God has a plan for each and every one of us. Some are called to live their lives set apart from the rest of the world through vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious and consecrated life. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on his call to the priesthood and what a gift it is to be a priest. He also encouraged us to pray for more holy vocations, and that many may answer God's sacred call for the salvation of souls.
Are you trying to live your life on your terms, instead of how God is calling you to live? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminds us how living on our terms does not bring us happiness. Rather, it brings us unrest. There is good news! God's faithfulness to us is unconditional, and he is waiting and willing to bring us back to himself and bring us ultimate happiness and fulfillment.
Do the feelings of fear and inadequacy keep you from sharing your faith with others? You're not alone. The apostles struggled too. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that God chose those who were least qualified to share the Gospel and worked through their inadequacies. God is calling you too, and will give you the graces you need at the moment you need them, and will help you overcome what hinders you from sharing your faith with others.
Even though God makes the truth available to everyone and asks us to live in it, not everyone accepts this. And in today's world, many who do live in the truth are persecuted or condemned by society. This weekend in his homily, Bishop highlights how our Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph faced the same struggles. Bishop also explains how Mary and Joseph overcame these obstacles to living a devout life by living out the unique geniuses of a woman and man as God created them to be so they could be complimentary in their roles in raising Jesus.
How blessed we are to be baptized into Christ. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how being baptized into Christ sets us ablaze and empowers us to serve our parishes, pastors and the Church. Bishop also reminds us that we have the power to pray for the sanctification of others, and share in proclaiming the good news of the Gospel to others. We are challenged to allow ourselves to be set ablaze by the Holy Spirit.
One of Jesus' greatest desires is to bring peace to our hearts and lives. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how one of the greatest ways we as Catholics are privileged to bring peace is by being attentive to the youth and vulnerable adults in our communities. We are reminded of the importance of protecting children and vulnerable adults as representatives of God.
In a world ailing from doubt and disbelief, the Resurrection of Jesus reminds us of Christ's power and defeat over sin and death. This Easter Sunday, Bishop reminded us that the Resurrection is too good NOT to be true. We are encouraged to move from doubt into faith, and grow in the supernatural virtues. Will you seek to grow in your faith and overcome your doubts?
Have there been times in your life where you've felt abandoned by God? This past weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how suffering is an invitation to be like Jesus, and how God uses our suffering to sanctify us.
Is there something in your life that is keeping you in a spiritual slumber? In today's culture it is easy to let our faith go by the wayside or become lukewarm. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to allow the spirit of God to come alive within us, cast out idols from our lives and become fervent in our spiritual life. If we don't feed on the life of God, we will become like dry, weary bones that no longer has life. Do not be detracted from the things of God, which truly bring us life!
In today's society, it is difficult to discern what is truly going on. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to be discerning like Samuel- to discern God's will and not the will of ourselves or others. Bishop reminds us that growing in friendship with God is key, and to stay close to God's heart so he may shine light on devious strategies striving to trick or confuse us into sin and immorality.
