From the Pastor&#039;s Desk: February 5, 2023

From the Pastor’s Desk: February 5, 2023

Today we continue our reflection on the teaching of Jesus called the Sermon on the Mount. Last week, Jesus introduced His vision- the “blueprint” of His mission proclaimed in the Beatitudes. The meaning and purpose of the Beatitudes are that they must be put into action, and they must be seen to be lived out, because only through them, we will experience true and authentic “blessedness” in life. Therefore, the Gospel reminds us that it is essential for the Christian disciple both to be seen and heard. Christianity is not a private religion. I am not just a Christian for me only. Christianity is a vision which is meant to change the world and to become everything God desires for us to be.

Today Jesus builds on the Beatitudes by reminding us of our vocation and mission as Christians – we are to be the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World. Salt is a staple in many recipes, in many cultures, and it is not easily replaced. Neither pepper nor chili powder, for example, would have the same effect. People want salt to add flavor. Christianity is meant to make a unique contribution to society and culture, even for those who do not believe in Christ. For believers, like that saltshaker on the dinner table, it is indispensable, and we can accept no substitutes. Salt subtly contributes to many recipes and is only appreciated at times when its absence is noted. It’s meant to blend in and contribute, and we have to make sure it receives the credit it is due. A world without Christianity is like a world without salt, flavorless and prone to spoiling.

We are called to be the light of the world. Jesus Himself is the light of the world and He calls us to reflect His light as we stay in close relationship with Him and follow Him. It is not enough just to know Him, His teachings and have some general knowledge of His church. We need to follow Him, to walk as He walked, to love as He loved, to care as He cared, and to do as He had done. The way we give off light for others is by following Christ so that they can follow us along the path of light on which Christ Himself is guiding us. We Christians are supposed to be like indicator lights on an airport runway so that the people of the world amidst challenging weather or darkness of the night don’t crash but can land safely on the Christian runway of love, peace, compassion, generosity, humility, mercy, and perseverance.

Next week in our parish we will celebrate the Stewardship Renewal Weekend of Time, Talent, and Treasure. This year we want to use the “Holy Moments” book you received at Christmas as a basis for the renewal/ commitment weekend. The theme for this year is “It is time for change in our lives. What are you going to do about it?” We want to invite everyone to participate and to see Stewardship as a Holy Moment. It is our prayer that each parishioner will be open to God by making yourself available to Him. We invite you to set aside what you feel like doing at that moment and do what the Holy Spirit is calling you to do- to be more united with God– either as a moment of prayer, awareness of a beautiful sunset, a random act of love or kindness which increases God's Love and Joy in your life.

We ask all of our parishioners to read the book before next weekend for suggestions and examples of Holy Moments. It is my deepest desire that everyone participates in the Stewardship Renewal weekend for spiritual support and growth of our parish community. The basis is very achievable – you must set apart a moment in your day to find God in your “now” … He is here… in the present… with you …. right now, in this very breath, this thought, this ever-present presence. It is a Holy moment, set apart from the world, to recognize your Creator, the One who designed you, loves you, and wants to live forever with you as part of His Holy family in an everlasting Holy moment. The One who wants us to experience the transforming power of the life of Stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure – one holy moment at a time.

Let us open ourselves to God’s presence in our lives, to receive all God plans for us to be so that our whole life might glorify Him and we may become difference makers and bring flavor, enhance taste, and shine brightly as disciples of Jesus Christ to build His kingdom among us.

Have a blessed week!

With prayers,

Fr. Andy