Luke 16:1-13
We have all gotten into trouble. Many are of the opinion that some things are not wrong, unless we get caught. The never ending battle continues between the “good voice” and the “bad voice”.
The “good voice” is our guardian angel that is God’s representative from the time we were conceived until the angel hands back our soul when we die. Our angel never gets tired, depressed or looses patience with us. Problem comes when we listen to the “bad voice” which usually points to the easy way—the way that will make us feel good—the popular way. “What’s in it for me? What do I get?” That’s what most people want to know and what guides the majority of our decisions. The steward in the Gospel had listened to the “bad voice” and only thought about himself. He got caught and was in a lot of trouble. However, being a businessman, he used the resources at his disposal in order to provide for his future. Jesus praised his prudence but not his dishonesty. Money is a tool, but should not become our reason for living. Consider that for countless numbers of people, money is the center of their life. Rather than working to live, they live to work. What’s in the bank or what they would like to have in the bank keeps them awake at night. Folks can get depressed because of money. That’s why Jesus praised the steward, because he just didn’t sit down and mope about his situation—he got busy—he used his resources. The steward knew that he had done wrong but did not allow guilt to trap him. He looked for people who would help him.
Our life is about people. We are called to interact with others, even when we do not agree. The family is the first school. In the family we learn to get along, how to ask forgiveness, how to care for each other. School is the extension of the family. The Church is the family of families. She has been entrusted with the “Keys to the Kingdom.” She is our Mother, our teacher, our guide to heaven. Not every day does a community celebrate 75 years of evangelization. We can be proud of all the efforts of those who have gone before us and what is happening at Our Lady Of Sorrows now.
The banners represent the many ministries in our Community. Perhaps in the coming years we will double in the number of possibilities to serve the Lord. We are like the steward in the Gospel. Maybe we’ve made some mistakes. However, as long as we are alive there’s a chance to correct our errors. If we have hurt one another, we can say that we are sorry or forgive those who have hurt us. We have indeed been entrusted with much wealth, not only in finances but also in talent. Our anniversary helps us to refocus—rededicate ourselves to the mission of the Gospel. So many have not yet heard the Good News. We want to continue to reach out to them with food, basic needs, and the invitation to come home to the Catholic Church. Our Parish is alive and well with many young people excited to be part of the family. One of the newest ministries—just one, because there are several that have started over the past two years—the ministry of hospitality has great potential. Hospitality can change the face of our Parish, but we all have take responsibility. The ministry is not only with the person at the door, but also we who sit in the pews—the way that we greet one another and make one another feel welcome, especially people who come for the first time. Hospitality is part of the stewardship entrusted to us by Jesus Christ. We welcome others in His name.
Happy anniversary and may we be around for many more. The Lord has blessed us abundantly. We come to say Thank You. Help us to use Your gifts wisely.
We have all gotten into trouble. Many are of the opinion that some things are not wrong, unless we get caught. The never ending battle continues between the “good voice” and the “bad voice”.
The “good voice” is our guardian angel that is God’s representative from the time we were conceived until the angel hands back our soul when we die. Our angel never gets tired, depressed or looses patience with us. Problem comes when we listen to the “bad voice” which usually points to the easy way—the way that will make us feel good—the popular way. “What’s in it for me? What do I get?” That’s what most people want to know and what guides the majority of our decisions. The steward in the Gospel had listened to the “bad voice” and only thought about himself. He got caught and was in a lot of trouble. However, being a businessman, he used the resources at his disposal in order to provide for his future. Jesus praised his prudence but not his dishonesty. Money is a tool, but should not become our reason for living. Consider that for countless numbers of people, money is the center of their life. Rather than working to live, they live to work. What’s in the bank or what they would like to have in the bank keeps them awake at night. Folks can get depressed because of money. That’s why Jesus praised the steward, because he just didn’t sit down and mope about his situation—he got busy—he used his resources. The steward knew that he had done wrong but did not allow guilt to trap him. He looked for people who would help him.
Our life is about people. We are called to interact with others, even when we do not agree. The family is the first school. In the family we learn to get along, how to ask forgiveness, how to care for each other. School is the extension of the family. The Church is the family of families. She has been entrusted with the “Keys to the Kingdom.” She is our Mother, our teacher, our guide to heaven. Not every day does a community celebrate 75 years of evangelization. We can be proud of all the efforts of those who have gone before us and what is happening at Our Lady Of Sorrows now.
The banners represent the many ministries in our Community. Perhaps in the coming years we will double in the number of possibilities to serve the Lord. We are like the steward in the Gospel. Maybe we’ve made some mistakes. However, as long as we are alive there’s a chance to correct our errors. If we have hurt one another, we can say that we are sorry or forgive those who have hurt us. We have indeed been entrusted with much wealth, not only in finances but also in talent. Our anniversary helps us to refocus—rededicate ourselves to the mission of the Gospel. So many have not yet heard the Good News. We want to continue to reach out to them with food, basic needs, and the invitation to come home to the Catholic Church. Our Parish is alive and well with many young people excited to be part of the family. One of the newest ministries—just one, because there are several that have started over the past two years—the ministry of hospitality has great potential. Hospitality can change the face of our Parish, but we all have take responsibility. The ministry is not only with the person at the door, but also we who sit in the pews—the way that we greet one another and make one another feel welcome, especially people who come for the first time. Hospitality is part of the stewardship entrusted to us by Jesus Christ. We welcome others in His name.
Happy anniversary and may we be around for many more. The Lord has blessed us abundantly. We come to say Thank You. Help us to use Your gifts wisely.
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