A Two-Edged Sword
While the Gospel is always the “good news,” sometimes the passages that we are given for our mediation have that good news message somewhat hidden as is the case with this Sunday’s Gospel reading. There is a lament, almost an anxiety, in our Lord’s words that he has come to light a fire on the earth and how he wishes that it was already blazing. Most scholars agree that this fire that Jesus is speaking of is a reference to his sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, an event that cannot happen without the Lord’s “baptism.” Here our Lord is not speaking of the baptism that he received from John in the Jordan but rather the baptism of his passion and death which will lead to the unleashing of the power of Spirit in the world.
Jesus tells us that he has not come to establish peace on the earth, at least not the peace that the world wants him to give. The peace that Jesus gives is a two-edged sword. The Lord grants peace to all who seek him with sincere hearts, but his peace is not that of the world; his peace is not freedom from conflict but the ability to stand firm in the midst of conflict and division. To accept the Lord on his terms and not our own will surely lead to conflict with the world and those in it, possibly even with those who are nearest and dearest to us. To walk with the Lord means that we do not get to walk the smooth and easy path. To choose Christ means that he must come before all others, even ourselves and those who are most important in our lives. This is part of the hard cost of discipleship. Let us seek the Lord’s grace to be able to receive the same baptism of the Cross with him so that we may ultimately receive the promised gift of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This Monday, August 15th, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary body and soul into heaven. We remember that at the end of her earthly life, Mary fell asleep in the Lord having lived a life of total discipleship and, because of the that, our Lord Jesus took his mother totally to himself. While the Solemnity of the Assumption is a holy day, the obligation is lifted this year since it falls on a Monday; however, we will still offer Mass at 7:00AM and 5:30PM for those who wish to celebrate this great feast of our Blessed Mother.
Meeting for New and Current Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
A brief tutorial/refresher meeting will be held at 7PM on Monday evening, September 12th in the church. The meeting should last no longer than thirty (30) minutes. This will be a chance for everyone in these two ministries to “be on the same page” as well as for me to answer any questions. A reminder will be sent out to everyone in these ministries. If you are interested in joining one or both of these ministries, please contact Ann in the parish office. We are always in need of more liturgical ministers.
Back to School
This Tuesday our parish school will begin another wonderful school year. Let us pray for all students, teachers, and school staff in our parish at all levels and in various schools, asking the Holy Spirit to bless and guide them now and always.
Holy Land Pilgrimage
As most know, I was privileged to lead thirty-six pilgrims to the Holy Land in late June. Since many of you have inquired about the Holy Land or stated that you wanted to go but could not for various reasons, I have begun to plan another pilgrimage for the Holy Land for June of 2023, with an eye to a possible pilgrimage to Italy in 2024. I am planning this trip with Vicki Compton, faith formation director at the Cathedral and former director of the Office for the Missions for our diocese. This pilgrimage will be almost the same, but a few days will be taken off of Israel to allow for a few days in Jordan to see Mt. Nebo and Petra as well as for a few days in Egypt to see the pyramids and enjoy a cruise on the Nile. I hope to have more information in a few weeks.
Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead!
Father Chris House