From the Pastor – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time
From the Pastor – 8 th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s readings exhort us Christian disciples to form ourselves — mind and heart — in imitation of Christ so we can better reflect His goodness in our daily lives.
The first reading from Sirach offers timeless counsel: “the fruit of a tree shows the care it has had: so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind. Praise no one before he speaks.” Jesus uses the very same analogy in today’s Gospel reading from Luke: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.”
Everything we have is a gift from God to be used for His honor and glory. This includes the gift of speech and, even more broadly, all forms of modern-day communication — email, text, Twitter, Facebook and the rest. What comes forth from our mouths, or keyboard, or phone, is a reflection of what is in our minds and hearts. Our ability to communicate with each other is itself a gift which we must steward well.
In the same Gospel passage, Jesus reminds us, “No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” The more time we spend with Jesus, our teacher, through regular prayer and a strong sacramental life, the more we will become like Him. Then all that we do and say (and tweet and post) will bring others closer to Him. This is the life’s work of the Christian steward. It is privileged work indeed.
Pastoral Pondering
The reflection above provides a good modus operandi for the Christian. We should not say something on social media that we are not willing to say to someone face-to-face. Sadly, in our culture the norm has become the opposite.
When someone believes they have been aggrieved in some way, they feel free to say whatever they like, oftentimes thinking they are hiding behind the anonymity of a “secret” Facebook page or some other media platform. The reality is once something is on social media, it has very little chance of being secret.
Unfortunately, we often see those who identify themselves as having some connection with Christ, the Church, or one of her institutions who say things on line that are certainly no reflection of the Gospel. The Covington Catholic debacle is a great example of everyone jumping to false conclusions. While that incident received national attention, we all can think of examples of bad behavior that we’ve seen on social media.
We Catholics are called to be authentic wherever we are and in whatever we are doing. We are called to bear good fruit wherever we find ourselves. As we begin Lent this coming Wednesday, it is a good opportunity for us to examine ourselves by looking at our words and actions and asking what kind of “fruit” am I producing by my interaction with others? Is it good fruit that lifts people up, offers charitable correction, and constructive criticism, or is it bad fruit that destroys people, tears them down and belittles them to stroke our own egos? If its more of the former than the latter, what are you willing to do to change and be a better reflection of Christ?
Diocesan Support Appeal – Thanks to those who have already pledged or donated to this year’s DSA. Our most recent report from the Diocese indicates that 280 families have donated with $59,105.31 already received and $41,847.00 in outstanding pledges. This leaves $211,626.69 still outstanding. If you have not yet made a gift or pledge, please go to charlottediocese.thankyou4caring.org/DSADonations
Queen of Heaven Painting – A number of folks have asked about the new painting in the back of the nave of the Church. Even though there was information about it in a previous bulletin, it never hurts to provide more information. The painting is on loan from the artist but can be sponsored for permanent placement in the church. One of Mr. Guidetti’s goals is to provide artwork to beautify our churches. He is hoping to be able to do a portrait of St. Joseph to compliment this painting of Our Lady.
Stained Glass Windows – I hope that everyone has had a chance to enjoy the Agony in the Garden which was recently installed. Our artist at Dixon Studios is working diligently on each of our windows and will continue to install as new windows get finished. Here is the current information for the remaining windows: St. Peter (Clergy Window) $10,135($11,865); the Coronation (Parishioner Window) $12,145.42($9,854.58); the Assumption (Sponsored by KofC) $16,261.30($5,738.70); and the Scourging at the Pillar (Sponsored by F3) $3,600($18,400). Thanks to all who have been so supportive of this project.