Pastor's Letter

Fire from Heaven

As we return to the Sundays of Ordinary Time, we find ourselves inside an interesting conversation between Jesus and his disciples.  As he focuses intently on going to Jerusalem, they have to pass through Samaria.  One of the villages they were entering didn’t welcome them; the implication was because they were Jews. In those times, Jews and Samaritans did not usually associate with one another (see John 4:9). 
 
James and John (who Jesus called “the sons of thunder”—see Mark 3:17) thought Jesus should call down fire from heaven to consume them.  Instead, Jesus rebuked the two.  His next step was to go to another village where they were accepted.
 
Even though this took place 2000 years ago, it seems like it could have been a conversation that took place last week.  When we’re insulted, most likely we all have a little bit of the sons of thunder in us.  We want to get even.  Human nature doesn’t change.
 
But, Jesus has us see there is another choice—to take the high road.  Instead of getting even, we can also find an alternative way. Jesus is basically saying, “move on.” 
 
The rest of the passage is about the demands of following him. Jesus knows his way challenges the norm, so he urges us to look at things differently.  If we’re looking for an easy way to follow him, and to simply rest in what’s comfortable, he says think twice: “the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”  Jesus is constantly moving.  As such, he urges us to always think, react, and choose where he’s leading us to be.
 
In the end, following Jesus moves us to think like him.  He moves us to look ahead, not behind, with a whole new set of eyes.  He moves us to wholeness, to respecting people (even if we don’t agree with them, and even if they insult us), and to avoid harsh, quick judgements with the aim of tearing another down.  He moves us to forgive, which is a movement toward peace. 

Odds and Ends

The Boomers—and St. Hubert—win!
We had a great time at last Friday’s Boomer’s game from start to finish.  Soon-to-be 3 ^rd grader, Rachel Chirinos, threw in the first pitch.  We watched the Boomers win an exciting game.  We huddled together to stay warm—even though it was the first day of summer! 
And, the fireworks show was pretty awesome.  Thank you St. Hubert Stewards, St. Hubert School, and Knights of Columbus for a great night at the ballpark!
 
St. Aloysius Celebrates 135 Years as a Faith Community.  
We congratulate our sharing parish, the good people at St. Al’s, as they celebrate 135 years of worshipping together.  They celebrated with a Mass on their feast day followed by a gala.  We’ve had a special relationship with this parish for 40 years—a real sharing of communities.  So their joy is ours, too.  Save Saturday afternoon, August 10, for our annual parish picnic with the St. Al’s community.  More details to come.
 
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our special “Balance the Budget” collection. 
We have a generous community that does a lot to support the everyday good work of our mission, and a community that is helping us prepare for the 2020s, too.  You respond when there is a need, and we’re very grateful.   May God bless us in the days and weeks ahead.
 
                                                        –Fr. Mike