Dear Church Family,
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin which is for us a sign of great hope and victory of light, life, and love. Our Blessed Mother’s whole life was ‘an instrument of peace’ that was light, life, and love which paved the way for her to be “taken up body and soul into heavenly glory” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 966). Unto this day, we continually pray that she is the “cause of our joy, the Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.” I often look at the west window and marvel at the wonder of her assumption and thank God that in His infinite wisdom He gave us to her and even more so, gave her to us as Our Mother. Thank you, Lord.
Today also, we welcome Deacon David Billing, who is no stranger to St. Augustine. In the past, he has worked with the Warm Meals Program, gone on communion calls with me, and lent his spiritual as well as his physical strength in helping us to reach out to our less-fortunate sisters and brothers. Deacon David will tell us about the Church’s Mission Program especially the work of Father Dany Vogt who was assigned to very risky, dangerous mission work in Guatemala. We will have a special, second collection to support this very important work of the Church.
So, Church, we know that the “Harvest is great, but the workers are few, so we ask the Master to send more workers into the field” not just in foreign countries, but right here in our own backyard. One does not have to go far away to be confronted by the evils of poverty, crime, or distress. Let us be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so that like the Blessed Mother we can say, “I am the handmaid of the Lord.” Here I am, Lord. Send me!”
Love, Fr. Bob
No comments yet.