A message from Father Pete

For Sunday, November 26, 2023 Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46 Today we are celebrating the feast of Christ the King. At the same time it is the last day of the Church year … which is year A of a three-year cycle. Next week is the First Sunday of Advent, starting year B of the three-year cycle. On this feast day we need to set aside the first images of a king that come to mind. Why? Because Jesus is depicting that God as King is first and foremost a Shepherd. We are quite familiar with Psalm 23, having heard it in sermons and funerals and seen it on plaques hanging in honored spots in many homes. Perhaps the most famous title of Jesus as a Good Shepherd is found in John’s Gospel [John 10:1-21], where Jesus adds to our understanding of what makes a good shepherd. The good shepherd is sacrificial. He is willing to ignore His own needs in order to meet the needs of the sheep. Over and over in the passage He states that the good shepherd gives His ow...

For Sunday, November 19, 2023 Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30 As we come to the end of the Church year we continue our reflections on our lives, knowing that they will end. Will it happen? Yes. When? We don’t know. How? We don’t know. Will it happen unexpectedly or after a long wait? We don’t know. I feel my last days are a lot closer since I am in my 82nd year. So these readings have a lot of stop-and-listen parts that I am stopping, listening and reflecting on. Paul arrives in Greece for the first time about 50 A.D. He visits Philippi and, soon afterward, travels to Thessalonica where he encounters persecution from Jews and Gentiles. He encourages the community and applauds the selfless love they shower on the missionaries. His teaching catches on with the people as evidenced by their caring behavior to all — which demonstrates their faith, love and hope. Paul believes that the second coming of Christ is imminent. Matthew, the author of today...

For Sunday, November 12, 2023 Wisdom 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 If we are active in the mode of Being Prepared, we continue to learn every day of our lives. I wonder if the writer of Be Prepared from The Lion King had read today’s gospel of the foolish and wise virgins preparing for a wedding. Every adult who observes this wonderful scene may have thought, “that’s great advice … I hope my kids are listening.” Jesus’ message is the same: Am I listening? Here is a portion of the lyrics of Be Prepared: I know that your powers of retention Are as wet as a warthog's backside But — thick as you are — pay attention! My words are a matter of pride It's clear from your vacant expressions The lights are not all on upstairs But we're talking kings and successions Even you can't be caught unawares! So prepare for the chance of a lifetime ... As we approach the end of the Church year (Feast of Christ the King 11/26/23), the readings express the need to be ...

For Sunday, November 5, 2023 Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13; Matthew 23: 1-12 It seems that there is a strong tendency to live our lives according to social and mass media. We could add that we are being bombarded with words and descriptions from leaders who seek our affirmation and trust. Mailings upon mailings compounded by media advertising, especially during recent weeks, urge us to vote for this person or that person … to send money for their campaigns. The avalanche seems to be without end, and the “prime question” is: Whom can I trust? Which individual has my interests? Do they care about me, or about power? Are they concerned about the good of the community, or about being recognized as an elected, important leader? Do their words, promises and actions align with those of Christ our teacher? Are they telling the truth, or the “abridged truth?” (We might consider replacing “abridged” with “shortened” … “compressed” … “pruned” … “redacted” … “reduced” … “conven...