From Our Pastor: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Everyone loves being told they’re hard of heart and obstinate and lack faith. This weekend Ezekiel and Jesus in the Gospel of Mark are pretty blunt. Remember, blunt can be a good thing! Jesus is unable to work any miracles because of their lack of faith. Does this mean Jesus isn’t all powerful? Does this mean Jesus isn’t God? The Lord doesn’t force His love on us. Jesus doesn’t force His miracles on people, it’s by their faith and acceptance of Him that miracles come about. In our lives we must heed these warnings. We must soften our hearts and seek God’s will and not our own. We need to put God first above all else, including above our spouses, our children, our jobs, our fun, our sleep, etc., etc. God must be first and we must believe with our whole heart that Jesus is Lord.
As we say goodbye and let Father Rafal know how much we appreciate him, we also welcome our new priests. We welcome Fr. Scott and Fr. Kenneth Ahanonu. Fr. Scott has arrived and begins his service here. He goes by Fr. Scott, please be attentive to that and please respect that. Fr. Kenneth Ahanonu (I have not asked what he plans to go by) has not arrived yet as immigration issues will be delaying him, but he has been appointed as of July 1 as well! I am looking forward to working with both of them. Please welcome them. Please let them know how much we appreciate them coming to serve us. Praise the Lord for the gift of these TWO new priests to us. We are immensely blessed to have two vicars. We are one of the few places in the diocese to have this blessing. Keep them in your prayers as they adjust to this transition into our parish, as well as keep in your prayers all the priests and parishes in transition. Yes, change is difficult and transition is tough, but please be patient and welcoming.
This coming week is the National Eucharistic procession. This is a huge deal that this is coming through Quincy and our parish. Multitudes have been a part of this procession across the nation. We need to show up in large numbers and bring our children to all the events for this wonderful opportunity. Please see the bulletin for details. Help us welcome all the visitors and people traveling from all around to participate in this event. May we be the people of hospitality and welcome and the Eucharist as I know we are. Make this event a priority and HUGE! This is a pinnacle moment in history.
Lastly, as we celebrated this past week the 4th of July, let us be grateful for the gift of living in this amazing country. Pray for its well being and staying true to our foundation. Pray for our leaders, yes no matter who they are or what party they are from. Pray for them whether you like them or not. Pray for conversion for our nation and our leaders always. May God bless the United States of America.
- Rev. Steven Arisman