Pastor's Letter

“It’s Good We’re Here”

 

We Need You! If you ever had a desire in your heart to be a Eucharistic Minister, it’s probably not just a whim, but an urging from the Holy Spirit to do something very meaningful for all of us in our community.  Eucharistic Ministers bring the Body and Blood of Christ to us during our Masses every Sunday.  Those who enter into this ministry will tell you it’s an incredible experience of the power of giving.   Believe it or not, every weekend it takes 72 ministers to bring the sacramental presence of Christ to all of us gathered together.    If you’d like to learn more about this ministry and feel that this is something you would like to participate in, join us for a training here at St. Hubert.  There are two sessions to choose from:   Wednesday, March 20 from 7—9 PM ….or…   Saturday, March 30 from 9—11AM   To Register: Call the Parish Office at 847-885-7700, ext. 102 or register on-line.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
 
On St. Patrick’s Day, a lot of people love to be Irish.  We wear green, we enjoy a little corned beef and cabbage or soda bread, and we look for a little bit o’ luck and wisdom; maybe even a blessing.
 
We’re told whoever kisses the Blarney Stone is blessed with the gift of gab.  I was there in 1999, kissed the stone, and have been waiting ever since!
 
But even if I didn’t get the grace of the gift when I was there, what I enjoyed instead was the kindness of the people and listening to stories and songs that move the heart.
 
In the gospel today, we hear the powerful story of the Transfiguration.  Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain to pray.  And there, in the midst of prayer, Jesus is transformed before their eyes and joined by Moses and Elijah.
 
Peter didn’t have the gift of gab at that moment.  Instead, he tried to extend the incredible experience.  He told Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here.”  So, he offered to build three tents so they would stay around.  (Even Luke confesses, “he didn’t know what he was saying!”) 
 
But, maybe like a lot of us, he simply wanted to keep the moment alive.  He wanted to listen and enjoy the gift of faith with three very important people who lived it.  He wanted to listen to the One who God the Father tells us to listen to.  
 
What we realize in hearing this incredible story, is that prayer leads to insight because it leads us to open our hearts to listen.  In listening to Jesus—in the Scripture and in the prayerful silence of our heart and soul—our lives become fuller and more centered.  We see others as an important part of our lived experience, as we love God and ourselves. And we begin to appreciate the blessings that God has given us, not only to enrich our lives, but to bless the lives of those around us.
 
Whether it’s the gift of gab, the gift to listen, the gift to create art or music, or whatever talent we have, it’s God given.  And like the Irish, we turn to the One who blesses us, with gratitude.  So, may the road rise up to meet us.  May the wind be ever at our back.  May the sun be warm upon our face.  And may God hold us always in the palm of his hand.