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A Letter from our Pastor
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Dear St. William Parishioners,
In last month’s letter, I quoted Fr. Joseph P. Whelan, SJ, who writes, “What you are in love with...will affect everything… Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” These words came to life for me personally during my reconversion to faith back in 2003. Prior to that year, very little in my life resembled a Christian life. However, the Lord’s invitation to “try it his way” and my decision to do so, changed my life. During my first confession in almost 20 years, I felt the chains of my sinful past fall off— I was free. Up until then, I had never experienced such great love. On that day, I understood the Lord loved me despite my past and also that my past did not define me. Instead, it was Jesus’ sacrificial love for me from the Cross that defined me. I have pursued the Lord in love since that day.
Another quote I would like to share with you is one from St. Augustine in
The Confessions: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” I came to know the Lord’s peace when I surrendered to His most holy will. So many times I thought I was following the Lord, but He showed me how I was following my own will. I was being prideful. I wasn’t resisting or rejecting the things that were disturbing my peace, the peace that only the Lord could provide. It took time, but I learned to set aside my ego and seek the Lord in both good and difficult times.
As we go about our day, let us continue to reflect on the following: Have I encountered Christ’s perfect love? Am I continuing to pursue His will to the best of my ability in my daily life? What is it that keeps me from saying ‘yes’ to Jesus in every aspect of my life?
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may you encounter the perfect love of Christ and let it transform you. May His peace dwell in your hearts.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III
Pastor
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