God Is Removing His Protection

My Dear People,

Sodom & Gomorrah Move Over

As we approach Lent 2009, we recognize the overwhelming need for penance and repentance; if not for ourselves, especially of all the newly elected pro-abortionists. Sodom and Gomorrah were completely destroyed for much less. When God corrects us, we should not be surprised. He is already beginning the correction through our pocketbooks. With all the layoffs, job losses, and home foreclosures, Almighty God is sending a very clear message. WE ARE NOT THE BOSS? HE IS...

He will continue to remove His holy protection from us as a nation, and we will continue to see the effects of our sins of abortion, cloning, pornography, infidelity in marriage and apostasy... What exactly will it take for us to repent as a nation? 911 was apparently not enough. A greater evil than 911 is in store for us, lest we turn away from our evildoing. "Who but God can forgive sins?" This is the question posed in Mark's Gospel today. The scribes were asking where Jesus' authority came from, and who did He think He was. To show them the Father's authority was manifested through Him, Jesus healed the paralytic. All glorified God and gave Him praise. If Jesus could heal the paralytic's infirmity, He can heal the infirmity of our nation. Pray for the healing of our country, before it is too late!

Entrusting you to the care of Our Lady,

Fr. Mark

Ash Wednesday

Q. Why do you call the first day of Lent Ash Wednesday?



A. From the ceremony of blessing ashes upon that day, and putting them upon the foreheads of the faithful, to remind them that they must very quickly return to dust, and therefore must not neglect to lay hold of this present time of mercy, but, like the Ninevites and other ancient penitents, do penance for their sins in sackcloth and ashes.

The prayers which are said by the Church for the blessing of the ashes are directed for the obtaining from God the spirit of compunction, and the remission of sins for all those who receive, those ashes; and the priest, in making the sign of the cross with the ashes on the forehead of each one of the faithful, says these words : "Remember, man, that thou art dust, and into dust thou shalt return."

I Am Unemployed

Yes, I have been unemployed for a month now. I am very thankful for all the time I am spending with the family. This will go down as one of happiest times in my life.

Don't get me wrong! I am working very hard at finding a job. It is difficult when you are competing against 50 plus applications for a job paying $10/hr. Losing the house is a very real possibility. Insurance! With a diabetic wife, well I am just letting the good Lord take care of that one.

A prayerful heart full of trust and thanksgiving is the key.

When I learn how to obtain those attributes I will let you know ;-)

Some of you have noticed that my posting has become much more erratic lately. There are 2 reasons. First, is because of baby Gianna. I have less time. Correction, I had less time. Second is by choice, I can't let this blog be an inappropriate escape from reality. So, I am purposely doing fewer postings. I think you understand.

Jesus, I trust in you! My prayer of choice lately.

Whether the Lord opens the door for a job in a week or two years, I am looking forward to deepening my relationship with my Lord, our Mother, my wife and children. Nothing like a little suffering to draw one closer to those he loves.

May the peace of Christ be with all of you.

John Michael

Pope Benedict vs. Pelosi

And the winner is . . .

Pope Benedict XVI

The good Pope played hard ball. He even made sure Pelosi didn't get a picture with him. Do you know what scandalous lies would have been circulated if the picture was taken? Then he issues a statement saying,

"His Holiness took the opportunity to speak of the requirements of the natural moral law and the Church's consistent teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death which enjoin all Catholics, and especially legislators, jurists and those responsible for the common good of society, to work in co-operation with all men and women of good will in creating a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development."

Pelosi wanted to use this as a photo opportunity. She made a day trip to Europe. Come on! The player was played.

Well done Pope Benedict!

HT - Curt Jester

Why Jesuse Forgives Sins First?

My Dear People,

Confession, A Key To Healing

When Our Lord healed the man with leprosy, He manifested His divine power over sin and death. Outside of the man, was a sickness that was made visible through the disease. But inside the soul, sin is not seen, yet it is no less real. This is why Jesus always forgave sin first, and then healed second. We can look perfectly healthy in physical appearance, yet our insides may be rotting with the leprosy of sin. Only a good and holy Confession can heal us. Jesus, the Divine Physician, comes to make our soul whole.

Why do we find so many excuses not to confess our sin? Because the devil wants us to rot in sin. It makes his job a lot easier. So if you want the evil one to be the one to lead into eternal darkness after you die, skip confession altogether. Keep making excuses not to go. The powers of darkness will be there waiting for you when you draw your last breath, eager to finish off the job. Don't jeopardize your eternal salvation. Come back to regular confession.

Entrusting you to the care of Our Lady,

Fr. Mark

Greatest Obstacle to Healing? You & Me

My Dear People,

God Wants To Heal You

When it was evening, they brought all the sick to the feet of Jesus. By this time, His reputation had spread throughout the whole region. After spending time in prayer, Jesus continued to preach and heal. The Father's authority rested upon Our Lord. Even though no one has seen the Father, we see Jesus acting in His Name. How loving and caring Our Heavenly Father is! What Love we see in His only Son, Jesus Christ.

Not one person, does the Father want to see sick or hurting in any way. Why then is their so much sickness and suffering? Only God knows for sure. We, however, are the greatest obstacle to the "healing power" of Our Lord. What is keeping you from the Divine Healing of Jesus? Reach out in faith. Ask God to take away any sickness that is NOT part of His Divine Plan. Watch the power of the Holy Spirit come alive. Our God has come to save us. Rejoice and be glad.

Entrusting you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark

The Power of the Name Jesus

My Dear People,

Honor The Holy Name of Jesus

Unlike the exorcisms we see on television and at the movies, Jesus commanded the demons with great authority. Even before the Holy Apostles recognized Jesus as the Son of God, the demons were crying out His Name in anguish. Mark's Gospel depicts Jesus as having power over darkness. "He commands unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Our Lord tells the Apostles, that they too will cast out demons in His Name. How powerful is the Holy Name of Jesus?

All too often in public, we hear people cursing Our Lord. Some have little reverence for the Name of the Lord. How disrespectful we can be, using the Holy Name of Jesus carelessly. If you are in the bad habit of cursing, ask Our Lord for the grace to respect His Name. Turn an occasion of sin, into an opportunity for prayer. Honor Our Lord, and many blessings will be bestowed upon you. It will not only be found pleasing to the Lord, but repulsive to the evil one. Pray, pray, pray always. Bring the heavenly blessings upon yourself and your family.

Entrusting you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark

Homeschooling Mother Dies Suddenly

While Teaching Her Children A Mother Suddenly Collapses . . .

First of all, I am writing to ask for prayers for Brian and Laurie. Laurie died suddenly on Thursday morning around 11: 00 AM. It seems that she had a 95% blockage in a coronary artery. Without advance warning or signs, she suddenly collapsed while homeschooling her children. Her dear husband was out of town for work and had to come in quickly to this sad tragedy. Laurie was 31, survived by Brian, her husband, and children Josh (6), Joanie (5), Ashley (3) and Francesca (10 months). All of them need our prayers.

She was especially devoted to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy; if you would be willing to pray this for her and her family, this would be most appreciated.

A Solemn High Requiem Funeral Mass (traditional rite) will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday.

Any comments will be forwarded to the family.