By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes
In Matthew’s Gospel the Lord Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow. “Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” (Matt. 6:34). Indeed, we have a lot on our plates, some joyful things, some painful things – but a lot, either way.
In spite of this, we sometimes find ourselves looking into our past, or out toward the horizon and what our future holds. Recent events have led me in both directions.
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we prepare to enter the season of Lent, I write to you to share my thoughts and hopes for the Year of Faith and how it might be lived and celebrated in the Diocese of San Bernardino. By God’s grace, this year also coincides with the 35th Anniversary of the establishment of our diocese. On this occasion we rejoice and are grateful to God for the many who were so important in the founding and establishment of the diocese.
By Most. Reverend Gerald R. Barnes
We know that as Catholics we will often find ourselves swimming against the tide of modern culture. We are confronted with secularism, relativism, materialism and other “isms” that challenge our belief in a culture of life and dignity for all. Still, Catholics are more integrated in the modern world than ever before – in schools, workplaces and places of social gathering. We are exposed to other value systems and moral opinions, often expressed strongly to us. What do we do? The tide of culture is strong, yet we are called by God to stand up for what is timeless, the worth of every single human person. He asks that we not only carry this belief in our hearts but that we pursue it as a matter of justice in our communities and beyond.
By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes
Taken from Bishop Gerald Barnes’ homily at the March 19 Diocesan Mass in celebration of the inauguration of Pope Francis.
It was a week ago tomorrow that we heard the news of who our new pope was to be and in a sense I’d like you to go back to that day only seven days ago when you heard the news - where you were and who you were with and what you felt. Last week we did something similar to this with the diocesan employees at the Pastoral Center and a few of them shared that what marked them was the simplicity of the man. Others said what really touched them was when he asked for us to pray for him and he bowed his head, the humility to ask for prayers from us for himself. Some said that it was the fact that we had an American, someone from the continent of the Americas. And others said he is Latino! And to some it was the name that he chose, Francis, and all that that means for us. Francis has always been one of the most favorite saints in our Church, because of the care he had for our earth and because of his fellowship with poverty.
By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes
Jesus invites us in Matthew’s Gospel to take refuge in him when we are weary and troubled. “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened…,” He calls to us.
By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes
One of the greatest gifts I received from my parents was their example of hospitality and charity when it came to people in need. It was not uncommon for my dad to bring home someone from my Boyle Heights neighborhood who needed something to eat or a place to rest. My mother was always there with a warm welcome. As we reflect during this season on the story of our Lord’s birth, you could say that my folks took the lesson of Las Posadas to heart. There was certainly room at their inn.
