A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
This Sunday, we observe “Mental Health Sunday”.
Our first parents (Adam and Eve), with the use of their will, freedom and ignoring the reality of carrying the image of God in them, for the first time, in the human/salvation history, fell “sick” physically, mentally and spiritually.
Jesus, the new Adam, brought healing to sickness and handed on the healing mission to continue in our Church. While spiritual and physical health are already considered as mandated ministries of our Church per se, the need for addressing mental health requires more focus amidst increasing new challenges of the current world. Our parish has a dedicated ministry called “Journey to Hope”, providing awareness, guidance and support for people in need of mental health.
With the new waves of current challenges from social, political and economic changes, and the impacts of media, social media and other latest communicative inventions, (lately with AI (Artificial Intelligence), humans are systematically disconnected or distanced from God, from others and more dangerously within oneself! Spiritual breakdown of an individual or family level causes mental stress, depression, behavioral and developmental disabilities. We worry about the increasing number of people yielding addictions of different types, losing interest in life, more sadly with suicidal tendencies, and socially distancing themselves from others and becoming more individualistic. Even more sad, there is a strong presence of stigma preventing people from accessing help from others and institutions.
The gospel this weekend, portrays the story of 10 lepers, experiencing social discrimination, living at the cross-roads, suffering so much mental stress and depressions along with their physical illness. They were all healed by Jesus, but one Samaritan came back to Him expressing gratitude. Jesus viewed his return as an action of faith and not simply a gesture of gratitude. Our faith demands actions of real healing and the removal of stigma. Let us embrace people who need healing from mental illness. Soon, Catholic Charities from our Diocese, is planning to initiate a counselling support program at our parish for the people with mental health needs. We will update you regarding more developments.
October 11th, being our patron feast of St. John XXIII, will be celebrated at the 11:15am Mass on Sunday, October 12th. This Mass is multicultural and celebrates the various communities in our parish. Come and celebrate the joy!
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: 2 Kings 5:14-17
- Reading 2: 2 Timothy 2:8-13
- Gospel: Luke 17: 11-19
