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“The new Jerusalem, the holy city, is the goal towards which all of humanity is moving. It is curious that God’s revelation tells us that the fullness of humanity and of history is realized in a city. We need to look at our cities with a contemplative gaze, a gaze of faith which sees God dwelling in their homes, in their streets and squares. God’s presence accompanies the sincere efforts of individuals and groups to find encouragement and meaning in their lives. He dwells among them, fostering solidarity, fraternity, and the desire for goodness, truth and justice. This presence must not be contrived but found, uncovered. God does not hide Himself from those who seek him with a sincere heart, even though they do so tentatively, in a vague and haphazard manner.”

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…”This is a shocking statement that needs to be unpacked. While Jesus tells us that there is “the cost of discipleship”, this doesn’t mean that we have to think less of our fathers and mothers. Following Jesus in his time meant that people had to break from many things, even parents, to be his followers. This is true today for many people when we are often looked upon as “odd” by family and friends because we are believers, go to church, and have a unique set of values and mode of conduct. All of this may seem odd to some, but it may be an invitation to others to look again at what it means to believe.

This is probably a long weekend for many people. Take time to relax and spend time with family or friends. Also remember why we celebrate the 4th of July. Remember those who fought and worked for freedom and those who continue this work. Today, there is much that we can do to let those in positions of leadership know what we think. We have to believe that every voice counts because, joined together, we can make a difference. Whatever we do, we do it in response to the Gospel: “Whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.” In God’s kingdom, no one is “least” and we have the ability to stand up for those who may appear to be “least.”

 

 

“It is imperative to evangelize cultures in order to inculturate the Gospel. In countries of Catholic tradition, this means encouraging, fostering and reinforcing a richness which already exists. In countries of other religious traditions, or profoundly secularized countries, it will mean sparking new processes for evangelizing culture, even though these will demand long-term planning.

We must keep in mind, however, that we are constantly called to grow. Each culture and social group needs purification and growth. In the case of the popular cultures of Catholic people, we can see de ciencies which need to be healed by the Gospel: machismo, alcoholism, domestic violence, low Mass attendance, fatalistic or superstitious notions which lead to sorcery, and the like, Popular piety itself can be the starting point for healing and liberation from these deficiencies.”

“…Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but not the soul.”Throughout this Gospel for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the phrase “do not be afraid” is repeated several times. Jesus affirms our worth and value in this Gospel, but he is also aware of the dangers that exist. While some are dangers to our bodies, Jesus emphasizes that those which can destroy the soul are more dangerous. This is God’s world and God has given us freedom, but many times this freedom has been abused and evil exists. As Christians, even though we have “put on Christ”, we must be aware of those things that can “kill that spirit” that has been given to us.

Last Sunday, we had hospitality after six Masses. During the summer months, our monthly hospitality becomes “Sundae Sunday” with ice cream sundaes and all the toppings. The ice cream is provided by generous donations from a number of our parishioners. More people who come to Sundae Sundays than any other time that we have hospitality. I want to thank our generous benefactors for this treat and I also want to thank all the volun- teers who work each time we have hospitality.

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

Seven Franciscan Friars will celebrate their Jubilees of Profession of Vows this week on Thursday, June 22, at 5:30 PM. Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., our Franciscan Provincial Minister, will lead the friars in the renewal of their vows. All are welcome to participate in the Mass.

Several Jubilarians have served at
the Church of St. Francis of Assisi:

Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.,

Fr. Eric Carpine, O.F.M.,

and Brother Anthony LoGalbo, O.F.M.

 

 

The other Jubilarians are:

Br. John Capozzi, O.F.M.,

Fr. William McConville, O.F.M.,

Fr. Robert Menard, O.F.M.,

and Fr. Jacques LaPointe, O.F.M.

“The individualism of our postmodern and globalized era favors a lifestyle which weakens the development and stability of personal relationships and distorts family bonds. Pastoral activity needs to bring out more clearly the fact that our relationship with the Father demands and encourages a communion which heals, promotes and reinforces interpersonal bonds. In our world, especially in some countries, different forms of war and conflict are re-emerging, yet we Christians remain steadfast in our intention to respect others, to heal wounds, to build bridges, to strengthen relationships and to ‘bear one another’s burdens.’ Today too, various associations for the deference of rights and the pursuit of noble goals are being founded. This is a sign of the desire of many people to contribute to social and cultural progress.”