Dear sisters and brothers,

Our lives are filled with remarkable experiences that bring joy and beauty. We can easily list the treasures of this world: sunsets, blooming flowers, the thrill of falling in love, the miracle of a child’s birth, festive birthday cakes, twinkling Christmas lights, the comfort of shade trees, the majesty of the Grand Canyon, the joy of our favorite song, the fresh scent of a new car, cherished friendships, Thanksgiving feasts, and the warmth of holding hands. If we invited others to share their favorites, it would echo the spirit of a Julie Andrews song: “These are a few of my favorite things.”

Yet, alongside these joys, life inevitably brings us disappointments. While we could dwell on that heavy litany, what truly matters is how we move forward, especially when our painful histories linger like chains—as Jacob Marley’s did.

The prophet Jeremiah offers us a blueprint for finding courage amidst grief, illness, abandonment, or failure. Life is filled with promise, but when we encounter our limits or the brokenness of the world, it’s natural for our spirits to rebel. We often feel robbed, questioning God and wrestling with the notion that our suffering seems disproportionate to our faults.

Jeremiah, a courageous truth-teller, faced immense misery yet remained honest in his prayers. By unburdening his heart, he discovered a fierce resolve rooted in a deep connection to God’s will. This release of frustration brought him back to his core beliefs.

Before discussing his own Passion, Jesus taught his disciples about the blessedness of the persecuted and the power of loving one’s enemies instead of seeking retaliation. Despite these profound lessons, the disciples struggled to accept this truth, leading Jesus to reinforce his teachings. Even He, in the face of suffering, questioned whether the cup could pass before ultimately submitting to the Father’s will - demonstrating that authentic service often requires grappling with our own burdens.

Discipleship calls us to embrace a life of service, even when it means carrying our own crosses. This week, reflect on how you might honor and serve those around you.

Are you ready to answer the call to follow Jesus, fully embracing the identity of a disciple rooted in love and sacrificial service?

With prayerful blessings,
Fr. William Rosario,
Pastor