Fr. Bill's Weekly Message for 8/23/98

Dear Parishioners:
This was left in the sacristy last week. I thought you all would like a copy. It seems like a good prayer to me.
DEAR LORD,
SO FAR TODAY, GOD,
I'VE DONE ALL RIGHT.
I HAVEN'T LOST MY TEMPER,
HAVEN'T BEEN GREEDY, GRUMPY, NASTY,
SELFISH, OR OVERINDULGENT.
I'M REALLY GLAD ABOUT THAT.
BUT IN A FEW MINUTES, GOD,
I'M GOING TO GET OUT OF BED,
AND, FROM THEN ON,
I'M PROBABLY GOING TO NEED A LOT MORE HELP.
THANK YOU. IN JESUS NAME. AMEN!

If you're like me, it is much easier to remain in the state of grace when there are no other people around. Others seem to make life a lot more difficult. They have their own needs, wants, rights, etc. They demand that we take account of them and show them respect. They disagree with us and often are right in their disagreement.
In spite of all the difficulties others bring, this world would be a terrible place without them. It is people who make this world livable. Remember that even Adam needed another to find peace of heart and mind. He and God were not enough.
Others are persons like us, made in the image and likeness of God. We all need to make a special effort to see that image in every person we meet. It is that image and likeness which give us the dignity of human persons. It does not come from achievements, looks, personality, sense of humor, etc. It is a dignity based on our likeness to God.
The prejudices we have against people of other color, language, etc. violate God's direct command to love our neighbors as ourselves. Yes, it is difficult to love others and show them respect at times. On the other hand, God has to do it all the time with the person I see in the mirror. Who of us has not put Jesus on the cross?
Let us look for the good in others. Jesus did, and does that with you and me all the time.

God bless,



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