Deacon Jim Olson’s Homily
February 22, 2021
535 2-22-21 1st WOL Matthew 16:13-19
This is a book report. The book is “Faith of our Founding Father.”
By Janice Connell
Today is the birthday of the father of our nation George Washington. When the news media mentions George Washington, they will invariably mention that he was a Mason. Masons believe that Jesus Christ is not the son of God.
This is George Washington’s, Monday Morning Prayer! From his weekly prayer book.
“O Eternal and everlasting God. I presume to present myself this morning before Thy Divine majesty and beseech Thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it has pleased Thy great goodness to keep and preserve me this night from all dangers poor mortals are subject to. Thou hast given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for preforming the duties of this day, in which I beseech Thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul. soul. Direct my thoughts, words, and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb. Purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve Thee, the everlasting God, in righteous and holiness this day, and all the days of my life. Life. Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the Gospel; give me repentance from dead works; pardon my wanderings and direct my thoughts unto Thyself, the God of my salvation. salvation. Teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and to run in the ways of Thy commandments. Make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber. slumber. But daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy Son, Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in favor, I may in Thy appointed time attain the Resurrection of the just unto eternal life. Bless my family, friends, and kindred. Unite us all in praising and glorifying Thee in all our works begun, continued, and ended when we shall come to make our last account before Thee, Blessed Savior, who has taught us thus to pray.” The “Our Father” followed at the close of each morning and evening prayer.
Washington was convinced that religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society, but he led by example, rarely by words. words. History is clear that Washington was keenly aware of his moral and religious duties. He intuitively knew that no man fully understands the mysterious ways of God. Throughout his life, Washington’s personal relationship with Christ was intimately tied to his self-worth and self-esteem. He was uniquely renown throughout the world of his time as a humble man of God. Humility, a sign of man’s relationship with God, was the uniform George Washington consistently chose. Humility is a characteristic of the soul. The more Washington grew in knowledge of Christ, the more humility became the fiber of his being.
Washington governed his actions by the principle that humility is not an external characteristic and therefore cannot be ascertained with the senses. Humility is a condition of the soul and no one can humanly judge the soul of another. The record is clear that in Washington’s dealings with others, he held fast to the certitude that God alone is the just judge. He firmly believed and acted on the principle that one may discern a man’s soul by his deeds.
Saint James Catholic Church 