Today is the first collection of ShareLife. I would like to thank all
those who have already contributed to this collection as well as those who will
donate today and the following ShareLife Sundays. Our parish goal this year is
$59,000. Your generosity will help us reach our goal! Thanks to Sharon
Mane-Devine, Executive Director of Catholic Family Services, for speaking with
us today as we kick off our annual campaign.
Thank-you to all our various groups for leading the Stations of the
Cross every Friday.
Congratulations to all our Confirmation candidates who received their
crosses this weekend. The Parish Community of St. Dominic will be praying for
you as you approach and prepare for this important Sacrament in your Christian
life.
I also want to acknowledge all of our candidates in the RCIA Program for
your discernment and studies as you prepare to be with us at the entire
Eucharistic celebration when you are received fully into the Church at the
Easter Vigil. As we move through the special rites during Lent, we, as a parish
community continue to pray for you as well.
Lent – 4th Sunday – The Healing of the
Blind Man
Jesus said that he came 'to open the eyes of the blind'. He wasn't
talking about the physically blind only, but all those who had lost their way
in life and who could no longer find their way to the Father's house. Thus he
opened the eyes of Zacchaeus to the danger of riches. He opened the eyes of
Mary Magdalen to the wretchedness of her life. He opened the eyes of the dying
thief to the light of God's mercy. All of these found their way into the
Kingdom of God, while the Pharisees stumbled along in the dark.
Without faith we are in deep night and do not know where we are going.
Faith helps us to see in the dark. The one who guides us unerringly along the
dark paths of life is Christ. We put our total trust in him who said: 'Those
who follow me will never walk in darkness but will always have the light of
life'. Those who have been enlightened by Christ can never again see themselves
and their lives in the same light as before. Everything is lit up with an inner
radiance.
In a sense we are all born blind. As we go through life our eyes are
gradually opened to the vision of truth. We need not be afraid to own our many
forms of blindness. Christ will touch our eyes with his gentle hands and
gradually open them until we are able to see as he sees. We are not alone. We
are members of a community on which Christ has shed his light. We must support
one another. We are also called to act as guides to others who have not yet
seen the light of Christ.
`You will be very poor until you realise that it is not with your eyes
open that you see the clearest'. (Helder Camara).
Fr.
Phil
