The birthday of our nation should call to mind our history and sense of freedom. Yet freedom should be seen in the light of our faith as our ability to freely respond to God’s invitation in our lives. Freedom of religion is not always so well understood. Some wish to have it “freedom from religion” forgetting how much our faith underlies our society. Pray for our nation.
Looking back to last weekend, our diocese celebrated the ordination of three men to the priesthood. That is a good reason to give thanks to God. Fr. Matt Szymanski, newly ordained, will be serving at St. Bronislava parish. I encourage you to keep up your prayers for priestly vocations and pray for families and their encouragement of their children to follow God’s call in their lives. As you will see in the coming months the wedding banns in the bulletin. Keep these couples in your prayers as they begin their lives together, living out the sacrament of marriage.
July is devoted to the Precious Blood of Jesus. We recall Jesus’ blood poured out for us on the Cross and from His Sacred Heart. There is the chaplet of the Precious Blood, novenas, and the Litany of the Precious Blood (approved by St. John XXIII) that can be offered. Adoration of the Holy Eucharist also calls to mind the reality of the gift of the Body and Blood that Jesus gave us at the Last Supper. Reflecting on Jesus’ Passion also helps us to see all that Jesus did for us and for our salvation.
So some good things to celebrate. Hopefully there will be some time for you to recharge in the month of July. I know that I will be taking some days away, more on that next week, so do find the time to reflect on the Good and activities that will renew your mind and heart.