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The parables of Jesus were meant to teach a lesson to his hearers, and he would often tell a parable to those who opposed him. There is always a surprise in the parables and today’s is a good example. One thing to avoid when reading a parable is focusing on the details because they can be confusing or not make sense. The main point of the parable is to look for the “message†that Jesus is trying to get across to his audience. The Pharisees and scribes were often his audience; however, in today’s Gospel, he directs the parable to his disciples. There must have been tension among them and the parable pointed out that the landowner was “generous.†There is another “Landowner†who is generous that Jesus was pointing out.

Today at Mass the speakers remind all of us that we don’t just “attend†Mass, but that we are part of a faith community; we are committed to this church at this time. To keep our church running and providing Masses, confessions, programs and ministries daily, your nancial commitment is necessary. Many people responded in years past to the One Hour Program either by increasing their weekly donation or by signing up for online giving. By signing up online, you don’t have to worry about having cash for the collec- tion. This has helped our income greatly. Still, I  find that the number of $1 bills in the collection is surprising. If this is all that you can afford, I am grateful, but consider what $1 means in today’s economy in Manhattan. It is rare that you can find anything for $1 – not even at Jack’s. All of our expenses are more than last year. We have worked together over the year to take care of necessary repairs and expenses. I know that I can count on your continued participation now.

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.

We are looking for qualified members of our worship community to serve as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and Ministers of Hospitality.

Training sessions will be held on the following dates:
• September 25 (Introduction for all liturgical ministers)
• October 16 (Sunday Eucharistic Ministers)
• October 23 (Weekday Eucharistic Ministers)
• October 30 (Lectors)

Come to our Ministry Fair on Sunday, September 17 in San Damiano Hall to get more information and to sign up!

We continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Harvey who are in the midst of rebuilding and getting back on their feet and we pray for those in the path of Hurricane Irma.

There are collection boxes in the church marked for Hurricane Harvey Relief Donations. The boxes will be available for several weeks for you to o er donations for the relief efforts.

Thank you for your generosity.

The response to the rst reading today is: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.†This ts in well with today’s Gospel about forgiveness and dealing with difficult situations. Forgiveness is not easy and from hearing confessions, I can tell you that many people confess this frequently. Many times were are victims of someone’s thoughtless behavior or someone’s loose tongue. You can’t take back what slips out of your mouth and this tends to hurt. If you have been a victim of this or something similar, it is not easy to move on. The hurt possesses you. It is at this time that you need to try to listen to the Lord’s voice. Forgiving does not mean the other person was correct or what they did or said was okay, forgiveness helps us move on; otherwise, we are letting the other person continue to possess us – our thoughts, our dreams, our conversation. All of this takes time and happens slowly, but it is worth listening to His voice.

Get ready for the Ministry Fair next Sunday! Make it a point to stop over at San Damiano Hall after the 11:00, 12:30, 5:00 or 6:15 Masses and see the various displays of the ministries here at St. Francis. Information will be given out at the various booths and you might nd a way to get more involved here at St. Francis. Refreshments will be served and it is a good way to meet people that you might see here at St. Francis, but don’t know their names. Mark the date on your calendar!

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M