Welcome, Father Pete Logsdon, CSC. Father Pete and I were in the seminary together. He looks older because he was a year ahead of me and is a whole year older than I. Please give him a big Saint Augustine welcome. He and I were members of the Southern Province of Holy Cross. We were together in New Orleans at Sacred Heart Parish and then later together in Mexico. Now we are both living at Notre Dame, our alma mater, he at Holy Cross House and I at Fatima House. He likes sports. We both cheer for ND but when it comes to pro sports, he likes the Indians, the Cowboys and the Spurs. I’m still for the Red Sox, the Patriots and the Celtics, but the Spurs are my second favorite.
I left on vacation on Tuesday morning, flying to Boston to visit my family. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be back August 4. Deacon Mel will be gone most of that time, too. Father Pete Logsdon, CSC, will be filling in for me. Father Pete lives at Holy Cross House and can be reached at 574-631-6191 in case of emergency. If a funeral happens to come up, please call the Bereavement Committee 574-277-4918 or 574-234-3502.
In our first reading today from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, at God’s command, the Prophet Jeremiah is calling the leaders of the people to task. He tells us that God will send his own shepherds to guide the people, since the kings have not been doing their job. “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous shoot of David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land.” We as Christians see Jesus as this new Prophet and King.
In today’s Gospel the Twelve have returned after being sent out two by two by Jesus and they rejoice in their success in spreading the Word of God and curing people. Jesus invites them to a little retreat but the people follow and “when he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd and asks us to be the same.
In our second reading, St. Paul finds out that it is even more difficult bringing Gentiles into the mix. Paul points out that Jesus came to bring peace to all, Jew and Gentile alike.
The diocese is upgrading the computer program that all the parishes use here in Fort Wayne-South Bend. This includes our computer list of parishioners as well as our recording of contributions to the parish and diocesan collections. For us to keep track of your contributions, you must be registered. We know and appreciate the many visitors we have each Sunday. Many seem to come very often but have not signed up in the parish. We are not pressuring anyone to sign up, but if you want or need a tax statement at the end of the year, we need you in our computer.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.