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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Ephphatha!

In the seventh chapter of the Gospel of St. Mark, we read the account of Jesus healing a deaf man who had a speech impediment. Jesus touched his ears and tongue while saying the Aramaic word Ephphatha, which means “be opened.” This beautiful gesture is repeated at every Baptism. During Baptism it carries the sense of faith healing our spiritual deafness.


Physically speaking, hearing and speaking are connected. Spiritually speaking, hearing and speaking are connected as well. The more we can hear the Word of God in our hearts, the more we can speak clearly about Him, truth and love. May the Holy Spirit help us to open wide the doors of our hearts to Christ.


God bless you,
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
St. Joseph Friary, Harlem, New York

Monday, February 7, 2011

We need saints!

May the Lord give you His peace!

In Hebrews 13:7-8 we read, "Remember your leaders,
who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome
of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is
the same yesterday and today and forever." Take a moment
to prayerfully reflect on all the people God has used to
model and speak His word to you. Those who help us
along our journey of faith are real spiritual heroes.
NYPRIEST.COM sponsors vocations advertisements
which proclaim the message, "The World Needs Heroes."

Venerable Pope John Paul II is a great hero who
continues to inspire many to say yes to Jesus!
He will be Beatified on May 1, 2011 (info found here).
We need examples who inspire us to follow Jesus.
That is why Christians have always held up the saints.
Saint John Vianney would read lives of the saints
every day. Not only are they inspiring, they also pray
for us from heaven. There are many holy people who
may never be officially canonized, who never-the-less,
help us along our way. Who has helped you in your
faith walk, your discernment? Parents, pastors and friends
have an important influence on us. May we be inspired
to answer God's call in our life.
   Check it out ...
VocationBoom.com - great resource!!




Top Ten Vocations Websites
Truth and Life Audio Bible - really well done
Pope's Homily, Feb. 2, 2011, World Day of Consecrated Life
OneBillionStories.com - interesting Catholic site
LiveAction.org - great pro life group

God bless you,
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
St. Joseph Friary
Harlem, New York City