From the Desk of Father Nathan

St Gabriel Catholic Church | Pompano Beach

A Message from Father Nathan

The Gift of Time and Prayer

No prayer goes unheard. Our prayers are never wasted.

My dearest people, closest to my heart!

There is no doubt that most of our parishioners are age 63 and older. Some may be quick to assume that because of our age, we cannot do much to contribute to our community and society.

It is unfortunate to think that way.

Time is money in the modern world. Time is precious. Yet we are blessed with an abundance of time.

To me, holiness consists in how we use our talents and our time as a means of drawing closer to God. How we transform our time and talents into a path toward holiness—and toward Jesus—matters greatly.

With my limited years and experience, I have come to believe that the world is longing for prayer. The secular world often does not have the time to sit quietly and pray as many of us do. Since we are blessed with more time, I ask you to use that gift to pray for the world.

Jesus says:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
—Matthew 11:28–30

If the secular world cannot come to Christ in prayer, why don’t we bring them to Christ through our prayers?

They are weary and burdened, and they, too, need to find rest in Christ Jesus.

Prayer honors God. It acknowledges His presence and His greatness. It exalts His power, trusts in His providence, seeks His help, and, above all, makes us humble.

No prayer goes unheard. Our prayers are never wasted. Our attempts may be feeble, but the power of prayer lies in the One who hears it—not in the one who offers it. Our prayers truly do make a difference.

Let us pray for our parish family. Some of our people are sick, homebound, stressed, lonely, or facing other challenges. Let us lift each and every one of them to heaven.

Every day, as your shepherd, I bring all of our parishioners before the Lord in prayer. It is one of the crosses—and one of the responsibilities—I have willingly embraced. Now I invite each of you to join me. Together, let us pray for one another. The Lord always hears the cries of His children.

“I was naked and you clothed me, sick and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
—Matthew 25:36

Let us also embrace the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa):

“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely, and the unwanted according to the graces we have received, and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”

And remember:

“We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence.”

May we use the precious gift of time that God has given us to grow in holiness, to serve others through prayer, and to bring the needs of the world before Him each day. In doing so, we become instruments of His peace and His love.

God bless you all.

With prayers and blessings, and ever at your service

— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan