THIS 'N THAT 

With all the references to “love’ in today’s scripture readings, you might say that this is “Love Sunday”. It’s certainly an appropriate theme on this Mother’s Day as we honor our moms. Isn’t this the person who first taught us about loving? Without a doubt, Jesus makes it very simple; the fulfillment of all the commandments is to love as God loves us. Jesus in his human nature had to overcome all the hurdles to loving just as we do. The hesitancy, the pride, the fear, the risk, the self-centeredness that stalk us and derail our attempts to give ourselves freely and totally to others were overcome by our Savior. He revealed to us that God loved us first and we don’t need to be afraid to love in return. Let us pray that our love may reflect that great gift given to us in Jesus.

Happy Mother’s Day to our parish mom’s and to those who represent a mother’s care and concern for us. We are fortunate and blessed to have life and need to express our gratitude to those who give it to us. We might also want to thank grandmothers and godmothers for they represent the continuity of natural life and the newness of life in Baptism. Let us also be grateful to those who protect, sustain and enrich life by their self-giving. We need a community that respects and honors every life from conception to natural death.

Congratulations to Connor Payne and Matthew Kubacki for winning state-wide awards in the Knights of Columbus essay contest this year. It’s rare for two state-wide winners to come from one council. You can read the winning essays at St. Mary’s Council’s webpage www.kofc13950.org. The annual essay contest is just one of the many activities KofC members sponsor on behalf of our parish and the community. (I’m grateful to the Color Corps for their participation in the May Crowning last week.) They’re actively seeking men of the parish to join their ranks. See the website for more information.

Our last GIFT session for this school year begins this week and focuses on the Sacrament of Confirmation. We need to pray for our young people preparing for the reception of this Sacrament later this month so that they will realize that this is a sacrament that marks the beginning of something and not an end. Confirmation strengthens us to live close to Christ and His Church. We are pruned and cultivated by God to produce the rich fruits of the Spirit. To do less is to fail in living the fullness of life promised us by Jesus. We can help each other to remain strong in faith and good works.

Please make your CSA pledge or donation this week. I’m grateful to those who already have.

                                                                                    Peace and joy,

                                                                                    Fr. Stan