In recent times, we have witnessed a deterioration of respect, mercy, and charity within our beloved United States of America.  Fear, violence, unrest, anger, and hatred have permeated the very fabric of our nation.  People no longer respect each other and have healthy dialogues.  Everything, on some level or another, sends people into arguments and divides families.  Is this the world in which we desire to live?  Have we resigned ourselves to accept that fear reigns over faith?   The Gospel today is a wakeup call to each of us.  Jesus exclaims: I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Let’s return to that love, now.  Join me in praying for our nation. Each morning I offer the following prayer, will you join me in praying this daily?

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States of America, please help our country.  Help us to return to what is decent, right, and proper.  Help us to return to respect for ourselves and others, to truth in dealing with ourselves and others, to self-control and self-discipline, and, especially, to a deep love for Your Son and His teachings. Protect us from those who would destroy us from within.  Our Lady, we place ourselves and our country under Your mantle.  Pray for us and help us.  Amen.”

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne