Friar’s Corner: The next right thing

Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR

Amos 8:4-7; Ps 13:1-2; 4-8; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 6:10-13

Let me be “critically serious” about praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the conversion, especially of Moslem terrorists. I saw a map last weekend of how much Christianity they destroyed within 100 years, from 636 to 732 when stopped at the battle of Tours, France. With the current weakening of Mass attendance throughout Europe, Christianity is again being threatened and might be gone in 10 years. Then look at how many Moslems our president has dispersed throughout the US without any checks and not allowed any Christians to come in. We need to beg God’s mercy every day and ask him to show us what is the “next right thing” we need to do.

We can also pray another chaplet for our country. We certainly need God’s help. The whole world is engaged in a physical and spiritual war. We have the best spiritual weapons heaven has given us, our Christian faith, the sacraments, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the rosary. Thank you in Jesus’ Name.

The readings this week speak about honesty in dealing with others. Many things could be said. I try to keep my focus on Jesus. What did he do and say in the gospel stories? He went around looking for those who needed help and teaching others to do the same. I have been asking you for months now to deepen your time each day with Jesus. Have a quiet place in your home to pray, not to the gods of money and TV. To pray to Jesus, read some gospel passage each day and ask the Holy Spirit what it means.

As we develop our daily relationship with Jesus, we will be like “fish in water,” and “bark to its tree.” The Holy Spirit will show us the next right thing to do today to help God make the world a better place to live. So we begin with ourselves. We change our mental direction to Jesus and his divine power. We can then see what is happening in the world around us. Where are things not in the right direction? We first change ourselves, and then we can lead our family correctly, help our church and work to change of government to help others.

There is great joy in being the hands of Jesus helping others. There may be criticism and attacks against us. That is to be expected. Jesus endured the same thing. That is part of carrying our cross with Jesus. Be of good cheer. Jesus has won the final victory and we want to be with Him here on earth and forever in glory with Jesus in heavenly glory. Amen. Alleluia! Have a peaceful and joyful week.

Blessings,
+ Fr. Bob Hilz
(© 2016 Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR)