Brothers and Sisters,

For what do you wish to ask the Lord? In the Letter to the Hebrews, we are encouraged to “confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.” Jesus, our high priest, is the answer. As the divine Son of God, he can offer grace and absolution. Yet, in his humanity, he empathizes with our struggles, having faced temptation and experienced the fullness of human life.

If you had the attention of the all-powerful, infinite God at this moment, what would you ask? The apostles, after witnessing Jesus’s miracles and hearing his teachings, had time to ponder their requests. Yet, not surprisingly, James and John get it wrong—they ask for power and recognition. Sometimes, we may approach God with similar requests, focusing on things that ultimately miss the point.

God’s deepest desire for us is our salvation, uniting us with his very life. He wants us to walk his path, not for his sake but for ours. By letting go of the desires for wealth, power, and prestige that ensnare us, we can fully embrace the Lord. When we do, our lives become a powerful witness to God’s glory and his desire to restore our humanity in the likeness of Jesus.

This is the heart of a true culture of life. It begins by recognizing that God is the source of life, and only through a relationship with him can we fully live. In humility, we must acknowledge the ways we have contributed to sin and death and, with open hearts, receive his grace. Cultivating a deep appreciation for the gift of life means listening closely to the Lord for ways to protect and cherish all life.

One way to actively live out the culture of life is by supporting the Columbia Pregnancy Center. Your generous contributions through the Baby Bottle Fundraiser are a blessing and a witness to the value of this important labor of love, and it’s not too late to participate. If you haven’t already returned your baby bottle, you can still donate online at olphparish.org/respect-for-life, helping to provide critical support to expectant mothers in need. Additionally, if you feel called to get more involved, the Pregnancy Center is hosting a volunteer training this Monday evening. For more information regarding volunteering, visit columbia-babies.org/volunteer-info or contact them at (410) 730-3223.

Finally, I ask you to keep in your prayers all those in our parish who are preparing for confirmation. This weekend, many of our youth will be on retreat from Friday evening through Sunday morning, accompanied by our dedicated Confirmation team and young adults from Franciscan University’s Sent team. The Sent team consists of students who travel to local parishes throughout the semester to conduct retreats for middle and high school students. They use various engaging methods—such as short dramas, personal testimonies, and interactive activities—to connect with the youth and help bring the light of Christ to their hearts. Just as many of you may have experienced a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit during your own confirmation, pray that these young people have a similarly transformative experience. May the Lord open their hearts, deepen their faith, and inspire them to live fully for him as they prepare to receive the sacrament.