Pastor's Message

 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                                                   “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”        Luke12:32

        “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12: 32

         These are the words of Jesus in the Gospel reading, this 19^th Sunday in the Liturgical Year of the Church. They are words, that should give us an assurance, provoke trust in God and strengthen our faith in God who loves us.

         The Letter to the Hebrews from which the second reading is taken gives us Abraham as the great example of faith! In faith, Abraham left the world and the people he knew, to pursue a promise of God, he did not know. He was promised to be a Father of a multitude of people, yet he and his wife Sarah had no offspring and were advanced in age.

        When Isaac, the heir, was eventually born, the Lord challenged Abraham to offer him in Sacrifice in the Land of Moriah Abraham, in obedience to God, was to offer his only son, were it not for the voice of the Angel; “Abraham, Abraham, do not lay your hand on the boy, … I know how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your beloved son. … I swear by myself because you acted this way … I will bless you abundantly.” Gen 22: 11-16

        Through Abraham and his descendant, God’s Promise was fulfilled in a manner and in such a magnitude, that Abraham could not have fathomed. God, in the Person of Christ Jesus, physically entered our human history. He elevated humanity, foremost by taking our human nature and becoming one with us. Then, in completion of His Mission on earth, Jesus revealed and confirmed the Love of his Father for us by dying for us, on the Cross.

        It’s after the realization of the extent of God’s Love for you and me, that we understand the urgency of a disciple’s radical response to this Love of God; “Sell your possessions, and give arms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, and an unfailing treasure in Heaven.” Luke 12:33

       As a People of faith, today, we are called to be vigilant in our faithfulness to God, as Stewards of the Gospel! We should acknowledge the privilege we are given to be able to participate in Celebration of the Eucharist. In the Eucharist we receive the life of God, in his Word and in the Breaking of the Bread. May we, in faith, be always trusting and vigilant. May the Spirit of God illumine and strengthen our Faith. Amen.

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