We Are Blessed 

   While sitting in the pew at daily Mass today I was again reminded of what a blessing it is to be able to attend Mass everyday if I wish.  Though some seem to want to ignore it, the right to practice religion is enshrined in our constitution.  Many in the world have no such rights.

   In some places attending Mass is not only difficult but even dangerous.  In China underground churches have existed for years.  They dare not meet publicly because of the governments disdain for Christianity.  Even when it is allowed it is ruled by the government.

   Others are restricted on their ability to attend Mass because there is a shortage of priests.  In one area I know of one priest is responsible for four parishes scattered over a wide area.  The people are lucky to be able to have one Mass on Sunday and rarely a daily Mass.  That is in this country.  I some other countries Mass is even less available.

   Yet I see people in the pews who seem to be there only out of habit.  They pay little attention, barely participate in the prayers, and receive the Blessed Sacrament as they would a candy wafer rather than the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  They don’t realize what a blessing it is to be able to worship God and receive the Sacraments whenever they wish.

   There are those in this country who seem intent on restricting the right to the free expression of religion guaranteed by the U.S. constitution.  Some are even trying to tell priests that the confidentiality of the confessional must be violated.  They would make religion a private matter rather than public proclamation of our God.  They would have it come under government control.

   It is our responsibility, our duty as Christians to stand up for religious freedoms and thwart the followers of Satan in their efforts.  If we don’t, how will we answer God when He asks us why? 

Some want to take You from the public square.

They want to restrict You, even eliminate You.

Give us the strength to resist.

To rebuke Satan and his followers. 

Amen