This afternoon, the mountain community in which we live will gather from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Oakhurst Community Center for fasting, prayer and reflection in light of the recent deaths that occurred in Oakhurst with the Montoya family, the killing and suicide in Ahwahnee with the Lewis family, and finally the very tragic killings and suicide at Ducey's in Bass Lake. There have been other violent deaths in our community, but these specific incidents have given all of us a reason to pause and to pray. There are so many reasons for these needless deaths: poverty for those who could not afford their utilities, depression and mental illness that would drive a mother to kill a child and then herself. Hopelessness and mental illness that would drive one to kill a spouse, a handicapped lawyer, and finally one's self. These are painful realities that remind us all of the need to continue opening ourselves to those most vulnerable in our society. It calls for a deeper look into the hearts of the disciples of Jesus to respond and to protect by law and by whatever means possible those who need our help. The cross of Christ opens up salvation for those who have died, even those who have taken their own lives. It is the promise of the Resurrection that ensures their eternal life in the presence of God the Father. We are called by the Holy Spirit to respond generously with gifts of faith and love. It is wonderful to see some of our Christian churches opening their doors to the homeless, feeding them and giving a warm place for them to rest and sleep. We unfortunately lack the space to offer this hospitality, but through the contributions of so many you, we are able to financially assist these communities to purchase food and pay for other items. We are also able to contribute to Manna House and Helping Hands on a regular basis, as well as help many individuals who come our way desperately needing help. Just this past week, we were able to give 50 blankets and 50 coats to those who most need them through the request by Manna House. Sincere thanks to all who donated. It is painful to realize that we were in a position to help save the Montoya family members if only they had come to us for help with their utility bill, since we assist as many as we can.
While it may be easy to blame others, including the devil, we must first realize that we must blame ourselves if there was something that could have been done first. Many times these actions are at the spur of the moment. Crimes of passion and mental illness cannot not be predicted. It is what it is. What we must do is to support those who are left behind with love, compassion and comfort. They are not at fault. We are all human, thus we are weak, and depend heavily on faith. We must admit our powerlessness and surrender these events to God.
I hope that many of you will join us for the prayer service, whether you come for an hour, or even five minutes. I will be at the Prayer Service at around 2:00pm myself to lead a prayer and reflection.
The winter weather continues to stay with us, and this weekend as in the last, it has been impossible to access St. Dominic Savio in Bass Lake. Also, the drive to St. Joseph's in North Fork can be a treacherous drive due to the ice that forms in the higher elevations. Your patience and understanding is appreciated with the cancellations of the Bass Lake Mass today. We do urge all parishioners not to take unnecessary risks of getting to Mass if it is too dangerous. We urge all our parish families to furnish the office with email addresses so that we can send out information to as many as possible when a cancellation is required. You can email the parish at olsparish@sti.net, you can phone the parish office.
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