FOR THEM AND OTHERS IN NEED, LET US PRAY TO THE LORD..........

Yesterday was a very full priestly, pastoral, ministerial, weekday for me. Presiding at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish's 8 am Mass, spending over an hour counseling a seriously conflicted married couple, whose marriage is one of the 151 marriages I have officiated at as a transitional deacon and priest; and a poignant sick call visit to the Rancho Murieta home of a man I have had the privilege to know for 33 years, Coach Bob Mattos, to administer the Sacrament of Anointing and a Final Blessing, as he has just days to live. He, his wife, and sons, decided early in the year when the end neared they would invite to spend a sacramental and social visit with them and after anointing and absolving him, we sat together recalling memories and stories of his life together. Then today, my Presentation Parish pal, 20 year old Alex Mauro, is undergoing an extensively lengthy surgery on his back fusion, as his vital organs are being infringed upon. As of this hour Alex has been in surgery for nearly ten hours with more hours yet to completion. I spoke with his mother an hour ago to personally and pastorally check in and monitor how things are going for dear Alex. I am asking you to join me in prayers for these three situations and for the many who like them are undergoing such harrowing and difficult experiences. Professing as Catholic-Christian Disciples belief in the Great Commandment of Jesus, to Love God and to Love our Neighbor as we Love Ourselves, means exactly that - praying, remembering, lifting up, empathizing, with those enduring hardship, suffering and sorrow. So please in the days and months ahead, keep these intentions in your prayers and remembrances at Mass. And as I prayed over Coach Mattos last night in commendation, "May the Lord bless you and keep you, Amen. May the Lord make His Face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, Amen. May the Lord give you peace, Amen. That is the well known passage from the Book of Numbers. And if you know anything about me, you know how I employ numbers..........God Is Good, So Be God For God and Others, Fr. Troy