St. Anthony & Our Lady of Fatima

The ashes that are blessed and distributed on Ash Wednesday symbolize repentance and launch us upon the journey of Lent.  It brings back many who are pious or prodigal.  We may find ourselves absent and far from the church but when we wear the ashes we recall we belong to the community of prayer.  Belonging is deep and mysterious.  Wonder and respect for our Creator and Savior infuses us with the Spirit.                ~ Fr. Matt

Reciprocity is the norm of our society.  I will do harm to my enemies and I will be of service to my friends.  From a human standpoint it makes sense.  The Greeks and later the Hebrews abided by this.  Fortunately Jesus encourages us to forgive.  Reciprocating in anger leads to more harm and a wider divide.  Because we belong to the kingdom of God more human norms and criteria can no longer govern us.  The demands of the Gospel are impossible to us if we rely on our own resources.  Uniting ourselves with the spirit of Jesus makes it possible.   ~ Fr. Matt

Luke offers two road maps for life.  One is blessed.  We meet the Lord in the roadblocks and potholes of life.  We feel the power of his presence and blessings.  The “Woes” offer a dead end street or cul-de-sac.  Self centeredness and self promotion at expense of others leads to doom.              ~ Fr. Matt

Peter teaches us that even the greatest among the followers of Jesus need conversion.  We realize who call us, cures us of our sinful deeds and commissions us to a life of service.        ~ Fr. Matt