Clearly the main theological point this Sunday is the resurrection. In light of today’s cultural views and fears about the end of the world and other apocalyptic scenarios, it is good to focus on this central truth of our faith. While it is tempting for people to focus on the multiples marriages legal case proposed by the Sadducees, it is best to keep the emphasis on the teachings of Jesus from vss. 34-38. Actually there are four distinct things happening in the complex answer that Jesus gives. Jesus addresses the end of the world in the following Sunday’s readings. It may be good to start with a reading of the two resurrection statements in the Creed with a contemplative pause. Then the focus of the question can become how the theology of the resurrection comes alive in our lives. Luke 20 & 22 has Jesus teaching in the Temple, yet leaving each night (Luke 21, 37-38), much of his teaching concerning the changes to come. ot-32-c-lectionary-catechesis
God, I know that I don’t have to get angry.
I don’t have to get worked up.
I don’t have to get depressed.
And I don’t have to throw anything at the TV.
I just have to use
my conscience
and vote.
So help me remember
what Jesus taught in the Gospels,
and what our church teaches,
especially about the poor, the refugee, the migrant,
the sick, the homeless, the unborn, the disabled,
the hungry, the elderly and the lonely.
Help me remember the “least” among us,
and help me ponder in my heart
how to cast my vote for the good of all.
God, I know that no candidate is perfect,
because I’m not perfect either,
the last time I checked.
So free me of the burden of having to
vote for someone who satisfies
all my desires for a candidate.
My candidate will be imperfect,
like me.
Help me to be grateful for the ability to vote,
because not everyone has that privilege.
And when I meet people voting for someone else,
Help me to take a deep breath and
give them the benefit of the doubt,
because they are following their consciences, too.
Help me remember
that even though they sometimes drive me nuts,
I don’t have to argue with them,
I don’t have to convince them,
I don’t have to hate them,
And I don’t have to demonize them.
Then, after the election, help me work for unity.
Because I know that’s what you want.
Amen. Written by James Martin, S.J., Reprinted with permission.
Fr. Ron Will and members of St. Francis Xavier Parish were featured in the Catholic Key this week for their work in prison ministry. Scroll through the embedded website to read the full article.
Dear Friends,
Happy Feast Day! I am on my way to Miami to speak at the Archdiocesan Catechetical Conference. The theme of the conference, “Transformed by God’s Mercy,” reflects the challenge of Pope Francis to the church to “make more evident its mission of being a witness of mercy.” The keynote address and workshop I will give tomorrow will reflect how the Corporal Works of Mercy are practical and prophetic ways to live this revolution of God’s tender mercy and extend it to all who experience rejection rather than welcome.
Our founder, St. Gaspar, certainly encouraged the community to be actively engaged in the works of mercy. “Be especially concerned for the poor, particularly those most in need and deprived of every comfort,” he wrote. “As Jesus says that he considers done to himself what one does for the poor, and the prayers of these people are heard in a special way by the most merciful God (97).”
Two weeks ago, Hurricane Matthew unleashed untold devastation on many communities. The people of Haiti, still trying to recover from 2010 earthquake, are in desperate need as they try to rebuild their lives in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. The Kansas City Province is donating $10,000 to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami which is coordinating bulk shipments of supplies to the people of Haiti. Catholic Charities works directly with Caritas in Cuba and Catholic Relief Services in Haiti to bring much needed relief. Please continue to hold in prayer all those who are suffering the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihood because of the hurricane.
We are grateful to the Companions of St. Francis Xavier in St. Joseph who are hosting the community gathering this Sunday to celebrate the Feast of St. Gaspar. Also on Sunday, the members of St. Patrick Church in Sedalia will be celebrating their 150th anniversary. I will be joining our Precious Blood priests who have served the parish through the years along with our Central Missouri Companions and parishioners to celebrate this important milestone for the faith community of Pettis County.
May we meet in prayer across the miles this weekend as we celebrate our founder’s feast and seek to give witness once again to the God’s great mercy revealed most eloquently and powerfully in the Precious Blood of Jesus!
With peace in the blood of Christ,
Joe Nassal, C.PP.S.
Provincial Director
by Fr. Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S., Vocation Director “One day at Mass, I was listening to the words of the Eucharistic Prayer. As Father spoke the words, “Take this all of you and drink from it, this is my blood…” I heard in those words an invite to more. After Mass, I looked online for “Precious Blood,” “Fathers,” and “Ministry” and one of the hits was C.PP.S.,” said Carlo Espejo. Carlo was an inquirer attending the Discernment Weekend at Precious Blood Center, Oct 7-9. Carlo is originally from the Philippines and now resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Carlo first came to know about our community through our online presence and now he has a few faces and names to relate to.
Fr. Lac Pham led the discussion for the weekend along with Fr. Dennis Chriszt. Also attending the weekend was Deacon James Smith and candidates Greg Evers and Michael Kirkland.
Our weekend focused on where do we find God in our lives. Through our sharing and interactions of the weekend, we not only heard the stories of where we find God, but also how each of us relates it to living out our Precious Blood spirituality. After the weekend ended, Carlo and I traveled to Sedalia and St. Joseph to visit with Companions to hear their story. In Sedalia we toured Sacred Heart School and Church, as well as a visit to St. Patrick’s. We spent time with Debbie Bolin as she shared her story of what it means to be a Precious Blood Companion. In St. Joseph, we toured St. Francis Xavier Church and had lunch with Connie Swymeler as she also said part of her story. It was a great way not only to hear what it means to members but also Companions.
When I asked Carlo what would he take away from the weekend, his answer was simply, “What a warm welcome.” He also shared that he felt very comfortable interacting with the other guys and enjoyed learning more about our ministries, spirituality and just who we are as a community.
Each time we host a weekend, we may never know what stories will inspire us or challenge us in our ministry. I continue to be encouraged as we gather with those who are inquiring, discerning and questioning where is God calling me in my life?
