It is clear from the Gospel of today that Jesus also foresaw the possibility that the faith of his followers would come unraveled when he was no longer physically present. The long-distance of time would disconnect His Life and Message for some folks and groups down through the many centuries of Christianity. Pride and privilege, not only for church clerics and hierarchy, but for all of us; are often the result when what Jesus had hoped for us to be as His devoted servants offering dedicated and worthy service to others. As found in the Gospel story, much like the apostles, we can let our faith run down especially when we need to pray to increase it.

Our scripture of this weekend is about “ownership”; owning what we do and being re-sponsible for our actions. In our culture of today, most folks always seem to be able to find someone else or some other institution to be responsible. We only claim ownership if we are successful and famous. We do not get concerned at all about being responsible and decent people on a daily basis.

The scripture this weekend informs or reminds us of the great justice of God. The scripture also challenges us about our sense of justice in our own lives. In the passage from the Old Testament, Amos the prophet is seen as caring a lot. He lived in a time when the people had ever increasing prosperity that came about from abuse of the poor and marginalized. Amos was very clear about their greed and abuse for he said that they even wanted to work on the Sabbath and mis-weigh to their advantage a measure of grain. He proclaimed that these type of abuses will not be tolerated or forgotten in heaven. Amos was not against making money, but he was if it is on the backs of the poor. He told them that greed and avarice can keep you from serving God. Money becomes an idol for people. This idol does away with justice and keeps one away from God.

The scripture of this weekend is inviting us to reflect upon where we stand in our relationship with God and others. When we think about this, we may conclude that we are in an okay space with God, and perhaps even think we deserve special credit for how we perceive that we are a committed Christian and Catholic. Our readings may abruptly knock us back a step or two and confront us to really question where we are in our relationship with God.

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

The Prayer Vigil Service held on the Common last Sunday evening was a most impressive service. Thank you to all who were involved. A Schola from our Choir came and provided very inspirational music for the service. Father Boris of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, (St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Woonsocket RI); spoke most inspirationally and passionately about the War in Ukraine. We must always pray for peace and also work for peace. Prayer is the beginning and foundation, but we must also strive in all things to bring peace to our lives and world.

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

This Sunday evening at 5 PM there will be a Prayer Vigil/Service on the Town Common for the people of Ukraine. The Franklin Interfaith Council along with invited guests will be participating in the service. Please plan to come and stand with and for the Ukraine people, pray for them, and also the end of the horrible violence. You will notice that it is early evening so people may find it more convenient to attend. If it rains, we will use Saint Mary Church for the Service. Everyone is welcome. You may wish to bring a “beach chair” to sit on.

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,
Eke! I made a date error in last week’s letter. The Special Town-wide Prayer Service and Vigil for the people of the Ukraine is on Sunday, June 12 at 5 PM on the Town Common. Please note that this is the correct day, date and time. I apologize for my error. Please plan to come and participate in the early evening hour Vigil. Song, Hymns, Reflections and Prayers will be part of our special Vigil.
This weekend Parishioners are electing four new members to our Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). You can fill out a ballot in church or you may also do so from our website (stmarysfranklin.org). This Council advises me on our Parish Mission and Vision and gives particular advice on some practical items. They also engage in listening with all Parishioners so that they may representative a wider point of view in their insights and advice for the pastoral good of our entire Parish.