February 25, 2024
Many of you may not have been aware that on Saturday, February 10, I had a recurrence of the blood clots I have experienced before, this time in my lungs and in my left leg. I am feeling fine now, but my condition is being treated by heavy-duty blood thinners, which will result in limited availability for me over the next several weeks. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Bloomingdale Paramdics, who responded immediately and transported me to Central DuPage Hospital, and also to the ER, medical staff, doctors and nurses for their care while I was in the hospital. A special thanks also to Fr. Benzes and Fr. Ramon, who covered all the Masses the weekend I was away and on Ash Wednesday. Finally, thank you to all of you for your prayers – past and present.
Today, we mark the Second Sunday of Lent. Our Gospel reading this weekend gives us Mark’s account of Jesus’ Transfiguration. It is a moment of glory, when everything in Jesus’ life comes together. Coming at this point in our Lenten journey, this Gospel is a bit like an hors d’oeuvres – it is meant to give us a sneak-peak of the glory that Jesus won for us through his death and resurrection. And it is promised to us if we are faithful in living our call to be Jesus’ disciples. Our personal moments of glory, those moments when it seems as if everything in our life comes together, brief as they may be, are hints of what awaits us in God’s Kingdom.
“Let us not miss out on the grace-filled opportunities born of encounter, listening and discernment, in the joyful conviction that, even as we seek the Lord, he always comes with his love to meet us first.”
Pope Francis
Cathedral in Joliet. Congratulations to Nathan Figueroa, Lorena Scaletta and Kevin Gonzalez, and to their sponsors who accompany them on this journey. Lorena was not able to physically be with us, as she went into labor on Saturday. Nathan and Kevin were formally called to celebrate the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on March 30. As they spend this Lent in preparation for their initiation into our community at Easter, these people are a living sign of the conversion that we are all called to experience this Lent. We promise them the support of our prayers.
Our Lenten Mass of the Anointing of the Sick will be held next Saturday, March 2 at 11:00 am in the church. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be offered to those who desire to receive it. We will have all three priests available to celebrate the Sacrament following the homily. Anyone who is struggling with a physical, mental or spiritual illness may request to be anointed. Please extend the invitation to those who may be homebound and in need of the Sacrament of the Sick.
As Lent progresses, let us continue to pray for and support each other in our Lenten practices. Know that your priests pray for you each day. May God continue to bless us with everything that we need, and more.
– Father Jim Murphy