“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” Luke 1:26-29
This story comes from the State of Mississippi's Department of Mental Health, where they're #CelebratingMississippians as part of the National Developmental Disabilities Month. This week, they honored two people Saint Francis Ministries serves in its residential facilities, Bridgeway & Cheshire.
The Kansas legislature adjourned Thursday after passing a base budget, killing the proposed Executive Reorganization Order to blend human services agencies, and passing critical bills to support coronavirus preparation and response. Legislators had been trying to complete essential business since concerns escalated late last week about the need for social distancing and preparing our state's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The legislature may reconvene after April 27 for veto session but that will be subject to change.
You Can Help: Insist that essential human services nonprofits are included in the next COVID-19 stimulus bill
“Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31
Amid ongoing concern about the coronavirus COVID-19, Saint Francis Ministries’ top priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our employees and the children and families we serve.
"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” John 14 What must the disciples have thought when Jesus spoke these words?
UPDATE: In an effort to avoid the spread of COVID-19 there will not be a live event for Match Madness at the Salina Fieldhouse. Match Madness is a one-day event designed to generate new gifts to help us with our immediate needs. Every gift made to Saint Francis during the event will be matched, up to $.50 for each dollar with a cash operating grant! Help us earn a portion of this year’s $150,000 match pool with your donation.
This is not one of Jesus’ easier sayings. It’s not because it is saying anything particularly disagreeable, but rather because it just hits a little too close to home for me. I’ve done pretty well following the commandment not to kill. That seems to be the easy part. But how many days am I able to go without getting angry with someone? Sadly, the answer for me at least, is not many.