As we come to the end of the Liturgical Calendar these last two weekends, we notice a focus on the end of time and judgment of souls. I think it’s always a good exercise to ask ourselves the question, “Am I ready to see Jesus today in my particular judgement?” If that answer isn’t a resounding, confident, and hopeful yes, then we need to start to do some work. We rely on the mercy and love of God, but we must remember that for mercy to exist, justice must first exist. In true justice, judgement comes about. For mercy to be given, we must be doing our part to seek that mercy and conform our lives to Christ. We must run to confession, but we also must work to change our lives. We hit bumps in the road, stumbling blocks, dead ends, and wrong turns, but persevere and let nothing keep you from serving God and giving him your heart.
This weekend’s readings are a great challenge to us to do just that. The Prophet Malachi tells us the proud and evil doers will be destroyed, while those who fear the name of the Lord will see the sun of justice rise with its healing rays. We must seek to get rid of pride and seek humility. We must take ownership of our faults, failures, mistakes, and sins. We must seek to change them. We must in humility realize we can’t do this without God. To get rid of pride, we must first seek God and make Mass and prayer a priority in our lives. We can’t say we don’t need Sunday Mass or any of the sacraments. We must in humility realize we can’t do this on our own; both in needing community and in needing the Lord.
In the Gospel we are warned to be prepared for the end at all times. To not be deceived by anyone seeking to take us away from the Catholic Church. To not be deceived by those trying to say the end of time is now, but to just always be ready so we have nothing to fear. Many traumatic things will happen. War, violence, famine, earthquakes, fires, plagues, and signs in the sky. You will be persecuted and rejected for the truth that Christ teaches to us. You will be rejected and hated and turned over by your own family and friends. Even if the world takes your life, you cannot be destroyed when you have the Lord. All of this calls us to persevere in the life of faith and put our trust in Him. Be ready to make an account of your life and love.
I congratulate Sue Holbrook for her work over these last seven and a half years. Sue retired October 31. When Sue took the job, it was supposed to be temporary. I am not certain I would call 7.5 years temporary, but in the life of the Church it really is. Sue has helped us as a parish get our books organized to diocesan standards, move to new systems the diocese wants us to use, cut our spending, and helped get our finances in good order. We are on firm financial footing with her help and the guidance of the finance council. We are in a good position to move forward in this life of stewardship as a parish. Thank you, Sue. I will miss you around the office, but I am excited for you and Mike in retirement together! God bless you and ad multos annos!
If there are any needs concerning the business manager into the future, call the office and speak to Dee White or Jill Tompkins. They will be happy to help you.
Father Arisman