Brothers and Sisters in Christ –
Today’s gospel parable is that of a great wedding feast. This allegory tells the story of salvation history beginning with the sending of the prophets to Israel and ending with the invitation of Jesus’ followers to a life in God. We hear, at the end of the parable, how God, at the last judgment, will separate those who’re good from those who choose to embrace evil ways.
Matthew was telling the community of believers that he was preaching to, that in order for us to enter the Kingdom of God we have to convert from sinful ways to a godly way of life. To be physically present, to show up and worship God, means nothing if our faith doesn’t influence how we live. Our Christian life must find us, day in and day out, clothed with God.
Our life is meant to be spent focused on God. Our life should glorify God. What we do should be marked by charity. How we speak should be marked by kindness. How we think should be marked by genuine concern for others.
We’re not perfect people. We have flaws and stumble on our Christian journey. Those moments of sinfulness, at times, can be profound and betray who we profess to be. However, God doesn’t give up on us, His beloved children. He wants us to learn from the errors of our ways. He wants us to work at growing in holiness.
The gospel parable should cause us to examine our conscience and take stock of our Christian lives. Are we truly clothed with Christ and living as Christians, or are we simply paying lip service to our faith? Our vocation, as Christians, is to spend each day striving for something more. We’re to work on our Christian behavior. We’re to turn away from sin and replace those ungodly behaviors with moments of grace.
The gospel ends with a powerful reminder from Jesus: “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” May what we do, and how we live, make us worthy to be chosen for a seat at God’s table and the heavenly banquet for all eternity.
In my absence, Fr. Ron Raab, C.S.C., who has been here before, will celebrate and preach at the Sunday Masses. Please give him a warm St. A’s welcome!
A few announcements:
The Annual Bishop’s Appeal continues. Again, the parish goal is $13,026.82 for this year. THANK YOU to all who have donated. Anything collected above that amount comes back to the parish for our use, and if we don’t reach the goal the difference would be paid from our savings. Please prayerfully consider a donation to assist the diocese in continuing to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ. You may place your pledge card in the collection basket, and we will forward it to the appropriate diocesan office. If you need a pledge card, they can be found on the table in the vestibule. I will update you about our progress once I receive a report from the diocese.
On the weekend of October 22, we will celebrate World Mission Sunday and take up at all Masses in the diocese the annual collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. This collection allows us to participate in the missionary work of the Church in a concrete way. Thank you for your generosity.
The parish is looking to hire a part-time maintenance person. This would be approximately 15 - 20 hours a week cleaning inside the church and parish hall, as well as some occasional work around the outside property. If you’re interested in learning more about what this job entails, please contact Fr. John or Deacon Mel. We’re hoping to have a person in this position within the next few weeks.
I plan to reinstitute the Parish Pastoral Council. If you would like to nominate someone, or you yourself are interested, please contact Fr. John.
I will also be putting together a Finance Council, which is required by Canon Law. I will be reaching out to a few parishioners and I am also happy to take suggestions of qualified persons. Again, please contact Fr. John.
Looking ahead … On Wednesday, November 1 we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, a holy day of obligation, Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m.
On Thursday, November 23 we celebrate Thanksgiving. At 9:30 a.m. we will have our parish Mass thanking God for the blessings of this year, our family, friends, and our country.
St. Augustine, pray for us!
Fr. John, C.S.C.