Notes from the Pastor

Today’s Gospel passage (Luke 15:1-32) contains three related parables. They are the parable of the shepherd going after the lost sheep, a woman searching diligently for a lost coin, and the familiar parable of the prodigal son which is unique to the Gospel of Luke. The common thread running through each of them is obvious. All three stories are about being lost and getting found.

The coming days are rich with feast days of the Church. On Monday, September 9 th we observe the feast day of St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit priest from Spain who provided ministry for the Black slaves who had been brought from Africa to Colombia in the 16th century. He attended to their physical and spiritual needs which were many, considering the harsh conditions in which they found themselves. On Thursday the 12th is the Feast of The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Mary” was a popular name among the Hebrew people, in memory of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. Some scholars think that this name is perhaps related to an Egyptian word meaning “beloved,” which certainly fits Mary of Nazareth. She was so beloved by God that God chose her to be the Mother of Jesus, and for this purpose God preserved her from the stain of sin from the first moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, St. Ann (Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception). No sin would distort or destroy her relationship with God. We honor Mary’s name and the holiness that it represents, and we call upon her intercession in our times of need.

It is said that when you think you have the virtue of humility it is a sure sign that you do not have it. Today’s readings center around this virtue, which is essential to the life of a Christian if we are to reach our goal of Heaven.

In today’s Gospel (Luke 13:22-30), Jesus is asked if many people will be saved. He warns that a place in the Kingdom of God is not a birthright reserved to the Jewish people, nor is it a given exclusively to those who hear him preach. Jesus tells the people, “strive to enter through the narrow gate,” adding that many will not be strong enough. He then adds insult to injury by telling them that outsiders from other nations will enter the Kingdom of God before them.

Today’s First Reading (Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10) is another version of the familiar scenario in which a prophet is ignored, derided and miss-treated. In this case, it is Jeremiah who prophesied in Jerusalem during the reign of King Zedekiah. For many years he had warned the people of Judah about an oncoming disaster. Often referred to as “the weeping prophet,” Jeremiah scolded the Jewish leadership of the day for its failure to worship the one true God alone, and for its reliance on military alliances with other nations instead of trusting in the Lord.

On Thursday, August 15th, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning that Mass attendance is obligatory. Here at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Masses will be offered at 6:30 am, 8:15 am (OLF School Mass), and 5:30 pm. Please note that the evening Mass on Holy Days of Obligation will now be at 5:30 pm rather than 6:30 pm.

Our Scripture Readings for Mass today remind us of the old saying: “You don’t see U-Hauls behind hearses in the funeral procession,” or simply, “You can’t take it with you.” It’s food for thought.

We live in a world where the internet has become an essential method of communication. Friends and family members no longer have to wait several days to receive a letter. Communication is now instantaneous. Email (and texts, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) have replaced “snail mail” in many cases. Although the speed of internet messaging is a blessing, it may also reduce the intimacy and sensitivity that generally comes from face-to-face conversations, making it easier to be less tactful in our internet dialogue. Indeed, there is a certain sense of anonymity that comes with internet communications that may reduce inhibitions and heighten the level of uncivil language.