Giving God Our Time

01-19-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Wednesday, January 22, is a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for Respect for Human Life. All human beings are made in the image and likeness of God, regardless of age or even stage of development. God Himself revealed this by taking on human flesh in the Virgin Mary’s womb. There never was a time that His miraculous conception and gestation could have been considered “not human” or “not human yet.” Saint John the Baptist even leaped at the presence of Jesus, newly conceived, in the womb of his own mother, St. Elizabeth. In the words of Mother Teresa, “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.” I personally have known many couples unable to have children, who want children and would make fantastic mothers and fathers. Children are wanted – never unwanted. It’s heartbreaking to know there is a home for a little girl or little boy if only we can give mothers and fathers considering ending the life of their unborn child a better choice – Life.

From time-to-time I like to remind people of a very valuable prayer that we are encouraged to pray as Catholics. For centuries Catholics have been encouraged to stop their daily activities and pray a prayer called the Angelus three times a day: at morning, noon, and evening. You perhaps have heard the bells of St. Mary’s ringing a special ring at 6am, 12pm, and 6pm. (Yes, we wake up the city!) When rung with bells, you’ll hear a series of three bells rung three times with pauses in between. After the third set of three, the bells peal in celebration. While the bells are rung, we say the prayer below, which can be done alone or with others. It doesn’t take much time, but can have a huge impact. I have friends who set alarms on their smart phones to remind them! Any time we stop what we are doing and give God our time, only great things can happen.

THE ANGELUS

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, ... V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary... V. And the Word was made Flesh. (genuflect or bow) R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary... V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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