The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – July 9, 2023
-
July 8, 2023The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – July 9, 2023
Dear Friends and Parishioners,
How does a faithful Catholic assess current trends? Clearly, in many significant moral and spiritual matters our country is changing in ways that contradict the mind of Jesus Christ and His Church. Should we just go along and conform to the contemporary American society? In a sense, is it really even America? For example, if the absolute right to human life is no longer protected by law then what have we become as a nation? We always thought that the universal and absolute right to life was an inalienable right guaranteed in law. Maybe there are two Americas: one traditional, founded on the tried and true Christian principles and values; and then another version that increasingly abandons God’s commandments and Christian principles, yet claims to be America as well.
Regardless of how the nation goes, we aim to be genuine patriots and love her. Though we don’t agree with some changes in our laws, we will continue to love our country, which goes beyond particular laws and those currently in power. Because we love our country we will do our best as Christians to see that it is a place where God-given laws are respected and, if need be, restored. The law God has written into our hearts cannot change. Here is where our Christian faith comes in. More than ever the God-loving, God-fearing Christian citizen is needed.
In our secular society we accept the same challenge St. Paul made in ancient Rome in his letter to the Romans: “You are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. ..For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” More than ever we are true patriots when we are devoted and faithful Christians.
,
As Christians we witness to the Truth even when it is denied by many. We refuse to give up The Way of Christ. In Mathew’s Gospel Jesus addresses His heavenly Father: “for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.” We must be faithful as the “little ones” to spread the gospel even when it is rejected, reviled, or even just ignored. It is not an impossible task for the Lord assures us “my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Resting in the Lord we are not intimidated by those who oppose Him and His Kingdom. In the end all that will matter is the Kingdom of God and those who accepted the invitation to become citizens of Heaven. Therefore, stand up for Jesus! Rise up O men and women of God!
Yours in the Lord,
The Rev. Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
