REFLECTION BY MEMBER, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

I watched Sunday mass in Spanish today from my bedroom so as not expose anyone to my coughing and runny nose; I have not done this in 4 years, not since covid-19, as Theresa and I had to do. Lord have mercy!

The homily, given by the priest, was based on the parable of the 100 sheep; 99 sheep left on the mountain and 1 that strayed (Matt 18:12, or Luke 15:4). The priest began by recalling his own childhood (Baltimore) Catechism: the basic question: Why did God create you? Answer: to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him.  

Then he went on to explain the parable with a living example. He was asked to tend to the funeral of a grandmother - a woman of faith he did not know; which is not uncommon when called to assist with funerals, etc. - so, he asked the family for details. When he came to a grandson what he remembered 'most' about his grandmother, he said, Father I am not close to God, I have done with my life 'whatever' I wanted. Okay, the priest replied, but, what do you remember most about your grandmother. Before he responded, he began to tear-up, then began to cry, and said, what I remember most about my grandmother, is that she 'never' stopped loving me; it didn't matter to her what I did! The priest asked him, do know why she never stopped loving you? It was because she knew God, she loved God, and with her life, she served God; she knew, in her heart, that God had asked her one thing: to never stop loving those He had given her.

My beloved children, brothers and sisters, this is how Jesus loves us; His love is unfailing; and so, we likewise are obliged to love - in the same way - those given to us. 

It is a privilege to be partakers in God's salvation plan; thus, also co-heirs with Christ! Glory!  Do you have a grandmother, a mother, even a grandfather, who loves you, no matter what you do? I'm sure you do. 

If today, you hear Jesus' voice - harden not your heart! He's trying to find you! He will! 💜 There is another one - a roaring lion - not to love you, but to devour you!