HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

A blessed 4^th of July weekend to all of you. We certainly give thanks to God for our nation and we know this is a time we need to pray even more fervently for the future and well-being of our country. This country which was  established on Judeo-Christian values has fallen far from that foundation. We are reaping the fruits of such a departure. Our return to those Judeo-Christian values is imperative now more than ever! Please join me in praying for our return to God and our return to religious freedom, a return to family-values and a respect for human life at all  levels and among all people.

This is not a time to despair, but a time to be even more committed than ever to our God and to our country. God gives us an example in all the storms that occur. Once the storms pass, there is usually beautiful weather. We are in a time of storm. There is pruning and  letting go of that which hinders life—prejudice, injustice, false accusation, hostilities, selfishness and self-centeredness! In a word, sin! It’s painful to  recognize these evils and rid ourselves of them. But, in the aftermath, there is true grace, peace, strength and prosperity!

We can all weather this storm by keeping our eyes and our focus on our  Savior. Just as Peter was able to walk on the sea during the storm as he kept his eyes on the Lord, so we can. The danger is, almost daily, Americans focus their attention on the storm. They’re doomed to sink and drown in the sea of  violence and sin. Let us not be among them. Let us help our brothers and sisters by reaching out to them. Let us throw the lifesaver to those floundering in the sea of self-made misery. The lifesaver is Jesus Christ.

On this holiday weekend, may we fully recommit ourselves to God and one another. May we rededicate our country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus!

A PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

O VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE, your appearance in Mexico changed the course of human  history. Human sacrifice ceased and millions were converted to Jesus Christ. Pray for our nation now.

Guide our elections through your gracious intercession. Change hearts and minds to uphold the dignity of all human life. Stem the tide of moral degeneration and defend the sanctity of marriage. Protect our nation from terrorism, war and natural disaster. May Goodness triumph over evil. May candidates committed to God’s truth be elected and re-elected and may our nation prosper, through  Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

God love you,