Dear Parishioners,
Our faith is a wonderful gift from God. From the beauty of the Mass to the cleansing power of Reconciliation, our faith gives us a way of life that is life giving and filled with goodness. For me, the actions of the Church, its liturgy and beliefs, the community it sustains, and the giving charity it supports, help me to keep focused on the reality that is bigger than myself. I don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t have a loving God to draw me out of my selfishness. I think it is easy to see many examples of others who are self-focused and whose life begins and ends with what they can get for themselves. This is natural and ordinary and a function of our need to survive, feed our hunger, and need for safety.
But Christ calls us to an extraordinary life! We are to love our enemies, forgive 7 times 70, and turn the other cheek. Christ is asking us to go beyond our genetic need to protect ourselves and what is ours. He is asking us to go to the next level, to join with others in a deep, personal, and supportive manner. We are to love one another as He loves us. We are to see others as having dignity and value. We are to share with others a piece of our bread, some of our clothing, some of our time.
In a very small way, wearing a mask is for others. I live in a basement apartment that has a family of 5 upstairs. For me, being other-centered is what happens in a typical day. We watch the little one, we pick someone up, we eat together at times. I guess you could say that my lifestyle is communal! And so I find God in these little actions. Really, while I need some quiet alone time, I thank God for all my life includes: the kids, the noise and commotion, the church and the community!
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
