It's hard to believe that this week marks the completion of my 5th year at the parish! I was assigned to St. Patrick's and St. Mary's on August 1, 2021, and named Pastor on December 11, 2022. I am incredibly blessed by the vibrancy and love of our communities of faith. Thank you for bringing the love of Jesus with you wherever you go. Let's continue to grow stronger in our relationship with Christ together each day!

A few years ago, I saw someone wearing a shirt that struck me. Perhaps you have seen people in similar shirts. The shirt was all black, and on the front in wavy white type was “Anti Social Social Club”. Absolutely hilarious. A social club for those who consider themselves anti-social. What a genius idea! I can’t say I know much about the organization or have met any of its board members, but the club fascinates me. What do their club outings consist of? Do they celebrate losing members instead of gaining members? Is their mascot a cat?

If one was striving to be the most powerful person in the world, what do you think they would seek? Many would probably pursue wealth, success, reputation, positions of power or influence, or something of that nature. We may be surprised to hear how God shows us in today's Scriptures that what makes Him most powerful is His mercy. Interesting. His might is His mercy, and His mercy is the most powerful force in the world. I like it!

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.

Our lives in Christ are meant to be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and praise of the Father who raised Christ from the dead. Listen to the joy and praise of God in today's readings even in the midst of life's challenges. Our savior comes to us so that we might live in Him and receive life from Him. Joy and praise aren't the result of never being tested or experiencing difficulties in life, but pour forth naturally from a heart with living faith in God's plan and presence in all circumstances.