Dear Parishioners and Friends,

We have a right to life; we also have a right to perform changes or enhancements to our plot of land that should be of service to us both literally and figuratively.  At the same time, we have an obligation to see to it that such enhancements for good not only serve us, but also those who will come after us, so that our legacy will not prove worthless, material to be discarded, but rather be serviceable to others.  And this is how I have endeavored to serve here at St. Constance Parish, so that something good will remain, both in the spiritual and in the material sense.

The Liturgy of the Word on the Third Sunday of Lent records for us words spoken by God to the people of Israel, words of duty and rights.  We are informed of what we must do as Christians, how to act guided by love not only toward our neighbors and family but, above all, toward God, “For I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Ex 20, 5-7)

Can it be said of God that He is jealous?  Let us look at this from a human perspective and we will come to understand the words of God, who is our Father; we will understand Jesus who became upset on seeing the merchants in the temple.

It is obvious that the progress of science, technology and the advent of modern techniques has changed our way of thinking; for this reason we understand the words addressed to us 2000 years ago differently.  Yet, even while we live in an era of technical prosperity, modern thinking, with news media close at hand, it is good for us to return to that source which allows us to reflect on the truth of Him who created us in His own spiritual, not physical, image and likeness.  During Lent, having the opportunity to meditate on the words of God the Father through the prism of human feelings, it is not difficult to understand what God wants of us.  Simply and exclusively, God wants us to return to Him, to those heavenly heights where, seeing the Majesty of God, we will praise Him together with the angelic choirs.

Lord, help us to understand your words – your teachings – that by the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may know and accept your love and your goodness, always to follow the path of Christ.

On the occasion of their “namesday”, I extend my best wishes to all Casey’s (Casimir’s) and, in particular, to Casey Milewski, Polonia Club president, and to Casey Koziol, St. Constance custodian.  Happy Birthday and many happy returns to Marie Blecka, our music director.  Best wishes to all women as you celebrate International Women’s Day!

God bless!