“The joy of the Gospel is such that it cannot be taken away from us by anyone or anything. The evils of the world – and those of the Church – must not be excuses for diminishing our commitment and our fervor. Let us look upon them as challenges which can help us grow. With the eyes of faith, we can see the light which the Holy Spirit always radiates in the midst of darkness, never forgetting that ‘where sin increased, grace has abounded all the more.’

St. John XXIII on the memorable day 11 October 1962 (said): ‘…We feel that we must disagree with those prophets of doom who are always forecasting disaster, as though the end of the world were at hand. In our times, divine Providence is leading
us to a new order of human relations which, by human e orts and even beyond all expectations, are directed to the fulfillment of God’s superior and inscrutable designs, in which everything, even human setbacks, leads to the greater good of the Church.’”

The St. Francis Knitters are a group of volunteers who make knitted and crocheted items for the guests of the St. Francis Breadline and others in need of a warm hat or scarf. They welcome new members to join in the ministry, even if you can only work from home.

If you are interested, please contact Edward Trochimczuk, Director of Volunteers, at 212-736-8500, Ext. 361, or etrochimczuk@stfrancisnyc. org.

The Knitters are also looking for donations of dark colored yarn which you can drop off  at the reception desk in the lobby of the Parish

House.

“I must first say that the contribution of the Church in today’s world is enormous. The pain and the shame we feel at the sins of some members of the Church, and at our own, must never make us forget how many Christians are giving their lives in love. They help so many people to be healed or to die in peace in makeshift hospitals. They are present to those enslaved by different addictions in the poorest places on earth. They devote themselves to the education of children and young people. They take care of the elderly who have been forgotten by everyone else. They look for ways to communicate values in hostile environments. They are dedicated in many other ways to showing an immense love for humanity inspired by the God who became man. I am grateful for the beautiful example given to me by so many Christians who joyfully sacrifice their lives and their time. This witness comforts and sustains me in my own e ort to overcome selfishness and to give more fully of myself.”

Today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew continues with the themes of sowing seed, weeds, various types of soil, and how these relate to us. We know that there are many fac- tors that shape our lives, and among them are our family of origin, our culture, our education, our peers and friends, and when we were born. We don’t grow up isolated. How we live each day, how we treat people, the values and attitudes that we show forth, and the place of God in our lives reject what has shaped our lives over the years. Today’s Gospel reminds us that there are also negative factors that we have to deal with throughout our lives. These can make us selfish and self-centered but hopefully, the positive influences in our lives have a stronger impact on us and help us be Christ-like. A good examination of conscience can often help us keep those negative forces under control and allow the good in us to shine forth.

I want to congratulate one of our parishioners, Ryan Nevins, on the publication of his children’s book, Shine Kids! This book for children of all ages has a very positive and encouraging approach for children to recognize their talents and abilities and to use them. The text says, “You’re the gift of God’s dream” and continues throughout the book to praise and be supportive of all children. The art work is magnificent and you can spend time looking at the boys and girls on each page which emphasizes the text. At the end of the book there is a list of Character Virtues. The book is available in the lobby of the Parish House. Congratulations, Ryan!

Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.