A message from Father Pete

Ezekiel 18:25-28; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32 Today’s readings ask us to give ourselves a test-check on how we are living up to our baptismal promises as followers and sharers of Jesus’ teaching on love. When things are going well, do I think I will have plenty of time later to be an active follower of Jesus? Am I too busy to take the time to be active in my faith? Has it crossed my mind that COVID-19 has stopped millions who felt healthy in their tracks and died way too quickly while their loved ones were deprived of being with them? Have I reflected on the moments that I see myself as an exception and immune to the problems, hardships and sicknesses others experience? Do I feel that doing God’s will is always the best course to follow, or do I just go my own way? These are some interesting and perhaps uncomfortable questions to ponder. More importantly, what is God’s view on these questions? What is the Lord saying today … where is He leading? “Thus says the Lord: You say ‘t

Isaiah 55:6-9; Philippians 1:2-24, 27; Matthew 20:1-16 Every once in a while my dad would say to me, “Do you have an inflated vision of yourself?” Am I more important than I think I am? Do I seem to consider myself better than someone else? When I do, how is my relationship with those around me? Life is about relationships: loving, caring, forgiveness, mercy, being present and responsive to those in need … so how am I living my life today? Am I charitable or irritable? Am I helpful or thinking primarily of myself? Am I forgiving or in a get-even mode? Am I aware of those who are needy or am I numero-uno? Do I believe that God very frequently places into my life people who are purposefully sent to receive some gifts … talents … specialness God has blessed me with so that I can respond to their need? The bottom line is that at those moments, I may be the only Jesus they know and need. Do I believe that’s the way God operates? If not, how does God respond to those in need? Psalm 145 set

Sirach 27:30-28:7; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35 I take time to reflect on how generous God has been to me. I see how, even in times of need and sometimes of desperation, God continues to shower His gifts of care and comfort. I admit that I’m not too often “quick on the draw” in responding in gratitude and in sharing God’s generosity. On the contrary, I keep my hurts too long in my memory bank. Unfortunately I too often react with not-nice remarks or getting-even types of responses. Why do I find myself to be two-faced in my responses? Why do I react instead of responding in love? Why do I not ask for the courage to open my heart to love? Why do I not ask God for help, especially when I’ve been hurt, and respond in a positive way to forgive? Lord, You’ve forgiven me so many times; soften my hard-heartedness. Do I bring the problem people in my life to You, Lord, so that You can fill them with the love they need and the love I fail to share? Today’s readings help us in the task of

Ezekiel 33:7-9; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20 What does it mean to be a follower of Christ today? What does it mean to be a prophet today? It would seem that these two questions are redundant, but most tend to view them as different. To be a follower of Christ today, many would say it means going to church, keeping the commandments and being a person of care, forgiveness, love and mercy. This is true. To be prophet today, most would say it requires speaking out when necessary, when there is injustice or deliberate hurting of the needy. This is true too. But unfortunately, most people feel it is the job of someone else to be a prophet. Why should I speak out? Who am I? I don’t have the authority to judge people who are acting out in a hurtful way. Yet what is the greatest command of Jesus? Love. Love everyone, when it's convenient and even when it's inconvenient. So what does a follower of Jesus need to do today? Love. And what does it mean to be a prophet today? It just boil