Dear Friends in Christ,

How many times in your life have you wondered just what it is that you are supposed to be doing? Many people, especially in difficult times, get that aching feeling that the road they are on might not be the right road. For some, it is better to not think about the question at all. Such individuals will just allow themselves to stay caught up in the daily routine. The distractions of daily life can serve as a convenient buffer zone to not face the deeper questions about one's life.

I can remember as a child how many of the adults in my life were always able to quote the Baltimore Catechism as if they were proudly wearing a badge of achievement. They especially liked the part that clearly stated one's purpose in life. They would boldly proclaim, "Who made me? God made me to know, love and serve Him." This was a simple but rather profound statement. It set the tone early on in the life of a believer that they were somehow inextricably and intimately tied up in the life of God. Maybe, it could be said that life was simpler then. However, I remember that regardless of circumstance, faith played a more than significant role in everyday life. Family, Church and being faithful to God were tightly woven together.

My family did not have much in terms of luxury. Yet, we had so much to be thankful for in terms of faith and one another. Growing up more simply forced us to be more thankful for the things we had rather than pining for the things we did not have.

Having enough money for ten children, for the mortgage, food and clothing was always a current challenge. However, it was a priority for my parents to make sure that all of us attended Catholic school. It was through our Catholic school that we not only learned more about our faith but also learned how to live our faith. Often, we were challenged to raise money for the poor children in foreign countries. We were also asked to collect clothes for the poor in our area. Our teachers helped us to understand that when we went out of our way to help others we were actually glorifying God. Thus, by being of service to others, we were fulfilling God's will for us. St. Paul reminded the Corinthians of this when he told them, "For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body."

I can remember wondering how could our meager efforts make even a dent in the problems of the world. A wise man, my father, once told me that we should never be overly concerned with what others did or did not do when it came to doing God's will. He said that the only thing that ultimately mattered between God and ourselves was what each of us did individually. Further, if there were enough people who thought the same, then there could be a difference made in the world. Even one person, like Jesus and/or the saints, could change the world through their actions by God's grace.

Consequently, as God called Samuel to be His representative, so too God is calling each of you by name to do the same. Answering the call of God will require not only open ears but also an open heart. In order to move and live in the direction of Jesus requires a willingness to prioritize what and who is really important in one's life. Jesus addressed those who were curious about Him and were following Him when he asked them, "What are you looking for?" My friends, the answer to this question will help you determine the road you are currently on and further determine if you need to make any changes in direction.

Are you looking for everything and everyone else in life other than Jesus? If you are, God is calling you by name to change direction and follow the only path that leads to life and fulfillment. Discovering Jesus is like finding the greatest treasure that one could ever imagine. When you realize that the greatest treasure that you could ever imagine is already in your midst, Jesus Christ, then you will be willing and able, by grace, to proclaim along with the Psalmist, "Here am I Lord; I come to do your will."

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. James Tarantino,
Pastor