It’s hard to believe that Summer is finally here,
and it’s even harder to believe we are almost
half way through the year. Even when time
seems like it’s standing still it’s amazing how fast it
is actually going. We must truly treasure the time in
life that we have, because it is precious. How many
times do we all say at one point or another, “it
seems like it was only yesterday?” The Easter Sea-
son is wrapping up and life continues to move for-
ward. Therefore, we must continue to move with it,
and we must never forget that every day we need
to recommit to our faith in Christ. What was your
favorite part of this Easter Season? What can you
do, today, to grow in your faith?
This weekend our readings are incredibly pow-
erful and inspiring on our journey of faith. We
see Saint Stephen, a deacon and the first martyr of
the Church, murdered for professing the Gospel of
our Lord. Stephen stood in faith and in his final
breath, he has asked God to forgive his murders. Is
our own faith strong enough to forgive those who
have wronged us? Our Gospel reading has Jesus praying for us to
His Father. He asks the Father to love us, and
He asks the Father to bring us to Jesus for eternity.
Christ wants nothing more than for each of us to
take our place in Heaven with Him. All we have to
do is want it! What does “wanting it mean?” That we
live the life God wants for us. That we love. That we
show mercy. That we give forgiveness to everyone.
The Gospel is the Good News on how to live a
good and honest life. How can we better live, so
that we can live forever? Memorial Day Weekend is so very special to us
in the United States, and I can’t help but think of
all the National Monuments in Washington D.C.
that have been built to honor those who have
fought and died for our great country. The Vi-
etnam Wall in DC literally made me gasp when I
saw it for the first time about ten years ago. I could
not get over the length of names on that wall.
Someone’s son, brother, nephew, friend had their
name on that wall. These young men fought for
freedom, and I promise never to forget them or their
sacrifice. This weekend, let us take time to pray for
all the men and women who have fought and died
for our freedom. Let us never forget their sacrifice,
and let us pray for their families as well. May God
continue to Bless the United States of America!