Thursday, March 28

Today’s Prayer and Reflection:

They . . . turned their backs, not their faces, to me. (Jeremiah 7:24)

We often hear the Christian life compared to a journey, and for good reason. When someone takes a journey, it’s because they want to get somewhere—just as we are journeying toward our ultimate destination of heaven. And as anyone on a journey knows, the best way to get to the destination is to keep moving forward. That’s what makes today’s first reading so poignant. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God laments that his people have been going backward and not forward. They have turned their backs to the Lord and started walking away from him and back into the darkness of sin.

Think about this image for a bit. What is sin if it’s not going backward, returning to the urges and desires that cut us off from God and one another? And what is the result of walking backward? We move away from our destination and lose sight of the heavenly life that is our inheritance in Christ.

At the same time, what is a life of faith if it’s not one of constantly moving forward with our eyes fixed on the goal? What is it if it’s not taking the bold step of trusting that God will support us, strengthen us, and fulfill us far more than sin could ever derail us?

When you are faced with temptation today, keep this image in your mind. Remember that the choice is always yours: whether to take a step backward, away from your goal, or to walk forward, out of the swirling drives and urges and into the arms of your heavenly Father. Commit yourself today to continuing on with your journey of trust and love, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus and his heavenly throne.

Remember too that the journey forward is not one you take alone. You are surrounded by the saints and angels. You have the witness, prayer, and support of brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Best of all, Jesus himself is always with you “until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

As this week winds down, take a few moments to examine your journey. Ask if there are any obstacles that you can remove. Is there anything you can do to make your way forward smoother and quicker?

“Jesus, I want to walk toward you today. Help me to reach my goal of union with you.”

Reprinted with permission of The Word Among Us, 7115 Guilford Dr #100, Frederick, MD 21704, wau.org.

Today’s Announcements:

• Happy Birthday to Avery King!
• Remind your parents and relatives to buy tickets to our school fundraiser, Shamrockin’ the Coast, which is this Saturday night. We will be taking a fun trip to Margaritaville soon for those who buy or sell a ticket.
• Seniors and juniors – as you know, prom is fast approaching and will be an excellent evening! We will begin selling prom tickets today. Tickets are $45 per person and may be purchased from Mrs. Collier or Mrs. Edwards in the front office by Tuesday. Also, prom will be held from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. – all students must arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. and must stay until at least 9:00 p. m. We would love for you to get the most out of this very special and memorable event! If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Tavel.
• Also, if you would like to request an outside guest for prom, the completed form is due to Dr. Buckley by this Friday, March 29. You may download the outside guest form from the “Campus Life” page of the website or pick up a copy from Mrs. Collier at the front desk. Outside guests must be enrolled in a local high school in tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade and in good standing at his or her current school.
• There is a Father/Daughter dance and dinner on Saturday, April 6, at the Great Southern Club Sunset Ballroom in the Hancock Bank building for ladies in seventh through tenth grades. If you are interested, pick up a flyer in the front office.
• National Honor Society Seniors, you need to pay Ms. Wilkinson for your graduation stole. If you are wearing your sibling’s stole, please email Ms. Wilkinson and let her know.
• Seniors, please check your emails from Ms. Wilkinson. There are important scholarship deadlines.
• Seniors, graduation announcements have been delivered to the front office. If you ordered, please see Mrs. Collier to pick them up. If you missed the deadline to order also see Mrs. Collier for information.
• The American Red Cross and Tradition Family YMCA are offering lifeguard classes during Easter Break. If you are 15 years or older and are interested, please pick up a flyer from the front desk.
• St. Patrick will be the host team in today’s varsity invitational track and field meet with seven other teams involved; field events begin at 4:30 this afternoon – good luck and go Irish!
• Tickets for the spring musical Sister Act are on sale! Advance sales are $12.50 and tickets at the door are $15. Get your tickets from any cast member or Mrs. Trahan. The show opens on Friday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. This year’s musical is going to be a sell-out, so get your tickets soon!