A message from Father Pete

For Sunday, June 30, 2024 Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7,9, 13-15; Mark 5:21-43 I’m sure people ask you, as they do me, for prayers: in times of sickness, death of a loved one, serious tragedy; in family, business, and relationship problems. They do this because they sense that we are people of prayer. They are worried, frightened, panicky even. Their ultimate fear is separation … even death. We know that we are not miracle workers, but we do pray because we love. People seldom talk about death and I wonder how many have a realistic comprehension of what death is and how they can face death with faith. The bottom line: Life is forever with God in heaven, which Jesus promised for those who have faith, follow the commandments and live in love. The readings today provide us with yet another meditation on Jesus. Last week we stood in awe of Jesus calming the fierce storm on the turbulent Sea of Galilee where the disciples were in fear of drowning and their own deaths. Today we ...

For Sunday, June 23, 2024 Job 38:1, 8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-41 We can get so absorbed in “our little selves” that we fail to notice the special people around us who care about us deeply. And we also can become numb to the presence of God who is leading us to be aware … to care … to be conscious of “the people who stop by” in our lives in need of someone “just like me.” Is this important? Yes! It could blind us to the reign of God that takes shape in our lives around us. This could mean that we miss “at this moment” how God is loving us … leading us on to a deeper awareness of the gifts God has blessed us with. If I miss them, I’m also missing God … and when this happens I turn more into myself and the world with all its lures and attractions. I’m missing God’s love at the same moments. When this happens I have the tendency to act like I'm the only person in the world … it’s all about me … my emotions, feelings and desires have to be attended to … because I’m all that...

For Sunday, June 16, 2024 Ezekiel 17:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, Mark 4:26-34 If we were to describe our lives, we probably would employ images that illustrate gradual growth from our very first remembrances through our early school years — as my mom would say of me, our frisky years — through education and training to where we are today. We would include many exciting, moving, life-forming stories … and be thanking God. Today’s readings lead us through the disciples’ journey, realizing that Christ continually walks by their side … as God remains with each of us and every person, loving, caring and leading us to our true home in heaven. Ezekiel uses the image of a magnificent cedar tree to emphasize the hope the Israelites need during their current state of affairs. They have had a magnificent reign as a powerhouse country after their arrival in the Promised Land and on through the judges —the jealous Saul and the amazing growth and establishment of David’s kingdom, followed by Solom...

For Sunday, June 9, 2024 Genesis 3:9-15, 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1, Mark 3:20-35 A little history to situate the readings: After the Christmas season, specifically Jan. 7, we celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord. The next weekend, Jan. 14-15, we celebrated the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. You might ask: What happened to the First Sunday in Ordinary Time? Actually , the first segment of Ordinary Time, or Part I , began this year on the feast of the Epiphany (which was Jan. 7) and CONTINUED for five more Sundays until Lent . This period of Ordinary time is really an interlude between seasons: Christmas is behind us, and in a few weeks we begin Lent. The readings invite us to reflect on various aspects of our discipleship — God calling us to BE HIS PEOPLE to those in our lives who need us. How do we respond to these “calls” and “invites?” Ordinary Time - Part II begins today, June 9, when we celebrate the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time. If you're trying to be a math major and figure...