The central questions this week and every week are: How do we connect worship on Sunday to life on Monday? How is the Gospel proclaimed not only in the pulpit of our parish, but also in our everyday lives here in North Portland? How does the Church gathered on the Sabbath act as the People of God scattered and active every day of the week? How do we love our neighbor, pursue peace, and seek justice in everyday choices and commitments?
Our Catholic faith does not call us to abandon “the world,” but to help shape it. It does not call us to leave “worldly” tasks and responsibilities behind, but transform them. Family life can be an important starting point when we seriously consider living justly and giving witness to God’s justice. How we treat our parents, spouses, and children are all reflections of our commitment to Christ’s love and justice. We demonstrate our commitment to the Gospel by how we spend our time and money, and whether our family life includes an ethic of charity, service, and action for making sure everyone gets “what they deserve.” The lessons we teach our children and grandchildren through what we do, as well as what we say, determines whether they will care for the “least among us” and are committed to work for justice.
How encouraging are we when it comes to shaping and forming the next generations? Do our words and deeds speak loudly or inaudibly about how important our relationship to Christ is? Are we praying for our young people, spouses, and extended family members on a daily basis?
Let us pray. “Lord, Creator of all, bless our families – be they formed by blood or by circumstance – and make them holy. May we find your immense love in our relationships, in our marriages, in our families, in our households, and in our larger community. Help us trust that where two or three are gathered in your name, there you are in your compassion and understanding. Help us treasure your presence among us and continue to bless us with your grace-filled presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
