Dear Parish Family,

"Eyes on Christ". This is one of the foundational phrases I pray with often and which I teach frequently to others. It reminds us to lift up our hearts to Jesus whenever we need guidance on the right path to follow. The Letter to Hebrews speaks to this reality when the author tells us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and persevere in our faith. This is especially important when we experience temptation, suffering, and the trials of life. Eyes on Christ.

 

In the first reading, Jeremiah experiences rejection and a death sentence from his fellow Israelites. Think of how easy it would be for him to turn away if his eyes weren't focused on God's covenant! Yet, he is willing to die for the conviction and the prophetic message God needs him to speak to the nation of Israel.

 

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the blazing fire of our baptism which inspires the prophetic conviction we are called to bring to our culture. Like Jeremiah, this conviction of our faith will often bring with it division, misunderstanding, or even hatred from others…often from those closest to us. Jesus doesn't promote divisiveness, but when we are put to an ultimatum, "You either choose me, or you choose Christ", we need to be ready to make the decision to follow Christ, even if it means our family chooses to separate themselves from us.

 

Obviously, there's a wrong and weird way that can explain why others may not want to be around us. If we speak and act out of arrogance, or nag our family members to practice their faith rather than giving them the invitation and space to choose to follow Christ, or are in some way unable to relate the Gospel in a generous and life-giving way to others, this may indicate that we have to work on our own conversion first so that we can become a credible witness who is capable of the trust and responsibility needed for discipleship.

 

Being a prophetic witness in today's world shouldn't make us weird or unrelatable to others. On the contrary, the conviction of our baptism ought to help us enflesh the Gospel by the way we live our lives, to be a bridge-builder with others, a person of compassion, respect, humility, and truthfulness who can present Christ to others in the best way possible.

 

Eyes on Christ will always and everywhere help us to see Him, to prioritize our relationship with Him, to know ourselves and our identity through Him and in Him, and consequently to allow us to share Him with others in a generous and life-giving way.

 

This weekend is Fr. Gary J. Malin's first weekend with us at St. Mary's and St. Patrick's. We are so grateful for the gift of his priesthood! Please welcome Fr. Gary when you meet him. I know he will enrich our lives and you will enrich his, just as you've done with Fr. Fabian and me!

 

We could use some hands to help us as we prepare to move into the new rectory. Please visit https://stmarychardon.org/new-rectory-project to view the Sign Up Genius with available slots on Saturday, August 23 in the morning and early afternoon. We will need some assistance in the kitchen, with linens, assembly, moving, and other various tasks. There are roles for all ages and skillsets, so please check out the web page for more information. Thank you so much for your assistance!

Finally, prayers for all students returning to school this week. We ask the Lord's blessing upon you all, that you may begin the school year with enthusiasm and gratitude to learn and grow as a disciple of Christ!

 

I am yours in Christ,

Fr. Scott Goodfellow