Parish Picnic

On behalf of the parish community, I would like to thank Lani Gore, Nick and Nikki, the members of the Events Ministry, Knights of Columbus and all the volunteers who helped with the Parish Picnic last weekend. Thanks for your commitment and personal sacrifices that made the event so successful. The feedback I received from parishioners indicated that it was a beautiful, relaxing, friendly and memorable occasion. My special appreciation to those who donated food and other items in support of the event.

Charity and Development Appeal (CDA)

This weekend, some of our parishioners will share with us their personal experiences with the CDA and explain the reasons why they participate. I would like to thank those who have already participated in the CDA this year. Thank you so much for your sacrificial giving to support the different ministries and the poor around the Diocese. The report this week showed that 36 families from our parish have participated in the appeal so far, with a total of $33,920. This represents 28% of our parish goal of $85,000. I would like to encourage everyone to please remember to send in your pledge cards.

Reflection on the Scripture Readings

On this First Sunday of Lent, we are invited to reflect on the theme of temptation. Today, in the first reading, we hear about the temptation of Adam and Eve, and in the Gospel we hear about the temptation of Jesus Christ in the desert. In the second reading, St. Paul compares and explains the differences between the event in our first reading and the event in the Gospel reading of today. That is, the difference between the temptation of Adam and Eve and the temptation of Jesus Christ. He explains that while Adam and Eve yielded to the temptation, Jesus did not. Just imagine if Jesus were to have yielded to the temptation, we would have remained with our original sin with no hope of salvation.

The three temptations the Lord withstood are really temptations that confront us all: the temptation of the flesh and to be self-centered, the temptation to ignore God, and the temptation to sacrifice our faith and replace God with other things. Both in the temptation of Adam and Eve and in the temptation Jesus, the devil came with an appealing voice trying to convince them to disobey God. My brothers and sisters in Christ, this Lent we are going to hear the voice of temptation many times more than other times. Most likely, we are going to be tempted in the three ways Jesus was tempted. Our greatest weapon for overcoming temptation is prayer. The Lenten disciplines we imposed on ourselves are to aid us to develop a stronger prayer life and deepen our relationship with God.

Thank you and remain blessed,

Fr. James

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