ALL SET FOR SUNDAY
The readings can be found here.
It seems like we have lots of rules that we need to obey: honor your parents, be truthful, respect the property of others, return what you have borrowed, respect life from the moment of conception until natural death, respect your relationships and the relationships of others, refrain from meat on Fridays, especially in Lent, fast on days of penance, feast on solemnities, love God, love others, make disciples. There are a lot of rules—some of which we might readily embrace, others of which we might feel are difficult or impossible. Some of the rules might feel like the infringe on my freedom or the freedom of others. Some rules feel like they are arbitrary or cruel.
Before we decide whether or not we obey or disobey, we should change our perspective and seek to discover where they rule comes from and why it’s in place. In the development of the conscience, we are called to first surrender, submit, and subordinate ourselves to God. We do this with one simple sentence: I am not God. When God gives us laws and commandments, which we call DIVINE LAW, we are called to surrender. When a law or commandment comes from a government or authority, we are called to discern whether or not it is in accord with divine law—if it is, then we are asked to give the government or authority the benefit of the doubt; however, if after we pray, read, study and pray more, and find that we cannot follow it, then the conscience takes priority. The conscience is more than a feeling or a thought. The reading and studying requires that we seek input from folks we might agree with as well as from folks that we might not—it requires the use of our intellect and reason which have been given to us by God.
In a time when authority is constantly challenged and questioned, it is hard to give it the benefit of the doubt. The change in perspective is that while people can be selfish, arrogant or prideful, they can also be selfless, humble and loving.
NEWS FROM THE PEWS
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED! Yes, Father Daniel has returned. I am so happy to have him back. His energy and joy is contagious. We are so blessed to have him with us. My prayer is that his Bishop and ours forget that he is here. Please join with this prayer.
A humble request: I realize that requests made to me are falling through the cracks. This is not malicious or intentional, but often because there is a desire to go to the Pastor for things. If you can ask one of the ministry team members first about something, please do so. Their contact information is listed on the ministry team page found here. If I haven’t responded to you as quickly as you like, please reach out again—if I direct you to another person, please know it’s not because I don’t think it’s important; it’s probably because my plate is full and someone else is better able to assist you. The final part of the request: if you see a problem, offer a solution as well. No one enjoys reading a bunch of problems; we love helping to create solutions with others.
Our Finance Council met this past week. We had a great meeting and are working on our annual report to you later in September.
We had our first Information Session for the Fiat Lux small groups. Fiat Lux means “let there be light.” It is the first words that God speaks in the Bible in the first chapter of Genesis. This is the desire for these groups—that God’s light will be present within our community by coming together. We will offer the same Information Session on Tuesday, September 3 at 6:30!
Our weekday Mass schedule expands this week. Please join us for an evening weekday Mass on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays at 5:15 PM.
Our expanded times of Adoration will also begin this week. The first time is Thursday at 11:45 AM. (Monday is a holiday and Wednesday is a first Wednesday of the month). Also, join us on First Friday for the Encounter experience at 7:00 PM. We have amazing music, heartfelt reflections and a powerful encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.
Happy Labor Day! Our offices are closed in observance of the holiday. Morning Mass is still at 8:15 AM. Please join me in praying for all who sustain our lives by their labors, as well as for those who are underemployed and unemployed.