Ordinary Time

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.

Jesus isn't interested in a transaction with us, like He gives us a good life if we follow the rules. He wants a relationship that's honest, intimate, and capable of changing you, even if it involves a bit of friction between the two of you. So be bold with God. When He leads you into the dark places, grab His hand, tell Him exactly what you need, and then hang on for dear life. That's how we change and grow, gradually becoming capable of the freedom, love, and trust that the Lord wants for us.

There are two competing voices within each of us, attempting to influence us: the attractiveness of the world and the still, small voice of God saying, “Come; be not afraid”. But Jesus is not just any influencer. For two thousand years, he has transformed those whom he influences by being perfectly God and yet willing to die on the cross out of love for us. Jesus is reaching out to take you by the hand - follow him to get away from all the competing voices and noise and hear his still, small voice above all the others: "Be not afraid".

Ultimately, all the changes, conversions, reversions, and transfigurations we encounter in this pilgrimage of life are practices for the final transfiguration of our lives when we die to this world and pass into the next. Christ's Transfiguration was intended as preview of things to come for His faithful - of the destiny He desires for all of us.

There’s nothing God longs for more than your friendship; nothing he wants more than your well-being; nothing he searches for more persistently than your heart. God doesn't just love humanity - He loves you. You, with all your gifts, faults, and struggles. Will you believe that? Can you open your heart to that possibility? Will you take a chance to choose Christ, who gave up everything to choose you?
Dcn. Brett invites you to listen to an excerpt from "I Thirst for You", a letter written by Mother Teresa as the words of Jesus addressed to each of us (click the link to read the piece in full).

Jesus likens the Kingdom of Heaven to how the small mustard seed, once planted, becomes a large tree, a place of refuges for all the different kinds of birds. The "seed" is Jesus, planted by God, which died and rose again to give rise to a "large tree" - the universal Catholic Church. Holy Trinity Parish is a branch of that tree in which all of us - a diverse community of "birds" - take refuge, together becoming a place for all to come and worship.
As a parish community, we have the responsibility to give this place a sense of belonging not for just us but those coming to visit, to find rest in Christ not only in the liturgy but through relationship building and our interaction with one another. That is how we will find rest for our souls.

Start memorizing scripture verses that speak to your heart. God’s word is not empty. It’s not just words on a page; it’s living, powerful, effective. It accomplishes God’s purpose. And whether we have years ahead of us, months, or just days, God has a purpose - and it’s His word that will help get us there.