From the Pastor - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 11, 2022

Today’s readings speak of an essential quality for the Christian steward — hope. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1817).” In many ways, this is the very definition of a stewardship way of life — focusing on eternity as we live our daily lives and relying on God to provide for our needs and satisfy our deepest longings for meaning and happiness right now. 

In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus describes the true richness of life that is possible for those of us who are willing to live as his hope-filled disciples. We are all familiar with this passage in which Jesus reveals the Beatitudes: blessed are the poor; they have the kingdom of God. Blessed are those now hungry because they will be satisfied. Blessed are those who weep because they will laugh. Blessed are those who are hated, excluded, and insulted because they are disciples of Jesus; they will be greatly rewarded in heaven. Jesus is describing here the character of one who is living a life of hope – the life of a Christian steward whose trust is firmly rooted in God and who is focused on others and eternity. It is not always an easy life, but it is a deeply meaningful life and one that leads to eternal reward. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2022


Pastoral Pondering – I love the writing of G.K. Chesterton. The most recent issue of The Chesterton Review was dedicated to Father Stanley Jaki, a priest and physicist who was also devoted to GKC. In fact, he wrote a book entitled, Chesterton: Seer of Science in 1986. In reading some of the essays, I was moved to write a few reflections here in light of what we have all experienced since the beginning of 2020.


Over the course of the pandemic, if we have heard it once, we have heard it a thousand time, that we should “follow the science”. On the surface, of course, this is not bad advice; however, when examined a bit more critically and closely, such a slogan can become a form of idolatry. This can only be avoided when we actually follow a truly scientific way of thinking; meaning, not simply accepting things at face value and not being afraid to question particular conclusions in order to seek a deeper understanding of the truth by challenging, questioning, looking at other possibilities, and searching for a deeper awareness of reality. This is certainly what I was taught to do in my undergraduate studies in the natural sciences in biology.


This approach, historically, is rooted in a philosophical understanding of the world along with a true humility that recognizes that there is more going on around us than we can know or comprehend. In many respects this was Chesterton’s approach to life. GKC was certainly not a scientist by training. He was a writer, a journalist, and a philosopher. “Following the science” would have been offensive to Chesterton because he recognized the imperfect nature of the natural sciences and the danger of following the science devolving into scientism which basically argues that science is the only answer to reality.


With that in mind, the slogan, “follow the science” appears to demand that we suspend the use of critical inquiry when we need it the most, and in some arenas require not thinking but blind obedience to the will of those in power. If we truly want to follow the science, however, we must continue to question, test, and challenge because we recognize that science, as it presently exists, does not have all of the answers. True science is open to being proven wrong. In his book, Orthodoxy, Chesterton notes that “Complete self-confidence is not merely a sin. Complete self-confidence is a weakness.”


We have seen this play out in any number of ways in connection with the responses to COVID both here and throughout the world. As new studies and new information come out, many have asserted that the cure seems to be worse than the disease. While every level of society has been impacted in some way, it seems that our children have been especially burdened. The scientific data indicates that the childhood demographic is the least likely to spread or to have serious complications from COVID. Nonetheless, they are often the ones who suffer the most from masking, isolation (whether at home or being segregated due to vaccination status), on-line learning and the constant fear-mongering on much of mainstream and social media. The resulting fear and anxiety have proven to be far worse than the disease itself. We have a long way to go before all of the ramifications become apparent. One child who was playing outside while wearing a mask indicated that if he didn’t wear a mask, he might “kill grandma”. It is so very sad that those entrusted with leadership and the common good would spread such a message when it is simply not true. We all have friends and relatives who might be particularly susceptible to airborne pathogens. My own nephew, whom I love like a son, was born with cystic fibrosis. With that in mind, we all take special precautions on his behalf, but he is not living with constant fear and anxiety. He takes each day as a gift, does what he knows he needs to do to protect himself, and entrusts the rest to God’s providence.


When all of this began, none of us really knew what was ahead of us. As time has gone on, however, it has become apparent that COVID, like other viruses, is not going away. It is going to be something that we have to live with. Certainly, particular demographics with higher risks need to be especially careful and cautious, but with significant vaccinations and natural immunity, much of society is in a much better position to live with this new reality than we were back at the beginning. We have to realize that the promotion of fear and a “one size fits all” response to this disease is polarizing families, dividing communities and destroying civil society at large. It is wrong and we should do what we can to stop it.


First and foremost, we need to be people of faith who renounce the spirit of Fear that has been running rampant through society. We need to demand transparency from our elected and public health officials by having honest conversations about what has worked and what has failed. AND we need to trust that God is still in charge.


My favorite quote of St. Teresa of Avila, the Nada te turbe, is apropos here:


Let nothing disturb you,

Let nothing frighten you,

All things pass away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

He who has God

Finds he lacks nothing;

God alone suffices.


From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • July 7, 2025
In today’s Gospel passage, from Luke, we find our Lord appointing disciples to go out and prepare others to receive His invitation into the Kingdom of God. Every verse has something to say about the way a Christian steward should approach others. Let’s consider at least one of the coaching tips Christ gives. “The Lord appointed seventy-two others whom He sent out ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place He intended to visit.” In His wisdom, Christ sent His disciples out not as individuals but in pairs, as teams. This approach to evangelization certainly provided practical advantages. The disciples could lean on each other for mutual support and encouragement, helping each other to stay on task and to put their heads together to pray and problem-solve. This teamwork approach is just as relevant to us modern-day Christian stewards. It takes courage and commitment to go out and invite others into the Christian life. We need to work together to do it well. But there is also symbolic importance to working in teams. It points to the reality that when we invite others to embrace the Good News of the Gospel, we are not merely inviting them into a belief system, but into a relationship with Christ and through that relationship, into Christ’s family — our fellow Christian disciples near and far. Our parish is our immediate spiritual family in this extended worldwide fold. We are not meant to live as isolated individuals within the parish any more than we are meant to live in isolation within our families. We are meant to be a community. That is why it is so important for us to foster a vibrant, supportive, welcoming parish life. This is why we emphasize hospitality as one of the pillars of stewardship. It is not enough just to point others to Christ; we must invite them to join us in community with Him; we must offer a place and mission for them in the Church and within our parish family. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering As you know, during the last weekend of May (5/31-6/1), we had our final push for our Growing Home Campaign. I wanted to give everyone a final update as we conclude our fundraising period. During that weekend’s presentation, I asked everyone to help us close the $325,000 gap to meet our $9.7 M goal. As we close this portion of the campaign, I am happy to report that we have reached $10.5 million in pledges and gifts, exceeding our goal by $800,000! I am continuously amazed by the giving spirit that pervades our parish. Your generosity is a tangible expression of your commitment to our amazing parish. The funds raised over the goal and any funds raised going forward will help us to address the ever-increasing cost of construction and reduce the loan amount that will be required to complete the overall project. As noted earlier this year, the Rectory project has started and is projected to take about 12 months to complete. Our hope and plan is to break ground on the Monsignor Bellow Center and Adoration Chapel next summer or early Fall. Words alone never seem adequate to express the gratitude that I have in my heart for all of you who have participated in and supported this monumental effort. Both the financial support and the support with time and talent have been tremendous and for that, I want to offer a heartfelt “THANK YOU!”. May God bless each of you for your generosity in helping us grow our home here at St. Mark.

From the Pastor - Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

By John Putnam • June 27, 2025
During June, we have celebrated key moments in the life of the Church — Pentecost, the Most Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi — culminating today with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Though very different men, they are united in faith, mission, and martyrdom, and the Church has honored them together since the third century. St. Peter, the first Pope, was chosen by Christ as the rock on which the Church would be built. The Catechism tells us that because of the faith he professed, Peter remains the “unshakeable rock of the Church.” Despite his human weaknesses, Peter's loyalty, repentance, and leadership make him a powerful model of stewardship. St. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the Church’s greatest evangelists. In today’s second reading, Paul reflects on his mission, saying, “I have finished the race… the crown of righteousness awaits me.” The Greek word he used for “crown” — stephanos — refers to a victor’s crown, not a royal one, showing his view of faith as a race well-run for the sake of Christ. Though they were martyred separately, tradition holds that Peter and Paul were in Rome at the same time, and their shared witness and sacrifice tie them closely together in Church history. They embody two vital aspects of stewardship — Peter in his faith and leadership, and Paul in his zeal and wisdom. As stewards, we are called to follow their example — to build the Church through our commitment, to overcome our failures through God’s mercy, and to proclaim the Gospel with courage. Like Peter and Paul, we are invited to give all we have for the sake of Christ and His Church. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering  This Solemnity marks the beginning of summer vacation in Rome. The Holy Father will be traveling to Castelgandolfo for some time away from the heat of Rome. For the rest of us, the weeks of summer are in full swing, and as we move into July this week, I hope that families have an opportunity to spend some time in rest and relaxation. Spending time with family, friends, and the Lord, are among the best things that we can do with our “down time”. Leisure is essential to a well-lived life, but it has to be understood properly in the context of the Christian life. Anthony Esolen’s Leisure: The Basis of Culture is a contemporary reflection and expansion on the classic work of the same name by Josef Pieper. Esolen argues that modern society has lost its understanding of true leisure, mistaking it for mere idleness or entertainment. In contrast, he defines leisure as a contemplative, receptive state that allows individuals to encounter truth, beauty, and God. True leisure, according to the author, distinguishes leisure from passive consumption or busyness. True leisure is rooted in wonder, worship and reflection – activities that are ends in themselves, not means to productivity. He critiques how modern life has turned all human activity into something utilitarian. Education, art and even religion are often reduced to tools for social mobility or economic growth, rather than pursued for their intrinsic value. Esolen emphasizes that leisure finds its highest expression in worship and liturgy. Time spent in contemplation of the divine is the deepest form of leisure, because it directs the soul toward eternal realities. He draws on classical and Christian sources to affirm that man is not simply a worker or consumer but is made for contemplation and communion. In the end, he calls for a return to genuine leisure as the only path to restoring culture, education, and the dignity of the human spirit. The author argues that without true leisure, civilization cannot thrive, because it loses contact with what is eternal and meaningful. Leisure, rightly understood, is not a break from life – it is at the heart of what makes life worth living.
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