WHOSE VOICE DO YOU LISTEN TO?
     I remember a story about a man who was on an international flight, and an hour before
landing, the pilot made an announcement: "We will not be serving beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."
       As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the pilot announced, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us." And then the storm broke. The cracks of thunder could be heard, even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies and, within moments, the plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. It dropped as if it were about to crash. Many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.
     Then, he suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently, the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat — she was reading a book, and every thing within her small world was calm and orderly.  Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that child was completely composed and unafraid. He could hardly believe his eyes.
     When the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, he lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The child replied, "Sir, my Dad is the pilot, and he is taking me home."
     Just like the little girl who was not afraid because she recognized the voice of her Dad, may we also recognize the voice of the “Good Shepherd,” Jesus Christ, so that when we find ourselves lost, or tossed in different directions by the storms of our lives, or attacked by the wolves from the outside, we would have the courage to enter into his gate for
safety, refuge and strength. Do you recognize God’s voice?
     Congratulations to all the children who received their first communion April 29 and May 6. The three first communion Masses were filled with so much joy, smiles and hope. It was a privilege and a blessing on my part to join our children in those three celebrations. This coming Tuesday, May 9 at 7pm is our parish Confirmation Mass to be
presided by Archbishop John Vlazny. There are 65 candidates who will be anointed by the Holy Spirit as they pledge their free, loving, conscious and informed commitment to the call of discipleship. Please keep them in your prayers as they take this crucial step. – Fr. Cary