(This is from the June 15th bulletin. Sorry, I'm late with this message from Fr. Romanowski!)
The Year of St. Paul
Those in the Church who provide spiritual nourishment must be followed. The basis of all achievement is the Lord--our intimate relationship with Him through his Blessed Mother. Because of original sin this relationship can become cold and mediocre. It's imperative that we maintain a strong spiritual life. Regular confession (every two weeks) is a requesite in today's horrible world. It lays the foundation for a strong spiritual life. Modern, liberal mentality tells us we should not confess that often because we'll become less impressed with ourselves. I hope so! There lies the problem. We have only to be impressed with the Lord. He who conquers himself conquers the world. Notice how often we can resolve to do better. Only when we daily take up our cross do we put that resolution into practice and make progress. One of Bishop Sheen's classic books is "The Priest is Not His Own." That title applies to everyone. Praise be Jesus Christ! Now and Forever!
In Jesus' Name,
Father Jerome C. Romanowski
The Year of St. Paul
Know you not that they run in the race, all run indeed, but one receiveth they prize, so run that you may obtain. And everyone that striveth for the mastery refraineth himself from all things. And they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible one.What is the point? The difference between an achievement that only exists for a time compared to the eternal reward of heaven. The compromising agenda of the liberals is never going to please God. That is why we have to take every opportunity to grow in holiness. St. Paul refers to the competition with oneself in competing for holiness. His classic statement, "The good I want to do I do not, the evil I want to avoid, that I do," (Romans 7:19) sums up the warfare inside ourselves.
I therefore so run, not as an uncertainty; I so fight, not as one beating the air. But I chastise my body and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps when I have preached to others. I myself shall become a castaway. 1Cor.9:24-27.
Those in the Church who provide spiritual nourishment must be followed. The basis of all achievement is the Lord--our intimate relationship with Him through his Blessed Mother. Because of original sin this relationship can become cold and mediocre. It's imperative that we maintain a strong spiritual life. Regular confession (every two weeks) is a requesite in today's horrible world. It lays the foundation for a strong spiritual life. Modern, liberal mentality tells us we should not confess that often because we'll become less impressed with ourselves. I hope so! There lies the problem. We have only to be impressed with the Lord. He who conquers himself conquers the world. Notice how often we can resolve to do better. Only when we daily take up our cross do we put that resolution into practice and make progress. One of Bishop Sheen's classic books is "The Priest is Not His Own." That title applies to everyone. Praise be Jesus Christ! Now and Forever!
In Jesus' Name,
Father Jerome C. Romanowski