It is always a blessing when I am invited to preach at the weekend Eucharistic liturgies. That is a privilege I never take for granted. The Sunday Gospel Reading will remind us of the power of God as we hear the account of Jesus calling forth Lazarus from the dead. May each of us recognize clearly that Jesus is the "Resurrection and the Life."
Last year I especially enjoyed the evening meal each night before the start of the parish mission. This was a fabulous way to spend a little time with one another in friendship and fellowship. We are going to do that again this year. I am grateful for the many people who work behind the scenes to make these food and fellowship gatherings possible. The generous gift of your time and talent is appreciated.
On the last night of the mission this year we will have opportunities for individual prayer as well as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That will be a little change from last year. Following my presentation on Wednesday evening, we will have priests available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and I will make myself available to pray individually with anyone who desires such prayer. I firmly believe in the Scripture which says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20) I will pray for you and with you so that there are two of us lifting up your particular need before the Lord. We pray in faith and confidence because of the assurance we have from Sacred Scripture that God will be in our midst as we pray. I have offered this at the conclusion of other parish missions in recent years and the movement of God in our midst has been astounding.
If you live in the Casper, Wyoming area please mark your calendars and plan to attend. It would be wonderful to see a church full of people each night. The blessings of participating in a Lenten Parish Mission are numerous. If you join us I assure you that the Lord will shower you with His abundant grace and the Holy Spirit will kindle within you the fire of His love. It doesn't get any better than that. See you in less than three months, Casper.