…”You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Today’s Gospel calls us to a radical love – a bold and courageous commitment to live and to love in the ways of the Lord. How different our world and our families would be if we lived this radical love each day! Jesus calls us each day to a more perfect love. Each person and difficult situation stretches us to live, love, give and serve more in the ways of the Lord. Pray this week for the grace to embrace radical living – radical loving. It will change everything in your life and in our world.
…Last weekend’s celebration of World Marriage Day was wonderful. From the prayers at Mass to the anniversary celebrations to our World Marriage Day Mass and Dinner/Dance, everything was a great blessing. Faithful loving, in our times, is radical….it is bold. It is a powerful witness that our world desperately needs.
…Many thanks to the 496 families who responded last weekend to the Catholic Charities in pew appeal. Your responsiveness is one bold example of your commitment and desire to live this radical love Jesus speaks of in this weekend’s Gospel. It’s easy to love those who love us. It is much more difficult to love unconditionally a brother or sister we do not know who is in need. God bless you for your goodness. If you did not get a chance to respond, today’s bulletin contains a Catholic Charities Appeal reply envelope.
…As you may recall, our parish is helping facilitate a regional conversation to address the Heroin Epidemic. Our next meeting is this coming Wednesday, February 22 at 11:30 am in the Mother Teresa room. We will be finalizing a Medina County plan to raise awareness and align resources to address the crisis. Over the past few weeks many have asked about some educational opportunities and support. These will be coming in the next few weeks. In the meantime, please check out: www.GreaterthanHeroin.com. Together we are GREATER than heroin.
…The other day I received a very sad email from a mom who was in the process of helping her adult son get some help. To read her email/story was so painful. She concludes that “heroin is killing both my son and me.” We are working hard to improve access to care and good information on best resources that can help each member of our community find the support they need. It will require lots of cooperation and a radical commitment to love and care for each other. Please pray for this mom and for all who are suffering the grip of addiction.
…As we approach the Season of Lent, it is the right time and moment to invite your family and friends to ‘return’ to the Lord. A strong life of faith….and a steady walk with the Lord….keep all of us on the right path with the help and support we need. Watch your mail this week for a newsletter containing all the information about the upcoming Lenten Season.
…The Little Black Books are at the doors of the Church. They are an easy way to focus your attention during the Lenten Season. Take one for a family member, neighbor, or send it to one of your children.
…This weekend you will have the opportunity to sign up for a Lent Faith Sharing Group. 40 days of Lent – four sessions – totaling six hours. All that is needed is ONE yes…to the Lord…to this invitation. It can make a huge impact on your Lenten Season. You will come together with other members (you pick the type of group) to discuss and reflect on the Word of God (Scriptures) as it applies to your lived experience. It’s helpful. It’s meaningful. It allows you to form a circle of friends that talks about deeper things that matter – life, faith, God and the challenge to live the radical love of Christ. See today’s bulletin for more information and to sign up.
…Over the past few weeks we’ve had over a dozen funerals. Some young members…some senior members….all wonderful celebrations of our loved ones. We are blessed that so many of our members assist and support our families as they commend their loved ones to the Lord. It is a blessing that everyone who comes to us receives a beautiful celebration thanks to our New Life Choir, our funeral servers, greeters and the great group of folk who offer hospitality to the family through luncheons….and let’s not forget those who bring GREAT bakery. We give the best we have to the Lord and our members….praise be God. We are so blessed. If you want to help a little (sing, serve, bake, greet)….just give a call to the Parish Office. All of us together…caring for each other….with the love of our God.
…God bless our Deacons….they do such great work for the Lord and our community. They also are a huge support in caring for our families in a time of loss. Thank you Deacon Tom, Clem, Frank and Gary.
…Our parish is blessed with some helpful bereavement support programs. If you or someone you know is struggling with the pain of loss, please let us know so we can help. Lisa Homady can always help make sure you get connected to the right program/ministry (LHomady@StAmbrose.us).
…Last weekend, after a Baptism, the family went out of their way to say thank YOU for the beautiful handmade prayer blanket that their child received after Baptism. This beautiful tradition is a way of wrapping each baptized child in the tender love of God. God bless all those who help make these wonderful gifts for our newest members. If you would like to help them out (we need about 160 blankets a year), please contact Helen Sheridan at 330.460.7322.
…As we celebrate Presidents Day this Monday, the chapel is open all day with Eucharistic Adoration. Stop by for a visit and pray for world peace, God’s protection on all who serve to protect us and God’s wisdom and guidance on all who govern our nation.
…Jesus calls us to a radical love. Who can you forgive or embrace this week not because they love or forgive you but because of the way that God loves and embraces you? Have a blessed week.
