29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today we arrive at the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time in our celebration of the Lord’s Day. Both the Old Testament reading and the Gospel mention the names of political leaders who are players in salvation history. Both Cyrus and Caesar are unbelievers in the One God. Yet the Lord uses them as unaware agents in bringing about redemption and salvation to believers. In the Epistle reading we find the names of Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, among the earliest Christian believers, who are conscious agents in the promulgation of the Gospel. They are very much aware of the work of the Gospel and they generously participate in its activity. In their witness they encourage fellow believers to continue in joining forces with them in the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
Being active and conscious participants in the promulgation of the Gospel must be the standard for all of us. We cannot allow ourselves to be distant, unaware and detached from what faith in Christ Jesus is calling us to. Believers can never be disinterested or indifferent to the work of the Church. This condition separates oneself from the mystical body of Christ and the life of grace. Active and conscious participation in the life of the Church makes us “ Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life,” as today’s Gospel Acclamation reminds us.
 
Last Sunday’s “in pew process” for the BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL was a reminder to us all of our being active and conscious in the life of our local Church. All of us are being encouraged at this time to participate in the effort which brings help to so many people in need. This appeal deserves the support of everyone in our parish. Excusing ourselves from sharing, even just a little, is not the Christian way but rather is foreign to Christ. I encourage all those who have not yet made a contribution to the BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL to do so as soon as possible. I have the appeal envelopes available to you in the church and parish office.
 
Speaking of active and conscious, what a wonderful show of  faith last Saturday at the 4:30 Vigil Mass when 9 new altar servers were inducted into the ranks. At the Mass their vestments were blessed along with the new servers. Included within the ceremony was the robbing of the new servers by their parents – WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT! My  thanks to Mom and Dad for guiding their child to this ministry and supporting them in their service to Christ’s Church. God bless Deacon Matt who has reorganized the altar servers program and is doing a wonderful job!
 
Let’s all become ACTIVE AND CONSCIOUS PARTICIPANTS in the promulgation of our faith in Christ!
 
God bless you,
Father Zig