Pastor’s Letter: March 3, 2019

Pastor’s Letter: March 3, 2019

1 Mar 2019 | Posted by: chadmin

On this 8^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church provides us one of my favorite Gospel passages. The Gospel of Luke presents us with many of the great parables or stories of Jesus. I personally think more important than some of the parables or stories, are the questions Jesus asked. “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” Such a great question! The Lord gives another question and a little instruction, but the question itself is good for meditation. Why do I really notice the faults of others? What is going on in me that the words, actions, or beliefs of someone else can at times become a focus for me? By doing this, how does it affect my life and my prayer? Christianity is certainly a religion about purifying, conversion and seeking God-like perfection. Conversion often starts with the right question at the right time. So much of life is about timing. Sometimes I need to have the courage to ask someone else the question that makes them think and sometimes I need to listen to the questions of others. Sometimes I need to ask myself the necessary self-reflection question and sometimes its Jesus Himself, in scripture or prayer. Why do I notice the splinter in someone else? Maybe at that moment I’m tired, afraid, disappointed, angry, selfish or simply ignorant. The right question can help us grow as children of God. I pray we all have the courage to ask or be asked the poignant question that leads to daily conversion. This is especially necessary at this time as Lent begins with Ash Wednesday this week. I pray for a holy Lenten season for our parish.

On Tuesday, February 19, our community suffered a great loss. Mr. Randy Simmons, parishioner and principal of Peoria Notre Dame, died. Like so many, I am filled with much sadness at his passing. Randy is someone I knew and communicated with on many levels. Over the years, we talked about education, family, religion, faith, the Church, and many, many other topics. For me, Randy was not only a parishioner I offered sacraments and spiritual care, but a true friend. Randy made everyone feel special and found ways to take care of the needs of those around him. Those who knew him will always hold him close to their hearts. The Salmon brothers told me they think it was the largest visitation and funeral in the history of Wright and Salmon. There was a police escort for the procession to the burial.  Tim Salmon said this is so big “you’d think this was a mayor or a politician.” I simply replied, “or all of the above.” Randy was so much to so many and he will be greatly missed. I feel I am a better person and priest for having known Randy Simmons. I celebrate all the lives he touched. I am thankful for his serving in public and Catholic education. I pray for healing for all the mourning hearts over his passing. I look forward to the day of resurrection and seeing Randy in heaven for a simple chat, a joke, a laugh, and some words of thanksgiving to God. May the Lord receive him into His arms of mercy and bring him eternal peace.

God bless you, 

Fr. David