October invites us to reflect on Respect Life, Rosary, The Life of St. Francis, and much more....
October invites us to reflect on Respect Life, Rosary, The Life of St. Francis, and much more....
OCTOBER INVITES US TO REFLECT ON RESPECT LIFE, ROSARY, THE LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS, AND MUCH MORE….
First, let us wish our St. Francis parishioners a happy Feast of St. Francis. The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is on October 4th. St. Francis of Assisi loved the whole universe. The custom of blessing animals originated from St. Francis’s love of all creatures. Animals used to come and listen to St. Francis' preaching. St. Francis loved all God’s creation; in other words, he loved all life.
The month of October is dedicated to the Rosary and Respect Life. Pope Leo XIV invites us to join him in saying the Rosary daily for peace in this world and to be an instrument of reconciliation in our daily lives. In his message, he reminded pilgrims that Christians are called "to witness that love and pardon are greater than every wound and stronger than every injustice."
This year's theme of Respect Life is inspired by the celebration of the Jubilee Year “Life: Our Sign of Hope,” which reflects the call to be a sign of hope to all facing trials and difficulties. Our life from womb to tomb is a gift from God, and He is our Hope. As I mentioned above, October is the month of the Rosary, a devotion to our Mother Mary, which very well connects with Respect Life Month. When we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary, we walk through the life of Jesus: from the very moment of his conception in the womb of Mary, through how Joseph protected Mary and the child Jesus. King Herod was searching for baby Jesus to kill, so Joseph took the infant Jesus and his mother fled to Egypt as refugees. Further, we go through the public life of Jesus: passion, death, and resurrection to his ascension and coming of the Holy Spirit. Through his salvific action, He restored the dignity of our lives.
October 3rd is the anniversary of Pope Francis's encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti. On this anniversary, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, encourages every American to reflect on the value of every human life and see Christ in every person. He challenges us that “Each of us should examine our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions and ask ourselves how we contribute to the polarization and animosity plaguing our nation. We should also put into practice those behaviors that can help us begin to heal the rifts between us.” By echoing the messages of Fratelli Tutti and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, I pray that during this Respect Life month, we will reflect on the dignity of life at every stage, from conception to natural death, and rediscover our Christian brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ.
The first Sunday of Respect Life Month, we pray for unborn babies, pregnant mothers, and babies aborted, and the healing of their parents. In the second week, we will be praying for people with various abilities (including those with disabilities). We call it Inclusion Awareness Sunday. If you know someone who has not received a Sacrament at the appropriate age, please contact the office, and we can prepare them for the Sacraments. If you know someone who would like to read or greet, please call the parish office. We will train and prepare them for the ministry.
On the third Sunday of the month, we celebrate World Mission Sunday. We have a Missionary Pope, Pope Leo XIV. It is a call to respond to our baptismal call to mission. October 18th is the feast of St. Luke, who was a physician and patron saint of the medical profession. On the third Sunday, we pray for all those who are sick and offer a special prayer for caregivers and healthcare professionals. They dedicate their lives to honor and value the lives of those who are ill. Fourth Sunday, we pray for domestic violence and human trafficking. Again, it is an opportunity to reflect on the dignity of life in our day-to-day lives.
The first reading from Habakkuk (1:2-3;2:2-4) is from the period of Babylonian exile. He asked God for relief. God answered that He would come and ask the Israelites to place their trust in the Lord. In the Gospel reading from Luke (17:5-10), the Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. If we look at our surroundings, we have every reason to lose our faith, but we need to ask the Lord to increase our faith. Jesus says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, He can give us the power to do incredible things in the service of the Gospel.
October 1, we celebrated St. Therese of the Child Jesus. The Martin family was considered a school of love because they were a place of learning and training in virtue. Let us ask St. Therese for her intercession for our families to grow in holiness. Let us pray for families.