News - October 2021 RSS Feed

Tomorrow we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints when we recognize those people who we believe have gained the eternal rewards and are forever in the presence of God. Today, we hear Jesus tell a scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God,” suggesting that this anonymous functionary who was close to being a saint. To be a saint should be the goal of every man, woman, and child.

Today is WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. We celebrate this day by remembering our baptismal call—to bring the Gospel to all! Annually, World Mission Sunday is celebrated on the next to last Sunday in October. As described by Saint Pope John-Paul, II, World Mission Sunday is “an important day in the life of the Church because it teaches how to give: as an offering made to God, in the Eucharistic celebration for all the missions of the world” (Redemptoris Mission, 81).

For the past several weeks, we have been listening to the living word of God, which has asked much of all of us. Today, the Lord Jesus ask that whoever among us wishes to be first should become the servant of all. In a society where being in first place is espoused as a great value, this teaching seems difficult to embrace. We pray that, as we reflect on today’s word, we will be strengthened in our resolve to become servants of others.

Living as a disciple of Jesus is a daunting task. Jesus challenges us and the way we live our lives. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that the “the word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts from the heart. We pray that God’s word will continue to be planted deep within in our hearts, leading us along the road to conversion. As the young man in today’s Gospel approached Jesus, let us approach the Lord with our joys and sorrows, our accomplishments, and disappointments. Take some time this week to allow God’s word to penetrate your heart.

As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its natural end, and every point in between. During October, the Church in the United States, celebrates Respect Life Month, a time in which we are invited to reflect on the dignity of every human life. This year, Respect Life Month, is closely connected with the celebration of the Year of Saint Joseph. During this year, each of us can find in Saint Joseph, “an intercessor, a support, and a guide in times of trouble.” Saint Joseph shows us how to say “yes” to life, despite our fears and frailties. He was the true ‘miracle’ by which God saved the child Jesus and His mother.” May we, too, be ‘miracles’ in the lives of those who are in most need at the beginning of life and the end of life and everyplace in between. Saint Joseph, defender of life, pray for us.