I seriously intended to go to the beach at least for a little while this afternoon, but the air conditioning and the couch held a grip on me that would not let go. Maybe I will go out on July 4 and join all the tourists on the island for the holiday.
My thanks to everyone who took time to visit with me after the Masses. It was amazing to see numerous visitors from around the St. Louis area--Webster Groves, Wentzville, and Washington, Missouri were all represented this morning on Hilton Head Island. I also met a person who frequently flew in and out of Wheatland, Wyoming for work. That was really surprising. This is my first time working in a parish with such a high tourist population. It will be fascinating to meet people from across the country.
It was a privilege to preach at all of the Masses this weekend to officially introduce myself to the parish. My thanks to all of the parishioners who stood in line to greet me after the Masses. Your words of welcome are truly appreciated. I look forward to getting to know all of you and learning your names as quickly as I am able.
Let the Gospel message motivate you all week. May the faith of Jairus and the woman with the hemorrhages be a reminder to you to be a person of faith yourself. The healing power of Jesus is present to each of us.