A LETTER FROM FR. PAUL — July 3, 2016

​Thank you for your prayers in support of our Salvatorian National Assembly. Around 150 members of the three branches of our family (Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, International Community of the Divine Savior, and the Society of the Divine Savior) enjoyed good speakers, good discussions, and good socializing. All left energized to continue our mission of making the Savior known.

This coming weekend our youth leave on their summer outreach mission trip to the St. Louis area. Let us accompany them in prayer. Have a safe trip! We thank Barb Abler for all her work in preparing for this trip.

As we begin our journey to Jerusalem with Jesus, we hear him send out 72 disciples (that number means everybody, including us). He sends us “like lambs among wolves” (it won’t be easy). He tells us to carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals (keep it simple). We are to “greet no one on the way” (stay focused). We are to say “peace be with you” (bring Gospel values) and announce THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND FOR YOU.

With the above instructions, Jesus is giving us an outline of how to live as his disciples. Let us celebrate the birthday of our country on the 4th as disciples of Jesus: let us pray for our country in a special way, that the values Jesus has demonstrated for us (mercy; compassion; forgiveness; understanding; and acceptance, especially for the poor or excluded) may become more and more a part of our political talk, our national priorities, and our communal living. Let us strengthen our resolve not to be drawn into hateful speech but to demonstrate Gospel values in all our actions and words. When its citizens live Gospel values, our country is great!

— Paul James Portland, SDS