Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church
Lexington Avenue at 76th Street, New York City
FROM THE PASTOR
I doubt that many of us have the audacity exhibited by Abraham in the first reading, in which he negotiates with God the fate of Sodom. Like Sotheby's most expert auctioneer ― except in reverse ― the patriarch barters the number of innocent people needed to spare the city from destruction.
Abraham's purpose was not to engage God in a contest of wills. He thought he knew God's will, or at least strongly felt that the one who had called him was disposed toward mercy rather than retribution in his dealings with humankind.
Today's Scriptures take us to the heart of prayer. As one commentator writes, "To pray is not to impose our will on God but to ask him to make us open to his will." In the process, we, not God, are changed.
Our confidence in prayer, whether it be the prayer of a single moment of evident need or the sustained prayer of a novena, comes from believing that God loves us, desires our good, stands by us in every circumstance.
Saints Anne and Joachim
The 118th Annual Novena of Saint Anne closes this Monday, July 26, with the
feast of the parents of Mary. It is always a special joy to see the church full
of pilgrims and worshipers and to witness the strong love and faith of all who
take part.
We are profoundly grateful to Father Robert Karris, O.F.M., for his wonderful homilies and his leadership in prayer each evening, our music ministers Kyler Brown and Gayla Morgan, our ushers, acolytes, lectors, Communion ministers, and sacristan Brother Austin Coleman.
God bless you.
July 25, 2010