Want to Be Well?

When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” (John 5:6)

During these chaotic times, it is easy to forget that we are on a Lenten Journey of Happiness and that we should reflect weekly on one of the Beatitudes.  Of course, this week we should be praying, meditating and contemplating on “Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Jesus is asking us the same probing question, “Do you want to be well?” Do we wish to be set free from that what troubles us now, perhaps guilt, anger, hurtful desires, whatever it may be?
         What is righteousness but to be in right relationship with God.  In other words, be guiltless, charitable, moral, holy.  When we hunger and thirst, we have strong cravings or an increased appetite.  Are we craving for the Holy Spirit to purify, heal and transform us in the image of Christ? The first essential step towards freedom and healing is the desire for change.  We are going through a lot of civil changes right now.  Some of these changes are for the good and will help us going forward.  Had we not had this chaotic experience; we may not have progressed in these areas of change. The same is true Spiritually.  If we are content to stay as we are, then no amount of coaxing will change us.  The Lord will not refuse anyone who sincerely asks for His pardon, mercy, and healing. “Lord Jesus, put within my heart a burning desire to be changed and transformed in Your way of holiness.  Let Your Holy Spirit purify my heart and renew in me a fervent love and desire to do whatever is pleasing to You and to refuse whatever is contrary to Your Will.”         

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!

Yours in Christ,
Deacon Bob
St. Clare of Assisi, Houston

IMPORTANT SIDE NOTES:
(1) Live-stream Mass at 8:30 am today at St. Clare's website:

https://stclarehouston.org

(2) I am fully aware of the challenges the current crisis bring to you and your family. To sustain our ministry during this hard time, I ask you, with your ability, to continue to support St. Clare financially through your weekly/monthly giving. The Archdiocese has now made it possible for you to give ONLINE and 100% of your contributions will go directly to our parish! Please visit:

https://www.archgh.org/ways-to-give/parish-offertory-support/

then be sure to choose "St. Clare of Assisi-Houston" in the drop-down menu. Follow the rest of the instructions to give via Credit Card or Direct Debit. Or, you can continue to drop your envelopes off at the Parish Office.
        Rest assured of my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours always. I thank you in advance for your love and prayers. Please stay healthy & stay connected with Christ through prayers!

Blessings
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

St. Vincent Ferrer Novena (preacher and wonder maker) continue:
DAY 7 OF NOVENA: For Unity in the Church
(1) Sign of the Cross
(2) Silently acknowledge your trust in God’s powerful works and voice your prayer request
(3) 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, and 1 Glory Be...
(4) REFLECTION: O holy priest of St. Dominic, you worked steadfastly for the unity of the Church, serving the pope and bishops with humility, seeking always the last place in the Church. You draw thousands to your preaching of penance and conversion, strengthening the Catholic Church which you loved dearly. O powerful protector, inspire us always to seek unity and peace in our communities. Encourage us to love the pope, our bishops and priests so that with them, we can form a happy and faithful communities of believers. I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for this (state your request here).
5) NOVENA PRAYER: O Glorious apostle and thaumaturge, St. Vincent Ferrer, the new angel of the Apocalypse and our protector, accept our humble prayer and bring down upon us the abundance of divine favors. By that charity which animated thy heart, obtain for us from the Father of all mercy the pardon of our sins, steadfastness in the faith, perseverance in good works; so that living a fervent Christian life, we may deserve thy powerful patronage. Extend that patronage even to our bodies, and free them from infirmity. Preserve our fields from the damages of storm and hail, and keep off all misfortune. Thus favored by Thee with blessings in soul and body, we shall ever be thy devout clients, and one day with thee praise God in heaven, world without end. Amen.

St. Vincent Ferrer, pray for us.
St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us.
St. Michael the Archangel, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. Amen.