Pastor’s Letter: March 17, 2024

Pastor’s Letter: March 17, 2024

15 Mar 2024 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear friend,

Jesus gives a little lesson on botany in the Gospel reading this weekend. “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground, it remains just a grain of wheat, but if it dies it produces much fruit.” Often called the cycle of life, one aspect of life gives its life for the life of another. Whether this is a seed dying to give life to a plant or a plant giving fruit for human consumption, we see the gift of life being lived for the sake of other life all the time. As Jesus reflects on his impending death, He clearly understands that the gift of His life will give life to others. When Christ talks about giving His life he knows it will be the gift of forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Jesus wants us to understand that laying down our lives starts with intention. Jesus did not force anyone to take His life. The Jews and Romans crucified Jesus because He spoke the truth about Himself and they were threatened by the truth. In a way to silence Jesus and the crowds, the Christ was killed. However, Jesus laid down His life for humanity the day He was conceived in the womb of Mary. When Christ invites us to lay down our lives for others, it is primarily an invitation to serve others before ourselves. This form of “death” can mean all sorts of different spiritual, emotional, psychological, or physical things over the span of our lives. The challenge is to approach God, others and each day in a spirit of humility that allows our hearts to be in a state of service. The call to love God and love others is the simple statement of producing fruit by differing forms of death.

This week we celebrate the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph. Patrick, of course, brought about the conversion of the Irish people. Since the St. Patrick feast falls on Sunday, the Church celebrates the Sunday Lenten Liturgy with higher reverence, but will still have the opportunity to thank Patrick and ask for his intercession. The gift of Christianity is one that we should reflect on often. Christianity obviously spread throughout Europe before crossing the Atlantic. Patrick was instrumental in the spread of Christianity from England to Ireland. As we celebrate the gift of our Catholic Christian Faith at every Sunday Mass, the feast day of St. Patrick invites us to reflect on how the power of Christ can work through those that desire to evangelize the world. St. Joseph, as the Patron Saint of the Universal Church is our universal spiritual protector. We “go to Joseph” for so many spiritual needs. May Joseph continue to guide and protect the Christian faithful and imitate his patient love for all the members of our family.

I’d like thank Fr. Luke Spannagel for the Mission in preparation for the Eucharistic Revival this summer. The Church identified the need for this revival after realizing the large number of Catholic Christians who do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Our belief is that the Eucharist IS the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is Him. The Sacrificial Victim on the Cross continues to come to us in the Eucharist to feed, strength, unite and heal us all. The Mass is our true access to the One True God. Fr. Luke reminded all of us about the love of God and the access we have to God in the Mass. As Lent progresses to the final few weeks, may our hearts ask the Lord for an increase of His Love that will result in our going to Confession and receiving the Eucharist with a worthy and joyful heart, especially on Easter. St. Philomena will continue to offer Confessions Monday-Friday at 5 pm before the Lenten Evening Mass. Other opportunities are available as well. Please seek the Lord’s Mercy in these final days of Lent. Next weekend is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. I hope Lent was spiritually reward for you. During Holy Week, we have several opportunities for confession and remembering the gift of Christ life during the Triduum Liturgies. Please take advantage of the additional prayer opportunities to grow closer to God and experience His merciful love.

Again, a special Thank You to Fr. Luke for his homilies last weekend and the three days of mission talks and prayer. Have a great week.

In Christ’s Peace,

Father David