A Note From Fr. Bob

Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you!

This weekend we celebrate the 244th anniversary of the birth of our country and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  Two years ago I shared the most famous part of this declaration, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  And, last year I shared an excerpt from Emma Lazarus’ sonnet which is on the Statue of Liberty. The sonnet is The New Colossus, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

It has been said many times that we are living in unprecedented times.  This is so true.  If we have taken anything for granted, these times have opened our eyes to what is most important, our faith, our freedom, and our health. We cherish and work to protect all three.  Prayers have been offered daily for each of these and we continue to offer our prayers to our Lord.

Recently, the Archdiocese published a prayer for the healing of racism.  It was composed by Msgr. Jack Costello, currently the pastor of St. Peter’s in Kirkwood and at one time, Associate Pastor of St. Blaise.  I offer this prayer for all that we might take it as our own and pray it often so that hearts will be changed and racism end.

Let’s pray for each other this week.

Peace,

Father Bob

 Prayer for the Healing of Racism

God of justice, in your wisdom you create all people in your image and likeness without exception.  Through your goodness, open our eyes to see the dignity, beauty, and worth of every human being.  Open our minds to understand that your children are sisters and brothers in the same human family.  Open our heart to repents of racist attitudes, behaviors, and speech which demean others.  Open our ears to hear the cries of those wounded by racial discrimination and their passionate appeals for change.  Strengthen our resolve to make amends for past injustices and to right the wrongs of history.  And fill us with courage that we might seek to heal wounds, build bridges, forgive and be forgiven and establish peace and equality in our community of Saint Louis. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.