. To date there has been $28,022.56 pledged in our Parish bringing us to 56% of our $50,000 goal. It is not too late to make a pledge. Pledge cards are available in the Sacristy.
Please pay attention to the news in the Bulletin and Announcements regarding upcoming events in our Parish such as the Food Drive and Ministry Fair. Your participation is the key to helping our parish grow in faith.
May God bless you all,
Father John