FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Dear St. Mary’s Parishioners:

One of the deepest, hardwired instincts we all have is to feel accepted. We need a place to feel at home and be surrounded by people who care about us. Without community, without a sense of belonging, without family, the human soul shrivels up and whimpers away. From a biblical perspective, this desire to be loved should not surprise us in the least. We are created for relationships as the Book of Genesis famously reveals to us. You and I are “made in the image of and likeness of God.” (Cf. Genesis 1:27). This “image”, of which it speaks, is a Holy Trinity of relationship – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Ironically, this innate desire to simply “fit in”, is what makes it hard to be a practicing Christian. You would imagine that following Jesus Christ who calls us to be “peacemakers” and to “love one another” would lead to a peaceful existence, but sadly that is not how it works out. If we strive to follow Jesus faithfully, we will ultimately find ourselves hated by others because we have the duty to speak unpopular truths.

The Scripture readings this Sunday point to the persecution that will come when we side with God. We first heard from the Prophet Jeremiah, who was tasked to stand at the Benjamin Gate in Jerusalem, which was one of the major entry ways into the city. He preached to the people to stop violating the Sabbath day by working instead of keeping it as a day of rest and prayer. He called them to repent and change their lives. For that he “hears the whisperings of many ‘terror on every side! Denounce! Let us denounce him!’ All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.’” He begged the people to return to God with their whole heart and soul. For his reward, he is hated and made a social outcast. They preferred the luxury of their sin.

But that’s ok. As Christian’s we cannot compromise nor deny any aspect of the Church’s teachings, as difficult and countercultural they may be. Even if we are hated by men, our Heavenly Father looks upon us with compassion on our fidelity. It’s the true measure of our love for him. He tells us in the Gospel passage today, “Fear no one.” What can they do, after all? “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Cf. Matthew 10:26-33). We must never stop proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ from the “rooftops”, no matter how unpopular that will make us. In the short term, we may be shunned, ridiculed, and mocked. So be it. When we stay faithful to the teachings of our Lord, he promised that a heavenly banquet awaits those who endure to the end.

A Servant of Jesus Christ,

Fr. Brian J. Soliven