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Parent Letter Faith Reflection

   Our Jr. High students heard a good and uplifting message from speaker Thomas Awiapo who visited our parish this past Tuesday.  Mr. Awiapo, who was orphaned at the age of 10 in his home country of Ghana, talked about how small things can make such a difference in the lives of others.  He travels around the world telling his story on behalf of Catholic Relief Services of the impact Operation Rice Bowl had on his life.  There were many good things he imparted to our Jr. High, but when asked by Deacon Mike Bellinder at the end what would be the one message he would like them to take away from the talk, his response was about goodness.  “The world is full of challenges,” Mr. Awiapo said, “but no matter what, goodness will always triumph.  Goodness does not go unnoticed by God.”  As Awiapo travels the world telling his story he likens himself to the one leper who returned to thank Jesus after realizing he had been healed.  As he stressed how the RiceBowl donations “touched and transformed” his life Awiapo said, “I have come back to say thank you on behalf of all those who have been helped but are not able to travel to say this to you.”  With Lent only a week away we will soon have a chance to help touch and transform more lives when students receive their rice bowls to collect money during Lent for those who are in need around the world.

   Nathaniel’s essay was chosen this week as he dovetails with what we heard in the Gospel reading this past Sunday reminding us to forgive even when we don’t want to.  Nathaniel also talks about how giving money to the poor is one of our spiritual duties making his essay also spot on with what Mr. Awiapo talked about.

How to Evangelize Mercy

 by Nathaniel

   As Christians and believers of God we all have our spiritual duties and responsibilities to evangelize about God and His teachings.  One of these teachings is about mercy.  In my community I can show mercy to others by giving money to the poor and donating a few coins to a charity or a children’s hospital.  I can also show mercy to others by forgiving those who hurt me—it’s not good to hold a grudge against a person because God taught us to always forgive one another even if the person is still mean to you.  There are a lot of ways to show mercy to our brothers and sisters, these are just the tip of the iceberg.

 

   Inspired by Awiapo’s story?  Holy Name of Jesus has a Social Concerns Committee that meets the first Monday of the month at 7p at Columbia.  All are welcome to come to the meetings to learn of other ways to help those in need in our area, or bring a concern to their attention.

   The next outdoor Mass of Life and Reparation is this Saturday February 25th near the Family Planning Associates at 855 E. Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino.

   Lastly, the new Lenten Bible Study will begin next Tuesday, February 28th in the 8th grade classroom from 7-8:30p in English, and the 7th grade classroom in Spanish.  There is no charge for this six week course led by Biblical Institute of Loyola Marymount University graduates Jesse del Rio and Gregorio Gomez.  Bibles will be available if you forget to bring yours.

   Thank you, Mrs. Alhadef

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