Pastor’s Letter: October 23, 2022

Pastor’s Letter: October 23, 2022

21 Oct 2022 | Posted by: chadmin

The October 23 bulletin is available online.

Dear friend,

One of my favorite messages of the Bible is the first line in the Reading from Sirach this Sunday.  “The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.” God has no favorites! The reading emphasizes that God is aware of the needs of the widow, the orphan, the weak, the needy and the lowly. Although the Scriptures make God’s care for the outsider a message of importance and focus, it is true that God has no favorites. This message is for everyone and a message everyone must ponder. As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus; we are called to be disciples. The goal of discipleship is not only following Jesus, it is living a life in communion with His truth that is personal to each of us. This personal encounter with Jesus necessitates that we believe that God loves all of us personally and the same. God has no favorites! The belief that God truly wills our good allows us to see our spiritual potential. If we believe God has no favorites, then we can envision God guiding, loving, and forgiving each of us, just as His grace blessed the lives of each Christian Saint. When you enter church, pray the Mass, receive Communion, or mediate on the Christian Mysteries, allow your heart to believe in your personal potential to be a saint.

The parable from Jesus in the Gospel of Luke this weekend invites us into a spirit of humility. The first or original sin of Adam and Eve was one of pride. The original sin of Satan was one of pride, he wanted to be like God. Essentially the sin of pride is one of self-focus. When we put ourselves before others we venture into the sin of pride. Jesus defines the prideful as those who are “convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.” Jesus then used the example of the humble person as one who beats his breast and prays “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” Humility is a state of authenticity and realism. One can be humble when living one’s gifts and talents to the best of one’s ability, even when that brings attention or recognition. Humility, however, doesn’t elevate oneself over others for personal gain. Christ lived humility as he never strayed from his identity while seeking to care for the good in others through His ministry of serving. A personal increase in humility can help all of us better celebrate the gifts in others and support all in their life challenges.

We recently started the annual RCIA class. The class is held in the Parish Center on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. If you or someone you know would like to be baptized, confirmed or receive Eucharist, or simply to reflect on the Christian faith, feel most welcome to join us in the banquet room. You can email the parish office at parish@stphils.com for more information.

God bless,

Father David