18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
You can view or download the bulletin using the links at the bottom of this message.
A note from our Pastor:
St. Paul tells us to “put to death…” among other things, “the greed that is idolatry.” It got me to thinking about how idolatry and greed are related. I am not just talking about making money or financial gain into an idol. We can make anything into an idol – something that becomes so important that we sublimate other beliefs to it. Sure, we believe that we should treat everyone as we want to be treated – but I believe in gun ownership and anyone who doesn’t is beneath contempt. That attitude about anything – not just guns – is not only an example of idolatry but of greed as well – putting our own interests or desires first! In effect putting ourselves first as we give primacy to our own viewpoints while disregarding or disparaging viewpoints different from our own.
As Christians we are called to repudiate this way of thinking and acting. We are called to the selfless service embodied by Christ himself. Rather than holding tight to our belongings, our preferences, our biases we are called let go. Remember Christ’s instructions to the 72 from our Gospel several weeks ago about – ‘Take nothing with you.’ Christ is our strength, our example, our guiding light, always showing us the better part – usually the more difficult part, but the better part. May we do our best to recognize those things in our lives that are in danger of becoming idols for us and ask Our Lord for his help to put Him and, those he asks us to serve, first.
I want to congratulate everyone involved with our Summer Festival – you will see elsewhere in the bulletin the figure that was raised for fuel for the Churches next winter. One thing that I especially appreciated about this event was that people from all over the cluster, from both Parishes participated and supported this effort. It was a true blessing to see all those folks working together for our communities!
Peace & God Bless!
As Christians we are called to repudiate this way of thinking and acting. We are called to the selfless service embodied by Christ himself. Rather than holding tight to our belongings, our preferences, our biases we are called let go. Remember Christ’s instructions to the 72 from our Gospel several weeks ago about – ‘Take nothing with you.’ Christ is our strength, our example, our guiding light, always showing us the better part – usually the more difficult part, but the better part. May we do our best to recognize those things in our lives that are in danger of becoming idols for us and ask Our Lord for his help to put Him and, those he asks us to serve, first.
I want to congratulate everyone involved with our Summer Festival – you will see elsewhere in the bulletin the figure that was raised for fuel for the Churches next winter. One thing that I especially appreciated about this event was that people from all over the cluster, from both Parishes participated and supported this effort. It was a true blessing to see all those folks working together for our communities!
Peace & God Bless!
Father Rob
