Fr. Sanchez’s Blog

Pbro. Esequiel Sanchez

Dear Parish Family:

Here at St. Bede there is always activity happening that, in one form or another, reveals the work of God in our midst. I would like to congratulate or Spanish Charismatic Prayer Group for a successful first men’s retreat this past Saturday. Over thirty men came to the experience and many had expressed to me that it was the first time in their lives that they had ever experienced a retreat of any kind. Indeed, some even felt the movement of God in their lives so strong that they were moved to look for and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Also, I would like to than Ms. Rasinski and everyone who helped make our Second Annual Alumni Mass such a success. Many of St. Bede’s former graduates came to remember old times and happy memories. I was so pleased to see how much the ministry that was done via the work of education impacted so many lives. This place was not just a school to but a real home. One alumnus shared that St. Bede meant so much to him that since graduating over 30 years ago, he has seldom found a place in his life that compared to the caring and support he got while he was here. Although he lives far away now, St. Bede will always have a very special place in his heart.

I think about the many ways God uses us to touch the lives of so many people. Like St. Paul and St. Barnabas, we really never know how God will move in the life of any particular family or community. What they did know is that there must be someone to preach the Gospel and announce the Good News. Not everyone accepted or believed St. Paul, but that did not deter him from continuing his ministry from one city to another.

Faith is a matter of grace. It is not we who have chosen God, but God has chosen us. We, however, do create the space available for God to do His work in the hearts and minds of his people. Going to a retreat, visiting significant places where you experienced the love of God, coming to Mass etc. All are opportunities to allow God to touch our lives in a way that guide us. Life’s ultimate goal is not the acquisition of creature comforts, but the Kingdome of God itself. It going where Christ has gone and meeting him along the way. I love the way St. Paul put it.  “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” This is so true. There is no other way to make it to God’s Kingdome accept through the cross with other. Hang in there! Your cross may be your ticket to your salvation.

Fr. Esequiel Sanchez