On the hillside, Jesus looks out and blesses the unlikely ones-the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers. He does not congratulate the powerful or the self-satisfied. He names as blessed those who know their need for God and are willing to trust Him anyway.
That word blessed is not a polite compliment; it is a promise. In a world that measures success by strength, noise, and winning, Jesus points to a quieter path. The Beatitudes invite us to believe that God is already at work in places that look small, hidden, or even broken, and that the Kingdom is closer than we think.
Zephaniah echoes that same hope when he speaks of a “humble and lowly people” who seek refuge in the name of the Lord. God does not abandon the remnant; He builds something new with those who choose humility over pride and faithfulness over fear. Here in our own community, that promise still stands. When we act with gentleness, speak truth without harm, and place our trust not in ourselves but in the Lord, we become that remnant-a quiet witnesses to a God who delights in lifting up the lowly and filling them with joy.
Next week while Fr. Ken is still gone, and there is no one to reach out to for help with coverage right now, I have asked the Deacons to do a communion service at the 5:30 p.m. Mass times Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I hope you all understand and I thank the Deacons for their continued help and goodness.
Next weekend we will have a missionary priest from Cross Catholic Outreach here to talk about the wonderful work that they do. Cross Catholic Outreach is a Catholic relief and development organization that partners with bishops and local churches to serve the poor in developing countries. It provides critical aid such as food, clean water, housing, education, and orphan support while promoting long-term, sustainable solutions. Rooted in Catholic social teaching, its mission is to transform lives and communities through faith-filled compassion and solidarity. Please welcome Fr. Frank Iacona!
Lastly, we are working towards some good things here at St. Francis. We finally have made some progress towards our green space. We have the opportunity to tear down two houses very soon. We will move forward with that project with the hopes of the last two sooner than later. Please keep this project in your prayers for it to come to fruition.
Father Arisman