A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
In a 1991 speech on the “Five Balls of Life,” Brian G. Dyson, then CEO of Coca-Cola, compared life to juggling five balls: work, health, friends, spirit, and family. Work, he said, is a rubber ball—if dropped, it can bounce back. The other four are glass balls; if neglected or dropped, they may shatter. When we give too much attention to work and neglect health, relationships, spirit, and family, life can become tragic, and we may fail to recognize God’s presence in our lives.
This weekend’s readings remind us of our Christian duty to build families and communities grounded in love. They call us to care for one another with fraternal concern and gentle correction, so that we may grow together as God’s people. Jesus teaches us that broken relationships can be restored through unconditional love.
In the second reading, Paul reminds us to “owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.”
Let us continue striving to love everyone, even amid our own hurt and suffering. Please remember to pray for all those who face difficulties in their relationships.
Next week, we observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Remember to pray for all those who lost their lives. Please note that on Saturday, September 12, Mass will be celebrated at 8:45am instead of 8:00am. As most of you remember, 8:46am was the time when our country was first struck. The procession will begin, led by the Knights of Columbus from our parish. Please consider participating in this Mass as we mark the anniversary of this tragedy. Let us remember that we have not fallen, but continue to stand firm with courage and honor, resisting evil and remaining united in love.
God Bless America,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Ezekiel 33: 7-9
- Reading 2: Romans 13: 8-10
- Gospel: Matthew 18: 15-20
