To My Spiritual Family of Holy Redeemer and St. Anthony,
Burning With Love: Ignite the fire at Holy Redeemer! That is our goal. That is our rally cry. Johnny Cash might have been on to something when he sang about a “burning ring of fire.” And with apologies to Billy Joel, we actually do want to start the fire and to see it burning as the world keeps turning! It’s impressive how many times the opening prayer for Mass, especially on the feast days of saints, speaks of having a heart on fire with the love of Christ. We cannot give what we don’t have, so if we want to see the fire ignited at Holy Redeemer, you and I must fervently pray to fall ever deeper in love with the Lord Jesus Christ. You and I must be authentically set on fire. God wants this for us! Remember, we are on mission together. We are caught up in the great and epic story of human salvation. God has given us a role to play in the building up of his kingdom. What a privilege! Love makes the difference. Love changes the tepid soul into a zealous soul. Love makes the lost to become the found. Love transforms the heart that is far from God to be the heart that is literally filled by God. God = Love = Fire! Jesus wants us to strike the match. St. Catherine of Siena summarized this so beautifully when she wrote: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!” Please God - all the world will come to know our Lord’s mercy and love! For now, though, let us ignite the fire at Holy Redeemer!
Laboring With a Purpose: Blessings on all as we celebrate Labor Day Weekend! Pope St. John Paul II wrote: “From the beginning,” the human person “is called to work. Work is one of the characteristics that distinguish man from the rest of creatures.” Especially when it is undertaken for love of family – and for love of God - human labor has a redemptive value. It is a path to holiness. We know from experience, though, that work can often be tedious, repetitive, or grueling. I’m one of the lucky ones who loves what I do each day. Sadly, 10-year-olds working in the nearby 19th century coal mines were not as fortunate. Yet whether we make gasoline or heal broken bodies, whether we thoroughly enjoy our work or thoroughly disdain it, God is present with us during those moments of labor. This includes unpaid work as well, from changing diapers to changing tires to – please God – changing hearts into vessels of Christ’s grace. Our lives have a purpose and our work has a purpose. God has made it so.
Money for Maui: At the recommendation of Pastoral Council, we are making Catholic Charities in Hawaii our September parish tithe recipient. Remember what that means: 10% of our weekend collections this month will be sent to the suffering folks in Lahaina. Deacon Ray has been good enough to include an intercession for Maui at some of our Masses. No doubt, it’s going to be a long road of suffering for many of the people there. I’m glad that we can stand in solidarity with them through our financial assistance and prayers. God bless you all and have a beautiful week!
Mary, Mother of the Redeemer – Pray for us! Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us! St. Anthony – Pray for us! St. Joseph – Pray for us!