It was a blessing for me to join with Catholics from this area for the annual "Life Chain" in downtown Hot Springs last Sunday.  I stood with a sign that encouraged prayers to God to heal our nation, and I prayed the rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy during that time.  I found it good to stand in public and be a witness to my belief that Life is precious from the mother's womb and should be protected until natural death.  While I must admit that I felt a little frustrated and sad that more people didn't participate in this effort, I came to realize that some people, given the times we live in, have some anxieties or even fears, about standing out in public with a sign that might cause some people to get angry and even respond in a violent way.  Next year, I will encourage those who don't join us for the Life Chain, to spend some, or all, of that hour in prayer at home or at church to show solidarity with us who are praying and holding signs in public. Your support in this way might lead some to a conversion of mind, heart, and/or action with regard for the God-given gift of human life.

Where can we go to find God?  Perhaps there are many answers to this question, but I like the one that is found in the opening words of an old song which says: "Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found."  I find God in so many people in our parish who reach out in charity to people in need.  "Did you see the recent bulletin insert through our parish financial stewardship?)  Most recently I have seen it in the gathering of people to work our treasure sale and in those who gathering with other people in the Village for the annual cancer research walk.  God's presence was clearly evident in the upbeat, loving and giving attitudes of those who participated in these events.  While I thank the Lord for these people, I pray that more involvement in our future charitable endeavors.  As I think of it, there is another one going on this week, the Knights of Columbus campaign to help those with intellectual disabilities.  I thank Go for all the opportunity available for use to see and experience the driving presence in our midst.

I was blessed this morning to hear a wonderful homily by Deacon John on our call as disciples of Christ and responsibility to care for the poor and those who are vulnerable in our midst and in our society.  Already, since we put out the wooden Jackson House box in the narthex, some have responded to the opportunity to help those who are hungry through monetary donations.  Blessings continue to come through those who bring food items to church on weekends.  I recently found out about a need to feed hungry children who attend Mountain Pine School through their backpack program.  When we get the particulars of what we can do, I will let you know.  Also, I ask you to mark your calendar for October 11 as we will be blessed to welcome and hear from Peter Kimeu from Catholic Relief Services, the official international agency of the Catholic Church, as he seeks to raise awareness in our parish about hunger, relief and development in the world today.