A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
Last week, we reflected on how emptying oneself would bring real wealth through the example of the parable of the foolish rich man. This week, the theme expands to reflect deeper on the real wealth, called ‘Faith’.
All three readings directly talk about faith:
The first reading reminds us how faith in God saved the people of Israel in one accord from their enemies.
The second reading explains the faith of Abraham that brought life in abundance with a better homeland, a heavenly one.
In the gospel, Jesus tells another parable about a faithful steward. He raises the level of expectation saying, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more”.
Faith is not only a subjective trust of God but also calls for an objective and deeper expression of our trust in the Lord. Such an expression involves embracing everyone in one accord. Our true faith can never lead to self-righteousness, but to love everyone with inclusiveness. Reaching out to the wounded and bringing healing to them is the outward sign and expression of our faith.
I appreciate all of you being involved in the various ministries at our parish. This is an expression of your faith. Last month at our Parish Advisory Council meeting, we consolidated the mission, goals, objectives and needs of 46 active ministries. The heads of these ministries, along with their teams, clarified what they do, who they serve and how they effectively provide for our parishioners. I am personally so impressed to see an effective and dedicated team of stewards from our parish. Please reflect personally on how the Lord could touch you to be the best steward to your own family, and to the parish family both directly and indirectly.
I became quite emotional while watching the Iranian short film, “The father, daughter and shopkeeper” on YouTube. The financially broken father goes to a convenience store with his daughter. He looks furtively around to see if anyone sees him, picks up a loaf of bread and tries to sneak away. The shopkeeper stops him. The daughter, without knowing what’s going on, looks at her father. The shopkeeper says to her ‘your father forgot the change’ and stashed some money into his hands. The father was already brimming with tears in his eyes. Another customer handed him a bag of rice and told him, ‘Sir…you are also forgetting to pick up your rice bag’. The following lines appear on the screen: Every thief is not a thief. Some could be poor and needy. We should help them in such a way that they are not humiliated (especially in front of relatives and children)…
I was reminded of the words of Jesus in the gospel today: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more”.
This coming week, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us pray to our Blessed Mother to intercede for us so we can get closer to her and experience the nearness of our Lord. The closer we get to Him, the more He reveals Himself as Son of God. Hail Mary – Mother of God pray for us!
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
