Bulletins for all seasons

Ven, Espíritu Santo, llena los corazones de tus fieles y enciende en ellos el fuego de tu amor. Envía, Señor, tu Espíritu y renueve la faz de la Tierra. Oh Dios, que llenaste los corazones de tus fieles con la luz del Espíritu Santo; concédenos que, guiados por el mismo Espíritu, sintamos con rectitud y gocemos siempre de tu consuelo. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor.

“Al salir Jesús del agua, una vez bautizado, se le abrieron los cielos y vio al Espíritu de Dios, que descendía sobre él en forma de paloma y oyó una voz que decía desde el cielo: ‘Éste es mi Hijo muy amado, en quien tengo mis complacencias’”.

El bautismo de Cristo marca el comienzo del ministerio público de Jesús para llevar a otros a Dios como Salvador del mundo. Si bien Jesús mismo nunca pecó, recibe el bautismo para mostrar su completa sumisión al Padre. Esta limpieza funciona como un símbolo de Su identificación con los pecadores, señalando la muerte y el renacimiento. Para entrar en el reino de Dios hay que nacer de nuevo; el Espíritu renace a una vida nueva. Cristo vence la muerte uniéndose primero al bautismo como un hombre completo y al mismo tiempo un Dios completo.

El bautismo de Jesús refleja en él las tres partes de la Trinidad juntas: Dios Padre (la voz que habla desde el cielo), Jesús Hijo (la persona que sale del agua) y el Espíritu Santo (la paloma, símbolo de paz y renacimiento espiritual). Según el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica (536), en su bautismo, “El Espíritu que Jesús posee en plenitud desde su concepción viene a “posarse” sobre él (Jn 1, 32-33; cf. Is 11, 2). De él manará este Espíritu para toda la humanidad. En su bautismo, ‘se abrieron los cielos’ (Mt 3, 16) que el pecado de Adán había cerrado; y las aguas fueron santificadas por el descenso de Jesús y del Espíritu como preludio de la nueva creación.”

El sacrificio de Cristo nos permite como cristianos compartir con Él su amor infinito por nosotros. Por el bautismo, también nosotros podemos convertirnos en una nueva creación, por el poder de Dios en el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo.

Santísima Trinidad, un solo Dios, ruega por nosotros.

December 18, 2022December 15, 2022

Dr. Alexis Dallara-Marsh is a board-certified neurologist who practices in Bergen County, NJ. She is a wife to her best friend, Akeem, and a mother of two little ones on Earth and two others in heaven above.

Feature Image Credit: Carlos Francisco, cathopic.com/photo/15437-espiritu-santo

God’s Holy Names / Los Santos Nombres de Dios

I am so excited for Christ’s coming! To meet Him face to face. In today’s Gospel, we learn His name shall be Emmanuel, Jesus. God is with us. Perhaps this is evident in the many various names He is granted. How many names do we continue to come across in the Bible? I would say well over 100! And of course, through this, we must recognize He remains alive in us.

For example, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we hear quite a variety- Lamb of God, Lord God Almighty, Hosanna in the Highest, Bread of Life, the list goes on. Which name stands out the most to you according to how you define your relationship with Christ the Lord?

I would recommend you try to take some time out this Advent season to reflect on His name as a way to grow in your relationship with Him, to know forevermore who He is and then in fact, who He wants us to become in Him. This could also be a great way to bond with your loved ones, by reviewing Christ’s many different names and exploring their foundations in the Bible.

May Christ, the Lord God, always be with us, both today and forevermore!

¡Estoy tan emocionada por la venida de Cristo! Encontrarlo cara a cara. En el Evangelio de hoy, aprendemos que Su nombre será Emmanuel, Jesús. Dios esta con nosotros. Tal vez esto sea evidente en los muchos nombres que se le otorgan. ¿Cuántos nombres encontramos por toda la Biblia? ¡Yo diría que más de 100! Y por supuesto, a través de esto, debemos reconocer que Él permanece vivo en nosotros siempre.

Por ejemplo, durante la liturgia de la Eucaristía, escuchamos una gran variedad: Cordero de Dios, Señor Dios Todopoderoso, Hosanna en las alturas, Pan de vida, y la lista sigue. ¿Qué nombre te llama más la atención según cómo defines tu relación con Cristo el Señor?

Te recomendaría que trates de tomarte un tiempo en esta temporada de Adviento para reflexionar sobre Sus nombres como una forma de crecer en tu relación con Él, para saber para siempre quién es y, de hecho, quién quiere que seas en Él. Esta también podría ser una excelente manera de vincularte con sus seres queridos, revisando los diferentes nombres de Cristo y explorando sus fundamentos en la Biblia.

¡Que Cristo, el Señor Dios, esté con nosotros, hoy y siempre!

November 6, 2022October 31, 2022

Feature Image Credit: Francisco Xavier Franco Espinoza, cathopic.com/photo/14932-jesus

The Joys of the Afterlife / La Alegría de la Vida Eterna

“They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise.”

I love to think about death. While many find the topic morbid, I have always been perhaps in the minority of the population that could not be more excited for it. Because in the grand scheme of life, I believe time on Earth is finite. It is but a speck of dust when you think of what is to come, through the marvels of God, to which all the beauties of the world cannot begin to compare. Heaven is the pinnacle of our relationship with Christ coming alive, being raised to new heights. If we but cultivate His graces through our life here on Earth, in the next with Christ there will be infinite joy. Could anything be more glorious?

Yet God has given us free will. With this, we must choose life with Him, by making the right choices while we still can here on Earth. C.S. Lewis said “If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mudpies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by an offer of a holiday at the sea.”

Regarding Heaven, another Catholic writer, Frank Sheed, provided further description of Heaven saying that not all people will have equal experiences, but rather it will reflect what we have cultivated in this life. It will be “As high as our cooperation with grace in this life has made it. It is in this life that the soul grows; every piece of truth, every channel of grace, can be used by us, if we will, for growth. Whatever capacity the soul has grown to at death, that capacity will be filled in the glory and joy of heaven.”

Let us make choices in this lifetime that prepare us for the infinite glories of the Resurrection with the Risen Lord and rejoice that our name is written in His Kingdom.

“[No] podrán ya morir, porque serán como los ángeles e hijos de Dios, pues él los habrá resucitado.”

Me encanta pensar en la muerte. Si bien muchos encuentran el tema morboso, quizás siempre he sido una minoría de la población que no podría estar más emocionada por ello. Porque en el gran esquema de la vida, creo que el tiempo en la Tierra es finito. No es más que una mota de polvo cuando piensas en lo que está por venir, a través de las maravillas de Dios, a las que todas las bellezas del mundo no pueden compararse. El cielo es el pináculo de nuestra relación con Cristo, siendo elevado a nuevas alturas. Si tan sólo cultivamos Sus gracias a través de nuestra vida aquí en la Tierra, en la próxima con Cristo habrá un gozo infinito. ¿Puede haber algo más glorioso?

Sin embargo, Dios nos ha dado libre albedrío. Con esto, debemos elegir la vida con Él, tomando las decisiones correctas mientras aún podamos aquí en la Tierra. C.S. Lewis dijo: “Si consideramos las promesas desvergonzadas de recompensa y la asombrosa naturaleza de las recompensas prometidas en los Evangelios, parecería que nuestro Señor encuentra que nuestros deseos no son demasiado fuertes, sino demasiado débiles. Somos criaturas desganadas, tonteando con la bebida y el sexo y la ambición cuando se nos ofrece una alegría infinita, como un niño ignorante que quiere seguir haciendo pasteles de barro en un barrio bajo porque no puede imaginar lo que significa una oferta de vacaciones en el mar”.

Con respecto al Cielo, otro escritor católico, Frank Sheed, proporcionó una descripción más detallada del Cielo diciendo que no todas las personas tendrán las mismas experiencias, sino que reflejará lo que hemos cultivado en esta vida. Será “Tan alto como lo haya hecho nuestra cooperación con la gracia en esta vida. Es en esta vida que el alma crece; cada fragmento de verdad, cada canal de gracia, puede ser usado por nosotros, si así lo deseamos, para el crecimiento”. Cualquiera que sea la capacidad que el alma haya adquirido al morir, esa capacidad se llenará con la gloria y el gozo del cielo”.

Hagamos decisiones en esta vida que nos preparen para las glorias infinitas de la Resurrección con el Señor Resucitado y regocijémonos de que nuestro nombre esté escrito en Su Reino.

October 16, 2022October 3, 2022

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Perseverance and Closeness to the Lord / La Perseverancia y la Cercanía con el Señor

For anyone who has young children at home, they probably know how much easier it is to “give in” when being repeatedly asked for something.

Today’s parable and passage from 2 Timothy (18:1-8) teach the value of perseverance in prayer. We are instructed to pray without becoming weary and God will see to it that a solution come “speedily”. It appears the widow is used as the example as she is fully dependent on others.

Similarly, God wishes us to be fully dependent on Him; with this, human weakness instead becomes an inner strength. Moses’ extension of his hands is an example of reliance on God through prayer. The goal of the Exodus was not simply freedom from slavery, but freedom for the Israelites to know and serve the Lord with all their hearts.

The readings also emphasize the importance of knowing God’s word, so that our prayers can reflect His own. Again, there may be some parallels with that of children, who are closest to the kingdom of God because they already recognize they cannot rely on themselves. Humility cannot be understated as a key virtue to bring us closer to Jesus.

Para cualquiera que tenga niños pequeños en casa, probablemente sepa lo fácil que es “ceder” cuando se le pide algo repetidamente.

La parábola de hoy y el pasaje de 2 Timoteo (18,1-8) enseñan el valor de la perseverancia en la oración. Se nos instruye a orar sin cansarnos y Dios se encargará de que la solución llegue “rápidamente”. Parece que ponen a la viuda como ejemplo, ya que depende completamente de los demás.

De manera similar, Dios desea que seamos totalmente dependientes de Él; con esto, la debilidad humana se convierte en cambio en una fuerza interior. La extensión de las manos de Moisés es un ejemplo de confianza en Dios a través de la oración. El objetivo del Éxodo no era simplemente la libertad de la esclavitud, sino la libertad de los israelitas para conocer y servir al Señor con todo su corazón.

Las lecturas también enfatizan la importancia de conocer la palabra de Dios, para que nuestras oraciones puedan reflejar las Suyas. Una vez más, puede haber algunos paralelos con el de los niños, que están más cerca del reino de Dios porque ya reconocen que no pueden confiar en sí mismos. La humildad no puede ser subestimada como una virtud clave para acercarnos a Jesús.

September 25, 2022September 13, 2022

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Storing Treasure in Heaven / Ahorrando el Tesoro en el Cielo

“Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”

Particularly in this generation’s society, we tend to center ourselves around instant gratification. Tempted by the allure of the newest modern trends that money can buy us on Amazon with a click of the mouse. Yet most are afraid or ignorant of what to expect after death. Today’s reading advises us of the Heavenly treasures that we can expect only if we are not first distracted by false riches we may be exposed to here on Earth. Food, material possessions and earthly comforts are temporary, whereas reliance on Christ provides for eternal salvation. Those who by worldly standards are considered first today will be last tomorrow in Christ’s second coming.

As Christians, we must ask ourselves if we take the time to tend to those most in need. We must live in service to each other. This entails not only almsgiving to the poor, but counseling spiritually to those dearest in our lives: our family and loved ones. We are to care for others just as God cares for us.

1 Timothy states that there are specific virtues as a man of God one must strive for: righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. “Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life.” We must recall the big picture, that as Christians we have the blessing to spend eternity in the presence of God’s great love, if we so choose to emulate that love in the short time we have here on Earth. This is best demonstrated by the love Christ displays for us, poor sinners, by dying on the cross. Instead of seeking comfort and security we are called to depend on God always, following His example of love.

“Jesucristo, siendo rico, se hizo pobre, para enriquecernos con su pobreza.”

Particularmente en la sociedad de esta generación, tendemos a centrarnos en la gratificación instantánea. Tentado por el encanto de las últimas tendencias modernas que el dinero puede comprarnos en Amazon con un clic del mouse. Sin embargo, la mayoría tiene miedo o ignora qué esperan después de la muerte. La lectura de hoy nos informa sobre los tesoros celestiales que podemos esperar solo si no nos distraen primero las falsas riquezas a las que podemos estar expuestos aquí en la tierra. La comida, las posesiones materiales y las comodidades terrenales son temporales, mientras que la confianza en Cristo proporciona la salvación eterna. Aquellos que según los estándares mundanos son considerados los primeros hoy, serán los últimos mañana en la segunda venida de Cristo.

Como cristianos, debemos preguntarnos si nos tomamos el tiempo para atender a los más necesitados. Debemos vivir al servicio de los demás. Esto implica no solo dar limosna a los pobres, sino aconsejar espiritualmente a los más queridos en nuestras vidas: nuestra familia y seres queridos. Debemos cuidar a los demás tal como Dios se preocupa por nosotros.

1 Timoteo declara que hay virtudes específicas por las que uno debe esforzarse como hombre de Dios: justicia, devoción, fe, amor, paciencia y mansedumbre. “Lucha en el noble combate de la fe, conquista la vida eterna”. Debemos recordar el panorama general, que como cristianos tenemos la bendición de pasar la eternidad en la presencia del gran amor de Dios, si así elegimos emular ese amor en el poco tiempo que tenemos aquí en la tierra. Esto se demuestra mejor por el amor que Cristo muestra por nosotros, pobres pecadores, al morir en la cruz. En lugar de buscar consuelo y seguridad, estamos llamados a depender siempre de Dios, siguiendo su ejemplo de amor.

August 2, 2022July 26, 2022

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Walking on Water / Caminando Sobre las Aguas

In all three of today’s readings there is a message that, despite the many struggles we may face in our Earthly lives, the Lord is greater than any of our missteps and can intercede on our behalf.

God is forever steadfast. His love and mercy far surpass any human action. In Jeremiah 30 and Psalm 102, there is hope and reassurance for those exiled in Babylon. God reassures His people that Israel and Judah will once again be restored with laughter and glory. He promises that in the end Christ will be victorious, rebuilding Zion and acting as a source of hope for all people.

Christ will later declare “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” This is repeated over and over again throughout the Gospels. In today’s example, Peter on the rough seas represents the Church, being called to believe in His power to be able to act just as Jesus does, to walk on water. With the Lord’s aid, we can do anything.

En las tres lecturas de hoy hay un mensaje de que, a pesar de las muchas luchas que podemos enfrentar en nuestra vida terrenal, el Señor es más grande que cualquiera de nuestros errores y puede interceder por nosotros.

Dios es siempre firme. Su amor y misericordia superan con abundancia a cualquier acción humana. En Jeremías 30 y el Salmo 102 hay esperanza y tranquilidad para los exiliados en Babilonia. Dios asegura a Su pueblo que Israel y Judá serán nuevamente restaurados con alegría y gloria. Él promete que al final Cristo será victorioso, reconstruirá a Sión y actuará como fuente de esperanza para todas las personas.

Cristo declarará más tarde: “Tranquilícense y no teman. Soy yo.” Esto se repite una y otra vez a lo largo de los Evangelios. En el ejemplo de hoy, Pedro en el mar tumultuoso representa a la Iglesia, siendo llamada a creer en Su poder para poder actuar como lo hace Jesús, para caminar sobre las aguas. Con la ayuda del Señor, podemos hacer cualquier cosa.

July 13, 2022July 8, 2022

Feature Image Credit: Dimitri Conejo Sanz, www.cathopic.com/photo/3056-amaneceres-paisajes-transmiten-calma

The Lord our Defender / El Señor es Nuestro Defensor

Today’s readings were a bit difficult for me to comprehend at first and I had to research a bit to better understand what God was saying to me. I believe one of the main messages is that God will never abandon those who belong to him. We are born in His image and likeness and taught compassion and patience.

As Psalm 94 notes, “Shall he who shaped the ear not hear or he who formed the eye not see?” At the same time, today’s Gospel gives particular reference to little ones, those who with childlike faith are humble, those who rely on God to provide for their needs. By saying “yes” to the Father, Christ epitomizes perfect submission to the Father’s will.

In the First Reading I believe another one of the main messages is that God can take anything bad and turn it into something good. Assyria is an example in contrast to that of Israel, highlighting the dangers of what may happen when we do not always follow God’s ways.

In Psalm 94 God recognizes the rebellion of the wicked through their ignorance and arrogance in word and action. The wicked attack the weak and disadvantaged. G. Campbell Morgan states, “In this song we see how the very things which assault faith, and threaten to produce despair, may be made the opportunity for praise, in the place and act of worship.” Let us forever recognize The Lord as our Defender.

Al principio las lecturas de hoy me resultaron un poco difíciles de comprender y tuve que investigar un poco para comprender mejor lo que Dios me estaba diciendo. Creo que uno de los mensajes principales es que Dios nunca abandonará a los que le pertenecen. Nacemos en Su imagen y semejanza y nos enseñan compasión y paciencia.

Como dice el Salmo 94: “¿No oirá el que formó el oído, ni verá el que formó el ojo?” Al mismo tiempo, el evangelio de hoy hace una referencia particular a los pequeños, a los que con la fe de los niños son humildes, a los que confían en Dios para proveer sus necesidades. Al decir “sí” al Padre, Cristo personifica la sumisión perfecta a la voluntad del Padre.

En la Primera Lectura creo que otro de los mensajes principales es que Dios puede tomar cualquier cosa mala y convertirla en algo bueno. Asiria es un ejemplo de eso, en contraste con el de Israel, que nos demuestra los peligros que pueden suceder cuando no siempre seguimos los caminos de Dios.

En el Salmo 94 Dios reconoce la rebeldía de los impíos por su ignorancia y arrogancia de palabra y acción. Los malvados atacan a los débiles y desfavorecidos. G. Campbell Morgan afirma: “En esta canción vemos cómo las mismas cosas que atacan la fe y puedan producir desesperación, pueden convertirse en una oportunidad de alabar, en el lugar y acto de adoración”. Reconozcamos siempre al Señor como nuestro Defensor.

June 19, 2022June 16, 2022

Feature Image Credit: Luis Ca, www.cathopic.com/photo/3071-jesus-orando-padre

This is My Body

As noted in today’s Gospel reading, our central role in honoring Christ should be one of service. Jesus commands us to “Give them some food yourselves.” CCC 1335 of the Catechism reads “The miracles of the multiplication of the loaves, when the Lord says the blessing, breaks and distributes the loaves through his disciples to feed the multitude, prefigure the superabundance of this unique bread of his Eucharist.” It is such a great visual, to partake in the miracle where Jesus took ordinary food and turned it into something extraordinary! Yet this was a foreshadowing that something much greater was to come.

When asked the most quoted verse in all the Bible, we turn to “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” This is a verse we hear every time we celebrate in the most Holy Mass. It is a statement that is so well known, and yet, so difficult for so many to understand. Is there any dogma more central to that of Catholicism than recognizing that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Holy Eucharist? It is for this reason that attending Mass is so sacred.

Like many, I struggled through the pandemic with being physically removed from the ability to receive Communion. In fact I am still struggling as of now, as services available on the TV which can be watched without the preparation of getting up and out to Mass remain available. Yet reading through today’s readings, I must be moved to remember the central essence of being Catholic, that whether a priest or a layperson, we are called to be part of the family of Christ, which can be best exemplified by being together in unity at Church and receiving Christ within us, so that we too can be his disciples and spread His message of love and redemption to all the world.

May 1, 2022April 30, 2022

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Worthy is the Lamb That Was Slain

“To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.”

We owe all we have, our dear souls, to Jesus Christ. As examples of living and dying through Him we must honor his sacrifice. God wants our lives to overflow with mercy and generosity for each other; to share love just as He did with us through Christ’s presence on Earth. Christ is the Gentle Lamb who gave up His life for us. He asks today and every day that we reflect:

“Do you love me?”

Then we must love Christ through our love for each other. As fishers of men, inspired by His Holy Spirit, we have a responsibility to dedicated time to God in prayer which will prompt the conversion of our hearts and strengthen our wills to follow Christ (CCC #2708), to constantly give back and feed His sheep, whether strangers or closest of family. Do you love Him? Then who will you bring with you to meet Him at the gates of Heaven? Who have you modeled His compassion for? Because He offered mercy to us, we should also offer Mercy to one another.

April 3, 2022March 30, 2022

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Love and Mercy

“Return to me with your whole heart; for I am gracious and merciful.” (Joel 2:12-13)

Let us be filled with joy, forever gracious because of the kindness of God. Our God is a God of Mercy. The mercy of God does not condone sin but rather, compassionately recognizes repentance. By His offering Mercy to Us, it is required that we also offer Mercy onto one another.

By human nature, we tend to be self-centered, and probably most of us have difficulty forgiving others when we are wronged. Or at least, finding faults in others rather than ourselves, just as is noted of the Pharisees in the Gospel reading. Is there someone today you can think of recently who has offended you in their actions or words?

Yet, as Christian disciples, we are expected to put judgmental feelings aside at the service of our relationship with Christ. Instead, God asks us to love and pray for one another, particularly those who are in most need of forgiveness, such as our enemies. Not only this, but we must also learn to forgive ourselves as well for mistakes, for we are all first products of God’s creation and love for mankind.

With such realization, we can grow in holiness, emulating Christ and allowing Him to shine in us and fixate on our “pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus”, the prize of eternal life through His glory.

March 17, 2022March 16, 2022

Feature Image Credit: José Ignacio Heredia, https://www.cathopic.com/photo/21962-confesion

A Life Of Prayer With Psalm 1 And Beyond

How do you pray? How do you talk to Jesus?

I have always found it so hard. In this world and age, we are so distracted by the activity around us, it is hard to focus on finding inner peace and conversing with Christ.

Too many times instead we rely on the resources and comforts of our Earthly life: money, security, worldly pleasures.

But in contrast, today’s First Reading states “Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh.” And what follows is, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream”.

Psalm 1 paints a beautiful image of a source of life, water hydrating and nourishing our soul. The Psalms are actually one of my favorite sections of the entire Bible, as they always seem to so eloquently capture the true emotions of a relationship with God, both the ugly and the beautiful, through nourishing and vivid visuals. In the simplest of terms, they provide an easy foundation to teach us how to pray.

Inspired by today’s readings, I invite you to reflect on how you sustain everlasting life through prayer and conversation with God. With prayer comes inner peace and calmness similar to that of a river stream flowing tranquilly or the air we breathe or the sunlight we feel.

Please pray for the suffering, the lonely, the scared, and the rejected, so that they can know the peace and joy that is Jesus Christ who will be present through all our trials to hold and embrace us. Pray for all the souls in Purgatory, especially those who have no one to pray for them. Please pray for all souls, living and deceased, that we may find the love of Christ as the foremost meaning to life, and that we can accept His love in all we do today and always.

February 6, 2022February 1, 2022

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United in the Mass, Today’s Fishers of Men

In today’s First Reading from Isaiah, we hear something similar to that said in the Mass: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!”

I am currently participating in a church group reviewing Dr. Edward Sri’s “A Biblical Walk Through the Mass”. I highly encourage everyone to look at this book (also available in a video companion format) to gain a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for us, which we re-enter during every Mass.

As we again see in today’s Gospel, we must continually recognize that Christ died for our sins and rose. Through our true faith in this, we can then preach the good news and help others to believe, being “Fishers of Men” as the Apostles were 2000 years ago.

The Church continues to live today, and the Mass is the epitome of our relationship with the living Christ. We are not condemned by our sins, as Isaiah says, ““See, now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” Rather, we are saved by His eternal grace, His Divine Mercy, if only we come to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.

Jesus is the epitome of the Word and He evangelizes through the Disciples, sharing His message of love for all people. He asks us to do the same, though this again may be a formidable task for us if we are not truly dedicated to His teachings. Fear and distraction may often offset us from following His instruction. May we pray for His guidance for strength to act as the Apostles did, having inspiration and living in the joy of His peace, which is all glorious and eternal. We can then truly unite ourselves in Christ answering as Isaiah did, “Here I am,” I said; “send me!”.