​Being raised in God’s wisdom as Mary’s children

Being raised in God’s wisdom as Mary’s children

Sharing faith and life with one another and recognizing the abilities of people with special needs, a Mass for Persons with Disabilities was celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, on September 19 at St. Vincent de Paul Church.

The archbishop asked those present, “Does anybody here love Jesus?” He following their response, he playfully replied, “I can’t hear you!” That drew an even louder answer.

“I know you love Jesus! But you know what?” Archbishop Gustavo quizzed, followed by, “He loves you even more. He loves you more than you love him. And whenever you think you can love him more, He loves you even more. He even loves you more than those who care for you. And no matter how hard they try to love you, Jesus will always love you more than them. No one can beat Jesus in his love for us. And let me tell you a secret: You are his favorites!”

Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” The Missionary of the Holy Spirit continued, “So I came to celebrate with you not only to be closer to you, but to be closer to Jesus.”

In the Gospel at the liturgy, Jesus took a child, he placed it in the midst of the apostles, and putting his arms around the child, He said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.’”

The archbishop told listeners, “We should all try to be like children. They have a special kind of wisdom that we should not lose as we grow older. On the contrary, we should cultivate it, like a small plant that little by little becomes a large tree.”

The apostle James describes that wisdom in the second reading at the Mass. “It is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.”

The San Antonio prelate concluded his brief comments by telling the attendees, “If you know people like that in your lives, try to learn from them.”

The Order of Alhambra, Alamo Caravan 269, offered refreshments following the liturgy in the parish hall.