Pastor’s Post (Page 12)

Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you.” (Mark 14:7) Who are the poor? Who is the Lazarus at our door? Those who sleep in the streets or in their cars? Those who eat at soup kitchens or get food at Church pantries? Those just under the poverty level? We always ask why are they poor and can’t they better themselves. Mother Theresa once said, “If you judge people, you don’t have time to love them.” We are…

In today’s Gospel, the steward is facing a crisis, mostly due to his dishonesty. But knowing the ways of the world, he solves his problems in such a way that everyone benefits, including himself. We all have problems and crisis in our lives. In the last couple of years, we all experienced the pandemic. Everything around us closed, churches, stores, businesses and even schools. We were definitely in a crisis. But we survived with masks, vaccines, social distancing, and support…

In today’s Gospel, we see the experience of a family suffering through the loss of one child, the resentment of another and the broken heart of the father. The interesting theme throughout this story is that the father had never given up hope. Forgiveness bring home the one son. A calm, humble, and loving spirit is offered to the other son. In the midst of life’s experiences, do we argue our way out of things? Do we resent the situation…

Labor Day should make us mindful of our interconnectedness; we need one another in order to survive. Consider how we are each called to contribute as well as how we benefit from the labor of others. Take that simple can of corn you bought at the market has thousands of people standing behind it: from those who stock the shelves to the truckers who transport the product; from the regional warehouse workers to the rail operators who supply the warehouse;…

The end of the summer is here. Next week we will celebrate Labor Day, the beginning of school, and the start of our ‘regular’ routines that we have become accustomed to. Some view this sadly because the vacations are over and we’re going back to the old humdrum routines of the past. But maybe this year we can look at the Fall season as a challenge to greater things. The pandemic for the most part if over. Old ways have…

Back in seminary days, I read a small booklet that said that there is more religion and life decisions spoken about at the kitchen table. Did you ever wonder why there are so many social events that serve food here in the parish? Today we have our Annual Parish Picnic. And yes, there will be a variety of foods being served. But the important things about this gathering isn’t the food or who wins the games or what are the…

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to all who helped with the planning, running, opening and closing of this year’s Aannual Bazaar. As you know I was a bit under the weather and could not attend, but from what I saw on facebook and other pictures, it looks like everyone had a good time. Friday’s rain may have kept the crowds away, but did not dampen the spirits of our workers. This was a restructuring year and hopefully when we…

So many people look at the Bazaar as simply a fund raiser for the parish. It is that. But it also much more. It brings a parish together as so many chip in to do the work of setting things up, preparing items and working the Bazaar. It’s an opportunity to rekindle old friendship as many who have moved away come back to the Bazaar – hence – the Homecoming Bazaar. It also give everyone a chance to meet new…

Someone once said to me that he prays all the time. And I said, then I guess you don’t pray. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he taught them to talk to God and then listen. You need some time for that, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy world. Otherwise interruptions and other things take over your prayer time. In prayer we create a relationship with the Lord. Make the time for the Lord and truly…

It is so easy for us to get wrapped up in all the things we need to do and the things that need to be accomplished that we lose sight of what the most important thing is. Isn’t it possible that we can get too wrapped up in the cares of life? The highest priority in our lives needs to be choosing the good part, as Mary did in today’s Gospel: to learn of Jesus so that we can become…

There are a lot of questions in today’s Gospel. I like the one: “Who is my neighbor?” He seems to want Jesus to tell him who to like and who not to like. How would you answer the question of Who is our neighbor? What criteria would you use? Would any of the following influence your answer: race, ethnic background, family history, language, job, age or financial stability? Sometimes we allow these criteria to influence who we associate with and…

For over 200 year we have celebrated our independence of the 4th of July. Indeed, we are blessed with exceptional liberty in our nation compared to other nations around the world. But in Ephesians 3:12 we celebrate another kind of freedom one that is more amazing than the Declaration of Independence guarantee. In Jesus, we have the freedom to draw near to God, to tell God anything we wish, without holding back. We can express our joys and sorrows, our…