From the Associate&  

      Remember the old saying, "What goes up must come down"?  Well, I like to ponder the opposite possibility, namely, that "What goes down, may come up."  I sometimes think of this little proverb, when I drop my keys before opening my car door.  This seems to happen at least once a week.  I guess it's because I'm always trying to carry too much with one hand, and then I try to find the right key, with the other hand, turning the key chain around until I locate the one for the car door.  In the process of turning and trying to grab hold of the right key, it sometimes slips and falls.  Having four keys on one ring, which is attached to a second ring with nine keys doesn't help.  But I will probably continue doing this for some time, because I'm still too lazy to make two trips to the car.
     Like my keys, life has its ups and downs, just as does the spiritual life.  We sin, and then try to start over again.  We speak a harsh word to someone, and then try to repair the relationship.  We mess up at work, and then resolve to do better.  What's beautiful about the analogy is that like with the keys, God is dedicated to helping us stand up again, and again, and again.  In fact, God never gives up!  And in the end, his power of raising is the final act: no one person can raise him/herself from the dead, but Jesus Christ, Who has the keys to heaven, can raise us up.  His own resurrection is a sign of hope for all of us, that death is not the final word, but resurrection to eternal life.  How beautiful.  How wonderful.  How awesome, to live forever! Life for the Christian promises a final resurrection, but is filled with numerous smaller resurrections along the way.  The immediate darkness, suffering or failure will be overcome by light and happiness if we give God the freedom to work in our lives.  When we are struggling, it's worth the energy to consider for a moment the experience of Mary, the Apostles, and other disciples, who saw Jesus alive, after he was dead.  That is incredible.  They who were shrouded in darkness, sorrow and distress, beheld a Light, more brilliant that a million suns.

Fr. Michael

Little Lights Preschool&
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Little Lights Preschool will be hosting their Family Fun Night on Thursday, April 11 from 6:00--7:30 p.m. in  St. Joseph Hall.  We will have a PIZZA dinner for families.  You must pre-register for this event by calling Mary Walus at 651-633-1540 x.1227.

Registrations are currently being accepted for next year, classes are filling fast, so register early.  Little Lights Preschool offers a half day program for children age 3 to 5.  Please call Mary Walus at 651-633-8333 ext. 1227 for more information.