18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time is what we observe as we gather today to celebrate the Lord’s Day. On this Sunday the Scriptural texts present us with the question, what really matters to me? As we ponder this question I occasionally hear, “all you priests talk about is money!” At one time I was very upset to hear such a comment but today I would say, “That’s right, because that what Jesus often spoke about!” In the Gospel for today the Lord Jesus tells the parable about a man who was consumed with possessing “things” and cared little about anything else. All his efforts come to a sad END when his life is unexpectedly concluded and his possessions are unable to save him. Jesus concludes with this warning to us: “ Thus Will It Be For All Who Store Up Treasure For Themselves But Are Not Rich In What Matters To God.”  The Old Testament pericope from the Book of Ecclesiastes shares similar sentiments stating, “This also is vanity and a great misfortune.”
 
Yes, the ordained have always spoken on the subject of money to God’s people in the same way that the Lord Jesus, the Apostles and the Prophets spoke. Material possessions are the fruits of our labor which the Lord, in His generosity, has allowed us to gather for our benefit and for the benefit of others. God’s people have always given back to God a “tithe”, 10% of their labor, as a sacrifice to be used for the Lord’s work.  Unfortunately, some have not agreed with this practice and have grown angry by discussing it. This is the very point which enraged Cain and which brought him to kill his own brother Abel. The Lord is always calling us to share our blessings and not to horde them for ourselves. By sharing with the Lord, we are really assisting in the building up of the Kingdom of God. Our tithes and gifts allow the Church to manage itself in this material world. They support the programs and projects which promote the Gospel, the task Jesus has commanded us to do in His Name. Yes, today we are once again being reminded of how important it is the properly manage the material blessings God has given us as well as being cautioned about the sin of selfishness.
 
Yes, my article is about MONEY! I will be sending out a letter to all parishioners regarding our Sunday offering envelopes and the new company we will be using to allow all parishioners to give their weekly “tithe”, offering, to God. I will not get into much detail about this now but will share some things with you in my letter which I ask that you take a few minutes to read when it comes in the mail. I will also share with you some information about PARISH PAY, the automatic offering system which is gaining in popularity.
 
Your weekly offerings to the Lord are important and they testify to what really matters to you! The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are citizens of this world but not for long. Soon we will journey to our true and eternal homeland. In today’s epistle reading he tells us, “… Seek what is above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth…When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” As we look to what is above, let us give to God what is rightly His. Let us be committed to works of generosity and charity which will win us the esteem of those in Heaven. In our selfish and indifferent culture the Scripture readings for today remind us of how the Lord expects us to conduct ourselves. So again the question is asked, WHAT REALLY MATTERS TO ME?
 
God bless you!
Father Zig