FROM THE DESK OF MSGR. FRANCISCO RIOS, PAROCHIAL VICAR.....… 
 

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
 
How many times, like Habakkuk the prophet, do we ask the question: “How long, O Lord?” and it seems that God does not hear us; we feel like giving up. Scripture tells us: ”for the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint.”  It seems that the first reading was taken from the Mercury News, “violence, ruin, misery, destruction, strife, discord”; and despite all the gloom and doom,  God is there, promising us salvation and justice. “The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.”
 
St. Ignatius’ rules of discernment tell us: “In times of consolation (good times) grow in your faith, charity and humility” and “in time of desolation do not make changes but persevere in your faith and your commitments.”  Keep your faith and you shall live.
 
These difficult times are times to: “stir into flame the gift of God (the gift of the Holy Spirit) … For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.  So do not be ashamed of your testimony of our Lord”