Mercy!  What a time we have had of it.  I am glad to be back in my office with the electricity I often take for granted.  My prayers go out to the many people who have suffered in various ways this past week.  The catastrophic failure of our energy suppliers, water issues, flooding, significant property damage, trees and branches rent asunder and all under the continuing scourge of a pandemic which as of now has reached the appalling milestone of one half million casualties in the US. What’s next? The Colorado rivers turns to blood and frogs fall out of the sky?  

Some of our older parishioners were particularly hard hit.  Without heat they found themselves in a dangerous situation.   Many of them rely solely on cell phones which could not be recharged.  I am grateful to those who reached out to us from out of town with concerns about their family members.  With some effort we were able to get some of these folks out of their freezing apartments to the warmth of friends who opened their homes.

But this is what Texans do.  I have seen story after story of people reaching out and going the extra mile to help others.  There must be something of that pioneering can-do spirit still lodged in our collective DNA.  I believe, however, that Texans tend to be people of faith. Faithful followers of the Savior whose main message was love. Taking that message to heart has meant many acts of charity, kindness and even heroism.  I was particularly taken by the furniture store owner in Houston who opened his showroom to those who had no place to be warm.  His statement “If you’re not giving, you’re not living” brings to life the message of a gospel inspired generosity that seeks no reward other than the joy of it.  May we see much more of this.

Remember in your prayers those parishioners who are assessing damage to their homes as well as a significant number of our sister parishes. I’m headed out this morning to a couple of those that sustained damage.  Remember them also in your prayers.  Several of these communities are looking forward to many months of recovery.  Our parish facilities were spared, except for an outdoor faucet and some plumbing in the parish office building.  Even though we lost very few branches

Many of our shrubs etc. are, alas hors de combat.  

For all our troubles we still have much for which we are grateful.  Let us persevere in faith and confidence relying as always on the grace of God.

Blessings to all,

Fr. Larry