St. Joseph the Worker

          Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

I hope your first week of February went well.  Now, on to week #2!

At the end of this week is the 14^th of the month.  Now, most people know that it is Valentine’s Day on February 14^th.  (ALERT TO ALL HUSBANDS AND BOYFRIENDS!!)  That is the annual day to express to a loved one just how much they mean to us.  Much money will be spent on cards, flowers, candy, clothing, restaurants, and other various expressions of love and care.  (ALERT TO HUSBANDS AND BOYFRIENDS---NO APPLIANCES OR VACUUMS!!) 

Valentine’s Day is a time to really think about those we care about.  Do not forget to somehow let those who mean a lot to you know just how much you appreciate their presence in your life.  At times we fail to express to someone how valuable they are to us.  And we may come to regret that if they would suddenly pass without our taking the time to say “thank you” to them.

Another worthwhile thing to do this week is to pray for those for whom this weekend is a difficult one---those who have lost a loved one over the past year; the homeless and forgotten; those in prison; the discarded and abused.  Hopefully, our prayers can strengthen them and assure them that they are not forgotten.

Most of all, a day like February 14^th should call us all to express our love to JESUS CHRIST!  He is the One who is Love itself.  He is the One who came to share love and show us what love is truly about.  He is the One who loved us so much that He went to the Cross for our salvation.

Will our love for Him be expressed in our Mass attendance each weekend?

Will our love for Him be expressed in teaching our children the Catholic faith?

Will our love for Him be expressed in daily prayer---rosary, silent reflection, meditation?

Will our love for Him be expressed in our volunteering at SJW or some local charity?

Will our love for Him be expressed in thanksgiving for His many blessings upon us?

Will our love for Him be expressed in praising Him night and day?

Let us resolve to make every day, when it comes to our relationship with the Lord, one of selfless love.  That is what He deserves.  That is the least we can do for Him—the source of all love.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Your Pastor,

Father Joe