The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
The Lord replied,
“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you would say to this mulberry tree,
‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded,
say, ‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.'”

Perhaps today, like the mustard seed, you are feeling small. Have faith! God will see that you grow!

Consider the Archangels: Michael, like God or reflecting God — Gabriel, the Power of God — and Raphael, the Healer. Their feast-day was September 29, and today (October 2nd) is the feast of the Guardian Angels. Their angelic ministry is not passive but very active and working for us. Use them. Go to them, especially in times when you feel weak or small.

This is also Respect Life Month: Human Life is sacred in all its forms, especially the child in the womb who is unable to protect himself or herself. Roe v. Wade was recently overturned  by the Supreme Court because the Court no longer wanted to determine the choice whether an unborn infant should be terminated.  A giant step for the smallest among us has been taken here but there is still the need to promote the sacredness of these tiny human lives in the womb from the moment of conception because, yes, all of human life, especially at its most tender, is sacred.

October is also the month of the Holy Rosary: Knights of Columbus are always to carry in their pockets as a small reminder the Rosary.  The Knights as men promote the Rosary in the Church as a powerful spiritual weapon in our often very dark world of evil.  Queen of the Holy Rosary, pray for us!

Consider also, as you reflect on your growing prayer life, a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, perhaps even once a week. Place your world before Jesus in the Monstrance in Adoration. Our World needs prayers — your prayers! St. John Paul II mourned Europe, saying during his papacy that the continent’s people had forgotten prayer.  Look at the Godlessness you see in the world like St. John Paul II (do not look away out of fear!), and allow your life to be like a living monstrance for Christ — present in the Eucharist, dwelling within you — and show Jesus Christ, in you, to others by the way you act and speak.

The parable today points out that when we start with even a small amount of Faith — like the size of mustard seed — it will grow. Your Faith will grow and grow!

Monsignor Michael J. Cariglio, Jr., Pastor & Rector, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica and Saint Anthony Parish

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,

Come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there

And unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you.

Amen.