Life in the church is not free from discouraging sin and corruption. Ughhhhhhh. And it is not new (see Judas). It is also not new for the disciples who had to remain faithful and return, even when all fled or were confused.

For several Sundays now, we have been moving through the sixth chapter of John’s gospel, where He commands that we must eat His body and drink His blood to have life eternal. And when it is hard we look at him and say, “to whom else can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

This month, I was wondering if folks remember why each Mass on all first Fridays is offered “in reparation for the sins of the clergy.” So I searched my email archives. Back in 2018, on the feast of the Assumption, Bishop Burbidge emailed us priests, and directly asked us to do reparation for the sins of priests.

First, I ask every priest to offer a Mass each month for the victims and in reparation for the sins of the clergy. It is fitting that this be an announced parish Mass so that the faithful may participate, although it may also be offered privately. Second, every Friday please offer some mortification (e.g. fasting, abstinence, Stations of the Cross, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, etc.) for

the same intention. Third, in your daily Rosary please include the intention that Mary, Mother of the Clergy, will help us to respond properly to the crisis before us.

As today we celebrate the triumphant Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, let us seek her continued maternal consolation. Through her intercession, may God bless you and all those you serve.

This week we will again celebrate the triumphant feast of the Assumption. A great feast where we look to heaven to see one of our own, who is only human, the Blessed Virgin Mary taken up into the Lord’s glory. She is our human nature’s sole boast!

Also six years ago, a mother came to me to tell me this story from Mass on the Assumption. As her family got to the front for communion, her 4 year old son’s jaw dropped, and his eyes fixed at the crucifix behind the altar. They could barely get him back to their seats where he asked them, “why is Jesus singing?” Startled, they asked questions.

Jesus had a huge smile, and was singing a “God song.” When did Jesus on the cross start singing? “When daddy lifted up the wine.” I don’t often get called daddy by my spiritual children, but awesome! What son won’t sing for his mother on her birthday?

Join Jesus in singing the wonder of the BVM the week on her feast. There will be lots of Masses! Become now what we are: the spotless bride of Christ. This spotlessness can only be imputed though profound repentance and humility. Jesus meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto thine.

pax,

Father John Mosimann