Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Where can anyone ever find the strength to overcome temptation?

There is a phrase in the biblical account of Susannah, where the two old lechers are described as falling into temptation by “refusing to raise their eyes to heaven and refusing to let God strengthen them.”

Overcoming temptation requires being able to rise above self. Above all feelings, all opinions and dislikes, so that we gaze upon God and bind ourselves to him by a glance, movement of our heart, or assent of our will.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal said, “Look at God. Do this and nothing more. Remain in him in peace of mind and utter trust, completely given over to his care. Since you have confided to him and placed in his hands all that you are, let him now take charge, for you have handed over everything to his faithful love. Now you must work out your salvation on this cross. Let me assure you that he is sheltering you in his arms. So even though you feel nothing of this, remain content with your discontent.

To hold oneself in patience when suffering is already a high state of prayer, you may be sure, so do not force yourself to conscious acts. To gaze upon God while suffering with gentleness and submission is quite enough. Virtuous feelings do not lie within our power, but virtuous conduct does indeed lie within our power.

This is what God requires of you at the moment, while he holds you on the cross. The way of generous suffering is the way to heaven. Stand fast and bear your cross without thinking about it.”

Happy News for Fr. Sina:

Fr. Scott Sina has been assigned to our mission in Banica, Dominican Republic! He will depart Fredericksburg on June 1. We are grateful for his priestly ministry and generosity! A farewell reception has been planned for Tuesday, May 30th 5-8pm in the PLC. Please stop in and thank Fr. Sina and wish him well! Most importantly, we ask that you keep him close in prayer and add the intention of the Banica Mission to your prayer list!

pax,

Father John Mosimann

This weekend and last four Holy Communion Masses we’re celebrated. Next weekend three confirmation Masses lined up! Soooooo many launching pad sacraments to deeper union with the Lord!

How can we shape our disposition to receive these sacraments fruitfully?

1. Preparation. Do we know what we are doing and are we therefore turning our minds with faith to the love of Christ being given to us? We do our best to teach our children that Holy Communion is truly Jesus. We do our best to try to lead our young men and women to ‘live and walk by the spirit.”

But I promise you that everyone of us can improve here. Spiritual reading, bible-in-a-year podcasts, and personal devotional prayers are all ways we feed our mind and souls which increase our hunger for the sacraments.

2. Desire. This is so key. Jesus never forces His love on us. He only offers. The spiritual life and God’s love is freely given by Him and a work of His grace; yet it requires our effort. He has given us freedom that means we must cooperate with His work. The Holy Spirit is freely given to those who will receive Him.

I recall the excitement of my First Holy Communion, and the cautious hope for Confirmation. As long as I can remember, I would see my siblings and parents go forward for Holy Communion and I would desperately want to accompany them. The wisdom of the church waits for this desire to be enkindled in the souls of her children. Can you remember and rekindle that desire now?

3. Repentance. Are we continually turning from sin? If we refuse to repent of sin, then we are saying to the Lord that we love created goods or persons more then Him and we are lessening the space in our hearts that He can fill. The solution to our lukewarmness is simply to repent with sincerity.

One of my favorite comments from a young lady after her First Confession was, “I thought it would be hard and sad, instead it was easy and happy!” What a beautiful summary of repentance and returning to the loving embrace of the Lord.

May the joy of our First Holy Communicants re-enkindle the same in our souls. May the Confirmation of our young adults strengthen our resolution to live the Gospel in word and deed.

Pax,

Father John Mosimann