From Our Pastor: Love in Action and Our Sunday Best
In our first reading from the Book of Exodus, God reminds the people of Israel of their responsibility to care for the poor, the stranger, and those who are vulnerable. God hears the cries of those who suffer and calls His people to respond with compassion and justice.
It is easy to think of faith as something personal, expressed through prayer and worship, but Scripture reminds us that our faith must also be visible in our daily actions. How we treat our neighbors, respond to someone in need, and use the blessings God has given us all reveal the depth of our relationship with Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus identifies the two greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These commandments are inseparable; our devotion to God must be reflected in how we treat others. As we go about our week, we might ask ourselves: Do my actions reflect the faith I profess? Serving our neighbor may mean making a sacrifice, offering forgiveness, listening patiently, or noticing someone who feels forgotten. Such gestures may seem small, but they embody the very heart of Christian discipleship.
After my bulletin article about dressing up, I have been asked by many, including the parish council, to remind people who are serving as ministers of any capacity in the Mass to please follow the dress protocols established by Father Don for weekend masses. They have not changed. If you are a lector, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, an usher, a server, etc. please make sure you follow the appropriate dress. Dress up. No sandals. No jeans. No shorts. Collared shirts. Servers need to wear dress shoes. Honestly this should be the case for everyone attending Mass. Period. We should all dress up every Sunday. Yes, we are happy you are here no matter how you are dressed, but now that you are here let’s call you to something more. If you are having Jesus to your house for the fanciest of meals would you only wear shorts and sandals and a t-shirt? I would think you would put on your very best. Sunday best was always a thing when I was young and I hope we bring it back. This way even if you are not scheduled as a minister for Mass, we could step up and help and be well-dressed to do so.
Let’s continue to pray for the good health of our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV. This health scare of his reminds us of our need for constant prayer for him. Let us entrust him into the hands of our Lord and our Lady. May he recover swiftly, as it seems he already is, but also fully and that this cancer is gone. Venerable Augustine Tolton, pray for him.
Father Arisman