Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
There are more than a few people who are not going to get excited no matter who won in the recently completed mid-term elections.  There is a belief that it is highly unlikely that there will be much difference in the way things are done (at least in Washington) because of structural deficiencies that are hard to fix.  Unfortunately, some would argue that the same is true in the Church.

Since Pope Francis became the visible head of the Catholic Church, there are some who have taken certain statements he has made and concluded that "big changes," at least in a few areas, are coming under his leadership.  To those who say such a thing, I would reply, "Don't hold your breath."

The Pope has shown a Christ-like demeanor in many ways, including a desire to reach out to those who have felt unwelcomed in the practice of their Catholic faith.  I believe that the Pope is challenging us as individuals and as a community of believers, to see what we can do to make all people feel welcome and loved by us in the name of the Supreme Lover, Jesus Christ.

May we all join the Pope in this and other endeavors, and show to others that our Church is structurally sound in all ways, because it is guided by the unfailing presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
One of the most prayed Psalms in morning prayer is Psalm 63.  I find myself praying the first verse not only when the Psalm is used at morning prayer bur every morning in my holy hour in our Perpetual Adoration Chapel.  It says " O God, You are my God, for You I long, for You my soul is thirsty.  My body pines for you like a dry, thirsty land without water.  SO I GAZE ON YOU IN THE SANCTUARY TO SEE YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR GLORY." Those words have a power for me as I look upon Jesus in the Monstrance.

I look forward to having our new Monstrance in the chapel after Bishop Taylor blesses it on November 17 at the Mass in celebration of our first year anniversary of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.  I give thanks for all those who have made the choice to be with Jesus in prayer on a scheduled basis for at least one hour per week.  I invite and encourage those who have not tried it, to do so at an hour and day that is good for you.  One person who I visited in the hospital a few days ago testified that by the third time she went to the chapel on a specific day and time that she was anxious to get there and spend that time of quiet reflection and peace with the Lord.

The sign-up sheets are on the Adoration table in the nartex of the church.
I look forward to sharing with you my reflections on my recent pilgrimage to Italy which I took along with eighteen other people.  Initially, I want to say how impressed I was by the faith of the people who joined us at the various holy and historic places we visited.  It seemed, in most places, that they were from a variety of countries.  As we sat in St. Peter's Square waiting for the arrival of Pope Francis, we had around us pilgrims from Poland, Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico and Sri Lanka.  Although it was difficult to communicate with some of them, it was obious that we had in common, our faith in God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and a love for the Holy Father, Pope Francis.  The last time I was in this place (about four years ago), I was surrounded by priests from various parts of the world who were con-celebrating Mass with Pope Benedict at the conclusion of the "Year for Priests."  In both cases, it made clear to me that I was part of something that is worldwide and that expresses universally that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of the world and is very much alive and working in the world in the minds, hearts and lives of many believers.

As we celebrate the "Communion of Saints" on November 1, which calls to mind the saints who have gone before us to the Kingdom, I was blessed to experience the communion of Saints, who are the holy ones who live among us and around the world.  It did indeed, strengthen my own identity and mission as a pilgrim on the way to heaven.