The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

My Dear Parishioners,

This is the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. As we come together to celebrate the Lord’s Day at our Eucharistic liturgy we hear from both the Old Testament lection and the Gospel proclamation sounds of jealously which are then addressed as being unhelpful. Yes, both Moses and the Lord Jesus hear the comments made by their associates when it is discovered that some, not within their group, are able to minister in the same way as those who are part of the community. The words of Moses are telling: “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow his spirit on them all!”  In the Gospel Our Savior says that, “ There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” Sometimes our self righteousness arises when we observe the good work being done by others.

Today’s Scriptural texts invite us to focus on the ministry which we have been called to perform in Jesus Name and to avoid speaking ill of those who are likewise helping others but are not of our company.

Evil springs from jealousy. We hear about it in the very first book of the Bible. In Genesis, chapter 4, verses 1-16, we find the story of the brothers, Cain and Abel. We all know the story; jealousy within the heart of Cain fueled the murder of his own brother, Abel. This is the first murder in the Bible. The Lord is enraged at Cain, “ What have you done?” Jealousy kills in more ways than one. It kills the spirit and the desire for good. This negative force is destructive and is devastating to the community and to the individual who possesses jealousy.

The Scriptures invite us to reject jealousy by encouraging one another, spurring one another on to good works which build up and give life. Doing this distances us from sin and puts us in the company of the holy ones who minister in the Lord’s name. Supporting one another in witness and ministry is crucial for the well being of the Christian community. Offering a kind word, extending a hand, volunteering for a cause is what we are called to do. These positive actions are what are needed and from them we discover the Lord’s ways, His precepts. Today we can sing the Psalm, “The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.” The Lord ordains that we encourage and assist one another in the works which are the hallmarks of the Kingdom of God. In doing so we experience the joy which only God can give.

In closing let me once again remind you to check out the adult faith formation opportunities we have at Sacred Heart Church and Saint Cecilia Church. The classes for our young people have begun and we encourage our young people when we show them that we too are students and lifelong learners.

Lastly, CILIAC disease is something that does not have to prevent one from receiving Holy Communion. We have Church approved gluten hosts for those wishing to receive. YOU MUST arrive at church early to go to the sacristy before Mass begins and inform the priest so that a special host can be prepared for you in a pyx. Holy Communion should then be received from the celebrant who is aware of the special situation. You can speak with me, Father Marcin or Father Mateusz about this concern and we will be happy to accommodate you.

God bless you!
Father Zig