Last Monday, as I was driving, and was late to an appointment, actually a tee time. And I was pulled over, and was given a speeding ticket for going 75 in a 60 zone. Yes, even priests can get caught speeding. The police officer was kind enough, and he reduce my speeding, reporting that I was going 70 over 60. When he gave me the speeding ticket, I can assure you that I was not very happy, but I thanked the police officer, and apologized, and continued on my way. It was very interesting as I shared the story about my speeding ticket with some of parishioners, there were various reactions. Some asked: “Did you wear a roman collar? Did you tell the officer that it was an emergency, and that you had to visit someone in the hospital? Did you promised that you would hear his confessions and forgive his sins?” Believe me, I was tempted to do those things. But I didn't do any of that, because I was at fault, mea culpa. There was no one else to blame. I had to take full responsibility for my actions. As I reflected upon this experience, I thought about how none of us are above the law. The laws are there to help protect us. Who knows, what may have happened, because that event may have prevented something much worse. God who sees all things and knows all things can see that, but I don't. In many ways, I'm thankful that it has happened. I also prayed for the police officer, his name was James. And even though I'm a priest, it doesn't give me the right to do something wrong. As disciples and followers of Christ, it doesn't give us the right to do wrong. But since we belong to God the Most Holy Trinity, in fact, it puts us at a higher standard. I shared this story with Margie, and she gave me a good insight. If you think about how many times, we have broken traffic laws, but we were never caught. That was a good perspective. The Police Officer helped protect me from becoming a danger to others and to myself. I'm more mindful as I drive now, conscious of speed allotment. As I drive much slower now, it's amazing to see how many people pass me by like I'm standing still. I also wonder about the people who drive slower and obey the laws. And wondered if they're in the same boat and have learned their lesson. Next week, is priest days convention, so all the priests will be gathered at ocean shores with the Archbishop Peter Sartain, and also our new Archbishop Paul Etienne. As we gather, we will talk about future plans as an Archdiocese. It takes about 3 hours to drive there, I usually can get there in about 2.5 hours. But now, it may take me a little longer, maybe about 4 hours. Please keep all of us in your prayers as we will for you.

The Archbishop Peter has launched a campaign called Called to Serve as Christ Campaign. It is a campaign to help raise money for retired priests and nuns. The goal for the Archdiocese is to raise 100 million. And our parish share is about 881,000. But this campaign will go for about 3 years for our parish. Thus far, the retirement plan is pay as you go plan, sort of like our nation's social security plan. The Archbishop wants all of us to help contribute towards the campaign. One of the things that we can do is to raise awareness, so that there is no surprises when the campaign begins. Also, to think about all the priests and nuns in our lives who have helped us along our faith journey, and the sacrifices that they have made. They have baptized us, helped us be welcomed into the church, help us to receive Christ at Holy Communion, confirmed us with the Holy Spirit, nuns who have helped catechized us, and grow in our faith, and the daily prayers that they say for us. They were there for us in the good times and in the bad times. Those positive experiences can help more readily contribute towards the Called to Serve as Christ Campaign.

Story: I remember when I was much younger, and on one Christmas day, we receive a phone call. It turns out, my uncle took his own life. That is why Christmas is always a bittersweet time for the family. I remembered growing up, and being taught that suicide is a mortal sin, and we can go straight to hell. We now know a bit more about mental health, and it gives us more understanding and empathy. Despite my uncle's suicide, our parish priest visited our family. And he celebrated the Funeral Mass for us, and then he was also there at the burial at the cemetery. He made a positive impression on me, and his presence was very comforting and consoling. It is like God is with us, and everything will be ok for my uncle. He is with Christ, and Christ will take care of him. This is one of the experiences that formed me and inspired me to become a priest. Think of the Priests and Sisters that have been part of our faith journey. They are with us in the good and happy moments of our lives. The Baptisms, Eucharist, Confirmations, Matrimony. They have also been with us in the difficult moments of our lives. When someone is ill in our family. When someone died in our family. When we need a funeral service. When we need counsel for an issue that we're dealing with. When we need to experience healing and forgiveness from God. They are with us in the good times and the bad times. Let's return the favor by helping them, and contributing towards the upcoming Called to Serve as Christ campaign.

Today's readings from Proverbs, Romans and St. John, are about “pouring out.” God pours out self in word. God and Word pour out the Spirit to help us pour ourselves out. The Spirit pours forth faith and strength and character. The book of Proverbs reflects on wisdom, a quality that is identified with God, of which God wants to pour out upon us. The Letter to the Romans, St. Paul said that the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel, the work of redemption doesn't end at the Ascension of Christ, but continues to be poured forth through the working of the Holy Spirit.

St. Paul, despite the struggles to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, remains optimistic and hopeful. He writes: “We even boat of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” The readings today calls to mind God, and God's outpouring and generosity.