St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

Welcome to the 3^rd week of Lent!  How did the previous week go for you?  Were reform and repentance part of those days?  Did prayer take up at least a small part of each day?  Did you fast from some behavior that was not good?  How was almsgiving practiced by you?  Let us commit ourselves to the remaining weeks of Lent, to the call to be more prayerful; to fast from whatever hinders us from a better relationship with the Lord; and to give of our treasure to our parish and/or a charity of our choice.

In the 1^st Reading at this weekend’s Masses is the delivering of the 10 Commandments by God to the Israelites.  This passage from the Old Testament book of Exodus outlines a plan for us on how to live our daily lives in the sight of God.

Let us reflect on these Commandments, shall we?

• Are we able to recite all 10 of them?
• Do we see that they are not “suggestions,” but COMMANDS?
• How have we taught them to our children?
• Which of the 10 is the hardest to obey?
• Why is the 3^rd Commandment often forgotten or not followed these days?
• Do we see in Commandment #5 the call to respect LIFE in all forms?
• Will we take time to read and reflect upon Exodus 20 this week?
• Why do you think God gave the Commandments to His people?
• Do we reflect upon the Commandments in preparation for Confession?
• Will we deepen our commitment to keeping each Commandment?

May we know of God’s gentle and loving guidance each and every day.  May we see that He wants us to grow closer to Him by being His obedient and loving disciples.

Your Pastor, Father Joe