From Fr. Dino’s Desk
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Reflection
Texts: Isaiah 50:5-9a, Psalm: 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35
What is our attitude towards suffering? It is easy to be resolute about what brings us joy, pleasure, advancement, possessions, and honor. It is far more difficult to be resolute about what costs us dearly of our time, energy, resources, and even our very life.
The resoluteness of the Suffering Servant, in the first reading, not to turn back no matter what suffering must be faced is the same resoluteness Jesus shows in his choice to face suffering and death so that all may have life.
In the gospel, Peter recoils at Jesus’ revelation that as “the Christ” he must “suffer greatly, be rejected, be killed, and rise after three days.” Peter, is so horrified at Jesus’ words about suffering and death that he fails to hear the most important part of the revelation about who Jesus is and what he is to accomplish. He fails to grasp that through death Jesus will be raised to new life. Hearing Jesus’ teaching about taking up his cross to follow him can cause us similarly to recoil as did Peter. But we live on the other side of the resurrection. We know that death brings risen life. This assurance of new life is what gives us the courage to “take up our cross, and follow” Jesus.
Dear Parishioners,
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the hardworking parishioners who relined our parking lot and to those who have been diligently weeding our garden. Your efforts are seen, appreciated, and truly reflect the spirit of service that strengthens our community.
We still have more work to do to maintain and improve our garden. If any of you feel called to help, we could use some extra hands to clean and enhance it further. Let’s continue to make our parish grounds a place of peace and beauty that reflects the care and love we share as a family of faith.
With grateful hearts, we walk together in this labor of love.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Dino