Our readings this Sunday, bring to light the daily struggle between good and evil and how we can combat this struggle through gratitude. In our Gospel, we see an example of how surrendering to our passions negatively affects us. Jesus was with His disciples when they began to argue amongst themselves as to who was the greatest in the group.  

If we look at our own lives, we might find many instances where we fall into the same tendencies — we constantly compare ourselves to others, out of pride we feel the need to point out another’s faults or choose to fight back in an argument. We know we should act one way but choose another. 

When Jesus hears what the apostles are discussing, He has them focus on a child. “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.”  If we reflect on the moment someone receives a child, oftentimes their hearts are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for this gift. There is no jealousy or anger, just thanksgiving, and appreciation. The apostles are busy bickering about who was the best. Their vision was clouded, and they could not even stop and be grateful for the gift to be so close to our Savior and that they were chosen to be His closest followers. 

When we are caught in the raging war of jealousy, fighting, and pride, and begin to become enslaved to our passions we are ultimately being ungrateful for what we have been given. We overlook the blessing God has given us and the gifts and talents He has entrusted to us. Today, let us recall that we have an infinitely loving God who cares deeply for us. Consider all that He has blessed you with, and how you can use those blessings for His glory. — Stewardship Reflections by Catholic Stewardship Consultants 

 The Archdiocesan Red Mass is Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception; it will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Please note that tickets or online reservations are currently not necessary for any Masses at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. The Most Reverend Shelton Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will serve as homilist. The Red Mass is celebrated annually for judges, prosecutors, attorneys, law school professors and students, and government officials. You may direct any questions to Jennifer Stanard at 314.792.7812 or stanard@archstl.org. Through the Mass, we mark the opening of a new judicial year with the Church asking the guidance of the Holy Spirit for all who are servants of justice. Begun in France in the 1300s by King Louis IX, our Archdiocesan patron saint, the Red Mass enjoys a long tradition in our country. 

The White Mass is an annual celebration in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and is associated with St. Luke, the patron of physicians and surgeons, whose feast day is October 18. The White Mass is a special celebration to acknowledge the unique contributions made by all Catholic health care professionals.  Through this Mass, we ask for guidance in applying Christ’s principles of faith and morality to modern medical science and practice. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski invites healthcare professionals, their families, and all faithful throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis to the annual White Mass on Sunday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.