From Our Pastor
Dear Folks,
Two years ago I was privileged to offer Mass at the altar where Saint Padre Pio prayed Mass every day and to see his confessional where he so faithfully cared for souls. See the pictures below, and I hope that his intercession is making me a better confessor!
St. Padre Pio said “Temptations, discouragement and unrest are the wares offered by the enemy. Remember this: if the devil makes noise, it is a sign that he is still outside and not yet within. That which must terrify us is his peace and concord with the human soul. That which comes from Satan begins with calmness and ends in storm, indifference and apathy.”
I agree that I have seen this in souls. Sometimes I try remind folks that it is only by God’s grace that we can be frustrated and disgusted by sin. If we did not have His help, we would wallow and delight in the muck. The very turmoil of the soul coming to Jesus for confession, shows that they are still, with God’s help, doing battle against sin. Be encouraged that no matter how much you may be frustrated and in turmoil, the Lord is with you.
And if you don’t find any turmoil and struggle against sin, ask yourself, “have I become indifferent and apathetic to ‘being perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect?'” Because the indifference is the hardest to overcome. It is the diabolic indifference of: ‘my life is fine. I don’t need Jesus.’
I for one, need him always and everywhere.
pax et bonum,
Fr Mosimann