Here is a story: “A woman bought a very expensive dress and when she went home her husband said to her, “When you were trying it on why didn’t you say, ‘Get behind me Satan?’” She said, “I did say ‘Get behind me Satan,’ and when I looked at it from behind in the mirror it was just as nice!”
There is a battle going on in the lives of each of us, a battle going on forthe lives of each of us, a battle between good and evil. At the end of that battle in the next life we will either hear Jesus say, “you are mine” or hear Satan say, “you are mine.” Through his cross Jesus has won the battle but it is up to us now to accept his grace and live as those redeemed by Jesus. There are manifestations of grace and manifestations of evil all around us, but we can take the side of Jesus in the battle for our lives by overcoming sin and temptation.
How do we overcome sin and temptation?
There are some things that can really help us to fight this battle against evil: regular sacramental life, participation in the Holy Eucharist, frequent confession, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reading Scripture, devotion to our Blessed Mother and St. Michael, Works of Mercy.
Through his cross Jesus has won the battle but it is up to us now to accept his grace and live as those redeemed by Jesus. Jesus is asking us to reflect on our lives to see if anything is leading us in the wrong direction, and if so to take steps to remedy occasions of sin and live in the grace of Jesus so that we may hear him say to us at the end, “You are mine.”
Do not be afraid, fight this battle daily, Jesus is on your side, the victory is yours!
Priesthood Sunday
This weekend we celebrate Priesthood Sunday. Please remember, recognize, and pray for the priests that God has placed or will place on the path of your life.
The Office of Priestly Vocations is inviting parishioners to offer a spiritual bouquet for their pastors and associate pastors: https://detroitpriestlyvocations.com/priesthood–sunday/. Part of that bouquet includes an option to share a story about how this priest’s ministry has impacted your life. Our hope is to collect and share these stories with each priest through Priesthood Sunday.
September 29 Feast of the Archangels
You are all invited to celebrate with us the feast of the Holy Archangels: Michael, Raphael and Gabriel on Wednesday, September 29th at 9 am. May those Messengers of God help us to recognize God’s will for us and live according to his call.
First Friday and Saturday devotions
This week we will honor Jesus’ Most Sacred heart on Friday morning celebrating Mass with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until noon. On Saturday there will be 9 am Mass in honor of Our Blessed Mother and her Immaculate Heart, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Rosary. Every Saturday of October (except the first Saturday!) after 5 pm Mass you’ll have a chance to join us for the Rosary. October and May are 2 very special months dedicated to the Blessed Mother. May her intercession and protection help us to follow her Son Jesus always.
Young Adults Gathering
I can’t describe how grateful I am for the first Young Adults meeting on Wednesday, September 15th! They are the future of our church! Please, pray for us that we will be able to help these young people to follow Jesus! Read more about that event on page 4 of the bulletin!
Milestone celebration
Last Wednesday, one of our parishioners Anthony Michael Young celebrated his 99th birthday. I am assuming that Tony is the oldest (I shouldn’t say that) the most experienced parishioner of St. Genevieve –St. Maurice. We are so happy for the gift of his life. We pray for him and wish him many more years in good health of his spirit and body. Happy Birthday Tony!
With Grateful Heart
I’d like to thank all of you for your prayers, birthday wishes, cards, and gifts that I received on my birthday, also last Wednesday. I really appreciate all of you. I am much younger than Tony, not even half way through his journey. Maybe I should borrow Tony’s last name? Or maybe not?! ;–)
Have a wonderful week,
Fr. Tom