4th Sunday of Lent

03-30-2025Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

Recently, I received an email from a parishioner who shared with me how troubled she feels about what she’s witnessing going on in our country at the present time. Her daughter’s boyfriend works for the Justice Department in Washington, DC and he says it’s “really bad” there. No one knows what’s coming next.

It’s understandable for people to be on edge when thousands of jobs have been lost, when some of the guardrails that protect citizens are being dismantled.

When the rule of law is being threatened, when economic uncertainty has disrupted business and personal financial stability, and when confusing messages leave hearers wondering who’s in charge or what is the truth. When I think about the innocent poor people dying because humanitarian aid has been cut off, I can’t help but feel heart-sick for them.

Like the parishioner who wrote to me, are you feeling unsettled, perhaps worse, because of what you see and hear going on around you? She spoke about being afraid, about longing for peace. What about you? To find peace, I reminded her that ultimately, our peace comes from the Lord... "a peace that surpasses all understanding" Philippians 4:7. Prayer, especially the silent/listening type, is the best remedy. What also helps is a temperate and judicious consumption of media. The Lord is in charge and accompanies us even in the darkness. "Look for the helpers" was advice Mister Rogers gave to children in frightening situations. Focusing on the good happening around us and becoming actively involved with charitable, uplifting good works will put our minds and hearts in a more peaceful space that can help us cope with the anxious, fearful feelings that we may be struggling with. Let us pray for ourselves and for one another as, together, we pray for our country and our world with its many needs for healing, unity, and peace.

God bless you!