This Sunday the church returns to what is called “Ordinary Time.” This season lasts through summer and autumn and concludes with the beginning of Advent. The Gospel that we will hear each week is from St. Luke. Today’s Gospel is a very human one, showing how individuals are willing to follow the Lord, but…not yet. Jesus wants a firm commitment from those he calls to be his followers and the people he encounters are willing, but…not yet. In the midst of everything in our lives, we must continue to remember that we have been called and have said “yes” to the Lord to be a disciple, a follower now, today. In all the events and happenings of
our lives, we want to show forth that Jesus is the heart and center of our lives. He makes a difference in our lives so that we can make a difference.
This week we celebrate the 4th of July. Recently, I have been reading about Thomas Jefferson and our founding Fathers and how difficult it was for them to finally break from England and become an independent country. Thank God for their determination and bravery to lead us in that direction. It was not an easy period of history and so we are grateful for what they did and also for the values that they set forth as the foundation of our country. Let us
always treasure these values.
I hope that you have an enjoyable week. The Big Apple will have its traditional fireworks as will cities and towns throughout or country. If you are traveling, have a safe journey.
Happy 4th of July!
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.