Pastor's Updates
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Summer of 2021
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Faith in Jesus, The Bread of Life
Have you ever been oblivious to the presence of someone in your life, or not accepted someone for who they truly are? The Gospel this week witnesses people who lived during the time of Jesus earthly ministry, expressing these attitudes. Some are completely oblivious to Jesus and never approach him. Others cannot fully appreciate that Jesus is the Messiah because they are caught up with his human appearance and what they personally know of him - “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Their unwillingness to see beyond their own observations and open their heart and mind to the full truth of what Jesus is saying, prevents them from experiencing Jesus the Son of God. We might think to ourselves today, “If I was there and witnessed Jesus on earth I certainly would have recognized and accepted Jesus as the Savior”. However, would we really? Faith in Jesus as more than just a human being was needed then and is still needed now. Accepting Jesus at his word and not only by what we can personally observe was needed then and is still needed now. Can we really say that we accept Jesus for who he says he is and not simply who we say he is? Jesus says to the people of his time and to us today that He is the bread of life and that this bread is Jesus’ flesh for the life of the world. Taking him at his word would then mean having faith that Jesus is truly present to us in the Eucharist, and that the Eucharist is essential for eternal life. The manna of the Old Testament was physical food that sustained the people only for the day for which they ate it. Jesus promises us spiritual food in the Eucharist that will sustain us for eternal life, because it is Him; the one who has come down from heaven to give life to the world! Let us take stock of our commitment of faith and honestly ask ourselves, “How do I express my faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? Let us work this week to increase our faith in Jesus present in the Eucharist, so that we better reflect to others that we are not oblivious to Him and we do accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
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Come, We Have What You Are Looking For!
What are you looking for? People ask us this question when they see us searching for something. So what are you searching for in this life? I think we all desire some share in happiness but where do we find this happiness? Some of the greatest saints began their journey to sanctity by following their desire for happiness. St. Augustine sought happiness in the pleasures of life and in the quest for knowledge and wisdom. He became a very learned man and accumulated many possessions, but they did not bring the happiness he sought; he was left with an ache for something more. St. Ignatius of Loyola sought happiness through fame and glory as a soldier. Yet even through his success in battle, he didn’t find a full or abiding happiness in his pursuits. Both men, through their authentic and thorough search for lasting happiness and joy, were led to the only one who can fulfill this otherwise insatiable desire ...Jesus Christ. Today’s Gospel helps us to realize where we can find true happiness now and eternally. Jesus knows what we truly need and how he can and will fulfill all our holy desires when we come and open our hearts to him. Jesus has compassion on the huge crowd coming to him; he knows that they need food and he provides for them through the miracle of the loaves and the fish. Our Savior loves us and will always give us what is best for us when we approach him in faith, trust and love. From whom or what do we seek our happiness or fulfillment? What is it that we seek above all else? Where do we search for happiness? The world leads us to believe that happiness can be found in money or fame and glory, but these things are easily lost and then we are left destitute and alone. Only Jesus and our obedience to the truth of the Gospel will bring us true and everlasting fulfillment. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us the truth of our faith, and helps us to form our conscience so that we know what is truly good for us. It also helps us to know what is bad for us and what will lead us astray. The best thing about the teachings of the Church is that it is available to all people, not just the rich and famous, and even when we lose our faith the Church does not abandon us. The Church always seeks to call us back to the practice of our faith so that we can find the happiness we desire. Both St. Ignatius and St. Augustine realized that true, lasting happiness is found only in God. We pray to the Lord that we may all discover and experience the superabundant compassion of Jesus Christ through our commitment of faith and through an encounter with Jesus truly present in the Most Holy Eucharist.
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Do You Love Jesus?
Do we love Jesus? Before we can respond we first need to know who Jesus is for us. Yes we know that Jesus is the Son of God; He is the Savior of the World. However, the more pertinent and personal question is this: Is Jesus my personal Lord and Savior? In other words do I allow Jesus to be the Lord of my life? The Gospel message this week reminds us that our acceptance and living life according to God’s word is that which will bring forth great fruit in our lives. Our love for Jesus means we keep his words; we live according to his word and plan for our lives. Jesus desires to be the Lord of our lives, because he wants us to know his love, peace and joy! To often we misconstrue the commands of Jesus to be restricting and confining. We think that by allowing Jesus to lead and guide all aspects of our life, we will lose our freedom and ability to enjoy our lives. This way of thinking and living is a temptation placed before us by our culture and the devil to lead us away from experiencing the fruits of God’s Word: true peace, joy and happiness. Jesus promises that for those who keep his word that He and the Father will come to dwell with him, giving us the peace that is beyond this world. Jesus knows that it is not easy for us to keep his word and be his disciples so He sends us the help we need through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will teach us, encourage us and empower us to love Jesus. Let us be courageous and generous with ourselves and entrust our lives to Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit for the courage and discipline necessary to live according to the Gospel - make dedicated time for personal daily prayer, time to read and study God’s word and time to pray together at home as a family. These are some of the practical ways we open our heart to Jesus, keep His word and make Him the Lord of our lives.
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August and September
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Month of May
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Fr. Gaitley's reflection - click picture
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Happy Easter! - April 12, 2020
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April 7, 2020 - Betrayal can be redeemed!
Daily Humor
Formed Faith Feature: Holy Tuesday - Jesus' prophecy
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April 6, 2020 - Lent is ending, or is it?
Daily Humor
Formed Faith Features: Palm Sunday & Holy Monday
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April 5, 2020 - No Palms?!
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April 4, 2020 - Invite Jesus
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