Column: Come Away and Rest Awhile

The first words of the resurrected Jesus to His disciples are telling. Let’s look at the story: He appears to them in the locked upper room where they are cowering in fear and sorrow. Almost all of them abandoned Him in His need; Peter denied even knowing Him three times.

And how does Jesus respond? “Peace be with you.”

His love and mercy toward the Apostles are breathtaking—and the same applies to us. Jesus wishes us peace. He desires us to rest in His endless mercy and love. All we have to do is open ourselves to receive it.

Next Thursday, October 6, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, we resume our regular schedule of Mercy Nights. Mercy Night is an hour of open Adoration, praise and worship music by Alex Schindler, and opportunities for Confession and prayer ministry. We will host Mercy Nights the first Thursday of the month in October, November, December, February, March, and May this year.

Mercy Night is open to everyone: Catholic or not, and you can stay for as long or as little as you like. Childcare is available for those who need it. Monthly Confession is a great thing, but you can also just come rest with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. And if you have never been prayed with by our prayer ministry teams, it’s a beautiful experience of God’s love. Share your particular needs and intentions with them or just bow your head and receive the power gift of intercessory prayer.

Come pray for an end to abortion in Minnesota and greater respect for all human life. Come pray for our parish, for our youth, our families. Come pray that all souls may come to know Jesus Christ and be saved.

I would love to see a full church each and every month. Please make a point of inviting friends or family who may be far from the Church, that they might experience God’s love and mercy firsthand in an environment less intimidating than Sunday Mass. Sure, not everyone “gets” Adoration or desires to confess their sins to a priest—but everyone can experience God’s peace. And everyone needs it.

Jesus is calling: Come away with me and rest awhile (Mark 6:31). Won’t you join Him?

Father Brian Park
Pastor