On Wednesday, the orthopedic doctor told me that my shoulder's tendon was calcified.  Nothing was torn.  My physical therapist gave me similarly good news yesterday.  Both spoke with authority, but they also explained things clearly.  I started feeling so much better that I ran in the rain.  I didn't want to wait for good weather.

     The relationship between authority, will, and reason is important.  God is all powerful and all knowing.  He doesn't require us to follow His will just because it's His will.  He gives us good reasons.  He is very logical and reasonable.  He invites us to use our will and reason whether we are authority figures or are the ones relying on authorities.

     Other systems of thought are very much about the will.  Darwin talked about the survival of the fittest.  Nietszche talked about the will to power.  Islam views God as having an all powerful will but does not see God as needing to maintain an absolute truth.  Marxism is also about power and will while lacking in logic, truth, and reason.  Emotions are elevated in order to support the wills of the powerful.

     It is always a good idea of us to go to the source of all authority, the Author Himself.  We ought to pray to God to give us the grace we need to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this world so that we might be happy forever with Him in the next.

     FEMA is offering assistance for funeral expenses for those who died of the coronavirus.  Visit

     You can sign a USCCB petition for Congress to stop the taxpayer funding of abortion by visiting:

     If you look at COVIDActNow.org, it seems that the number of new cases peaked in New Jersey on April 1st.  As of yesterday, NJ still ranked 3rd.  Let's pray and act to keep cases declining.  Wouldn't it be great if mask restrictions could be reduced or eliminated in June?

     We have so much to pray for.  Here are a few items to get us started:

1)  For an end to taxpayer funding of abortion.

2)  For assistance to all families dealing with the deaths of loved ones.

3)  For those trying to get the vaccine.

4)  For our parish as we become more alive.

5)  For those in authority, that they may use reason well, love with their wills, and recognize that God is the Author.

God love you,

Fr. Jim