Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis shared a lesson from their pastor about love in the Sept. 6 bulletin.

The Rev. Andrew Raczkowski wrote that Jesus has called us to live radically in our love for God and our fellow brothers and sisters. In fact, this is such an important step of our lives that St. Paul tells us that all of the laws can be summed up in the commandments to love God and love others as ourselves.

“Unfortunately, there is precious little of this attitude of Christ in our world today,"  Fr. Raczkowski said. "Instead, there is a get-rich, get-ahead, get-what-I-want-at-others’-expense attitude. The only remedy is the conversion of the heart.”

In a time when terrorism and racism are running rampant, it is clear that certain actions are not of God. Yet, there are times when our responses to certain events cannot be solved by physical action but through prayer.

“Therefore, this week, in particular, I would like to ask all of our parishioners to voluntarily join me in prayer and abstinence according to your ability,” Raczkowski said. “This Friday, Sept. 11, will mark the 19th anniversary of the attacks in 2001. I’m asking all of our parishioners to join together in a day of prayer and abstinence from meat with the singular intention of praying for peace and an end to terrorism in the world.”

The U.S. Bishops asked that parishioners and priests participate in a day of prayer and fasting on Sept. 9 for the end of racism, in remembrance of St. Peter Claver who gave his life to the ministry of slaves.

“The evils of racism and terrorism can only be eradicated by the conversion of heart," Fr. Raczkowski said. "Let us join together this week to pray ardently for the conversion of all hearts, beginning with our own, that the peace of God may guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”