From the Pastor – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 21, 2019

From the Pastor – 2 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Gospel reading from John recounts the familiar story of the wedding feast at Cana when Jesus launched His public ministry by performing His first miracle at his mother’s request.

In the midst of the feast, the Blessed Mother noticed that the wine had run out and pointed out the problem to Jesus. Then, she gave the servants instructions that are equally applicable to us modern-day stewards, saying, “Do whatever He tells you.” Jesus gives the servants a simple and seemingly mundane task, telling them to fill some stone jars with water. They did what He told them to do. And Jesus used their obedience in the accomplishment of that simple task to perform His first miracle, turning the water into the choicest wine.

Our Lord didn’t have to include those servants in order to perform this miracle — He chose to. And today, 2,000 plus years later, He still chooses to include us in the performance of His miracles through our cooperation with Him in using the gifts and talents He has given us. What a privilege! Let us take care to listen to our Blessed Mother: let’s examine our lives this week to see if we really are “doing whatever He tells us,” cooperating with God to make the best use of the gifts He has given us for the benefit of those around us. If we all take this call seriously, He will perform miracles in our families and our parish.

Pastoral Pondering

We hear today about the third event that has also traditionally been associated with the Epiphany of the Lord. The visit of the Magi, the Baptism of the Lord, and today, the Miracle at the Wedding Feast. While all of the ornaments have been stored and all of the retailers are pedaling Valentine’s candy, the Church invites us to ponder one more event that manifests God with us.

All three of the Epiphany events reminds us of the presence of God, but I think the Cana miracle helps us focus on our role in cooperating with God’s plan. As noted above, Jesus chose to perform this miracle with the cooperation of the servants. He didn’t need their help, but He wanted it.

He also wants our cooperation in building up the Kingdom in our hearts, in our families, in our parish, and in our communities. This cooperation, contrary to a common opinion, does not necessarily require a great deal of time. It does, however, require intentionality. We must choose to do something. I was recently speaking with an elderly lady who was despairing that she had little to offer any longer. I pointed out that she still contributes a great deal by her prayers and her example. Everyone has something that he or she can offer to God. We just have to have the courage to take the first step and trust that God will do the rest.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 31, 2026
Today’s Gospel passage from Matthew contains several parables that offer both challenge and encouragement to the Christian steward as Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven and our role in helping to build it. First, He compares the Kingdom to a field where both wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. Only then are they separated — the wheat gathered into the sower’s barn and the weeds destroyed. It is a sobering reminder that our choices matter and that God, in His justice, will one day call each of us to account for how we have lived and used the gifts He has entrusted to us. But Jesus also offers great encouragement. He compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which grows into a large plant. He also compares it to a small amount of yeast that quietly transforms an entire batch of dough. These images are especially consoling for Christian stewards. So often, the prayers we pray, the service we offer, and the gifts we share can seem small compared to the needs around us. Yet Jesus reminds us that God works powerfully through even the smallest acts of faithfulness. God sees and treasures our offerings of time, talent, and treasure. When placed in His hands, they can bear far more fruit than we could ever imagine. In gratitude for all He has given us, let us remain faithful to the mission entrusted to our care for the building of His Kingdom. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering The Catholic Church teaches that lying is always wrong and intrinsically evil, as it offends against the truth, which is rooted in the nature of God Himself (who is Truth, cf. John 14:6). This is a consistent teaching drawn from Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium, particularly articulated in the *Catechism of the Catholic Church* (CCC). Official Definition from the Catechism CCC 2482: “A lie consists in speaking a falsehood with the intention of deceiving.” (Quoting St. Augustine.) CCC 2483: “Lying is the most direct offense against the truth. To lie is to speak or act against the truth in order to lead someone into error. By injuring man’s relation to truth and to his neighbor, a lie offends against the fundamental relation of man and of his word to the Lord.” Lying profanes speech, whose natural purpose is to communicate truth. It is condemned by its very nature (CCC 2485), and no good intention or end can justify it—evil may not be done so that good may come of it. Gravity of Lies The seriousness of a lie varies: It is measured by the nature of the truth deformed, the circumstances, the intentions of the liar, and the harm caused to victims (CCC 2484). A lie can be venial or mortal sin. It becomes mortal if it gravely injures justice or charity (e.g., false witness in court, lies causing significant harm, or deception with potentially deadly consequences). Biblical and Theological Roots Scripture strongly condemns lying: e.g., the Eighth Commandment (“You shall not bear false witness,” Exodus 20:16), Psalms 5:6, Proverbs 12:22, and Jesus calling the devil “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Church Fathers like St. Augustine wrote extensively against lying (even “white lies” or lies to save a life), and this has been the dominant tradition, upheld by St. Thomas Aquinas and the Magisterium. While some historical discussions exist (e.g., distinctions between injurious, officious, or jocose lies), the Church holds that lying is always contrary to the virtue of truthfulness. Common Questions and Nuances “White lies” or lies to spare feelings? Still wrong, though lesser in gravity if they cause little harm. Better to use prudence, silence, or evasive but truthful speech. Lying to save a life (e.g., Nazis at the door)? The Church’s teaching is that lying remains sinful; alternatives like mental reservation, broad statements, or silence are preferred where possible. The good end does not justify the means. Mental reservation or broad mental reservation: In some moral theology traditions, one may use ambiguous speech that is true in a certain sense (e.g., when the listener has no right to the truth), but this must not cross into actual falsehood. The Catechism’s emphasis is on communicating truth. Jokes or fiction: Obvious jokes or storytelling (where no one is expected to take it as literal truth) are generally not lies.  Practical Pastoral Advice Christians are called to be people of truth, reflecting Christ. Repentance, confession, and striving for veracity build trust and communion.

From the Pastor - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 10, 2026
In today’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus shares the familiar Parable of the Sower. It is a powerful image for the stewardship way of life, demonstrating the gradual but transformative effect that a life centered on God can have on us over time. In the parable, some seed falls on a path where birds quickly carry it away. Other seed falls on rocky ground, where it begins to grow but cannot develop deep roots. Still more seed falls among thorns that eventually choke the young plants. Finally, some seed falls on rich, fertile soil and produces an abundant harvest. Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God, generously scattered for all to receive. The question is whether our hearts are prepared to receive it and allow it to take root. This is where the stewardship way of life comes in. When we offer our time, talent, and treasure to God and place Him first in our lives, we help create the “good soil” needed for the Kingdom to flourish within us. Stewardship removes the “rocks” of mistrust as we grow in confidence that God will provide for our needs. It clears away the “thorns” of worldly concerns that can distract us from what matters most. Through prayer, the sacraments, and generous service, the soil of our lives is continually nourished and renewed. Let us deepen our commitment to this way of life, allowing the Divine Sower to do His work within us. In time, He will produce an abundant harvest through our lives. ©Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering A Pastoral Reflection on the Earthquakes in Venezuela Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In these days, our hearts are heavy as we learn of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Two powerful tremors, measuring approximately 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have caused great loss of life, injured thousands, and left many families homeless and grieving. As your pastor, I invite you to join me in prayer for all those affected— the deceased, the injured, the missing, and those working tirelessly in rescue and relief efforts. May the Lord grant them strength and comfort in this time of trial. The Catholic Church offers us clear guidance on how to understand such natural disasters. They are not punishments from God directed at specific sins or peoples. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, our world is “in a state of journeying” toward its ultimate perfection (CCC 310). In God’s wise plan, creation includes both life-giving and destructive forces of nature—such as the shifting of tectonic plates that cause earthquakes. Physical evils like these remind us of the disorder introduced into the world by Original Sin, yet they are not direct divine judgments. Jesus Himself rejected such thinking when asked about tragedies in His time (see Luke 13:1-5 and John 9:1-3). Instead, these events humble us, turn our eyes from fleeting earthly goods toward heaven, and call forth the best in us: compassion, solidarity, and trust in God’s providence. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has expressed his deep closeness to the Venezuelan people. He has offered prayers for the victims and their families, entrusted the rescuers to the Lord, and sent an initial emergency donation of €100,000 to support relief efforts through the local Church. He urges the international community to respond with generous solidarity. In moments like this, we remember that creation itself “groans” in labor pains as it awaits full redemption (Romans 8:22). Yet we are not without hope. God does not abandon His children. He is present in the suffering Christ who walks with us, and He brings good even from tragedy—through heroic acts of charity, stronger communities, and hearts turned more fully toward Him. What can we do here at St. Mark’s? - Pray: Offer Masses, Rosaries, or personal prayers for Venezuela. Consider a special intention at weekend Masses. - Help: Support reliable Catholic relief organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS) or efforts coordinated by our Diocese of Charlotte. Even small donations can provide food, shelter, and medical aid. - Reflect: Use this as an opportunity for personal conversion and gratitude for the blessings we enjoy.  Let us entrust our Venezuelan brothers and sisters to the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Mark, our patron. May the Risen Lord bring healing, peace, and hope to all who suffer. And may we, as one parish family, respond with the love of Christ.