+JMJ
Dear family,
As I sit here, reflecting on the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Milton, I can’t help but feel the deep urgency of the moment.
Lives have been shattered, homes destroyed, and countless families are left without basic necessities, such as food.
And in times like these, I am reminded of one simple but profound truth: We are the Body of Christ.
When one of us suffers, we all suffer.
When one of us is in need, it is our shared responsibility to act.
This is not just a nice idea—it’s the very heart of our faith.
God is looking for people to stand in the breach, to intercede boldly for those who cannot help themselves.
And I am here today, willing to be that intercessor, to knock on the door of Heaven, and knock on your door, too.
Faithfulness and Persistence Always Prevail
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives us a powerful lesson about persistence in prayer.
He tells the story of a friend who knocks on his neighbor’s door at midnight, asking for bread.
Though the neighbor initially refuses, the friend’s persistence eventually leads to the door being opened and the request fulfilled (Luke 11:5-8).
Jesus calls us to that same persistence, to pray and act without ceasing, especially for those in need.
Today, I am that friend knocking at midnight—not for myself, but for those who desperately need a hot meal.
Something sacred happens with a hot meal in a time of need.
It’s not just physical nourishment, but a sign of hope, a tangible reminder that someone cares.
In that meal, the presence of Christ is made real.
We Can't Turn Away
As Catholics, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ.
We are called to action.
Now is the time to stand in the breach, to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are hurting.
God is looking for people to do this, and I believe He is calling you and me to step up.
Hurricane Helene and Milton have left people without homes, food, and hope.
And we, as the Body of Christ, have the opportunity to bring light into that darkness.
We have the chance to show them that God has not forgotten them—that they are seen, loved, and valued.
Will You Stand With Me?
I am not afraid to beg.
I will persist in asking, in praying, and in acting until the doors of Heaven and Earth are opened for these victims.
But I can't do it alone.
I need you—your prayers, your resources, your willingness to be part of this mission.
Together, we can be the presence of Christ to those who are hurting and need a hot meal.
So I ask you, will you answer this call?
Will you stand with me and with all those in desperate need of help?
There is a knock at the door.
Will you open it?