FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Dear Parishioners,
In the gospel this weekend, Jesus prioritizes the good deeds done by His expansive group of followers. He welcomes those who take action in His name without stopping to ask for their credentials. One could imagine Jesus echoing the words of Moses in the first reading: “Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets! Would that the Lord might bestow His spirit on them on!” The work of discipleship is not to draw hard and fast boxes around who is “in” and who is “out” based on preconceived ideas. Discipleship is more dynamic than that. It operates from an ever-widening circle. Christian discipleship forms followers to see people in need of being healed and to respond, period. All who take up this call—this cross—are “in.” And let’s be clear: being “in” is no easy task.
Christian discipleship demands one’s very life. Expectations are as high as the circle is wide for those who live in Christ’s light. Along with prioritizing good deeds, Jesus denounces harmful deeds without mincing any words. “Cut it off,” “pluck it out,” Jesus demands of body parts used to sin. He asserts drowning is the better option for those who cause little ones to sin.
Jesus does not take sin lightly, and neither should we. Sin persists in human beings after the Fall. We all sin, even the priests. The great sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession is a sacrament of healing what has been broken. I encourage all of us to take time in our lives for confession. As adults, I recommend going at least four times a year, winter, spring, summer and fall. It heals our soul and our mind. We must always walk as people with hope, that we can do better and become the people God meant for us to become. Be assured of my prayers.
Peace,
Fr. Monteleone
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