A Message from
our
Pastor
Sunday, September 5th, 2010
Dear Friends,
Peace and all Good!
Typical of St. Luke’s gospel is the “journey theme”. Jesus is on his long journey to Jerusalem and while on the way, he addresses the crowds about the cost of discipleship. In today’s gospel, Jesus outlines three requirements for discipleship. First, one must be willing to sacrifice all family ties and to give absolute priority to following Jesus wherever this may lead. Perhaps we cringe at the word Jesus uses—to “hate” family ties! This does not mean that we should hate our families or friends. Rather, it means that one gives lesser value to someone or thing—not to despise or reject. Second, Jesus says that if you wish to be my disciple, you must bear your cross. Here Jesus is not talking about our personal “crosses”, but rather our need to be totally committed to him and to be prepared for ridicule and rejection. .The third requirement for discipleship is the forsaking of possessions. The point is not that possessions are evil. The point is that to gather things takes time and energy and could easily lead to materialism. Sometimes we let our possessions posses us! No, true disciples must put all of their energy and commitment toward Jesus and the vocation to spread the gospel. These three requirements for discipleship are not easy for us. But, with God’s grace, we can live fruitful lives of true discipleship. I think the bottom line is: “We who follow Christ need God’s wisdom to understand the true meaning of discipleship. As we let go of our attachments to the people and things of this world, we can rely on God to give us what we need.” (St. Anthony Messenger Press, Hilarion Kistner, OFM).
As we head into the Fall Season, we are once again asked to contribute our time, talent and treasure to our parish. I invite and urge everyone to seriously discern and pray about the ways in which you can be of service to this community. Please mark our St. Mary’s Ministry Fair on your calendars. It will be on September 25th and 26th after all the Masses. Representatives from the many opportunities for ministry will be available to provide information and to enroll interested parishioners in these ministries. This parish cannot function without the generous service of its members. There are many ways we can serve: liturgical ministries, outreach ministries and ministries of hospitality to name a few. And so, please search your heart to discern the ways God is calling you to serve God’s people.
Finally, I wish to thank all of you for the warm welcome last Sunday at the delightful “Welcome Home Party!” In particular, I offer special appreciation to the members of the Parish Community Life Committee for all of the hours of preparation for such a wonderful time together. It is good to be home!
Much Love,
