Dear friends in Christ

Once again this Sunday The Lord reminds us of the importance of sincere and constant prayer and also the difference between true and false piety. The Gospel is the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee. The tax collector stood afar off because he did not want to push himself forward; because of this God was able to approach him more easily. The pharisee did not come to pray but to praise himself. The lesson is that we need humility in our dealings with God. He wants us to pray like needy children. As Saint Alphonsus reminds us: God wants us to go to Him with confidence. Bring to Him your work, your prayers, your projects, your fears and whatever interests you. Act with a trusting and open heart. For God does not speak to those who never speak to Him.

Next weekend we begin the month of November with the celebration of All Saints. This can remind us that we have the help and intercession of Our Lady and the Saints when we pray. All Saints is followed by All Souls on Monday 3rd (transferred from 2nd as it’s a Sunday). So much about this Autumn season tell us important truths about life and eternity, about the cycle of life and death, about our need to live in God here on earth, so that we may be happy with Him for ever in Heaven.

God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale