Dear Friends,
“Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'” This is the concluding sentence of Jesus’ story about the rich man and poor Lazarus in this weekend’s Gospel. The impact of this statement takes on more significance when we ponder it in light of the fact that it is Jesus speaking it ~ He who is risen from the dead!
It is a wake-up call to be vigilant, purposeful, decisive. How we live our lives, how we use and share the resources we have has eternal significance. The goods of this world must be subjected to the eternal Good, the Giver of all goods. In other words, no one and nothing in this world can take the place of God. Only when we accept and surrender ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ will everything else find its proper place within our lives. That leads to sharing generously and gratefully the things of this world with others.
It is so simple and direct and yet the allure of worldly things and our own ego can complicate it for us. That is why striving for the virtue of detachment is so necessary in our spiritual journey and growth. Detachment helps us to go beyond ourselves and see with the eyes of God. Whatever generosity we do does not go unnoticed by God who is never outdone in generosity. God has made us for Himself, and He delights when we imitate Him in generosity and love. By His grace, may we do all that He asks of us.
This week is the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. September is drawing quickly to its end. As we move into Fall, may all the Saints and Angels continuously inspire us and assist us by their prayers to be all that God has created us to be.
A short update, the work on the confessionals is taking a bit longer due to unavoidable and unanticipated scheduling conflicts for one of the contractors. I am grateful for your patience. We believe it will be beautiful when done. We have added background Chant music during confessions in Chapel to assist in privacy.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
