"I will sing of your salvation"
Psalm 71:15
Today’s gospel can still shock us. How could Judas betray Jesus? How could Peter deny Him? The questions get even more worrisome when we realize the same can be said about ourselves! Why do we keep turning away or hiding from our faith? Why is it so hard to faithfully follow our Lord? Fortunately, the good news of the gospel is centered not on the apostles, or on us - but on Jesus Christ Himself. He is the one who fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy, He is the light to the nations, He is the one who brings us salvation. Today in our diocese we celebrate the Chrism mass, where Bishop Parkes will bless the sacred chrism and holy oils. These will be used throughout the year in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing, and Holy Orders – moments of grace that open us up to Christ’s gift of salvation. We also have the opportunity to renew ourselves in this life of grace. As clergy, we’ll renew our ordination promises, and as Christians, we’ll renew our baptismal promises. It’s a beautiful reminder that despite our repeated betrayals and denials, Christ never abandons us – and we always have the chance to begin anew!
In the days ahead, how will we allow Jesus Christ to renew us in the life of grace He has won for us?
Lord, help us to sing of your salvation with renewed spirit!
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Lou Turcotte
Did you know...
Fr. Lou Turcotte grew up in Clearwater, attending Light of Christ Catholic Church with his parents and two sisters. He is an alumnus of St. Cecelia Interparochial School, Clearwater High, and the University of Florida, where he graduated with a degree in Marketing. Inspired by many priestly role models, he felt the LORD pulling him to discern the priesthood, and after an exciting, challenging, and transformative seven years of seminary education, he was ordained a priest in 2018. After serving at St. Timothy in Lutz for two years, he now enjoys the beautiful waters of St. Raphael in St. Petersburg. His passions include national parks, aquariums, Chick-fil-A, Liverpool Football Club, and encountering Jesus alongside the faithful here in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
