From the Pastor - The Father's Love

The Father’s Love
by Fr. Joseph Evinger

Dear brothers and sisters,

Something we are told as a child is that God loves us. If we had good parents who loved us, told their love for us, and lived it out over and again it becomes much easier to know and experience God’s love for us now.  Nevertheless, even if this were the case (or was not), because of our selfishness and pride we often fail to know or remember God’s love for us. We think that God does not love us because we don’t feel it, or maybe we never learned how the Father interacts with us.

During my homily on the first Sunday of Lent I said that my prayer for you is that you come to know the love of God in a way you have never known it before. The Father’s interest in your life is always present. He is close to you when you wake or go to sleep. He is within the depths of your heart consoling you right now and when you’re unaware. Whether you are having a good day or something bad has just taken place, he is there waiting for you to receive his care throughout the situation. Surrender your self to him. He takes care of those who allow him. Come to know what his voice sounds like in your heart and mind.

You and I fail so often to experience the Father’s love for us because we doubt it. “How could he love me?” The very fact you are alive now confirms he cares for you. Resist the thoughts and feelings which try to get you to doubt his interest in you. You can resist these thoughts and feelings by telling Jesus about them in prayer at home or in the Mass.  Know that these lies are not coming from you, but from an enemy outside you. Surrender your heart to him. He wants to console you. Surrender your blessings and struggles to Jesus. He wants to bring you peace. Surrender your whole self and family to him in the Blessed Sacrament. His love for you on the cross is made present to you at every Mass. Offer yourself to the Father at Mass. Then “wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). Be attentive to all the movements of your heart. Come to know which movements are from the heart of the Father who loves you. He is tugging at your heart.