Dear Parish Family,

I've never had much of a green thumb myself for gardening, but I recognize the hard work that goes into cultivating a good harvest or beautiful flowers and plants. The Scriptures this Sunday focus on God's Word going forth to bear great fruit, the seed falling on good ground yielding a fruitful harvest, and creation as a whole waiting with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God. These themes remind us of the importance of our human stewardship cooperating with God's grace to make the world around us bear fruit for God's Kingdom.

As you pray with the Scriptures for this Sunday, consider some of the spiritual connections of our stewardship over creation and bearing great fruit for God in the garden of our soul. Making a fruitful harvest requires weeding, watering, and sunlight. 

Weeding is totally under our control. In a spiritual light, weeding entails contrition and penance. We uproot the weeds of sin and the affection for sin that Satan tries to get to grow in our hearts. We don't just cut the top of the weed, but pull it out from its very roots so it doesn't grow back. Praying the Act of Contrition daily and coming to the Sacrament of Confession a few times a year ensures that we have good soil for God to use in our soul.

Watering is partially under our control, but also a gift and a blessing like when it rains. Watering is like our personal prayer time. We have to prioritize a life of prayer, Mass and the Sacraments, if we want the gifts God has planted in our hearts to grow. We also leave our growth in God's hands, not dictating exactly when or how this growth will come about. Just as we wait for the rains to come, we are grateful for God's grace acting upon our commitment to spend time in prayer, even if that time seems unfruitful for a period of time. 

Sunlight is totally God's gift. God makes the sun shine on both the good and the wicked, on both the wheat and the weeds in our heart. The light of the sun is God's love respecting our freedom to have what we choose to have in our garden. If we've uprooted the weeds, the fruit-bearing plants will be able to yield a better harvest. God's Word requires the rich soil of a receptive heart that listens to and acts upon His Word. 

More than anything, spiritual growth and the vitality of our families, communities, and world takes time and patience. This growth is partially in our control and requires our freedom to cooperate with God's plans, but we also need to pray and trust God to act upon our sacrifices and commitments. The fruitful harvest of Christ takes time and a willing heart to remain focused on the big picture of salvation for our souls and for all people of good will.

This weekend we welcome Sister Rosemary Bochniarz from the Sisters of the Pious Schools as part of our Diocesan Mission Co-Op. Sister Rosemary has ministered in India for over 19 years, and will speak at our Masses to share more about the mission and their needs. Welcome Sister Rosemary!

Finally, be sure to wish Fr. Gary a happy birthday this week! May the Lord bless him abundantly as he celebrates another year of growth and God's goodness in his life!

I am yours in Christ,

Fr. Scott Goodfellow