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Sunday, November 16, 2025
Hello folks,
The Lord be with you all!
As we quickly approach the end of the liturgical year, the readings this week are again pointing towards the end times. We can ask just how rooted are we in Christ? Should these extraordinary events start occurring around us, are we so rooted in Him that we will not fear? Do we have a genuine Christian joy that will sustain us through trial? One source of that joy has to be in the deep and gripping knowledge of God’s love for us personally. However, at a gathering this past weekend, all in attendance with me were reminded that Christians experience true joy in sharing the Faith. The point was made with such strength as to suggest that we cannot experience true joy, nor be truly Christian, if we are not sharing the Faith. This is supported by our Lord’s own words in John’s Gospel (15:11) and by John himself when he writes his letters and even speaks with people face-to-face so that his joy might be complete (1 John 1:4, and 2 John 12).
Then when trials come to the person of prayer and evangelism (one who shares one’s Faith), the trials won’t catch us by surprise, but deeply rooted in the Lord, we will accept them as a deeper participation in Our Lord’s own sufferings, and knowing His love for us, we will somehow have a sense of gratitude that He allows us to participate in His suffering. Even more, we know that suffering often precedes great advances in the Faith. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of Christianity. And, often, those who are spiritually inclined will recognize how the devil will try to divert us off a Christian path right before the devil is about to suffer a mighty blow. Thus, the devil attacks to protect himself and his failing kingdom; but if we remain faithful, we will often see a wonderful and joyful advancement in the Faith (for example, there is often something difficult or seemingly bad that occurs right before I have someone return to confession and the entire sacramental life after many decades away from it).
Another blessing of trying to share the Faith is that we can more quickly see our faults and failings and the danger zone of hypocrisy for us. Thus, in trying to share the Faith, we can more quickly and urgently see the many areas where we are in need of conversion ourselves. What a gift that is! And should we embrace the call for change, an increase of peace and joy will occur in us.
So, let’s not wait for the new year to make resolutions and changes. Try to share the Faith now, and see where the Lord wants to bring you to new joy, to peace, and to strength in Him.
God bless,
Father Maher
Ps. Tomorrow/tonight, Sunday, November 16 at 7pm, a group will watch the 1963 classic movie, “Lillies of the Field” in Saint Joseph’s Hall in Pepperell. All are welcome!
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