Love Your Enemies

02-24-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

In last Sunday's Gospel, Jesus gave the beatitude in which he exalted the poor as those who will merit the rewards of heaven but denounced the rich for ignoring God in their lives. This is seemingly paradoxical; it is like turning the natural human expectations upside down. In the Gospel today, Jesus continues in the same line of discussion by calling his disciples, and all Christians, to a higher standard of love. He commands us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us, to turn the other cheek to those who strike us, to let people take what belongs to us, and to give without expecting any appreciation in return. To love one's enemy, and to do good to those who want to harm us, are very high standards Jesus sets for us. This is what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion in the world. However, Jesus did not only set the standards for us, but he lived them when he died for all of us sinners and prayed for those who killed him.

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Trust and Hope

02-17-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

Our liturgy today is centered on the theme of "Trust and Hope." In all three of our scripture readings today, we see a comparison between those who hope or trust themselves versus those who hope and trust in the Lord. While hope and trust do not mean the same thing, we know from life experience that it is nearly impossible to have one without the other; that is to hope without trusting someone or something or to trust without hope. It is also impossible for anyone to live without hope and trust in someone or God. The readings described those who hope and trust in God as wise, and those who trust in only themselves as foolish. In the first reading, Jeremiah used "curse", a very strong word for those who trust in human beings. In the Gospel, Jesus also used a strong word, "Woe", to those who think they can do well in life without God. In contrast, those who trust and hope in God are described as the "Blessed" who are wise enough to know that all they have comes from God their creator. Jesus is not just comparing the rich to the poor or those who trust in themselves versus those who trust and rely on God, but he is actually offering his disciples and all of us, the key to the source of true eternal happiness. Relying on God will always lead to eternal life and joy that lasts forever while relying on personal achievement without God leads to illusionary joy that does not last.

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Charity and Development Appeal 2019

02-10-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

Around this time each year, we are invited to participate in the Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) from the Diocese. During all Masses last weekend, we listened as Bishop Thomas Olmsted invited us to participate in the CDA. He explained how the appeal helps fund more than 70 charities and ministries that help the poor and needy around our Diocese. He showed us some very touching, real-life examples of how your donation to the CDA has helped transform the lives of thousands of people.

This weekend is the official Kickoff Weekend for the CDA all over the Diocese. I invite you to pray about how you will participate and support the CDA this year. The goal for our parish this year is $85,000. Personally, I find it very difficult to ask you for donations again, after all of your overwhelming support for our current capital campaign in addition to your weekly financial support. However, like Peter said to Jesus, "To whom shall we go." As we all know, the church always depends totally on the generous support of each one of us to survive and be able to serve those in need around us. Within the next few weeks, you will be receiving the CDA envelope from the Diocese, if you have not already received one. We will also have the CDA in-pew donation envelopes available to those who may be participating for the first time.

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National Marriage Week and More

02-03-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Welcome to the month of February! We will be observing National Marriage Week from Feb 7 through Valentine's Day on Feb 14. This includes the World Day of Marriage which we will observe next Sunday, Feb 10. The celebration of National Marriage Week started in 2010. This is part of an international movement seeking to celebrate and strengthen marriage. The theme of the celebration this year will focus on "Marriage: Made for a Reason." The US Bishops' Conference (USCCB) has developed a number of resources including homilies, bulletin inserts, flyers and a virtual retreat to assist couples during the celebration.

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