Ordinary Time

We journey through life knowing that our goal is to be in the wedding feast of the Lamb (eternal life in heaven) and how important it is to be ready for the feast and adorn our wedding garment (our soul). But there are moments when we fall short and lose focus on eternal life; our wedding garment becomes stained and unfit. By reconciling with God in confession and receiving Christ in the Eucharist, we are continually cleansed and strengthened, adorned and ready for the feast.

Among the greatest fruits we have received as members of Jesus' Church is the Eucharist. Our mission to "GO": go out into your neighborhoods, work, and social groups and share with other Catholics who you know have been away from the Church about the great fruit of the Eucharist in your own life.
 
Click here to read the CARA report that Fr. Bill refers to in his homily.

Jesus invites us to enter into a deep and abiding relationship with Him, and to share that experience with others. It doesn't matter how late you have come to this game. God's Church, his ballpark, is inviting each of us to enter into a deeper encounter with Him. Such an invitation will likely require a change about something in your mind, heart, or lifestyle. Let Him change you and so be open to the Holy Spirit.

It is our tendency to compare ourselves and what we have with others, but that can lead us down the path of becoming envious. When we are envious of others, we forget the blessing that God has given us as unique individuals with our own gifts, talents, and abilities. We imprison ourselves with our envy and rob ourselves of the grace, peace, and joy that God is bestowing on each one of us equally. Instead of being envious of our neighbor's gifts and talents, let us praise God for the gifts that others have received and ask that the grace God has bestowed on them continues to be a blessing for us as well, as we receive what we give.

To truly experience the healing power of God’s mercy in our lives, to have the sense of inner peace and well-being (shalom in Hebrew) that comes with God’s forgiveness, we have to share that forgiveness with others. If you want to experience the liberating power of God’s mercy in your life, then share that mercy with others. Forgive your brother or sister from your heart, that your heavenly Father might forgive you. 

In a world that’s all-in on judgment, condemnation, and cancellation, we need to be a sign of something truer and better and far more difficult: the work of reconciliation. It’s not that there’s never a time for argument or speaking the truth, but until there’s trust - until the other person really feels heard and knows we care about them, not just getting our way - arguments only drive the wedges deeper. Reconciliation should be our goal, not the need to be right.
This means being willing to listen without planning a response or counterargument; being humble enough to admit that we may not have the whole picture; considering the possibility that there are things we don't know or understand - perhaps even things that we are wrong about. Look around your circle of family, friends, and coworkers. With whom are you at odds? This week, seek them out, listen to them, and begin practicing the hard work of reconciliation.

As Christ’s disciples, we are going to face stumbling blocks in our path. Our tendency is to assess the situations we face from a very human perspective and make important decisions based on our own logic - thinking in the worldly way and not the Godly way. Instead, spend time in prayer to discern God’s will and remember the transformative power that Jesus came to bring via suffering and the cross. Jesus does not want us to be afraid, but to be bold and stand solidly like a rock against the things that the world throws at us, knowing He is there standing at our side.

Beyond knowing the details of who Jesus was, we are called to enter into a relationship with him: to know him, not just about him. This week, concentrate on once again answering the question he has put forth to us: "Who do YOU say that I am?" Then, commit yourself to deepening that knowledge by inviting him personally into your heart. Yes, we must know about Jesus and his teachings, but far more critical is to know him personally and allow him to change your life.