For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God.
Everyone loves to laugh. Many of us have a movie or a TV show that makes us laugh, even if we’ve seen it a million times. Humor is a great way to bring people together- to help them laugh at the absurdities in life- to refresh our perspective a little bit. As a priest, I use it a lot to try to bring a point across. I have to believe God has a great sense of humor- God created us!
In today’s second reading, Paul wants to understand that this world’s so-called “wisdom” doesn’t hold a candle with God and His plan, for each of us and all of us. God is calling to a life that can be radically different than what the world wants from us- we are all called to live lives that are “counter-cultural”. That doesn’t mean we have to be radicalized or anything of that sort, but the mission remains for us to be in the world, yet not of it. There is the challenge, but there also is the opportunity.
As we turn the corner and look up and ahead to our Lenten journey, it’s important to keep in mind the seasonal obligations- no meat on Fridays, skipping a meal on Ash Wednesday & Good Friday (ages 14-59), and giving generously to the poor throughout this (and every) season. Rice Bowls for Catholic Relief Services in our churches, our parish St.
Vincent de Paul Societies, and our Harvest on Vine food pantry are perfect opportunities to give generously and joyously. Many people give up (or take on) something that is a challenge or an inconvenience this time- it helps us to be more aware, sensitive, and responsive to those around us.
There are plenty of opportunities to deepen our faith this holy season- discussions for men, women, and mixed groups as well as a Collaborative Mission in our churches March 20-22 with some great new speakers with new perspectives! The Sacrament of Reconciliation will take center stage on March 30th as we head into Holy Week and Easter in both churches- with two baptisms of adults at the Easter Vigil at St. Mary’s- and we enter the glorious months of April and May when our boys and girls receive First Holy Communion and young people receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Please pray for them!
Change is happening at St. Francis as Joan Rae is retiring from her role as Business Manager, as of Feb. 25.
I know how grateful we all are for her dedicated work here – especially throughout Covid and Fr. Mahoney’s retirement and the difficult period that preceded my arrival. She will remain very much involved in the pastoral and liturgical life of our parish family. We hope to have an opportunity to celebrate her soon- stay tuned.
I am grateful to so many who came to our meeting recently to talk about the future of St. Francis and how we need to build our parish. We’ve all got some work to do, but I believe in what we can accomplish together. I’m looking forward to March 4th and all the good work we can and will do together. Soon, everyone who signed up for the various committees (including a fundraising committee) will be contacted and we’ll get our marching orders about halfway through the month.
If you have any further questions, please contact me at stfrancis02129@gmail.com or find me on Facebook and let’s get to work!