It’s the LORD asking and definitely not me!   Indeed, oftentimes we need to check our “faith meter” if we still truly believe that Jesus is in us, never abandons us, and if we find ourselves in deep trouble, He will always be there to “yank us out of the mire of sin and death”!  But, let’s just try not to find ourselves in this situation, ok?

Have you seen a mustard seed?  In a pilgrimage I took to the Holy Land a long time ago, the tour guide showed us one and I am almost sure that it isn’t even as big as a “period”. But at the same time, he showed us a mustard tree that grew out of this speck of a seed.  It is the same thing with our faith.  No matter how small it begins, nourished with prayers, inspiration, and encouragement from our family and friends, it can sprout to become a proud tree.  

The world of today continues to teach us that we need to have ALL THE ANSWERS to be fully satisfied.  Well, that is the reason why we have so many frustrated people out there.  They simply cannot accept the fact that not all answers are available or, simply, they just don’t understand it.  This is where faith comes in – especially when called for by the ONE who has provided us with everything we need, been there to solve the “calamities” that we found ourselves in, and has NEVER GIVEN UP ON US!  Who can we put our trust more?  Just think about it!

*****

Overwhelmed by your generosity cannot sufficiently describe how I feel.  

 I can probably speak for all pastors when I say that we CRINGE when confronted with an emergency situation that calls for us to ask for financial help.  

Father's note Continues on top of the next column 

At least, I do.  At almost any given time, we “half expect” to be informed that something needs to be fixed, replaced, dug up, walled in, etc. which means only one thing – it is going to cost us.  

Our recent need for the replacement of our second air conditioner unit that gave way and to resurface our parking lot could have been a real nightmare for me.  However, when I decided to “eat humble pie” and beg for your help – you didn’t make it difficult for me.  

It is always a “learning curve” for me with these 2 lessons:  1) the Lord says, “Fr. Ricky, you of little faith!” and 2) While you have faith in God, have faith in your parishioners, too.  

These are two very important lessons that I continue to learn.   

Once again and again, I say “THANK YOU” from the bottom of my heart.  

*****

It seems to me that I have found another passion for Catholic School education.  I see it as an opportunity to truly evangelize the coming generations by giving them a chance to get to know God and learn from HIM how it is to be a decent HUMAN BEING.  If we would like to give the world a brighter future, we need to start with ourselves by putting more emphasis on raising our children to be the responsible, compassionate, grateful, and gentle people.  I urge you to join me in this “PASSION for our school!” Let’s support our school by finding out what it needs!

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