Dear Friends in Christ,

As the weeks of the New Year continue to yield "not so good news", many are experiencing great anxiety in the course of their lives. In Saint Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he tells them, "I should like you to be free of anxieties." I am sure that the people hearing those words most likely reacted much the same as most would in today's world – "Easier said than done." As you know, wishing something or hoping for something will not necessarily make it happen. However, the point being made is rooted in wisdom. St. Paul realized that it could become too easy to get wrapped up in the world that is around you rather than stay focused on God. The anxiety that comes from the strain of relationships and the desire for worldly things can keep a person so out of focus that God's call to holiness gets pushed to the back burner.

"Catholics profess that his (Jesus') reign extends through all time and is planted in every heart that confesses belief. Thus, we strive to listen to Jesus with our whole mind, heart, and soul, to commit our entire selves to him in obedience. Without total obedience to Jesus' way we run the risk of pursuing power, pleasure, race, ancestors, state, wealth, and money for their own sake (CCC 2113). All of these can easily become idols that destroy and have no power to save us. Trusting totally in a person, Jesus Christ, we are freed to live up to our full stature, transformed by God's love, enabled to take our place in the kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit."

My friends, God has sent us the prophets, the Word in scripture, and His only Son, Jesus Christ, to tell us that we are eternally loved. There is nothing more important in any of our lives than hearing, knowing and responding to the incredible love of God. As true as these statements are, it all comes down to whether or not one truly believes. Everything else is a distraction and ultimately a waste of our time. As scripture reminds us, what good would it be to achieve everything that the world offers and still lose one's soul?

I encourage you to once again pray with me for the grace to stay focused in your life on the things that are truly important – most especially your relationship with Christ. What St. Paul was suggesting is not an easy way to live. Yet, striving to live without anxiety is far better than living with it. Ask God for the grace to understand with clarity what you can do by making some important decisions that will move you forward. No one is ever paralyzed when seeking the grace of God to do His will. Finally, I enjoin you to take to heart the words of the Psalmist who tells us, "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. James Tarantino,
Pastor