It is said: It’s good to have friends and know it, but it is better to be a friend and show it.

I am thankful to almighty God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, for his blessings to me and this city for the Rev. David O’Conner, pastor of St. Mary Cathedral Catholic Church.

The scripture says: (Prov. 18:24-A) “A man that has friends must show himself friendly.”

Truly, O’Connor has shown himself to be a friend of God and man.

Since meeting this man of God many years ago, he has not ceased to greet and treat me and my colleagues with the utmost respect, kindness, professionalism and brotherly love.

It does not matter whose company he may be in or their status on the private or public stage of life, he is the same.

He is the epitome of a man of God, a preacher of the truths of God’s word, the Bible. One who cares for the sheep of God’s pasture, a man that has a passion, a thirst, a hunger to reach out to the lost, the hurting, the disposed, the disenfranchised, the downtrodden and all of humanity.

In all honesty, I have always been skeptical of some folks and how they will interact with me in certain circumstances. O’Connor has proven that he is for real.

When referring to race or color, I believe he thinks automobile racing or athletic competition. Color, he thinks about God’s rainbow and its beautiful everlasting colors.

(Prov. 17:17) says it well: “A friend loveth at all times.”

Now Jesus said to his disciples; giving them a mandate in St. John 13:35 — “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Truly, O’Connor has proven to all the world, to be a man after God’s own heart, a follower of Jesus, the Christ, and a servant to the people.

Now, Rev:2:1; 10-D Clause: “Jesus declares to the apostle John: Upon the angel of the church at Ephesus write; these things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: (10-D Clause) be thou faithful unto death, and I will give the a crown of life. ‘Amen.’”

May the blessing of heaven continue to rein upon you.

 

Rev. Clifton E. Marvel Sr.

Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church