Pastoral Messages
Our Moment Has Arrived
Every generation has something that defines them. A moment when we will need to rise to the occasion. I can’t help but feel that moment has arrived. I’m speaking to everyone, all generations – teens, young adults, and those a little older.
In a world that seems to have lost its moral compass in so many ways, the world needs people of faith to step up. To be Christ in the world, no matter the personal consequences. I know, easier said than done. We can feel helpless, anxious, scared. It is in these moments though that God gives us what we most need...courage. Often times that courage comes in the form of our own faith community. The weight of it all is a little lighter when we stand tall together.
St. Rita Parish has always shown the way in this regard. But God’s work is never easy and it is never done. We must not get fatigued in our moment. There are critical needs within our community and many current ministries offer opportunities to live out our faith. If you are not already active in one of our ministries, please consider engaging in one now. If you have questions or are not sure where you are most needed, please feel to contact me and I am sure we can find the perfect fit! Perhaps an easy start is to simply invite someone to come to Church with you.
Lastly, let us pray for hearts courageous enough to face our fears, to extend mercy and compassion to those most in need of God’s unconditional love. And if you need a Bible reference or two to really bring this point home, The Beatitudes and the Good Samaritan provide a great foundation.
Thank for listening!
Much love,
~Deacon Jim
Scripture
An Introduction to Sunday's Scripture Readings - February 23, 2025
“Love Your Enemies, Do Good To Those Who Hate You”
Our readings this Sunday ask us to do the unthinkable - to "do good to those who hate you." It is an act only God is capable of (or
those acting in the image of God). This is what David did in our first reading and what Jesus invites us to do in today's Gospel.
In our first reading (1 Samuel 26:2,7-9, 12-13, 22-23), we hear excerpts from the fascinating story of young David, who was being pursued by his former patron, King Saul. Saul and his army were trying to kill David. David stumbled on the opportunity to slay his would-be killer in the night but he chose not to. He refused to take vengeance on King Saul, whom he called "the Lord's anointed." In short, he did good to those who hated him, blessed those who persecuted him.
In our Epistle reading (1 Corinthians 15:45-49) St. Paul contrasts (the first) Adam with the last (or second) Adam (Jesus). The first Adam is from the earth, the natural world and the second Adam, Jesus, is from the spiritual world - the image of the heavenly one. It is this image that Jesus calls us to be in today's Gospel. Paul writes, “As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.”
In our Gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38), we hear a continuation of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain that began in last Sunday's Gospel reading. Here, Jesus laid out what it is to be a follower of Christ, in the image of God. This is an image of meekness and humility. It is a call to love our enemies with an “Agape” love, like the love between God and mankind. Imagine how counter-cultural Jesus’ words were to those who heard Him; how counter-cultural they are even today.
Have you ever given a gift to someone and not received a thank-you? Were you offended? If the gift was truly given in the spirit of today's Gospel, with no expectation of return, there would not be offense, only love. The gifts given to us by God are not only with no expectation of return, it would be impossible for us to reciprocate with God. God gives purely because He loves us, over and over again. We are called to live in His image.
www.bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022325.cfm
Upcoming Events
- Women Enjoying Rediscovering Our Catholicism - Tuesdays at 9:00 am in Room 1
- Companions in Grief - Thursday, February 20 at 6:30 pm
- Game Night - Saturday, February 22 from 6-8 pm in Room 1
- Priest, Prophet, and King - Sundays and Wednesdays through February 26
- Women's Faith Sharing - Thursday, February 27 at 7 pm
- Kid Zone: Relay Races - Saturday, March 1 from 9-11 am
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