Our first reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes from the most frequently referred to book in the earliest of Christian times. The title tells us so, as it means “out of/ from the church” meaning the book most often read and referred to in the earliest of Christian gatherings. They used it so frequently because they wanted to understand life and faith in their daily lives. The book itself was composed in times when Israel was prosperous and the cultural leaders and elites thought they had the power to unlock and explain the mysteries of God. This occurred roughly during the fourth and third centuries before Christ. The thinkers and leaders of then believed that God was definable and also understandable. We know centuries later that God is really beyond total human understanding. This also means God is beyond our control and God’s actions are beyond our prediction.

Do you remember the story about Abraham in last week’s Old Testament reading, when he observed all the rules of formal hospitality for his three mysterious guests? This week’s story about a visitor has a much more causal social approach to it. God comes down from heaven and goes for a causal stroll with Abraham. It appears God personally feels a need to check up on what is happening in Sodom and Gomorrah. Notice in this story that Abraham is not even slightly fazed that God would walk with him on a road. It is interesting that Abraham does not feel overwhelmed, intimidated, or bullied by God as this man drives a very hard bargain with God to spare the two cities if at least ten just people are found living in the cities.

Clearly there is a lot of rushing about and frantic activity in today’s linked Mass readings, the Old Testament and the Gospel. Abram (Abraham) appears to be frantic in his dashing about. When he spies the three distant figures, he comes out of his tent right away. It does not take long before he is gushing at the three men and offering them his most generous hospitality. As a host he wants his new guests to stay for quite a while. He also gives orders to Sarai (Sarah) about the baking of bread and in addition he then orders his servants to get busy for the guests. Notice how it is that it is that Abram waits personally on these three. The three guests ask about Sarai, and there is one who seems to be able to sense on a higher level more than the others. He knows Sarai wishes for a child and he then promises her a child before the year has come to an end.

We often “take for granted” whoever or whatever is around us. We tend to think that whatever some-one else has, be it a person or a thing or many things, we think whatever they have always is far better. We often yearn for what we cannot have or cannot reach for in our own lives. What is very distant or impossible to reach is quite exotic and desirable, and whatever or whoever is in our lives is to be pre-sumed upon or just is not noteworthy. This perspective greatly affects our lives and we do not usually recognize that this is a problem for us.

For the most part, taking shortcuts to achieve a goal is counterproductive because it usually means completely redoing something later to make it what it is supposed to be. The minimal or poor effort usually produces very poor or inadequate results, as the saying goes: “if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.” This maxim also applies to living our Catholic Way of Faith and Life.

For the most part, taking shortcuts to achieve a goal is counterproductive because it usually means completely redoing something later to make it what it is supposed to be. The minimal or poor effort usually produces very poor or inadequate results, as the saying goes: “if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.” This maxim also applies to living our Catholic Way of Faith and Life.

This weekend we celebrate the great Feast of Corpus Christi, or as it is rendered in the English language “The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.” Our readings this weekend are meant to be reflective of many issues regarding the Eucharist.

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.

As followers of Jesus, we have come to believe in God as the Holy Trinity-one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is a major doctrine of our faith tradition. Certainly it is not a belief that we have an absolute clear and scientific explanation, but with time and understanding we come to recognize and accept this belief about our Triune God as powerful and meaningful in our lives. None of us can explain everything well, all of us are able to explain only some things well, whether they be religious, mechanical or natural science. I remember from high school about the quadratic equation: certainly that is not easily explainable or understood by most people or in fact practically useful to people. The equation has meaning for those who use it. This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, a feast which has meaning and power in our lives, but not all that easy to explain.

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.

Our great feast this weekend is the Feast of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles in the upper room. Our first reading illustrates this spectacular event for one and all. The apostles cannot hide from the Holy Spirit. It clearly is the Holy Spirit who is coming to them in that upper room. WE also witness how the effects of the fire and wind do them no harm but certainly inspire them to feel the Spirit. They appear to be stunned by this special presence in the room. This first reading dramatically tells us that there is no getting away from the Holy Spirit. It is in light of the Holy Spirit that all barriers of understanding and language disappear. Every single disciple in the room understood that this spirit is holy and brings with it charity, kindness and unity. This spirit is the appearance of God’s grace and presence to everyone there, without exception.

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.