22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

09-01-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate Labor Day, a national holiday, recognizing the dignity of human labor. The Church has always supported the inherent dignity to work and to provide for daily living. Labor Day for the Church worldwide is the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1st. It is the “World Labor Day” and Pope Francis wrote the following on the Feast in 2013, “Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Work, to use an image, anoints us with dignity, fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God, who has worked and still works, who always acts…” This Labor Day let us give thanks to God for those who labor in factories, fields and various professions that help to foster a healthy society that values the dignity of human labor and the gift of the individuals laborer.

We return to the Gospel of Mark this week and are reminded of the vital condition or state of our heart in the life of holiness. We can sometimes get caught up in all that is going on outside and in other people’s lives and totally miss the coldness or hardness that has seeped into our own hearts. Jesus warns about being hypocrites and making human traditions and practices equal to God’s laws that were given to Moses and fulfilled in Jesus and the Beatitudes. It is only with the love and the mercy of Christ in our hearts that we can live pure. Evil and sin are a reality in life and the world. The lies of the world are many and we must constantly draw close to the wisdom of Jesus and His teachings. It is His grace, love and mercy that protect and strengthen us. Let us stay focused on Him and how He calls us into good and right relationships with one another. When we look at someone, let us not simply see their sin or faults, but rather with the grace and wisdom from God see a soul on a journey to salvation.

I hope you are enjoying and making use of the FORMED subscription that is free and available to every parishioner. It is part of our effort to Learn – Grow – Be Formed as adults and families on a journey of faith. Take time to look over the numerous courses, Bible studies, movies, classes and devotions that are available. Disciples commit to sitting at the foot of Jesus to learn and grow. These resources are a great way as adult learners to take in initiative to grow in our intellectual heritage as Catholics. Faith and reason go hand in hand for us. Please take the opportunity to sign up and grow in your love for the Lord and His Church.

I am spending time in Michigan with my parents and siblings this week as part of my summer family time. I will be gone for the week but will check in on Wednesday from afar. This time with my parents is valued and it is a joy to be with them. I will see you next Sunday.

Peace and goodness in Him,

Fr. Fred