Dear Parish Family,

This weekend's  readings focus on the sacrifice of charitable works. Every genuine act of love and charity on behalf of others is a gift of self. This entails some element of sacrifice. We serve Christ and others by giving of ourselves and our resources. What we find with every act of heartfelt charity is that we end up with more rather than less. It's true that we may sacrifice time, money, emotional or physical capital when we serve others, but these gifts that God has given to us are meant to be used to enrich our lives by enriching the lives of others by helping them come to Christ and live in God's goodness and truth.

 

In the first reading, Abraham and Sarah work diligently to serve the visitors who come to them, making sure they are fed. This results in a blessing and promise of progeny. St. Paul says that he rejoices in his sufferings for our sake on behalf of Christ's Body the Church. In both of these instances, Abraham and St. Paul do not complain about the work God has handed them. They engage in it joyfully, knowing that God will bear great fruit through their labors.

 

When we hear about Martha's complaint that she is "burdened" with much serving, we can note a sentiment of jealousy and resentment towards her sister. Instead of kindly asking her sister Mary to help with the serving, she goes to Jesus and tries to get Him to make Mary help. Notice her choice of words: "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself." There is an accusation that the Lord doesn't care and a sense of abandonment!

 

Our Lord's response is kind: "Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." The one thing needed is listening to the Lord. Whether we are serving like Martha or resting like Mary, we are called to always listen to the Lord, doing the work entrusted to us with gratitude and joy. Martha is doing a wonderful work in serving the company in her house. The Lord calls her to take joy in her labors, and also to recognize that the point of her serving is for everyone in the house, including herself, to be able to come to a deeper relationship with Christ.

 

When we forget that the point of our labors is to enrich Christ's Body the Church, we lose our joy and we get resentful like Martha. This week, consider your responsibilities to your family, workplace, neighbors, society, and your parish community. Keep the prize of heaven in your heart and mind and you will do what needs to be done in a spirit of contemplative listening to the Lord and with gratitude and joy!

 

The new rectory is in its final stages of completion. We are very excited to move in within a few weeks time! I am putting together a list of items in an Amazon gift registry that I will be sharing soon. We will have a "rectory shower and open house" on Saturday, August 16 at the new rectory from 11 am to 1 pm. Once the registry list is shared, you can purchase any of the items listed and either ship them to the parish or bring them to the rectory that day. Fr. Fabian and I will be there to receive gifts and give a walkthrough of the new rectory. Refreshments and light pastries will also be provided. An RSVP form with a link to the Amazon registry will be available very soon!

Save the date for the St. Patrick Parish Picnic on Saturday, August 9! We will celebrate the Vigil Mass together at 4 pm and then have a cookout out on the lawn between the church and rectory. Every year the picnic is fun and a blessing for all as we celebrate the gift of our faith and our parish community. I look forward to seeing you there!

I am yours in Christ,

Fr. Scott Goodfellow