A few days ago a very dear and beloved friend of mine passed through the valley of death and unfortunately, he passed away. It was a terrible shock. I was absolutely shocked and didn't want to believe or accept it. It has been three days now and still I cry because this dear man was still so young only 68. By today's standards, that is young. He was driving from his home in Penetangushine to Newmarket to obtain papers for his passport as he was planning a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. You see my very dear friend was a Priest. A magnificent priest. He was our parish priest for nearly nine years. We were his family, he was not only our Priest but a friend a confidant, a true leader, he cared, he was super intelligent and knew people well. He loved us. We loved him. Why am I telling you this? Because in this world so full of uncertainty, wars, crime, violence, hatred, marginalization, phobias of all kinds, and therefore we can become afraid. Look at America right now, many Americans are afraid. The uncertainty of what will happen in the world is scary. However, as God's people, we don't need to be fearful if look to our Lord for guidance and protection within his fold. I am not saying we will not be affected by some of these things because we are indeed. The one thing we have is hope in Christ's shed blood and salvation. My dear friend is in heaven now and he sees what is happening in the world and I am sure he sees our concerns in the parishes he lead while he was our shepherd. I just bet he would like to take his arm and reach down and tell us everything will work out. And it will if we trust in the Kingdom of for which we prayer more than any other prayer. the OUR FATHER PRAYER. We prayer for the kingdom to come and God's will be done and it will be done amongst the insanity in this world. We just have to work at it. Bring people to the fold. Tell them about the Good news of Gods Kingdom that Christ is there for every one of us, he died on the cross for each one of us. His death was so horrific, yet he did it because he loved us. Can we not, in turn, show our love back to him by trying to be better people better citizens, not allowing ourselves to do things that bring displeasure to our God. I know my dear friend and beloved Priest would be preaching this from the pulpit if he hadn't died. He would be sternly yet lovingly reminding us as individuals to put on or cloak ourselves to Christ. I for one shall do the best I can to live up to what God requires of us. I may falter but I thank the Lord for his mercy and grace. One must never take that grace and misuse it for that would be wrong. Live a godly life and our reward for obedience and love will be the glorious ascension into Heaven. Imagine being one of God's Heavenly Hosts singing and glorifying Our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Gordon my dearly beloved soar with all of God's people. S`Agapo Terry.
