What is true religion and
devotion to God? Jesus warns his disciples against the wrong kind of religion.
In his denunciation of the scribes (the religious experts of his day), he warns
against three things: the desire for prominence rather than selfless service;
the desire for deference and recognition (and seeking esteem from others)
rather than seeking to promote the good of others through humble service and
love; and thirdly, attempting to use one’s position (even a religious position)
for self-gain and self-advancement. True religion is relating rightly to God
and to one’s neighbor with love, honor, and respect. The Lord puts his Holy
Spirit within us that we may be filled with the joy of his presence, the joy of
true worship, and the joy of selfless giving and love for others. True
reverence for God frees the heart to give liberally, both to God and to
neighbor.
Jesus praised a poor widow
who gave the smallest of coins in contrast with the rich who gave greater sums.
How can someone in poverty give more than someone who has ample means? Jesus'
answer is very simple: love is more precious than gold! Jesus taught that real
giving must come from the heart. A gift that is given with a grudge or for display
loses most of its value. But a gift given out of love, with a spirit of
generosity and sacrifice, is invaluable.
Please
remember the concert on November 12, the roast beef dinner on November 24th
and the seminars for the year of faith beginning on November 15.
On
the weekend of December 8 and 9, we will have a guest homilist and singers from
Jamaica. They will sing at all the Masses that weekend along with our own
choirs. Following the 5 PM Mass on December 8th, we will proceed
outside for our annual tree lighting ceremony with a blessing and music.
Refreshments will follow in the hall. More information will follow but I wanted
to alert you to these upcoming social events.
I
hope you all have a good week!
Fr. Phil
Remembrance – A Poem
for Remembrance Sunday Charles
Henrywood
Where war divides and greed and dogma drive.
Help
us to learn the lessons from the past,
That
all are human and all pay the price.
All
life is dear and should be treated so;
Joined,
not divided, is the way to go.
Protect,
dear Lord, all who, on our behalf,
Now
take the steps that place them in harm's way.
May
they find courage for each task they face
By
knowing they are in our thoughts always.
Then,
duty done and missions at an end,
Return
them safe to family and friends.
Grant
rest, O Lord, to those no longer with us;
Who
died protecting us and this their land.
Bring
healing, Lord, to those who, through their service,
Bear
conflict’s scars on body or in mind.
With
those who mourn support and comfort share.
Give
strength to those who for hurt loved-ones care.
And
some there be who no memorial have;
Who
perished are as though they’d never been.
For our tomorrows
their today they gave,
And simply asked that
in our hearts they'd live.
We heed their call and
pledge ourselves again,
At dusk and dawn - we
will remember them!
