St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity at 122 West Smith St, Apt. D, Hicksville, OH 43526 US - Minister's Minute for July 2004

A few weeks ago I heard Father Tom give a homily that really touched my heart and gave me great encouragement. For the past couple of months I had not really been feeling like myself. Everything that I did seemed to be a labor. It seemed as if I could not fmd joy in doing the things that had always brought me joy. I assumed that this problem was completely my own fault and that I was just getting "burnt out". Well after hearing Father Tom speak, and also speaking with other members of the council, I came to realize that we are under attack.

I look at all of the injuries and illness that has plagued our fraternity and I know that we are under attack. Now, I'm not one to attribute every little thing to Satan, but I do believe that he is coming against us, not only us, but all who try to do God's will. We are at war. Not the kind of war that is fought with bullets and guns, but a war of the spirit. Our weapons are not those of this world, but the weapons of the spirit. I want to exhort you all to "stand fast" and "hold the line".

The greatest weapon that we have is prayer and we must use it constantly. Make your lives a living prayer. Pray the rosary, the liturgy of the hours, and ask our brothers and sisters in heaven for their help. Most importantly, visit our Lord at adoration. This country has been so blessed for so long that we have taken the gifts that God has given to us for granted. As a country, we have become  arrogant and disobedient children, doing whatever we want no matter the cost. I truly believe that if this country does not repent of its many sins, God will remove the blessings that he has so freely given to us.

We have been silent for too long. We can no longer stand quietly by while those with an anti-Christian and antifamily agenda continue to drive this country straight into hell. Call your Congressman, your Senators, and tell them that we will hold them accountable for the way that they vote, and again, PRAY!

Know that I am aware of how many of you are sick and injured, and that you are in my prayers always. You are one of the fmest groups of people that I have ever had the privilege to serve, and that if we stay faithful to our Lord, he will continue to pour out his blessings upon us. God Give You Peace,