Today’s readings describe a common trap in which believers often find themselves. We try to live according to the precepts and laws of the Church but, when we do so without regard for the poor and lowly of this world, we can find ourselves becoming smug and self-satisfied. The Lord Jesus warns his followers not to fall into this trap. Rather, he says, they must be humble themselves as they strive to live out the law of the Lord. This is the only path to exalted glory with the Lord. This message is the same for us today.
Tomorrow is Halloween. For the safety of the children who will be participating in the parade and then trick-or-treating, the Vigil Mass for All Saints Day will begin at 5:00 PM. All trick-or-treaters are invited to stop by the rectory’s front porch for a treat! I promise to wear my costume!
Tuesday is the Solemnity of All Saints, a holy day of obligation. This is a day that is dear to the hearts of the faithful, for it gives us a glimpse of God’s promise of eternal life for all who put their hope in the Lord. May we always strive to pattern our lives on the Beatitudes.
Wednesday is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls). We gather in a special way that evening at 7:00 PM to remember those whom we have known and loved and all the souls who have gone before us. For some of us, the pain of grief is still fresh, but for all of us the memories give us strength to carry on in our faith as we pray for those who have died. Let us always proclaim our hope in the resurrection and in the promise of Christ for all whose lives have touched us.
Today is Priesthood Sunday. A prayer for priests: Jesus, our high priest, you were human in all things except sin, so you understand the human frailties, fears and weariness of our priests. Reassure and comfort them, illumine and challenge them. Give them hope and wisdom and grace so that they may lead all of us home to you, and send more young people into the priesthood to follow after you. Amen.
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "In you, Lord, I have found my peace," reminds us that in God’s presence we may always find rest and relief from our distress.
Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven ... GO STEELERS!
