My dear friends,
      “If God is for us, who can be against us?” That is the question St. Paul asks the Romans in this weekend’s second reading. There is no condemnation from God, just the offer of salvation found in the Incarnate Word, the Son of God. Jesus Christ intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. What a beautiful message. Who could be against us?
      Who could be against us? The devil could. Forces of evil would love to put believers away from the love of God. Other people could be against us. How many people in the world delight more in making other people miserable than finding joy for themselves? We could be against us. There is something in people that often makes us feel unworthy of love and praise. If someone says, “You look lovely.” Do you respond with, “I, I am fat and this outfit is old.” Do we tear ourselves down, not recognizing the good within us? So aren’t there people and forces against us?
      If God were for us, what good is that? God was for Abraham, and he was asked to sacrifice his beloved son. God was for Paul, and he would be martyred in the very city where this letter was addressed. The Father was for Jesus, but called him to offer his life on the cross to save all sinners, though he had done nothing wrong. If that is being for us, do we want that?
      While the world is filled with evil, hatred, doubts, and fear that can be difficult, the point is that God seeks to offer us something better. The father has sent his beloved Son to save us. Messengers from heaven come to testify to this. Scripture reassures us that we are loved and treasured. If we accept the gift of that love, hope, and salvation, then nothing can ultimately harm us. We belong to God. We belong to God on our best days and worst days. We belong to God when we have trouble seeing it. We belong to God, even when we don’t think we’re worth it. While others may try to hurt us, or we may just try ourselves, God’s love is always here. You are beloved and belong to God. Let the message sink into your soul. Be happy!

My dear friends,
       My parents just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They have long exceeded the marriages of their parents, and are set to top the record of Mom’s maternal grandparents who were married 63 ½ years. During their marriage, Mom and Dad have moved seven times in five states. They’ve raised eight children and welcomed twelve grandchildren. Careers have come and gone, and the readjustments were made for retirement. They have chauffeured children to music lessons, scout meetings, and sports practices. They’ve paid for orthodontists, cars, and college tuitions. It has been a long, meandering journey, and they are still together. 
       When asked the secret of their long marriage, they often joke saying, “We had an agreement. Whoever filed for divorce got custody of the children!” They would be the first people to tell you a long marriage is not easy. They have had their disagreements and fights. There have been times they were angry and did not like each other very much. They can push each other’s buttons in all the wrong ways. Despite all this, they still love one another. They choose every day to care for and respect the other. They choose to put the interests of the couple ahead of their own as individuals. They have learned to make compromises and adapt to changes. They always knew they had to be united, whether making a choice about a move, how to spend and invest money, or how to handle problems with the children. If in doubt, they would pause, talk together, and then go back the problems at hand. Love, respect, and unity are the core of that relationship. While not always easy, it has made them who and what they are.
       We seek the same thing in our relationship with God. It’s not always easy, as sacrifices need to be made. Sometimes we would rather go our own way. We get fed up with commandments and teachings and just want to leave it behind, but where would we go? If we love God and God loves us, what other choice is there? We need to pause and think. We pray for patience. It takes compromise and compassion. Lent is a time to focus upon that relationship. How well do we love, respect, and unite ourselves with Christ? This is a time to repair any breaks. This is a time of renewal and reflection; a chance to deepen the bonds we have. Lent is our time to appreciate the love our God has for us and the love we have for God. It is not always easy or perfect, but it’s real. Make the most of this season to make that bond tighter.

Joyfully yours in Christ, Fr. Joe