For me personally September 22nd is a very special day. It’s my birthday. Yes, I was born on that day ….years ago 😉 God gave me life, He blessed me with a wonderful, faithful and loving family. I am always grateful, especially on that day for my parents and their love, for my brother, his wife and their three little children, for my family and friends. But this day, in 1992, became the first day of my religious life when I left my family and joined the Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel. Today, I am grateful for you, my new family, the family of St. Genevieve – St. Maurice. Is it coincidence that my birthday is on the feast day of St. Maurice? I don’t think so…!!! I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful community of faith. Thank you so much for the birthday cards and wishes, for your love and prayers. May God bless, keep you safe and always protect you.
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.
The ways of God are mysterious! Imagine, the good thief who came to Jesus in the last moments of his life was the first to be promised he would be with Jesus that same day in paradise. God deals with us not according to strict justice, but according to his generosity and mercy. What would be your reaction if when you enter heaven, you see Judas Iscariot, Hitler, and Stalin, Osama bin Laden in the reception line. You ask them, ‘How come you are here?’ And they will likely answer you, ‘For the same reason you are here—because of the mercy of God.’It is indeed not surprising that we see converts sometimes becoming as holy as old-timers in the Church or even forging ahead of many seasoned church workers. Let us not be envious but rejoice when God shows generous mercy to all.
Welcome to fall 2020! This Tuesday, September 22nd is the first day of the fall. Can you believe it? We have been really blessed with beautiful weather this summer and now, I truly believe that we would find “thousands” of reasons to find and enjoy God’s presence this fall. Keep your eyes open, He is with you always.
Fr. Tom