FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK……

FEBRUARY 29, 2004

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

    I'd like to share with you a topic I've been meditating on this past week.  I've been using a book entitled "JOURNEY OF THE SPIRIT" by Trevor Hudson.  I'm currently on the 24^th week.  This week's meditation is entitled "KEEPING HOPE ALIVE."  I can't honestly think of a better theme for this year's Lent.  The author recounts his experience in watching a movie I once saw:  "THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION."  The movie tells the story of a banker who was jailed for a crime he didn't commit.  Trevor Hudson goes on to tell how the movie portrays this banker's struggle to keep hope alive amid the humiliating and dehumanizing conditions of the prison.  He recounts one moving scene in the movie where the banker says to a fellow prisoner who has given in to hopelessness: "IN THIS LIFE YOU ARE EITHER BUSY LIVING OR BUSY DYING.  THE DIFFERENCE IS HOPE." 

    Trevor Hudson goes on to say that it's easy today to lose hope.  I look at the economy, the increased amount of crime in our society, children who are abused, marriages broken up by divorce, violence, the constant attacks on Christian family values, etc., and I find it easy to give in to a sense of hopelessness and despair. 

    Yet, as Christians, we are called to be bearers of hope.  Hope is the by-product of the exercise of our faith.  Hope is faith in action!  Hope is based on our belief that God is always present with us.  In today's first scripture reading from Deuteronomy, Moses tells the people that they should frequently recall God's miraculous deeds in the past on their behalf. (See Deuteronomy 26: 4-10)  We would do well to do the same during this Lent. 

    In the same first reading today from Deuteronomy, Moses encourages the people to show their gratitude to God for His constant care by giving back a portion of His gifts to them.  I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage those of you who didn't make your pledge to the Annual Bishop's Appeal 2004 last Sunday to take the opportunity to do so today.  Your generous pledge can be a real source of hope for our parish, our diocese, our community which we attempt to serve.

                                                      Sincerely yours in Christ,

                                                      Fr. Ray Tintle, OFM
                                                      Pastor