Mother Teresa advises, ”Do little things with great love.”

We are God’s stewards in this world. It behooves us not only to be faithful but also prudent in our stewardship with anything entrusted to us. Wealth, money, properties, power, positions, talents, etc are Divine gifts given us to be used for the right purpose for a better world and also to gain the heavenly blissfulness. 

But unfortunately, in our contemporary world today, when men acquire these things, they rather use them to subdue their fellow human beings and also engage in activities that are inimical to the Divine will and purpose which has brought about social injustice and corruption degrading the dignity and glory of man.

It is in this vein that in the 8th century the oracle of God came upon the prophet Amos (the 1st reading) to speak against the exploitation of the poor and the weak among the powerful and the rich Israelites in the Jewish communities. He, unequivocally, pointed out that God did not tolerate the abuse of the weak in their society.

Beloved one's in Christ, our modern society is bedeviled with decline in respecting moral precepts expressed by the abusive, disrespectful and arrogant treatment of the poor and the needy by the rich and the powerful. Integrity, honesty, truthfulness, etc are gradually depleting very fast. But as Christians we have the indispensable obligation to live an exemplary life by proving our good stewardship as we live up to expectations.  

Precious people of God, Apostle Paul in the second reading defends that the concern, love, care and providence of God are not limited to only the few but they extend to all people. So being selective or discriminatory in our prayers is wrong. Our prayers must embrace all the needs of our society. Therefore, we are reminded to pray fervently for those who are using power, position, wealth, money, etc to create social injustice, inequalities, abuse of right and liberty, etc in our world today. We do not need to hate them but pray for them, so they come to live a quiet and peaceable life and come to salvation through Jesus Christ - the one mediator. Meaning, prayer works... So believe in your prayers!

In our gospel reading Jesus cautioned against both the unjust means of acquiring worldly goods and the dishonest way of using them even if they were acquired justly. We must accept that God created all of these for our use. We are only managers or stewards, but our judgement is based on how we apply them. So do not allow earthly possessions to take all your focus and time. Always show gratitude, work honestly and be generous with your possessions to help the needy, the poor and the helpless in the society. Know that you are serving God but not money! Never use your possessions to create social strife and vices. Rather, use your possessions to secure your salvation. Be a responsible, delightful and prudent steward: for your reward awaits you.

May God increase your faith!
Have a wonderful week...hope to see you in Church.

Fr. Emmanuel

"Put your sin in the Chalice for the precious blood to wash away. One drop is capable of washing away the sins of the world.” - Mother Teresa.

We live in a sin-sick society with a suffering humanity where human dignity, family bonds, marital unions, societal cohesion, etc have been disintegrated. This owes to that fact that we not only ”proudly” glorify our sinful ways but also boldly justify our blatant wrongs. In the name of ”my right and my liberty” our religious (societal) values and moral principles have been compromised and reduced to ”doing what pleases me” concept. But the consequences are disastrous more than the good we thought it would be.

The episode of our first reading showcases the character and attitude of the Israelites in turning away from the precepts of God into paganism and idolatry, when Moses had gone to bring the commandments from God. This engendered the wrath of God to punish them. Moses’s intercession calmed and changed the plan of God. 

There are many times we have behaved like the Israelites in transgressing from the tenets of our faith; but there is still  hope for us to get back to God. For some of us; due to a goofy mistake you did, a temptation you fell prey to, a sin you deliberately committed , a decision (action, plan, desire, etc) you mischievously undertook: ever since, your conscience kept on hunting you and it's been giving you sleepless nightmares. Because of that you hate everything around you, including even your very own self. You think you can not be forgiven! But, I must tell you that it is not about what you think, it is rather about your readiness to embrace mercy and forgiveness. Your effort is needed. Take the first step (repentance) and God will supply the rest. God hates the sin in you, but He loves you, the sinner. You need not ever and should never despair!

Beloved one's in Christ, the Apostle Paul, in our second reading uses himself as a living testimony of the mercy and love of God. So there is no sin that is greater than the Divine mercy. All that you need is to repent from your sinful ways, trust and believe in God. He is a God of infinite mercy who loves with a love we can not grasp. Where there is a will there is a way. Be grateful to the Lord for His enduring mercy.

Jesus Christ in the gospel reading uses the parable to drive home the Divine intent for us. That is, not to lose any of us, and His goal is that we will turn away from our sinful ways. He delights that we be good. Remember what the Lord says, ”if the wicked (sinner), however, renounces all sins he has committed, respects my laws and is law-abiding and upright, he will most certainly live because of his upright actions.” (Ezekiel 18:21) Simply avoid the usual justification and glorification of your wrongs (sins), only accept and be ready to rise and go to the Father. Your story will change, your life will never be the same. There is nothing impossible before God. Just be courageous to say, ”it is enough!” This is what the Saints did. Are you ready to be one?

Let’s meet at Church. 

You are warmly welcomed to Sacred Heart Parish-Mondovi Fall Festival!
I pray to win a raffle once again... What about you?

Fr. Emmanuel

Mother Teresa inspires that, ”Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.”

The complexity of life goes beyond the bounds of human knowledge. Due to the advancement of Modern science and technology human beings deceive themselves that they are in control. We think life is all about acquisition of knowledge. "I know, therefore I am!" Notwithstanding this feat, we have not been able to solve the challenges that confront our lives. Our fruitless attempt to surmount pertinent life situations have put us into dilemma. This means, despite our knowledge, we still lack something which is beyond our human nature.

Therefore, in the extract of our first reading, the author stresses man’s inability to fathom the divine plans and decrees. Implying that our knowledge is finite and limited, so we need the Wisdom and the Spirit of God to wade through the waters of life. Without the wisdom of God man, toils fruitlessly. Wisdom is the key that opens the door of the enormity of the treasures of life; of which human knowledge alone is in futility. "It is only the wisdom of God that makes our path straight.” (Wis. 9:18B). Knowledge without wisdom is travesty! But the alacrity of life is in the application of knowledge with wisdom. The Psalmist says, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart, ” (Psalm 90:12). Seek for the wisdom of the Lord, but not the knowledge of the world!

Dearest sister and brother in Christ, it is against this background that St. Paul, in our second reading emboldened the master of Onesimus to accept him with fraternal spirit for the sake of Christ Jesus. In Christ, we are all one. Equality in our common faith towards the common goal of salvation. So there is no place for discrimination, judging others, making others subservient or inferior, looking down on others or reducing another human being into slavery. Indeed, this is the mind of our modern world, where people think they know more than the others so they wield power and authority. However, the wisdom of God makes us appreciate that each one is a visible image of the invisible God. So let's treat one another with dignity and honor. Deal kindly with people around you.

Jesus Christ, in our gospel reading, as usual stirs the waters as he clearly spells out the demands of discipleship. There is the need to set our priorities right as Christians, developing the right orientations in our vocation. Being a Christian comes with a cost. It must go with a firm resolution and deeper commitment with one’s determination to persevere through. A true and serious Christian like you must be ready to renounce your possessions (comforts, conveniences, attachments, etc) for the sake of the Kingdom of God. The knowledge of the world may deceive you, but the wisdom of God will save you!  Always remember that the real meaning of life is found in knowledge with the wisdom (Spirit) of God. This is what the Saints did... Are you ready to be one? 

Hope to see you in Church. May God bless you and your family. Have a blissful week.

Fr. Emmanuel