Dear Friend,

We all know those first few minutes in the morning, just waking up, lying in bed our minds begin to think of all the things we need and want to do this day, the stuff of our lives. Sometimes, we begin with a little prayer; we ask for help, for guidance, for protection, for strength and courage to face difficulties. We are thankful for all the blessings and good things the Lord has put in our lives.

This morning, as you read this, let it call to mind Psalm 62:1: “My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.” What did Jesus bring first and foremost, wherever He went , wherever He preached…….His blessings!! His presence is a blessing, and our prayers bring us close to Him. So, ask our Lord and Savior for anything you want, all things great and small. Ask for His help and protection in this terrible pandemic. Ask for the strength to lean on Him and the courage to face another day of uncertainty. Most importantly, pray in thanksgiving, gratitude, and sincere love for Him just as He loves you. Psalm 37:4, tells us, “Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Pray with me now, and know the congregation of St. Jude Catholic Church is praying with you; the priests, deacon, and staff are praying for you. Praying for an end to this virus, praying it will end now. Psalm 27:14 says it best, “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Blessings for all of us.

Dear Friend,

In Proverbs 9:10, we read, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” As Christians we know the “fear” of the Lord is to stand in awe and wonderment of His majesty. This awe and wonderment leads right to Philippians 2:1-2 where we read, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” So, what is this one purpose, to know Him, to love Him and to be with Him now and forever more.

Today I pray with you, just as you are praying for yourself, your families, your dear friends and all the care givers who help you in so many ways. Today, I want you to know for sure and for certain that all the congregation at St. Jude Catholic Church is praying with you and for you, every day you are in our prayers. So, follow the teachings of our Savior, Lord Christ Jesus. Unite in spirit with all who are praying for an end to this horrible pandemic. Be of one mind, in fellowship, in love, and in compassion for all who are suffering. Draw strength from your prayers, draw strength from knowing you are not alone, never alone. Pray to the Lord, your prayers will bring Him closer to you as you approach Him with your love and thanksgiving for all the blessings He has given. Isaiah knew the Lord and called on Him constantly in all ways, in great joy in good times and in sad times of uncertainty. Isaiah knew that the Lord would be close to us and hear us in our prayers, so He wrote in, Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” Amen.

May the Lord shine His light and love on us all today, blessings for all of us.

Dear Friend,

In these troubling times, when we all feel so isolated, overwhelmed by this dreadful pandemic, let’s join together with our Bibles in hand and pray for one another. In Galatians 6:2, we read, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” What then is the law of Christ? To have no other God before us and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. I know you can see so many people suffering. I know you too are feeling the pain of separation and the anxiety of uncertainty. Nevertheless, stay strong in your faith and pray for yourself, your family, and friends. Pray for the people around you, “Bear one another’s burden,” and help them find some peace of mind.

Remember, Psalm 40:8, ”I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” Again, scripture teaches that it is God’s Law in our hearts which calls us to His higher power. It reminds us of the joy we feel knowing we are following His way into His light. Knowing His love and His Law is within us, all we have to do is ask for His strength, wisdom, guidance, and everything will be OK. So, I am asking you to go to your neighbors today and remind them they are not alone. Remind them that the priests, deacon, staff and all the congregation of St. Jude Catholic Church are praying for them. I am asking you to be the one who brings a message of hope. In Proverbs 15:23, we read, “A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!” Yes, you can be the one who brings His message of hope. Let us never forget, we are the people who the Lord called out of the darkness into His wonderful light. Blessings for all of us.