Father Maassen's Message - 03/17/2024

Dear Missionary Disciples of Christ,

It seems ultimately there is a struggle within us between two wills.......
 
Recently I was talking to a couple priests about the effects of All things New.  At this time there have been minimal effects to where and when we worship at St. Francis Borgia. This may change depending on what happens with Assumption in New Haven and St. Paul in Berger.   
 
I will sum up the conversations this way.  Parishioners wanted to worship at a certain church at a certain time.  I hope and pray that those effected, worship somewhere. My response to the brothers was basically, "are these parishioners saying I will only worship God at a certain place and a certain time otherwise I am not going to worship?" 

When I say worship, I mean going to Mass.  The Mass is the right worship Jesus Christ gave us, it is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacred Liturgy. Not worshipping (going to Mass)  because it is not at the time you want or the church you want is a very sad and sinful response. Sad for several reasons and missing Mass on Sunday or Saturday eve without a serious reason is a grave sin.
 
Getting back to the first line I wrote, it seems the struggle is between my will and our Father's will.  In the gospels we hear Jesus speaking about always doing the will of the Father.  If we want to inherit eternal life, have a loving life, a better life, a more joyful life, so must we.
 
Doing the will of Jesus and the will of the Father are the same. At times I also struggle to surrender to the will of God. I recently was on the Hallow website looking at the Surrender Novena.  You might want to check this out as well. Peace.

 
In Christ,    
Fr.  Maassen