Sometimes people forget that our faith tradition, which is called the Judeo-Christian Tradition, is based in history and is the story of the experiences of God and human kind. The written words which are in the Bible that we call Sacred Scripture tell the various stories or “narrative” of this experience. We are not what are called a “nature based” religious tradition. We do, however, include within our experiences nature and all its wonder and power.
READ MOREDear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,
I hope this past week was a little easier for you as we continue to negotiate our way through the overall lessening of the Pandemic and the necessary protocols and rules which we follow out of concern for others and also for ourselves. I think the much longer days of sunlight and the increasing outdoor temperature help all of us to adopt a better attitude about life. We still are weighed down by the terrible situation of death, injury, destruction and violence in the Country of Ukraine. We must earnestly pray for the end of all this war-like violence and that all governmental leaders will actively pursue peace. May Our Lady intercede at the Heavenly Throne to bring peace to everyone who suffers from war or violence.
READ MOREWe have learned from the teachings of Pope Francis that God’s middle name must be “mercy” and also that for us to be His people we must rely completely on His mercy which he offers to each one of us. Indeed in many ways our motto in life could be the singular word “mercy”. Mercy must be the sign and hallmark of who we are who claim to walk in the Way of Jesus Christ. We must work hard to make mercy an everyday reality in our lives. This does not mean we simply feel bad for people and have a good thought for them, rather it is living in and loving our world with all its good, its flaws, its successes, it struggles, and in the very end of it all showing kindness to anyone whether we believe the person merits it. Mercy does not measure kindness, mercy is simple kindness itself.
READ MOREDear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,
Daylight Saving Time gives all of us a beautiful benefit of additional sunlight in the evening. Life simply changes for the better when we have evening daylight. The burdens and problems may be the same, but we find it easier to carry or solve our concerns or problems. Please enjoy the growing evening light and twilight.
READ MOREIn the verses from the Book of Genesis just before those of today's reading, Abram has come near to the end of his rope. He is so disappointed and frustrated that he and Sarai have not been able to have children. Surprisingly, God responds to Abram's search for an answer from out of the night sky. In the starlight of the night, God makes a covenant with Abram. This is very different from the usual covenant of the weak being obliged to the powerful, rather in this covenant the powerful, namely God is obliged to the weak, namely Abram. In it, God makes it very clear that Abram does not have to do anything to earn God's generosity of descendants and land. In fact, all Abram has to do is have faith and trust that God will act on his behalf. In a sense it is quite simple: God promises, Abram trusts, and the covenant is fulfilled.
READ MOREIn the verses from the Book of Genesis just before those of today’s reading, Abram has come near to the end of his rope. He is so disappointed and frustrated that he and Sarai have not been able to have Children. Surprisingly, God responds to Abram’s searBh for an answer from out of the night sky. In the starlight of the night, God makes a Covenant with Abram. This is very different from the usual Covenant of the weak being obliged to the powerful, rather in this Covenant the powerful, namely God is obliged to the weak, namely Abram. In it, God makes it very clear that Abram does not have to do anything to earn God’s generosity of descendants and land. In fact, all Abram has to do is have faith and trust that God will act on his behalf. In a sense it is quite simple: God promises, Abram trusts, and the Covenant is fulfilled.
READ MOREIn a very formal way, the Season of Lent begins this weekend; Ash Wednesday and the few days that follow it are “add-on” days to Lent. The scripture this weekend is the first formal launch into the Season of Lent. The scriptural message is quite clear for us in that we learn from the readings that trust in God will see us through in life. God will always act in life for us and for our ultimate good. We must simply have faith in God. Our Old Testament Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy reminds the Israelites that their (and our God) could not and would not ever forget or abandon them. The Israelites knew that when all the times they fell away from God, all they had to do was call out to God and ask him for his help and rescue.
Paul writes in his letter to the Romans about the necessity and power of faith. He tells us that those who have faith in Christ will not be put to shame. In fact, he writes that their shared faith will make them sisters and brothers in the Lord and also beneficiaries of God’s rich mercy.
READ MORE