Holy Love

John 3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” People often ask: What kind of a father would give up his son, only to be killed by those whom he had come to save? The key to understanding this great mystery of love is to realize that the supreme act of love is to sacrifice oneself. God the Father so loves the Son, such that He asks Him to sacrifice Himself; and in response, God the only begotten Son so loves the Father, such that He is obedient to His Father’s will even unto death.

At the designated time, Jesus, the Word of God incarnate, suffered under the hands of mere mortals to do the Father’s will – He offered His back to those who scourged Him, He offered His cheeks to those who plucked His beard, He did not shield His face from their blows and spitting. At the designated time, Jesus died on the Cross and became the perfect Sacrifice, for He is God Himself, who is perfect and without the blemish of sin. Jesus’ death on the Cross is the one Sacrifice that is most pleasing to the Father, for only He can reciprocate the Father’s love with an equally great love.

The love between the Father and the Son does not end there, for it is their desire that all of mankind comes to share in this great love, which is accomplished in the way that everyone who believes in the Son might not perish, but might have eternal life!

Christians are called to respond to the great love of God with love. Can we find it in us to offer up ourselves in a way that we suffer in silence, stop complaining and judging others, and to treat even those we dislike with mercy and love? Can we take up the Cross for Christ like Simon of Cyrene? Can we acknowledge our sins before God and repent like the good thief? Can we ask for Christ’s Body from those who condemned Him like Joseph of Arimathea? Can we look for Jesus as soon as dawn breaks like Mary Magdalene?

The State of Georgia is now under a statewide shelter-in-place order from April 3 to 13, 2020. As a result, our church is closed to the public during that time. As we take sensible measures to protect everyone from the spread of the coronavirus, be assured that our church community is here to help if you have material or spiritual needs. Private Masses will continue to be offered for your intentions. If you need to go to confession, please contact Fr. Bill for an appointment. For all other requests, please send an email to bhao@hnojatl.org and Fr. Bill will respond to you promptly.

Thank you to the parishioners who have donated face masks and gloves to the church! If you are in need of these items, please let Fr. Bill know, so that you can pick up from the church. If you cannot come to the church, we will find a way to deliver to your home.

The Eucharistic Congress scheduled for June 12-13, 2020 has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The next Eucharistic Congress is planned for June 4-5, 2021.

MASS INTENTIONS are now posted on the website. Click on LITURGICAL CALENDAR to check if there is a Mass intention for that day. 

April 5, 2020 is Palm Sunday. You can pick up your blessed palm branches at the front door of our church on Sunday from 2-4pm.