"An Acceptable Time" by Fr. Chris House

The Good Things to Come The time has come for us to move beyond the manger, for white and gold to give way to green. This Sunday brings us to the end of the Church’s celebration of Christmas with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord as we prepare to enter into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This feast jumps us about thirty years forward in the Lord’s earthly life and is understood as the event that inaugurates his public ministry. The Scriptures that the Church has chosen for this feast bring us full circle from where our pre-Christmas journey began in Advent, to Christmas itself, and now to the end of this holy season. Some six weeks ago we began our Advent journey and over the course of that journey we heard those familiar words of the Prophet Isaiah that are proclaimed to us again this Sunday. The second reading for this feast, from the letter of Titus, is the same second reading that was proclaimed at the Mass at Night on Christmas Eve. We might say that in today’s feast we are given a recap of what has already been revealed and proclaimed: that God has heard the cry of his people and has responded to that cry in the coming of Christ his son. What was already made known to Mary & Joseph, the Shepherds, Simeon & Anna, and the Magi is now made known to a wider audience by the Spirit at the Jordan River when the voice of the Father proclaims of Jesus “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” As with the Magi, so now at the Jordan, God continues to make known through Jesus that his divine life and love are open to all people who will receive him, and all who receive him belong to him. Now that we have celebrated the coming of Jesus at the beginning of the Church year, we are now prepared for the unfolding of another great mystery; the mystery that is life in Christ and what that means for us as his disciples as the events of his passion, death, resurrection, and overall ministry are recounted for us over the rest of the Church year. This mystery of life in Christ is what we are called to contemplate and celebrate each day and in every season. We have been called and chosen to be children of God, not because of any merit of ours, but because of God’s great love for us; because of this we should in turn see our lives as something extraordinary. Luke’s Gospel for today’s feast tells us that “the people were filled with expectation.” May it be the same for us. May expectation of the good things that God wants to do for us sustain us every day. May we carry the light and joy of Christmas with us throughout the year. As we begin Ordinary Time may we remember that in Jesus there is nothing ordinary about who we are because we have been claimed by him. Ice and Snow, Bless the Lord Those aren’t my words, they come from the Prophet Daniel. I hope that everyone fared well in light of last weekend’s weather. We still had about 2/3 of our normal Sunday attendance and I was edified by both the devotion of those present and by the desire of those who wanted to be but rightly chose the natural dispensation. I want to thank our facilities staff as well as the few other volunteers who worked to clear snow for safe movement around the parish/school property. “New” Nativity Scene My first Christmas at CTK I discovered that we did not have a nice full nativity scene. We have a lovely carved Holy Family that was generously given to the parish but we were lacking in a substantial nativity with all the persons of the nativity story. Last year we acquired a nice resin set and that will go either to the parish center or the school. We were offered something wonderful this past summer. The set we used this year was offered to me by my friend who is a pastor in our diocese. The set was given to his parish but they already had a nice set. All we had to do was have the figures repaired. The figures were restored by the Autenrieb Family in Edwardsville. Autenrieb has a long wonderful history of church and statue painting and restoration throughout our country beginning in 1925 with Max Autenrieb; the Stations of the Cross in the back chapel were painted by Max Autenrieb (either the founder or his son). The ladies who did the work on our scene estimated that our figures are around a century old. The figures are all made of plaster except for the angel and the camel; they are new additions and are made of fiberglass. I have enjoyed spending time in prayer before our “new” nativity scene; I hope you have too and that others will for years to come. Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House

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This Sunday after Christmas we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Holy Family is a timeless model for Christian living. In this Sunday’s Gospel we encounter the Holy Family in the Temple, presenting the infant Jesus to the Lord according to the Jewish law. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, takes the child in his arms, and in a beautiful hymn of praise, acknowledges Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. This moment is a testament to the faithfulness of the Holy Family to the demands of worship. The Holy Family's example teaches us the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the rituals of our faith. Just as Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, we too are called to actively participate in the sacramental life of the Church, nourishing our spiritual journey through prayer, the Eucharist, and the other sacraments. Mary is our model of humility and openness to God's plan. Her "yes" to the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation and her continuous pondering of God's mysteries in her heart demonstrate a profound receptivity to the divine. As we celebrate the Holy Family, we are reminded to model Mary's openness to God's will in our own lives. Joseph exemplifies obedience and trust in God's plan. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that he faced, Joseph remained faithful and protective of his family. His unwavering commitment to God's will serves as a powerful example for fathers and all individuals entrusted with the care of others. The Holy Family faced trials, including the flight into Egypt to escape King Herod's wrath. In their journey we can find encouragement for our own struggles. The challenges they encountered underscore the reality that family life, like any aspect of our journey with God, is not immune to difficulties. However, within the context of these challenges, faith can be deepened and strengthened. As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, may we draw inspiration from their lives. May we cultivate faithfulness to our religious duties, embody trust in God's providence, nurture humility and openness to His will, and find strength in our families especially in times of trial. The Holy Family, through their example, invites us to make our homes a dwelling place of love, faith, and mutual support. May their intercession guide us on our journey of Christian living. Mary. Mother of God – New Year’s Day January 1st is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a holyday of obligation . Mass for the feast will be celebrated on Tuesday evening, December 31st, at 5:30PM and Wednesday, January 1st, at 9:30AM. Continuing our Christmas Journey As always, we need this joyous season of light during the darkest days of winter. Even though the light has begun to lengthen ever so slightly, and the darkness has started to recede, it takes a while to notice it and feel its effects. Please continue to enjoy the beauty of the Christmas season that began, not ended, on December 25th and continues through the feasts of Epiphany (January 5th) and the Baptism of the Lord (January 12th). May the joy of Christmas continue to be yours and may you know God’s abundant grace and blessings in 2025. Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead and for a grace-filled and happy New Year! Father Chris House

Christmas is almost here. This Tuesday on December 17th, the focus of the season of Advent changed. We found ourselves looking primarily forward to the return of Jesus at the end of time for the majority of the season; the tale-end of Advent, always starting on December 17th, invites us to remember the coming of Jesus as the child of Bethlehem. In the first reading this Sunday we hear the Prophet Micah speaking of Bethlehem. The Gospel tells us of Mary’s visitation to her cousin Elizabeth where Mary finds her faith in the words of Gabriel confirmed by the fact that Elizabeth is with child. What both Bethlehem and Mary have in common is that no one would have expected either of them to have anything to do with the coming of the Messiah; Bethlehem lacked the glory of its neighbor Jerusalem, even though Bethlehem truly is “David’s city.” Mary was a girl from a non-descript family in a back-water town called Nazareth, a town of maybe two-hundred people or so at the time. However, with both Bethlehem and Mary we see God doing wonderful things in and through them. As we prepare to approach the manger, may it remind us that God performs some of his greatest acts in the unlikeliest of situations with some of the unlikeliest people. If God chose for the birth of his only begotten son to take place in these circumstances then why do we at times think that God is limited by the circumstances of our individual lives? Psalm 126 declares “the Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” The birth of our savior truly is a great and wondrous thing, but the goodness of God is not locked in the past. God is still looking to do great things in our lives. Like Mary, may we open our hearts in faith to the power and possibility of God’s action in our lives. As we approach the great Solemnity of our Lord’s Nativity, I encourage you to keep the Church’s celebration of Christmastide. Don’t fall into the world’s trap of leaving Christmas behind on December 26th. Keep your home and heart festive as the Church celebrates the coming of the Christ child through the varying feasts of Christmas up to the feast of the Lord’s Baptism on January 12th. Fr. Chris Sabbatical Bishop Paprocki has granted me an abbreviated sabbatical for two months in late winter 2025. I originally was to go to study in the Holy Land last year, then this year, but the political situation did not allow for it. From February 4th thru April 8th, I will be on a mini-sabbatical at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Southern Indiana, alma mater to myself and Fr. Alex. A sabbatical is meant to be a time for prayer and renewal and also study; during that time I will be doing research (and hopefully begin writing) for my doctoral dissertation in canon law. While I am gone I do not foresee any changes in the day to day life of the parish. You will likely see a visiting priest here or there as I will try to have someone rotate in to take a different Mass each weekend so that Fr. Alex does not have all four, as well as having another priest take one of the week day Masses. You’ll receive more information from me in the new year when the final details are worked out. No Wednesday Exposition December 25th and January 1st There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament the following two Wednesdays being that they are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Wednesday exposition will resume on January 8th.  On behalf of Father Alex, Deacon Scott, and the parish & school staff, I wish you and yours a Blessed and Merry Christmas. May the Lord turn his tender face to you and gift you the joy and peace that come from him alone. God bless you! Father Chris House

On this Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, we are invited to rejoice, to live with joy and hope as we await the coming of the Lord. The theme of joy is strikingly present in all the readings today, beginning with the prophet Zephaniah, continuing through St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and culminating in the joyful proclamation of John the Baptist in the Gospel of Luke. In our first reading from the prophet Zephaniah, we hear a message of consolation and hope. Zephaniah, who prophesied during a time of great turmoil and destruction in Judah, tells the people that God is coming to save them. “Shout for joy, O daughter of Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel!” (Zephaniah 3:14). Despite the darkness of the moment, Zephaniah assures the people that God is in their midst, and He will bring an end to their suffering. He will not leave them abandoned or oppressed. For us, too, this message is relevant. Even in our own moments of struggle, doubt, or anxiety, we are called to remember that God is always near, and His presence brings us peace and joy. Advent calls us to look beyond the immediate difficulties and to focus on the coming of Christ, who is the source of our ultimate joy. In the second reading, St. Paul offers a similar message of joy, but with a particular emphasis on the attitude of the heart. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). This command to rejoice is not conditional upon external circumstances but is a call to choose joy because of our relationship with Christ. Finally, in the Gospel of Luke, we encounter John the Baptist, who delivers a message of repentance, but one that is filled with hope. John’s call to repentance is not just about turning away from sin, but about preparing for the coming of the Messiah. He invites the people to bear good fruit, to be generous, to share what they have, and to live with justice and compassion. When they hear the message, the people are filled with hope because they believe that the Messiah is near, and He will bring salvation and new life. The joy of Advent is not just about anticipating a future event or remembering the past; it’s about the present reality that Christ is coming to transform our lives. The joy we experience in Advent is closely linked to the ways in which we open our hearts to repentance and renewal. In preparation for Christ’s coming, we are invited to live with greater generosity, justice, and love toward others. So, what does all of this mean for us today? First, we are invited to rejoice because the Lord is near. Even in the midst of struggles, we are called to remember that God is with us. This joy is not based on our external circumstances, but on the knowledge that Christ is present in our lives, and that His coming will bring lasting peace and joy. Secondly, we are invited to let that joy shape how we live. St. Paul’s call to rejoice always is not a suggestion but a command, and it is possible when we remember that God is at work in us, even when we don’t see immediate results. We can rejoice in the hope of transformation and salvation. Finally, John the Baptist’s message calls us to prepare for Christ’s coming by living lives of generosity, justice, and repentance. We can make Advent a time of personal renewal, of turning away from sin and turning toward the joy that comes from living as disciples of Christ. Let us live this Advent for what it is supposed to be: a time to let our joy overflow into acts of kindness, compassion, and justice. Many Thanks Thank you to the Men’s Club for hosting Breakfast with Santa last Sunday. Also a tremendous thank you to everyone who donated to the Angel Tree . It gave my great joy to once again open the door to the large closet where the gifts are stored and have them actually fall out into the hallway due to them being stacked to overflowing. Christmas Masses Masses for Christmas will be as follows: December 24 th , the Vigil of Christmas, at 4:00PM, 6:30PM, and 10:00PM; December 25 th , Christmas Day, at 9:30AM. There will be no 7:00AM Mass on the morning of Tuesday, December 24 th . Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House

Happy Feast Day! This Sunday we celebrate our patronal feast, the great solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This feast marks the final Sunday of the liturgical year, a powerful reminder of the kingship of Jesus, who reigns not just over one nation or one people, but over the entire universe past, present, and future. This feast invites us to contemplate what kind of king Jesus is and what his kingdom is like. The gospel reading from John takes us to the trial of Jesus before Pilate. Pilate, representing the Roman Empire, the earthly authority of the time, asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus’ answer is profound: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” Jesus does not deny being a king, but he redefines kingship. His kingdom is not a political entity or a military power. It is not bound by the limits of earthly nations or territories. Instead, Jesus’ Kingdom is a spiritual reign, a Kingdom of truth, justice, and mercy, where his rule is based on love rather than domination. This is a radical statement. In a world where kings and rulers often reign through force and control, Jesus’ kingship is marked by humility, service, and sacrifice. He says to Pilate, “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” Jesus does not reign through military might, but through the power of truth; God’s truth, which is revealed in His life, death, and resurrection. His kingship is one that sets us free, not through oppression, but through the truth that is found in him. As we reflect on the kingship of Jesus, we must remember the example he gave us. His coronation was not in a palace or cathedral, but on Calvary. He did not wear a crown of gold, but one of thorns. His throne was not a majestic chair, but the rough wood of the cross. This is the King we are called to follow: a King who serves, who loves, and who sacrifices himself for his people. The Kingdom of Jesus is a Kingdom of truth. In the Gospel, Jesus tells Pilate that everyone who belongs to the truth hears his voice. As disciples, we are called to be people of truth. In a world filled with lies, deceptions, and false ideologies, we must be witnesses to the truth of Christ. This truth is not merely an intellectual concept but a lived reality. It is the truth of love, of forgiveness, of justice, and of peace. It is the truth that liberates us from sin and death, from the attachments of this world, and calls us to eternal life. Pilate, in his skepticism, asks Jesus, “What is truth?” This question echoes through the centuries to us today, as people continue to struggle with the meaning of truth in a world full of competing values. As Christians we know that truth is not a concept or an abstract idea, but a person: Jesus Christ, who says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). To be citizens of his Kingdom is to live in accordance with his truth, allowing his words and his example to shape our lives. To be conformed to the ultimate truth is to be conformed to Christ our King. If we are to be conformed to Christ then we must be agents of his Kingdom, working to bring God’s justice and peace to our world. We must be witnesses to the truth, even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable. We must serve others, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed, following the example of our Lord. In this way, we participate in the ongoing work of building up Christ’s Kingdom here and now. As we conclude the liturgical year and reflect on Christ as King, we are invited to renew our commitment to him. Is Jesus truly the King of our lives? Do we allow his reign to shape our actions, our decisions, and our relationships? Are we willing to follow him, even when it means suffering as he did? To say Jesus is King is not just to profess a belief, but to live that belief with all our hearts, minds, and strength. Let us pray that we may always be faithful to the Kingdom of Christ, that we may live according to his truth, and serve as he served, so that we might reign with him forever. Thanksgiving It is important for our lives to be marked by thanksgiving. Thanksgiving must be a way of life for the Christian, not simply a day on the calendar. Acknowledging that God is the giver of all good gifts, and that our talents and resourcefulness emanate from him, keeps us humble as well as open to receiving the continued graces that he wants to bestow on us. Please consider joining us for Mass on Thanksgiving morning, this Thursday, at 8:30AM . On behalf of Father Alex, Deacon Scott, and our parish & school staff, I wish you and yours a blessed and happy Thanksgiving! Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House

The liturgical year has made its final turn and will culminate on our patronal feast of Christ the King coming up next Sunday. This Sunday we are given readings that speak to the end of time, to the final fulfillment of God's plan for the world. These readings invite us to reflect on the ultimate victory of God, the hope that sustains us in the midst of trials, and the call to remain vigilant and faithful. As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the readings often turn our attention to the theme of eschatology (the “last things”). The first reading from the Book of Daniel speaks of a time of unprecedented suffering, a "time of distress such as never happened since nations first came into being.” This may sound ominous, even frightening. However, it is important to understand this passage in its broader context. In Daniel’s vision, this time of distress is followed by a glorious promise: "But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. This promise is both a warning and a source of great comfort. While trials and challenges will come, and at times they may seem overwhelming, those who remain faithful to God will be delivered. The vision of eternal life in this passage reminds us that beyond the suffering of this world, there is a future of light and peace for those who have persevered. Just as Daniel’s audience was encouraged to trust in God’s ultimate victory, so too are we called to trust. In moments of personal or global suffering, we must remember that God’s final word is not suffering or death, but salvation and life. In the Gospel today, Jesus speaks about his Second Coming and the signs that will precede the end of the world. He uses vivid imagery of cosmic upheaval, with the sun darkened, the moon not giving its light, and stars falling from the sky. These apocalyptic signs remind us that the world as we know it will come to an end, but they also point to the ultimate arrival of the Son of Man in glory. Jesus assures us that, even though these things may seem frightening or mysterious, they are part of God's plan to bring about a new heaven and a new earth. The key message here is one of hope: Christ will return to gather his people, to judge the living and the dead, and to establish his kingdom of peace and justice. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of being ready: "Be on guard! Be alert!" (Mk 13:33). We are called to remain vigilant, living in faith and holiness, so that we can stand before Christ when he comes. This vigilance is not about predicting the exact time or date of Christ’s return, something that Jesus himself tells us is unknowable (Mk 13:32), but about living each day with the awareness that God is at work in our lives and in the world. The second reading from Hebrews shifts our focus to the person of Jesus Christ, the High Priest who, through his one perfect sacrifice, has secured our salvation. The author contrasts the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament with Christ’s once-for-all offering. "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated (Heb. 10:14).” In the face of suffering and trials, this is the heart of our hope: that Christ’s sacrifice has conquered sin and death. We do not need to fear the end of the world or the judgment that will come, because Christ has already secured our place in God’s eternal kingdom. His sacrifice gives us confidence, not only in the life to come but also in the grace we receive in the here and now. We are reminded that because Christ has offered himself once for all, the final fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity has already been accomplished. As we await his return, we live in the light of this finished work, trusting in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. As we approach the end of the liturgical year, today’s readings invite us to contemplate the final fulfillment of God’s promises. We are reminded that, no matter the trials or suffering we face in this life, God’s ultimate plan is one of victory and salvation. In the midst of our struggles, we can take comfort in the fact that Christ has already triumphed over sin and death. His return will bring about the fulfillment of all things, and those who remain faithful to him will share in his glory. Let us therefore live with hope and vigilance. We do not know when the end will come, but we know that it will be the beginning of something far greater — the full revelation of God’s kingdom. As we wait, let us be faithful, let us be alert, and let us trust in the eternal sacrifice of Christ, who has secured our salvation. November 22 nd – St. Cecilia, Patroness of Musicians This week the Church commemorates the feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians. In light of the upcoming feast, I wish to extend my gratitude to all who are involved in music ministry here at CTK. Music ministry can be one of the most challenging and underappreciated ministries in parish life; I hope that we all realize how blessed our parish is with such a wonderful and diverse group of dedicated folks in this ministry. Thank you to all who help us to lift our hearts and minds to the things of Heaven through the gift of music in our Masses and other celebrations. Parish Breakfast for the Parish Feast Once again the ladies of the Altar and Rosary Society are graciously hosting a breakfast for everyone after the 8:00AM and 10:00AM Masses next weekend, November 23/24, in celebration of our patronal feast. All are welcome! Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House

This Sunday’s readings invite us to reflect on themes of generosity, trust, and the true value of our offerings before God. The readings highlight the difference between outward appearances and the deeper intentions of the heart, particularly in the way we give of ourselves, whether in material gifts, time, or service. Jesus, in the Gospel, points to the humble, sacrificial giving of a poor widow as an example of what true generosity looks like. In our first reading from the First Book of Kings, we encounter the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. During a severe famine, Elijah arrives at the widow's home and asks for water and bread. The widow is preparing to make her final meal for herself and her son, as she believes that they are about to die from hunger. But Elijah asks her to first make a small cake for him, promising that if she does, her jar of flour and her jug of oil will not run out until the famine ends. This story illustrates deep trust in God, even in a moment of scarcity and despair. The widow, having little left, still chooses to offer what she has. Her generosity is not out of abundance, but out of trust that God will provide. Her actions show us that true generosity comes from faith in God's providence, not from our own comfort or security. She is a model of a sacrificial trust that God will take care of her, even when the odds are stacked against her. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus observes the behavior of the people in the temple. He points out the difference between those who give out of their surplus and the widow who gives her last two coins, her entire livelihood. While others are putting in large sums from their abundance, the widow’s offering is small in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God, it is far greater because it is all she has. Jesus commends the widow because she has given everything she has to live on. Her offering is not just a financial one, but a spiritual one. She places her trust in God, knowing that He alone is the true source of her security. Unlike the scribes, who love to be seen as religious by displaying their wealth, the widow’s quiet, humble offering speaks volumes about her faith and love for God. In this context, Jesus teaches us that God does not measure the size of our gifts in the same way that the world does. What matters to God is the heart behind the gift. The widow’s offering was sacrificial; she gave from her need, not her excess. It challenges us to consider how we offer our own gifts, not just materially, but with our time, talents, and energy. Finally, our reading from the Letter to the Hebrews provides a profound insight into the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The author contrasts the repeated sacrifices in the Old Testament with the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary, offering His own blood for the redemption of humanity, and by His sacrifice, He has secured eternal salvation for all who trust in Him. Just as the widow’s offering in the Gospel was an act of total self-giving, Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate act of self-giving. He gave His life for the salvation of the world. And unlike the priests of the Old Testament, whose sacrifices were repeated and ultimately ineffective, Jesus’ sacrifice was final and sufficient. It opened the way to eternal life, reconciling humanity with God. The comparison between the widow’s offering and Christ’s sacrifice calls us to examine our own lives. Are we willing to offer ourselves fully to God? Our Lord does not ask for perfection or wealth, but for hearts that are willing to give of themselves completely. His grace enables us to make these sacrifices in faith, trusting that, like the widow of Zarephath and the widow in the temple, God will provide what we need. So, what does all of this mean for us today? In a world that often values power, wealth, and success, the Scriptures today challenge us to think about the true meaning of generosity. We are invited to ask ourselves: How do we offer our gifts to God? Are we giving out of our abundance, or are we willing to give even when it costs us something? Our giving is not just about money—it is about offering our time, our talents, our hearts in service to God and others. Do we trust in God’s providence? Just as the widow of Zarephath trusted that God would provide, are we willing to trust God with the little that we have, knowing that He will take care of us? Are we living sacrificially? Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross shows us what true love and generosity look like. As His disciples, we are called to imitate that sacrificial love in our daily lives. Let us reflect on the example of the widow in today’s Gospel. May we, like her, offer our lives fully to God, trusting that He will provide for all our needs. Let us remember that true generosity is not about the quantity of our gifts, but about the quality of our hearts. In giving ourselves to God, we open ourselves to receive the fullness of His grace. Let us pray that, like the widow, we may always trust in God's providence and be willing to give of ourselves, even when it seems difficult. May we offer our lives as a living sacrifice, knowing that in God's eyes, even the smallest act of love and faith can have eternal significance. Mass of Remembrance – Thank you Once again we celebrated a beautiful Mass of Remembrance on All Souls Day, offering the best that we can, the holy Mass, for our loved ones and parishioners who have gone before us in faith. Thank you to the many volunteers who made it happen! Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House

More Than A Feeling In this Sunday’s Gospel, we witness a profound moment where Jesus is asked a question meant to reveal the heart of the law: “Which commandment is the first of all?” In His answer, Jesus sums up all of the commandments, saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Then, He adds, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These two commandments are inseparable and serve as a foundational element of our Christian faith. Jesus calls us to a love that is not partial but complete. To love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength means that God must be at the center of our lives. This is not about just saying prayers or attending Mass on Sundays but it is about integrating our faith into every part of who we are. Our decisions, our work, our interactions with others, and even our thoughts are places where we can express this love for God. In many ways, this command challenges us because it demands that we move beyond superficial faith. It asks us to examine where we place our trust, our energy, and our time. Are we prioritizing our relationship with God? Do we see Him as our true strength and foundation? Or do we let other distractions take the place where only God should be? The second part of Jesus’ response is equally challenging: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving our neighbor as ourselves means treating others with the dignity, compassion, and mercy we would desire. It means seeing others as God sees them, acknowledging their worth, and recognizing their humanity. In the world around us, we encounter countless people, some are easy to love, and others not necessarily so. Yet Jesus asks us to look past divisions and see our neighbors through the eyes of God. His call is to forgive those who hurt us, to care for the needy and the most vulnerable, and to show kindness even if those who need that kindness make it hard. When we love our neighbor, we make visible the love of God in the world. Jesus does not separate love of God from love of neighbor. He intertwines them so completely that they have become inseparable. We are taught in the First Letter of John, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). This is why Jesus calls these the greatest commandments. To truly love God, we must love our neighbor, and to truly love our neighbor, we must love God. Each time we show charity (love) for another, we draw closer to God, and each time we draw closer to God, we grow in love for those around us. Love is more than a feeling or emotion; it is an active choice, a daily decision to live as the Lord Jesus commands us. The Gospel invites us to examine our own lives. Are we striving to love God with our whole being? Are we actively showing love and compassion to our neighbors, especially those most in need? The world needs witnesses of this love; a love that heals, forgives, and unites. Let us pray for the grace to live out these commandments, asking God to help us grow in love for Him and for one another. May we become instruments of His love in a world that desperately needs it, carrying His light to all those we meet. Holy Hour for Vocations Next Sunday, November 10 th , CTK will be hosting the Springfield deanery’s holy hour for vocations. The holy hour will begin in the church at 6:30PM with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Please come and pray for all those who are discerning God’s call in their lives, whatever it may be, especially those who are discerning a call to sacred order or the religious life. Speaking of loving one another… This Tuesday is election day and the reality is that come Wednesday (or whenever the election is called), just about half of the country won’t be happy. Politics is not an exception to the Gospel. Loving God means also loving my neighbor whose politics are different than mine; I don’t have to agree with my neighbor, in fact I can believe that my neighbor is completely wrong, but I still must love my neighbor. Say some extra prayers for our nation this week, particularly for peace and civility. This may sound cliché, but it’s true: in the end, whether the donkey or the elephant wins, each of us still belongs to the Lamb. Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House