Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

01-28-2024Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

I came across this beautiful personal reflection from Nancy Hallczuk about how the Lord invited her to a closer relationship with Him, even when she had stayed away. Does that sound familiar? Have hope – nothing can separate you from the love of Jesus! He’s always ready to fill you with His mercy and His peace.

“As a child, I enjoyed going to catechism on Saturdays. Unfortunately, as I grew older, for some reason it was not the same. I have no excuse or reason why and realize that, during that part of my life, I missed the most, as Jesus was with me even if I was far away from Him. I didn’t believe I deserved God to forgive my sins. I knew that I had been close once, and wanted to be closer to Him again. After reading the Bible for the first time, I realized so many things I didn’t know or thought I knew. Still, to this day, I am learning.

I remember a special day during COVID while walking around the church, and I came to the entrance a second time and a voice kept telling me, “Come in, come in!” The peace I felt when I entered and knelt was indescribable. I knew that He was with me, and that nothing could hurt me or take that feeling away. I felt so loved and protected that I began to cry. I still feel that way today. God has given me a purpose in life to love and to help others in need and pray for them. Not just friends or relatives, but everyone!

For the last 18 or more years, I have felt the love and protection God gives me. So many times, I was not able to pray because I thought He wasn’t there because of my sins and my doubt, but I was so wrong. Praying to God is always pleasing and satisfying, knowing that He hears, and not just in times of need. There is no special time to be close to God, young or old. You know He is there. Reach out and take His hand and be Jesus’ disciple.

Receiving Jesus’ Body makes me feel closer to Him…..a feeling of warmth, happiness and fulfillment; a feeling we all need and want.” -Nancy Hallczuk

God bless you!

Fr. Bob