Dear Friends in Christ,

From the Word of God in the readings for this week, we are being reminded to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and on the legacy that awaits us in heaven. Through the powerful intercession and help of the Holy Spirit, the Church strives to give witness to the resurrected Christ. Jesus tells us, "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me." What is the "word" that God wants us to keep? Clearly, we are to show our love for God by how well we show our love for one another. Further, such a love is meant to be inclusive rather than exclusive. God loves everyone without exception. We, too, are to love everyone without exception.

Jesus tells us that we will be helped in the mission of bringing God's love to others. "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." Therefore, through the invocation of the Holy Spirit, God offers all of the tools of grace that we will need to fulfill our mission. So, there is no need to let our "hearts be troubled or afraid." Through the promise of God, we are never alone and we are never without Divine help. What awaits us is a "new heaven and a new earth."

For all those who make the decision to follow in the way of Christ, the result will be an incredible peace. Our Lord assures us when he said, "Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you." We know that everything in the world that is not of God is only transient. Everything that is of God is eternal.

Friends, the grace of God is always available to you to make the right decision to live your life in such a way that indicates to all that you are a follower of Christ. Do not let fear of what others may think or say dissuade your determination to live Christ's way. There is nothing that the world offers beyond what our eyes can see. There is eternity that God offers to those who "believe." Together, let us trust in the Lord who will never disappoint those who put their faith in Him.

May God give each of us the grace and blessing we need to live His Holy Word.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Tarantino
Pastor