This week I choose to give over my column to Bishop Taylor and a plea from him with regard to a petition that he wants us to consider signing that will promote a change in law that will permit undocumented residents in Arkansas to be issued driver's licenses.  The bishop speaks from Catholic social teaching which insists that people have a basic human right to the necessities of life, including the ability to provie for one's family.  In our state, the common good is better served by ensuring that all who drive automobiles in Arkansas have licenses for the following reason.

• It will ensure that all who drive are qualified to get behind the wheel as competent to drive a car.
• It will allow all drivers to have automobile insurance, currently impossible for those who do not have a license.  Having a system that forces people to be uninsured drivers does no one any good.
• It will remove an incentive for people to flee the scene of an accident because they do not have a driver's license.
• It would provide people with a valid identity document, helpful not only for law enforcement but also for general participation in the life of the community.
• It will allow people to rent more suitable lodging because more landlords require a valid driver's license to verify the identity of the renter.
• It will also make it easier for them to receive credit when they want to buy cars from car dealers on credit.
• As an identification document, it will help avoid confusion.  In situations where there are many people with the same names, problems frequently arise.  For instance, there are many Maria Garcias in the healthcare computer systems, and there are instances when persons have received the wrong medical care because there was confusion about which Maria Garacia they are treating.  The driver's license will help avoid this confusion.

Please think and pray about this and if so moved, please sign the petition that is on the table in the narthex when you come to Mass or anytime you drop by church.  I hope the lessons we have learned from this Jubilee Year of Mercy, as well as the points the bishop makes, will lead all of us to take time to sign the petition which will be presented with signatures gathered at all Catholic Churches in Arkansas to our legislature.

I couldn't help but notice that this week contains some special celebrations that impact more than a few people.  The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body of the Lord, touches the lives of every Catholic, especially the many who appreciate the miracle of Jesus coming to us personally and staying with us (in the tabernacle and in the Monstrance) to assure us that we are never without him.

This Monday is Memorial Day, which impacts directly, those who have lost loved ones who served their country nobly and paid the ultimate price of their lives.  As fellow Americans, we should take some time to pray (especially at Mass and during our partriotic rosary on Monday) for those who lost their lives for what they and we stand for as Americans and for their family members and friends who mourn their passing.

On Tuesday of this week I will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood of God.  I pray in my thanksgiving to God for the many lives I have touched positively in various ways (especially in the sacraments) that I bring Jesus to them.  I want to also say I'm sorry and pray for any and all who have had a negative experience or experiences with me in my role as a priest, hoping that in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, that God will lead them and me to extend mercy and forgiveness for past hurts.  I ask your prayers that God bless me with good health as I continue my priestly ministry in this wonderful parish.

Finally, let's not forget the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (this Friday) and the Immaculate Heart of Mary (this Saturday).  Both speak of LOVE from God and from our Blessed Mother and both can lead us to grow in love for God and one another.

I realize that after the Lenten and Easter Seasons are over, some of you are lost for a daily reading and reflection on Scripture as we don't have a "little book" for you to use as we did during the past two liturgical seasons.  I would like to encourage all of you to consider joining our bulk subscription to "Give Us This Day" which comes monthly to church, and can be picked up at church before each new month arrives.  It is $20 for the whole year (starting in July).  Please sign-up and pay your $20 over the next few weeks before or after Mass on the weekend or at the church office during office hours.  Besides daily Scripture and reflections from competent people (see below), it also gives a short biography of a "holy" person and some helpful and timely prayers for the month.

On Pentecost there was a wonderful refelction from Pope Francis in "Give Us This Day" from a homily he gave three years ago on Pentecost.  I would like to share it with you over the next few weeks by breaking it down into three parts. In speaking on the workings of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis speaks of the "newness" of the Holy Spirit.  He says it always makes us a bit fearful because we feel more secure if we have everything under control.  It is hard to abandon ourselves to Him with complete trust, allowing the Holy Spirit to be the soul and guide of our lives in every decision.  He encourages us to be open to "God's surprises" and try not to be closed and fearful before the "newness" of the Holy Spirit.