Padre ...

Fr. Ron Mathews -

My friends Bob and Penny Lord, now in the Father's Kingdom, began calling me Padrecito. That is appropriate, since it is an affectionate term for Father. This title I have lived with for 43 years, and it is an honor to be so called. I think of Padre Pio, Saint of God and Holy Man of Faith, or the Cure of Ars, St. John Vianney These priests are models of holiness that I aspire to emulate, but so often fail to even come close. As one called to serve, it is the poor and lonely, neglected and rejected that I find in my daily walk with Jesus, because He is ... well remember what He said, "I am." He is...what else is there to say, except that we have a challenge to get up from our "easy chair" to find Him where "He is!" Another hero, or heroine, is St. Teresa of Calcutta. She never met anyone that she did not recognize...because she saw Jesus in that person! Besides the Holy Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation holds priority in my Ministry. How often I have encouraged people to "go to confession." It must find a place in the hearts of God's Children! Jesus died for our sins, but we must repent and make a firm purpose of amendment. How difficult for one who is dealing with Pride and the awareness that "hey, I'm a sinner," and perhaps question whether or not you can be forgiven. You can, you know, because Jesus died to make this so!

I would like your comments or questions. Do you believe? Does the Mercy and Love of God shine in your home? Our Home of Life is a model for Homes of Life across the United States of America. If we follow the instructions of Jesus, to care for the sick and terminally ill, for example, we find the joy and peace the world cannot provide. What do you think as you read this blog? All human life is sacred, with no exceptions. No one deserves to be shut away or ignored, simply because they are hard to care for now. My question: who will take care of me when I am so limited that I can do very little without someone serving me? Let us discuss this. So you have an elderly member of your family? How do you care for them?

Lord, Jesus, open our eyes, hearts, ears, hands, mouths, anoint our feet, and get us moving to do your most Holy Will! Give us the courage to do this, in spite of critics, or anyone who opposes your action in our very confused and "lost' society. Come, Holy Spirit, gift of the Father, to guide and direct us as we follow Jesus. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!
St. Pio, St. John Vianney, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Paul II, St. Louis de Montfort, and St. Maximillian Kolbe, pray for us! All saints of God, pray for us! Amen, and amen!!!