Dear Friend of THE SUNDAY MASS,

          Joe wrote to me recently about the mental and emotional problems he was having in a local jail. Like many men and women in the prison system, he watches THE SUNDAY MASS regularly because it sustains his faith and connects him with his Church. Joe’s life took a wrong turn and he desperately wants to get it back on track. But he feels humiliated in his surroundings, alienated from family and friends, lonely, fearful of his physical safety, and angry that the system is harsh and offers little hope. But there is hope.

          Among other things, I reminded Joe that the Apostle Paul was in prison several times and wrote some of the most beautiful and inspiring of his letters. For example, Phil. 4:4-7.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

          Wow! Talk about confidence in God’s power to sustain him. Prisons in those days were wretched and dismal. Yet St. Paul knew God was with him and would bring good out of his sufferings. That same trust in God is available to Joe and to each of us. God wants to help us break out of prisons that bind us.

          A woman wrote us saying that she felt her home was a prison now that she cannot get around.  Some struggle with the prison of fear, loneliness, addiction, or resentment for past hurts. These mental and emotional states can weigh us down and fill us with grief and hopelessness. Jesus is with us in our pain. He consoles us and helps us to carry our crosses bravely.

Please read prayerfully the beautiful Psalm 23 about the Good Shepherd. I can’t think of a more comforting word of God that speaks to the hungers of our bodies and souls.  “Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.” (Ps. 23:4) The rod and staff of God protect us from harm, correct our erring ways, and guide us into a future full of hope and fulfillment. This is what we believe and hold on to in difficult times.

We are beginning the holy season of Lent, a time of spiritual belt tightening. From Ash Wednesday to Good Friday we journey with Jesus the Sorrowful Mysteries of life that are the result of sin, our sin and that of the whole world. God’s mercy and love are ours for the asking. Let us always come to God on bended knee and with a repentant heart, for God resists the proud and gives to the humble of heart. Walk with the Lord at your side from ashes to Easter. 

We love to hear from you how THE SUNDAY MASS brings you comfort, understanding, hope, and encouragement. You are our parishioners of the airwaves and we pray for each of you in our daily prayers. If you can send us a donation at this time we would be most appreciative.  I know many of you are on fixed income and you should not feel guilty if you cannot give now. But we welcome your gift of love and prayers for our ministry. That is more important. Many, many thanks! 

May I suggest that you consider placing Passionist Communications in your will? This is a special gift that continues to support THE SUNDAY MASS after the Lord calls you home. A ministry like ours relies upon these exceptional gifts to keep us healthy financially.  If you wish to receive a booklet that helps you understand the various ways you may distribute your estate, please contact our office.  

May the blessing of the Good Shepherd be upon you and your family today and always. Remember, God loves you and has great plans for you.