We are already into the second month of 2023, and it
seems like every single day of this year so far has been
meet with chaos. Our society is truly falling apart, and
now more than ever we need to dig deep and love our
faith! The part of living this faith is to strengthen our
faith! To stoke the fire in our hearts, and that can only
come from the Holy Spirit! It’s time! We can no longer be
afraid of “offending” a non-believer. We do not have to
hit people with our bibles, but we can not be afraid to let
people know to Whom we belong too! What’s holding
you back from living for God?

On January 15th a Nigerian priest, Father Isaac Achi,
was going about his day after celebrating Mass. While
he was in the rectory, militants surrounded the house,
and begin to attack. He was in the rectory with a Church
assistant, and his associate pastor of the parish they serve.
What did Father Isaac do? He turned to the associate
priest and said “let us give each other the sacrament of
reconciliation.” In a dangerous moment this good and
gentle priest went to God. Father Isaac was able to help
the associate priest escape, but sadly Father Isaac and his
assistant were murdered for their belief in Jesus Christ.
The powerful witness of Father Isaac cannot be forgotten!
We must understand that even in the most dangerous and
extreme circumstances we need to turn to God! Do I truly
have this type of love for God? Are we willing to die for
this greater good?

In Father Isaac’s country it is estimated that 90% of
Catholics attend weekly Mass! 90%!!!! Oh, and they are
attending knowing fully well that they could be killed
any minute while they are at Church! Here in America,
where we are free to worship, about 25% of Catholics at-
tend Mass on a weekly basis. We, as Catholics here in
America, have gotten really good at making excuses as to
why we don’t go to Church. We have lost all sense of God
calling us to Him, and what is the result of this? Our soci-
ety is falling apart, and our children do not know Christ.
In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus tells His followers that
“you are the salt of the Earth.” He goes on by saying “but
if salt looses its taste, what can it be seasoned?” We are
expected to accomplish great things on behalf of the King-
dom of God, and yet here we are not using the beautiful
graces that our Father has given us. What can/will you
do today to live the life you have been given? Will you
allow doubt, fear, laziness be your downfall? Or will you
make a commitment to rise up and be the disciple you are
intended to be? (These are questions I am constantly
wrestling with.)

We have all been given this great gift of life! It is our
time to live for Him, and if we do this He will reward us
like we never thought possible! Nothing about this will be
easy, but as they say “nothing worth it is ever easy!” My
bothers and sisters, let us stand in the light of Christ and
know His strength is with us, always!