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ARCHBISHOP BELTRAN

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October 12, 2008

The Good News...

...Come Lord Jesus

        Saint Joseph Church, Ada
Annual Hispanic Mass
October 4, 2008

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

What a beautiful day for the Hispanic community of our Archdio-cese to celebrate this annual gathering. I am very pleased to see people here from many parishes and towns of the Archdiocese. I welcome all of you to Saint Joseph Parish here in Ada, Oklahoma. I thank Father Rusty Hewes and his people for hosting this year’s celebration. I thank Sister Rosario and her staff and all who have worked so hard preparing for this day. Your work, your prayers and your dedication make this a great spiritual, cultural and enjoyable gathering. Thank you. Thank you and God bless you.

Today is the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis is one of the most popular of all saints.  He is revered not only by Catholics but also by many people of other religious beliefs. In fact, he is re-spected even by people who have no formal religious affiliation.

A detailed study of the life of Saint Francis reveals a man of great character. He was indeed a person of integrity. Saint Francis seems to attract people because of three attributes. These are his humility, his love of poverty and his respect for nature.

Humility is a virtue in which a person seeks truth. A humble person therefore acknowledges that God is the author of all good. A humble  person realizes that everything we have comes from God. There is no inordinate pride or false claim in such a person. Saint Francis was that kind of a person. Therefore, his preaching, his writing and, above all, his example brought people to God.  This is his great gift to us. By living always in the Presence of God, not trying to seem important, Saint Francis has led and continues to lead people to God.

His love of poverty and his  decision to live a life of radical poverty is truly in opposition to our materialistic society. He desired nothing since he depended upon God for everything. Thus today he continues to attract people who have much in the line of possessions but find no internal peace or joy. Again, his example teaches us that we can have true happiness and fulfillment in the Lord alone.

Finally, Saint Francis had a great respect for nature. He recognized that God is the Creator of everything. He loved all living things — plants, animals and people. He loved all life but especially human life created in God’s image and likeness. Because of Saint Francis’ love of life and respect for God’s creation, he is very popular today. With a re-newed consciousness about the environment, people see Saint Francis as a prophet and an example.

In each of these three instances, his humility, his love of poverty and his respect for nature, Saint Francis exerted his influence upon people who otherwise might never have turned to God.

Today we, who gather here on this Feast of Saint Francis, should also be inspired. Through Saint Francis we are brought into God’s presence. Through him we can live a simpler but more profound life.  Saint Francis shows us where true happiness and peace can be found and that is in God alone.

Just like all other people in the world, we are always in the presence of God. God sees us. He loves us.  He blesses us. Like Saint Francis, who was always aware that he was in God’s presence, we too must have that same awareness. Nature, family and friends and all of creation can and should help us be aware of God’s presence. But the most direct help we can ever have to become good and holy and faithful people of God is the Holy Eucharist, the celebration of Mass.

The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus.  In Holy Communion, Jesus gives Himself to us. “Take My Flesh and eat It,” He says. “Take My Blood and drink It.”

There is no substitute for the Eucharist because the Eucharist is God Himself. Although we are not worthy to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, like Saint Francis, we come with humility and love. We come to receive Holy Communion, not be-cause we are good and deserve this sacrament, but because God is good.  It is His special gift to us. It is the gift of Himself coming to live in us and with us. This is Jesus who gives us life and leads us to life everlasting.  

In faith and with confidence, let us respond humbly — Come Lord Jesus! Come!