Dear Friends in Christ,

As we listen to God's Word for this Sunday, we hear that it is not always easy to represent the message of God to others. God reminds the Prophet Ezekiel, "I am sending you," against those who are "Hard of face and obstinate of heart." "And whether they heed or resist – for they are a rebellious house – they shall know that a prophet has been among them." In the words of St. Paul, he tells us of the difficulties he had in bringing God's message to others. He said, "Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

The message is that we must not be discouraged in striving to live our faith amidst those whose do not have faith or those whose faith is weak. Never be afraid to let others know of the power that you know in Christ. Every believer has the daily opportunity to be a witness for Christ. Also, every believer will have the daily experience of suffering for Christ at the hands of others. Jesus himself said, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." Even Jesus "was amazed at their lack of faith."

My friends, I encourage you to never be afraid to let others see your belief and dedication to Christ and to His Church. While there will certainly be some who will reject and ridicule you, there will also be others who will be attracted by grace to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

The Psalmist tells us, "Have pity on us, O Lord, have pity on us, for we are more than sated with contempt; our souls are more than sated with the mockery of the arrogant, with the contempt of the proud." I encourage you to pray for those who do not yet understand that Jesus is also their Lord. Do not lose heart if you find yourself not respected by others because you truly believe and live out your faith. Listen and take to heart the other words of the same Psalmist who responds in faith and praise to God.

"To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven – as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters," "so are our eyes on the Lord, our God..."

Ask God for the grace to continue to be faithful in everything that you are and in everything that you do. As God answered St. Paul, God also gives us the same grace-filled answer when He said; "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. James Tarantino,
Pastor