It’s so hard to believe that October has ended. Before you know it, Advent and Christmas will be here and the chaos of another Holiday Season will be upon us. The realization of how quickly time goes should not be lost on us. We must stop every now and then, and just breathe. The world is full of distractions and craziness these days, and that is why it is so very important that we take time for ourselves. Even if it is only for 15 minutes a day, we must take inventory of our lives to find the good that we have been given by our Heavenly Father. Let us take time to call a parent, play with our children or grandchildren, go for a walk and breathe in the fresh air. Take time to just be!

In our Gospel reading this weekend, we find Jesus once again teaching those around Him about the importance of keeping ourselves in a humble state of mind. He gives the example of a Pharisee who feels he is better than everyone because of his status in the community in which he is a part of. With this status, he automatically thinks he is better and more favored than everyone else. Jesus then mentions a tax collector, one of the most hat-ed professions of this time, who has a much different take on praying to God. He simply looks to Heaven and says ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ The tax collector gets right to the heart of the matter and acknowledges his shortcomings before God. If we really want to slow down, we must reflect on this powerful prayer and ask for God’s mercy and love. By doing so we remember from whom we came and we are able to live a better life filled with faith. One that is full of compassion and love. Let us in the coming weeks take time and just be! Have a great week! ~~Deacon Bil