FRIDAY EVENING MASS HOMILY ? FATHER RAY BOURQUE 

Peter and John had gone to the temple where Peter cured a cripple in the name of Jesus. They were brought before the Sanhedrin and were put in prison, because they chose to listen to God rather than to man. An angel came and released them from prison. As signs and wonders appeared among the people, many people joined them.

If it is from God, you cannot stop it; if not from God, it will die out.

There is a big move for a one world government and a one world religion. This one world religion will not be of God. This religion is based on Mother Earth. 

We have to talk about Jesus. Do not let people tell you to stop talking about Jesus.

The "Bread of Life" started with the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus like Moses asked "Where are we going to get food for all these people." The Jews referred to Moses and thought Jesus was another prophet who would free them of the Romans.

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." You have to believe and eat and drink His body and blood. About 50% of the people in the Catholic Church do not go to church. WHY? They do not believe. If you believe, you would be at church. Believe the Eucharist is Jesus Christ, because it is

SATURDAY MORNING MASS HOMILY ? FATHER RAY BOURQUE

The Church must grow. In the Acts of the Apostles, we see how the Church grew. With the healing of the cripple, people joined the Church and it continued to grow.

In the beginning, there developed a conflict between the Jews and the pagans who were in the Church. Widows were not treated well, and the apostles did not want to neglect the "Word" in order to care for these. Therefore, they selected seven men to help. They laid hands on them. This was the beginning of the deacons.

Hands are also laid on us at Baptism which brings us into the family of God, and we become a child of God rather than being a creature of God.

FATHER RAY BOURQUE'S BIBLE STUDY

Father spoke of the Holy Father's trip to Fatima to beatify two of the Fatima children: Jacinto and Francisco.

The Holy Father says to offer everything you do as a sacrifice: 1) Offer your duty of state - everyday, everything we do should be as if we are on the way to Heaven; 2) Offer all difficulties of life - big or small things can be offered as a sacrifice; 3) Offer all infirmities; and 4) Offer all in the love of heart.

The prayer of the children at Fatima was "Jesus, for love of you, in reparation for sins against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for conversion of sinners, and for the Holy Father".

In 1917 when our Lady appeared to the children at Fatima, She asked "Are you willing to accept all sacrifices," to which Jacinto answered, "we are ready".

Father referred to the book Fatima in Lucia's Own Words as the most important book written on Fatima. He quoted extensively and with emotion from this book during his talk. These children displayed a spiritual maturity beyond their young years.

These three children, Lucia, Jacinto and Francisco had different experiences:

Lucia saw, heard and spoke with Our Lady.

Jacinto saw and heard Our Lady.

Francisco saw, but never heard a word of Our Lady.

The last time the Holy Father went to Fatima, someone tried to kill him. These next days will be special. Pray in a deeper way today and in the days to come.

At Fatima, Our Lady had Her heart in Her hand. Why? A light went to earth and was on Jacinto and Francisco, because they were going to heaven soon.

Pray that this beatification helps us.

SUNDAY MORNING MASS HOMILY - FATHER RAY BOURQUE

The power, the word and the mission of Jesus Christ continue after His death. The Jews put to death the author of life, but God raised Him from the dead. We are all part of the death and crucifixion of Jesus.

Father Ray says read the Bible often. Read the First Letter of John for a month.

The message from the Holy Father is to get away from sin. If you really want to love God, do not sin.

Jesus is always interceding for us with the Father. Come to Jesus if you sin. He is our intercessor. He is the offering for our sins. He offered Himself for our sins. We still sin. When we sin and are tempted, Jesus is there. This is the good news to bring to the world.

When we read the Bible we need to do four things:

1. hear the word;
2. accept the word;
3. live the word; and
4. proclaim the word.