April 21, 2008

Some time ago, an American minister was invited to come and speak to a parish in Toronto. This U.S. minister (who was not a priest and whose religion doesn’t matter) was hired because he had a reputation as a brilliant and moving speaker for $3000.00. In this way they believed they could draw people back to the Mass and so increase not only attendance but also money for the church. The priest said, ‘We’ll pay for all this so we don’t lose everything! And in this way we’ll be sure to get more money in the future!’ (He decided this was more important than to say Mass from the heart.)

The priest believed, ‘We’ll lose everything, so we have to pay so we can continue!’ The visiting minister from the U.S. arrived and the TV stations were invited to come and cover the event. ‘We invite the media! We guarantee you that this minister is a great speaker. Come and watch him win for God!’

The minister spoke to the congregation, ‘People, I love you!’ (But remember, they paid him to go there?) ‘But until you recognize that I truly love you from the heart, my words will mean nothing to you. I’m here to share love with you and even though I am being paid for this - I truly love you!’

The people believed him and came to Mass every Sunday. Each week more and more came to listen. How beautiful it was! But after two weeks the contract ended and the minister told them it was time for him to leave. The organizers thanked the minister so much because now there were so many more people to pray for God and so much more money!

The minister looked at them and said, ‘It is time for me to be going home. In my heart I truly love the people even though you paid me. I tell you that in three weeks the church will close. Learn to love from the heart - then you will understand love is greater than ‘what you know’.

Priests, listen today! Don’t ask for money. Learn to love today from the heart!

We are here because we love you. Do the same. Love! And forget ‘bingo’ or the business of making money. Put aside pride (because you are such a smart person). The priests today will mean so much for the people if they put aside business and pride.

And we do this here with no money at all and the people come.

Today for the priests – humility is more important than pride. Jesus taught us to love all people the same without pride where no one person is more important than the other. Jesus gave us all the example of washing feet. That’s why you priests are very important. And don’t feel angry today asking, ‘Where are they (the people)?’

We are here to work with you priests. Many people who are crying come to see us from different countries because they recognize my love for them. And we do this for you now, priests, to be happy everyday because you realize that to love is more important than anything. And it won’t cost thousands of dollars because it is free (because of Love). Priests, we are not angry. But wake-up and recognize how very easy it is to love when you understand what we mean. It is fascinating.

We thank you, priests. You have given your lives. You are important – more as a father than as a priest. Jesus said, The only true fathers are the priests – when they become as the Father.

Remember priests, we are not angry with you but it is time you understood – time to learn now how to love for yourselves.

Yours truly,

Roger Poisson for the Spirit