August 2, 2026 the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The severe storms of Friday, July 17 took their toll on our parish property. Our air conditioning system was affected both in the church and the rectory, Our streaming capability for masses became disabled, and the parish office’s internet service was out. In the aftermath of this storm, the following day (Saturday) was a day to scramble to see what could and could not be repaired as we were looking at a wedding in the church that afternoon and the next day’s Sunday schedule. It was a very busy day contacting and working with our service providers to address these issues. We were able to have to church somewhat cool for Saturday and Sunday and the internet services were repaired. It was a day which required attention to detail, not just for the repair process but to address the usual Saturday responsibilities I take care of. I had to keep a number of items, as I like to say, in the “crosshairs.”
That Saturday was a day I had to be on top of in many areas. By day’s end I realized that it is not always possible, or healthy, to constantly be on high alert. Individuals in highly stressful professions who need to be on high alert—as air traffic controllers at an airport, must take good care of themselves and get the proper rest to be at their best to keep thousands in the skies safe..
In our day-to-day Christian lives, we may “carry the baggage” with the illusion that we need to be attentive to all and be “everything to everybody.” To be Christian is to be a pleaser for all comers. Well, as we all eventually learn, that is not possible. Our attention, our skills, and our energy have limits and we must have a cut-off point. This cut-off point may bring about guilt and loathing of ourselves. “Darn, I should do (or have done) more!” We gage our Christianity by such lofty standards. Such a mindset is not good for us and could send us to an early grave.
With all the above said, there is still a challenge for us. We might not be able to be sensitive to all but are there areas we should be more attentive to, or as I say, have in our “crosshairs.” Is there a person(s) or situation(s) we have something we can offer? What have we overlooked which may be doable for us. It is something to think about but give it the proper limits.
In closing, I use the reference of the parable of the Good Samaritan. What do we pass by when we can stop and offer help or healing? What prohibits us from making that extra effort? It is a question for us not to stress over about by to keep in mind as we attempt to display God’s presence in our world today.
July 26, 2026 The Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The recent sudden death of Senator Lindey Graham and the ongoing illness of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell has heightened the ongoing debate regarding term limits and age limits for our federal elected officials. The average age of these representatives continues to climb causing concern for many U.S. citizens regarding their ability to effectively serve the public.
Now, that is enough talk about the political arena, but I would like to use that as a point of departure to talk about “new calls in life” and when is it time to move from the familiar to the new and possibly the unknown. For many of us the word change and developing new rhythms can “chill us to the bone.” Yet, they do happen and at times are in our best interest.
Scripture is loaded with how people were called and embrace the new. Jesus called fishermen and a tax collector to be apostles. Mary and Joseph had a real detour in their lives when it was revealed they would be the parents of Jesus. Consider the prophets of the Old Testament who were called from their chosen professions to proclaim God’s message to those who needed to hear it. Look at how the fictional Prophet Jonah “kicked and screamed” when God called him to go to Ninevah. The common denominator of these individuals in Scripture is they heard the call and made the choice to follow God’s call which benefited the parts of the known world they were asked to encounter.
Let me be clear, not all of us are being called to life/career changes and transitions, but perhaps, maybe some of us are. The fundamental question is, in light of the Scriptural references above is, what is God calling you to? Additional questions could be: 1) Have I succeeded in what I have done and it is time to move on to a new challenge; 2) Am I “burned out” from what I have been doing; 3) Is my current path affecting my physical and mental health; 4) Is it time for me to start volunteering in some way or form; 5) Is my current life path negatively affecting my relationship with God; 6) Can I use my God given gifts and abilities more effectively? etc. So, is a change good for you?
Speaking for myself, I did not imagine when I joined the Marianists in 1980 that I would end up being involved in some of the ministries I was asked to serve in. In a couple of occasions, I was asked “out of the blue” to consider a new ministry. But as I look back, it has all been lifegiving.
So, for those of us who might be looking at some life transition, be it big or small and the thought is keeping you up at night, consider this these words from the dialogue of God and Jeremiah in Jermiah Chapter 1: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you… Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you says the Lord.